Update on post ablation - day 6

[lizzieloo2]

Hi. Well after posting such a positive message to try to cheer up anyone waiting for their first ablation, I came back down to earth with a bump. I felt so well on Wednesday (ablation on Tuesday) that I did everything I felt like doing but at about 01.30, I got a full-blown AF episode which I wasn't expecting after being told it would just be short-lived. Anyway, because I was told to stop taking Diltiazem and Flecainide, I didn't feel I could take anything to stop the AF. So I just drank lots of water, peed loads, and then about 06.00 had a cup of tea and then it stopped. I was tired so I spent the day in bed but did ring the hospital for advice in the morning. No-one got back to me until the next day because there was no-one in but they assured me these things do happen and doesn't mean that the procedure wasn't successful. The nurse spoke to the consultant and then rang me back again to tell me to restart the daily Diltiazem but if possible, avoid the Flecainide PIP. I know it takes 3 months to form scar tissue which is what is going to block the AF so I'm feeling positive, I just wish they were honest about everything that might happen and then I wouldn't worry. Anyway, since Wednesday I have really taken it easy with no recurrence. My BP is fine and today I walked a long way because I was so constipated and exercise is the one thing which keeps me regular. So far so good, still not full of energy but otherwise getting there. Everyone is different and I was reluctant to post an update in case I put anyone off but decided that in actual fact it may be helpful in case this happens to someone else and shows that things can take time but still head in the right direction. If I think about the episode, I was due one as mine were coming every couple of weeks, I was obviously tired from the procedure and little sleep the night before (a trigger), dehydrated from the procedure day (another trigger) and then overdid it (another trigger). So don't let my experience put you off. The man in the next bed had put his off for years and I gather his procedure wasn't so straightforward. Liz

[BobD Volunteer]

What happened to reading our fact sheet on recovery? Please don't self destruct like that again. Do Nothing the first week and not much more the second.

l'll link it once more.

healthunlocked.com/redirect...

[lizzieloo2 in reply to BobD]

I read it but my consultant said walk straight away so I did and then I felt good so I carried on. Obviously, thought I was impervious to it but soon found I was wrong!

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to lizzieloo2]

Consultants have never had AF or an ablation.

My heart raced the day I was meant to leave hospital after an ablation and I was kept in another day, then reverted naturally. About 6 weeks later my heart kicked off again and I had to go back to the hospital for a cardioversion. It was my most successful ablation, have not had a high heart rate since then. that was in 2016. Was fine for a few years with rare PAF attacks, but have now been in constant low rate AF 60-90 for almost 4 years and feel fine.

Jean

[lizzieloo2 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

You're right. They must rely on study data and patients' experiences. It's the same for any operation or procedure though. All the literature they give out never actually tallies with what really happens and if you don't ask the right question, you don't get the right answer. It's probably more worrying because it involves the heart but I got used to the AF and didn't let it bother me eventually so I'm sure I will get to grips with whatever this ablation throws my way. I do trust that I did the right thing. Feeling better every day so far. Thanks for your advice. Take care. Liz

[kkatz]

I would have been virtually unable to do anything first week I think it was 3 weeks before I did started doing short daily walks then longer.6 weeks before my first bowls match.Tried my first gym exercise session at 7 weeks and had to leave it till 9.Even at 3 months doing to much like sorting the garage would totally knock me out & cause arrhythmias.Now almost 6 months and still no AFib.I am 74 carrying a bit too much weight but I would have classed myself fit before persistent AF for 2 years.

So take it easy.

[Truffles2]

After my ablation I had AF on and off until 3 months to the day I had one last episode and then, baring AF following CABG for a few days I have been AF free it will be a year on 31st of august 🤞for continued freedom

[Ppiman]

I gather that the latest evidence shows that AF occurring 3-4 weeks after an ablation is a predictor of likely future recurrence. In your case, which pretty much mirrored mine in 2019, your AF began once the diltiazem (and in my case bisoprolol) had cleared the system and in a heart that was still raw from the procedure. Restarting my beta-blocker stopped the AF within two hours and I was allowed home with no further recurrence for about a year. That first attack was the worst I've ever had and I wouldn't w nat another like it.

Steve

[OzRob]

I would have thought after an ablation you would continue taking Diltiazem and Flecainide and then wean off them, perhaps 8 weeks later once your scarring has almost healed to test how successful the ablation is? What do you think? Anyone agree with this?

[lizzieloo2 in reply to OzRob]

My consultant has always wanted me off Flecainide PIP for some reason and definitely reluctant even now. Happy to report no new episodes so far so as I trust him, all I can do is stick with his advice until proven otherwise

[Nezzera]

In the US. My protocol after ablation is to remain on meds (Sotalol & Pradaxa) until 3 months post ablation.

Two months left, so far no arrhythmias and good energy for the most part.