pace and ablate

[Lamplight37]

I have just had the node ablation after a pacemaker fitting I stayed in hospital four days because I was so breathless and I still am. Can anyone advise me when this will abate ….i am86 so I am sensible to realise that my recovery will be longer than someone younger

[Threecats]

Hello Lamplight,

II’m sorry that you haven’t had a reply yet. It might be worth you reposting your question onto the AF Association forum, as I am aware of a few folk on that forum who have suffered with breathlessness post ablation.

I’ve not had an ablation myself but my understanding is that there is a small possibility of damage being caused to the phrenic nerve which supplies the diaphragm. If that is the case then I believe it can take some months to settle. The other alternative is that perhaps it could be being caused by medication? I don’t know what medication you are on but, speaking for myself, I have certainly struggled with breathlessness caused when the Bisoprolol I take for heart rate control was increased. That improved markedly when the dose was reduced and Digoxin added to the mix instead.

Either way, it sounds like you need to have a good chat with the consultant who did the AV node ablation about your situation.

All the best to you going forward, TC

[IanMK]

The AF Association publishes a number of information sheets here:

heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

Of particular interest to you will be the one about recovering from an ablation:

api.heartrhythmalliance.org...

I’m sure you realise that your heart will be quite bruised after your procedure and recovery time is usually measured in weeks or months so it may be difficult for you to see progress, unfortunately. My pace and ablate was four years ago now and it all seems so long ago. Best wishes for your recovery.

[Deejay62]

Hi I’m sorry to hear you’re still struggling after an AV node ablation. I had a pace and ablate years ago. Mine was because I had atrial tachycardia coming out of it. You will be breathless for a while as the site as been tampered with and needs to heal, which can take time which will depend on your body and heart condition. We are all different. If it feels worse or you’re worried please mention it to your Gp maybe they can arrange for you to see the cardiologist sooner. Try not to stress too much about it. All the best.