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Just how long does a catheter ablation for AF last?

Posted , 10 users are following.

Okapis
Okapis

After three attempts, I'm finally free of AF and living life to the full.

BUT... at the back of my mind is the lurking question I've never managed to ask is how long does the affect of a successful catheter ablation for AF last?

I've a feeling that it is not necesarily a permanent solution...and that the hearts electric signals can rewire themselves back into unhelpful mode.

Anyone know anything?

0 likes, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • kate07761
    kate07761 Okapis

    Posted

    Ah there is hope for me then?    I hope so.        When you say 3 attempts do you mean 3 attempts at Ablation?        And if so what stage are you at after Number 3?   I'm also wondering if your question suggests that after Number 1 and 2 you were not living life to the full - is that right?   Your questions raises many more questions for me but I will stop there!                           It could possibly be permanent but I think its how long is a piece of string and yes signals can rewire wrong again but of course the more we mentally foucs on it won't the better I am sure. 

    • Okapis
      Okapis kate07761

      Posted

      My last ablation for AF was successful. First was a nightmare - sedated only on the table for just under 7 hours - all 4 blood arteries needed attention. Failed quite quickly, putting me back in hospital on a number of occasions when a GP got their hands when I visited for other reasons! Really annoying. 

      2nd Ablation was shorter in length but alas same thing happened again, with me ending up in A&E's round the country as GP's sent me back into hospital. Last occasion saw me in a cardiology ward for 11 days. It turns out I was developing sepsis, which was upsetting the heart so everytime they sorted it out, I just went back into arrythmia.

      Until the sepsis was spotted and dealt with that is! 

      Third and final Ablation, different set of doctors, worked at last. Not a murmur from day 1. Bliss!

  • hhanover
    hhanover Okapis

    Posted

    You totally lucky guy. Some ablations last forever, some don't. Yours has worked so far, so take the life you have and wallow in it in joy. If it comes back you may end up like me - 78 years old, decades of chronic afib, annual bicycle vacations in Europe, daily exercise, as much sex as I can wheedle out of my spouse (same age as me), and life just gets better and better. Advice: do not honor this stupid disease by fretting over it. Treat it with disdain. Make it suffer. Best of everything to you.

    • Okapis
      Okapis hhanover

      Posted

      A female I am! But how could you tell from an animal name...I'm 67 and had my life blighted badly for 7/8 years, having suffered intermittent episodes since 30 yrs old. 

      And I am living life to the full. Off to Namibia and the Kalahari in 3 weeks time!

       

    • hhanover
      hhanover Okapis

      Posted

      Sorry. But "guy" is an androgenous term these days. Okay, that's weak. I am soooo envious of you! We have never been to Africa. Everyone we know who has been to Southwest Africa is totally nuts about it and cannot keep still with the raving. Animals, animals, animals. What an opportunity. Have a great time.

    • Okapis
      Okapis hhanover

      Posted

      No need to make an excuse! What could I expect with a neutral animal name! Yeah Southern Africa is great...I've had good experiences in South Africa, Botswana and a previous visit to Namibia. I'm definetely an afrophile.

      Storing up experiences for later if the AF comes back...Ugh! 

  • mary_jane64145
    mary_jane64145 Okapis

    Posted

    My husband had MAZE surgery (a form of ablation) 7 years ago and remains free from afib. I had cryoablation in July 2016 and so far, so good. We have both been informed by our cardiologists and electrophysiologists that there is no certainty with any form of ablation and that afib can reappear. They also advise their are many patients for whom ablation eliminates afib on a permanent basis. I am expecting to be one of the success stories! If not, I will deal with it! 
  • kate07761
    kate07761 Okapis

    Posted

    Thinking about it if they quote results of 60% after 1 Ablation and more like 80% after 2 then there must be some permantely resolved surely! 
  • Hotrodda
    Hotrodda Okapis

    Posted

    Hi mine lasted 6 years started to gradually get AF had my 2nd at Barts month ago thank God so far so good.
    • Tennessee
      Tennessee Hotrodda

      Posted

      I'm getting my second ablation in a month. I'm scared, I'm in afib now, continuously since Christmas.  I am also 5'9 and somewhat overweight which I have been up and down 50 -100 lbs since age 18.  Usually gaining the weight back within three years after each loss.  I'm scared it won't work. Any thoughts?

  • Drupe
    Drupe Okapis

    Posted

    Had three cardioversions since 2010, 1st lasted a week, 2nd was 5 years and third (Sept 16) just 4 hours. Last Friday I had my 1st ablation at Barts and its just magic  and I only hope it lasts. Very impressed with Barts.
    • Okapis
      Okapis Drupe

      Posted

      Long may it last for you! Having them fail is the pits truly!
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