Any advise as ablation did not work.

[GlasgowGirl1968]

Any advise out there?

Hi All, I Have just undergone a catheter ablation for atrial fiblaration and suspected Wolfe Parkinson White syndrome yesterday . Unfortunately this ablation was not successful. I was so disappointed this did not work and I'm looking for anyone's advise/ experiences as to moving forwards? The surgeon advised I can try again next year and undergo another ablation(this also may not work)or go back onto the Beta Blockers again, which I have done today. I'm so underwhelmed about a life on these tablets and I have just started my own research into this. Can anyone relate to this post. Can anyone give me their own experience on this. I'm so confused and in a state of shock that the ablation didn't work. Can anyone relate? Thanks in advance. that the ablation didn't work

[CDreamer]

Yes I think many of us can relate. My first ablation made things a lot worse for me and then the second, three months later did stop the AF but exacerbated underlying condition.

Ablation is not always successful or long lasting. Were you given other treatment options to consider?

I eventually chose Pace & Ablate but found that I had no AF following the implant so cancelled the AV node ablation. Others with persistent AF have looked and had Mini Maze ops which worked for them but very difficult to access on the NHS as they are not commonly advised. And cost a LOT of money privately - see MummyLuv’s posts.

Basically the treatment options as I understand it are:-

Lifestyle changes

Drugs

Cardioversion - which can indicate if ablation would be possible

Ablation

Pacemaker with (or without) AV node ablation

Mini Maze

Live with AF & control Heart Rate

Have you visited the AFA website & read up on the treatment options?

I sympathise with your disappointment and think that is directly related to the expectations we all hold as we desperately want to be free of this condition.

Ablation works for many but not for everyone.

Best wishes

Just realised you are on the BHF site. A lot more experience & support for arrhythmias on the AFA forum.

[GlasgowGirl1968 in reply to CDreamer]

Thanks CDreamer, I'm certainly going to do my research before I go back to see the surgeon in 3 months time as have a feeling he will just discharge me and then what? I need all the info so will go on as many sites as I can thanks for the info you gave me. Having found out I have this condition has opened my eyes up to all of it. The Bisoprlol seems to be working for now but for how long? I need these answers. Thanks

[CDreamer in reply to GlasgowGirl1968]

Great that Biso ‘works’ for you but just to point out that it’s a Beta Blocker so although it will help control your BP & Heart Rate and so may help control Adrenaline induced AF, it isn’t a treatment for AF per se. Many people cannot tolerate it and I’m one of them.

If you have suspected WP you will need to see a top specialist.

Is your AF persistent or paroxysmal?

[SecondOHS]

I can relate for some parts. My first ablation made things worse for a few months. My second ablation seemed to do the trick.

However, the thing to be aware of is that there is a 'blanking' period after the ablation where the heart is getting it's rhythm back. The advice I received both times is that it is not unexpected to have AF, etc. for up to 3 months afterwards. I found that it did settle down. Might be worth speaking with your consultant about this.

It is very disheartening to have these things persist, even after treatment. You're not alone in your feelings there

[GlasgowGirl1968 in reply to SecondOHS]

Thanks SecondOHS. I feel as though I need to do a lot of research wether to have another ablation after this one being unsuccessful. I dont think I can go through it all again. Thanks for the info and I will look into it all in more detail. I just feel so out my depth. But its good to know yous have all been through it too. Thanks

[SecondOHS in reply to GlasgowGirl1968]

I can only suggest speaking with your electrophysiologist. They do hundreds of these, so hopefully may allay your concerns, as I can imagine they see your (our?) circumstances all the time. It helped me to talk through my frustrations with the experts after the first round.

[Glen1677]

I had ablation surgery last year and regretted it ever since, I can't tolerate beta blockers (and my history plus meds for respiratory conditions mean they really should never be prescribed). The ablation did lessen the episodes of AF but just made the other underlying problems much worse than before, I can't walk down the street now without ending up in a heap and the cardio team just blame my lung problems completely ignoring the fact that the repeated a&e admissions started just two days after the surgery. I really don't know what the answer is but if I could turn the clock back I'd do it without hesitation.