Worried about the way forward

[Ochg]

Awaiting contact from Cardiologist- may need catheter ablation procedure- anyone out there had this done? Afib nurse said with my symptoms and test results so far ablation maybe treatment plan option- I am scared as symptoms all came on so suddenly.

[Missedbeat]

Catheter ablation is nothing to worry about - mildly invasive and low risk and particularly successful in treating AF. I had an ablation for 20000 PVCs and it worked very well. I was awake for the procedure but don’t remember too much about it.

[Ochg in reply to Missedbeat]

Thank you Missedbeat for your information ,very much appreciated. Makes me feel less anxious about it. Glad to hear your success.

[afablation94 in reply to Ochg]

Don’t sweat it sweetie. I was an athlete and at age 21, starting having severe afib episodes. At 23, after the medication wasn’t working, I finally had the ablation. I’m back trying to get what afib took away from me and it’s getting better everyday. You got this.

[Ochg in reply to afablation94]

Thank you afablation94 for your support and positivity. As a previously young feeling 6oyear old lady ( can now feel more like 150 !!) I did not realise some one as young and fit as your good self could also have to deal with AFib. I am going to beat this .

[Sgs1966]

I had ablation last October, unfortunately it was not successful and I’m still awaiting to see consultant as due to covid my appointments were cancelled, all I would say is I was unlucky it didn’t work but I hadn’t considered it not working so was devastated afterwards, so just be open minded. Fingers crossed for you. X

[Ochg in reply to Sgs1966]

Hi Sgs1966, sorry to hear your ablation was not successful. I was seen by the consultant this morning, was told due to current situation with covid waiting list now at six months, has therefore started me on medications, anti coagulant(Edoxaban), anti arryhythmic (Flecainide) and a statin. I am hopeful ablation will work for me, but as you so rightly say will need to wait and see. I hope you are seen ( or maybe a telephone consultation) by your Dr soon. It can be scary all the waiting and not knowing what happens next. Thank you for your advice and support. Take care, keep safe and hopefully you will have a more positive outcome soon. x

[Easternmost in reply to Sgs1966]

Sorry to hear that you are facing a second procedure. I have been recommended to have one following a diagnosis of atrial flutter. I feel scared and wondered what the recover post op is like - I have read some horrible things online about migraines etc. ?

[TroublewithAF]

Try reading the experience of this American doctor drjohnm.org/ for certain heart issues within Afib diagnosis he's stopped doing ablations. His web pages also talk quite informatively about fitness. Good writing style.

My ablation is now 20 days in the past and heart isn't running 100% but tolerable - it does take time for the internals of the heart to repair. If you want to hurry along the ablation it is worth trying some of the local hospitals or a referral to a different consultant. My district was quoting an 18 month wait start of 2020 (start of 2019 it was 12 months), and hearing the experiences of others in the same trust not particularly exceptional . I chose to go for a second opinion with a private referral and then onto a different trusts NHS waiting list which was running at 4 months. Felt a bit guilty but had been messed around for over 2 years and needed some sort of resolution (tuned medication or procedure). If the medication isn't suiting you don't be afraid to ask what alternatives might be it certainly isn't just one choice/size fits all.

[Ochg in reply to TroublewithAF]

Hello TroublewithAF, thank you so much for your advice. I will have a look at the website you suggest . Today is day two on my medications, heart rate seems to be keeping regular , 64 - 78 bpm feeling less anxious so perhaps that is also helping along with the new medications. thank you again for your advice, greatly appreciated. Take care and keep safe.

[dead13chick]

I had a failed ablation in 2016...dont think ive ever been that disappointed. If you do have this procedure make sure you can rest afterwards. I could not and recovery took about two months for me. As in I could hardly walk for two months after...my sites were very angry.

And the bill...my insurance didnt cover this procedure. I nearly died from the sticker shock. 🤣 I hope the best for you and may your procedure be a success!

[Ochg in reply to dead13chick]

Morning dead13chick, sorry to hear your ablation was not successful. I am having a bad afib episode as I write this post, have taken my flecainide medication, so hopefully will feel better soon. I really do hope my ablation works, had enough of feeling unwell. How are you managing your symptoms ?