At 61 I regularly weight train, walk my two dogs for around 90 minutes a day and am constantly on the go running my business. I’ve been having sporadic episodes of atrial fibrillation which sometimes goes into flutter. I’ve been given pill in the pocket flecanide which very occasionally works but more often it’s A&E for cardioversion 🫣
I’ve been on the waiting list for an ablation procedure but now it’s nearly happening (10 days!) I’m getting cold feet and quite nervous. Can anyone reassure me I’m doing the right thing? I feel like I’m damaging my otherwise healthy heart and can’t seem to get any feedback on how my heart will be afterwards - if I will return to normal fitness and do hill walking etc.
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Nancy61
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Hello Nancy61. Wouldn’t worry about the Ablation, Anything they do will hopefully improve the long-term health of your heart, so all good and enjoy your future hill-walking🤞
I would have thought it was a no brainer Nancy .Go for it. You are fit to start with which is a big plus.
I understand your nervousness but you will be well looked after . Just remember not to overdo things afterwards . Rest up for the first week, spoil yourself (if you can't get anyone else to...) and then just gradually back to your normal level of fitness. You will need someone else to walk your dogs for the first week.
I've had 5 ablations ( and 28 dc cardioversions...) so I do know what I'm talking about . Last ablation in June this year.
Hi Nancy - In 1998 I had a heart attack and for the next ten years I occasionally had pretty bad VF. As I was only 34 old when I had my HA my cardiologist didn't think I needed ablation but when I reached 44 he advised that I consider it and so I had it then. Then for the next 15+ years I was AF free. I wish I had done it sooner as it definitely improved the quality of my life. Over the last year I have had occasional AF and in August of this year I had CA. This is not caused by VF. Since then I have had no VF but if it starts happening again on a regular basis I would definitely have ablation. As far as I am concerned it is a no brainer. This treatment has been around for a long time and the technology and practice has gotten better each year. Of course you are worried about the procedure as they will be operating on your heart but honestly the whole procedure is quick and painless. It really is a amazing what they can do with medical technology nowadays and I personally say go for it and take advantage of the marvels of modern science. My wife is 59 and if she had to have ablation I would encourage her 100% to do so.
I agree with the other positive comments. Prior to AF I was active and running regularly and although I was relatively physically asymptomatic, occasional attacks did effect my breathing - but nothing like what you seem to be experiencing. I think the greatest effect was probably psychological, after an echo I was told I had an ejection fraction of 42% and classed as having heart failure, all of which is a great boost to morale having been so fit.
My ablation was absolutely fine, the staff superb and the result was that my EF went up to 65% so I am back running four times a week in the gym and I feel fine. I do have ectopics and am delighted that my consultant will address these with a second ablation and not through restrictive medication - but these ectopics have had no effect on my running and rampant dog walking.
So, I'm a fan of ablation and hope that the positive comments of others plus your own research gives you the confidence to go ahead.
I suppose one final consideration is that although A&E is such a quick and seamless process (I recently spent 11 hours there with my wife, so there is just a smidgen or irony here) do you really want to risk another crisis which lands you there - and will you always be conveniently close to one if the need arises (and get the care you need when you need it.
Things are never absolutely black and white but good luck with whatever path you take
I am also 61 and very active. Diagnosed with atrial flutter and minor afib. I am going in for my 2nd ablation in eight months (on Dec 9th) to better correct an issue arising from an aortic valve replacement two years ago. Apparently scar tissue has pushed the wiring around, et cetera (not sure of the medical jargon). I want the procedure done, so I can feel better about resuming running and working out at the gym. The first time they put me to sleep and went up the artery in my groin, basically punched a hole and went to work, no stitches required. I was home that evening and went back to work in two days. Modern medicine is a miracle, I would not worry.
Firstly let me say there are no guarantees but living with AF is a pain. The ablation is, in there view a simple procedure although it can take 4 hrs.they create a form of scar tissue inside the heart which stops the unwanted signals getting through You'll need to take it easy for a while but there's no reason why you can't have full fitness
I am a 68 year old male. I do a lot cycling. My strava printouts helped to confirm that I had svt. This was about 6 years ago. It got progressively worse so I had an ablation 5 years ago. No svt since. Svt is easier to deal with than af by having an ablation. I’d have another if needed. I would add that I was worried beforehand and postponed my ablation until eventually I decided I needed one. There is really nothing to worry about.
Hi Nancy, I had an ablation a few months ago for a high ectopic load not atrial flutter ( so not the same medical reason). The doctors would not recommend the procedure unless medically it was in your interest so benefit outweighs the risks. In my case I was very worried before but during the process felt very safe and looked after. I had to lie down for a couple of days afterwards but after that was fully recovered best wishes Lexi71
Look the decision is yours - very much depends on whether you want to continue as you are or have a chance at resolving it whether that is for a short or long period of time - I had my first Dec 23 and after a few blips I’ve had No AFib in 10 months - previously got to the point of every 2 days and sometimes every day. I have no regrets but understand your nervousness- being AFib free is life changing
I was on a waiting list for my ablation for 18 months, so had a lot of time to think about it. I did think about not having it, as I was so nervous about it, but went ahead with it in September last year. I remember wishing I could jump off the trolley and run out the door, when they wheeled me down to the catheter lab, but I’m glad I didn’t. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. The worst part for me, was when they put the drugs in me. I was given sedation and a local anaesthetic at the same time and I think it was the sedation that made me feel dizzy and a bit peculiar, but the feeling only lasted for a short time. They looked after me well and I think I was in there for about 3&1/2 hours. You had to lie still for several hours afterwards and that was difficult, but I had my mobile with me, so could look at that and play some games I’d loaded onto it. I stayed in overnight, but was fine. Took it easy for a week or so, as advised and then was more or less back to normal. Worth going through it, if it keeps the nasty AFib away. Good luck with yours, I’m sure you’ll be fine.
I have recently been diagnosed with Afib and like you am a keen hill walker. I have been put on beta blockers and blood thinners. I can walk on the flat but struggle with any steep incline. Is that how you felt with Afib?
Hi. Fortunately for my my Afib is normally corrected quickly by cardioversion. The one time I had to live with it was during Covid when I had it for 8 weeks constantly. I couldn’t walk up three stairs let alone a hill. It’s horrible, I hope they find a better solution for you.
Everyone has different circumstances so the chances of successful outcomes vary. If your doctors say they are good I would recommend going ahead.
To return to Normal Sinus Rhythm all the time rather than having AF as a part of my life every day was a very positive change. To be able to run, hill walk as I wanted was wonderful and to stop being constantly reminded of the condition was a significant mental health boost.
Hi Nancy, I'm 57 and until 18m ago was very fit and active running regular 10k and half marathons as well as being a S&C coach then AF happened.I've just had a cryo ablation on 7th Nov and have had a few episodes since however it is proving less problematic as I move forward. I'm told they don't judge the success until month 4 as things can initially get a little worse. I do get ectopic beats.
Biggest difference for me was my resting heart rate increasing from 54-60 to 70-80 overnight. This hasn't come back down and I'm hoping it does as things settle.
All in all I wasn't happy to continue on the potential drugs in an attempt to control this. I wouldn't worry. I was very worried prior to having irlt done however I don't remember anything. Just take it easy afterwards.
thanks so much for replying. My heart rate is generally between 52-56 resting but after I’ve had cardioversion it goes to between 42-48 for a number of days and I feel exhausted. Everything with your heart is worrying I think. I hope your RHR comes back to your normal soon.
Hi Nancy just checking in to see how your ablation went and how you are now? Having mine tomorrow and am nervous wreck! Wondering if I should cancel?! Any advice gratefully received.
Hi! Bless you stop worrying 😊 mine went really well and a month down the line I feel great! The recovery was a bit slower than I expected but I’m known for being impatient 🙄
Biggest immediate worry on coming round - the groin wound…. Which was absolutely fine! No issues apart from some legendary bruises 😂
Biggest expected struggle - heartburn and a major sore throat - both of which I was told to expect
Biggest unexpected thing - visual migraines! After I had one three days running then two in one day I started worrying. Spoke to the lovely team at cardiology and apparently it’s a normal side effect!! Who knew!!
I’m waffling now but glad I did it. Let me know how yours goes and good luck!!!!
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