7 weeks post Ablation - how to manage symptoms & medication?
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I had my Cryoablation in New Zealand on March 4th, so it's now been 7 weeks. The procedure went smoothly but since then it's been a bit up and down. My EP didn't give me any instructions as to my medications, other than saying I could cut them down either gradually or all at once! I have an appointment with him early June (3months post ablation). I tried cutting them down slowly - I was on Diltiazem 300mg and Flecainide 200mg), got down to Diltiazem 180mg and Flecainide 200mg. Was having chest discomfort and long periods of AF so I contacted my EP - he is in another city about a 7hr drive away. He told me to leave meds as they were until I see him so I am now back up to what I was initially - still getting AF if I'm tired or do too much. I understood it takes 3 months to determine if ablation successful and the only way they can find this out is when you come off the meds completely. From some of the posts others have come off the next day after ablation? Just would like to hear other people's experiences as am feeling rather disappointed but realise it's still early days. Thanks everyone.
0 likes, 8 replies
Allen012 maggie34838
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We had our ablations about a week apart. My dr specifically told me not take anything accept a blood thinner post ablation unless I needed it. The first week after my ablation went well with no odd beats or AF. The second week everything came back and I had to go back onto meds. I stayed in touch with my dr via text almost daily as I was lucky he saw it fit to give me his number and allowed me to text him daily if I needed to. After a few days everything was normal and I was told to slowly wean myself off meds. After that it's been good. No meds since week 2. Occasional odd beats, but no sustained AF. I keep the caffein/wine to a minimum. I still have a fast resting heart rate of 90 bpm, it was 65 prior to ablation which is rather disappointing. Although the AF is maddening and you may feel the entire procedure was in vein, give it at least another month for your heart to heal. I'll be interested to hear how you're doing then!
maggie34838 Allen012
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Allen012 maggie34838
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were talking about. I guess he didn't want me badgering the nurses with questions . Like you, people said you look well and even when I wasn't feeling well it caused more hassle to tell the truth than to just say I'm ok.
I'm not sure if you're a person of faith, but there's a scripture I committed to memory when all this craziness started. I looked for verses with the word "heart" in them as I was obviously dealing with a heart issue.
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:6-7. No matter how the next 60 days goes for you find something that grounds you and puts you at peace every time you see it. It worked for me.
maggie34838 Allen012
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I definitely agree that everyone's story is different - I'm still hoping for an AF/medication free life or as close to it as I can get. Will wait patiently to see how I am 3 months post ablation and if needed/offered will accept a second ablation. I do feel positive about them, that they help most people to some degree but maybe can't be 100% for everyone.
Thank you so much for that biblical verse - I get my spiritual nurturing at a progressive Methodist Church and profoundly believe that whatever one's beliefs, a peaceful and grounded mind can bring about healing in some way - as well as helping you get through difficult times. So I appreciate you sending it to me - knowing that someone else knows what it's like and is offering help is very humbling, especially when that person is a stranger. Thank you.
britrecko maggie34838
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Reading the latest advice to cardiologists from the American College of Cardiologists. they opine that treating the diseases that cause the A.Fib is the bettest treatment. That means Hyprertension, hyperlipidemia etc. Keeping one's weight down, eating sensibly[Dash Diet or Medtearean Diet[ plus minimal use of wine ,beer or spirits.Avoid stress if possible.My cardiologist is top notch and available. I am very fortunate.
maggie34838 britrecko
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pat01 maggie34838
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NZ came off the meds after 10 days due to increased skipped beats had a burst of AF on day seven, cut them cold turkey, had a small amount of skipped beats for a month or two but they gradualy dissapeared and was in SR until four and a half months later the PAF returned one night, just had another ablation last week there was a small area or reconection in the PVs but the EP also found activity in thre left atria and treated it, well thought that was it but after day two have had muliple sustained skipped beats and in and out of AF worse than before, went to the hospital today everything ok they have advised to sit tight and wait as the atria is agitated due the radio frequency fry up and it should settle ove the next couple of weeks (i hope so) still on 600mgs of propafeone daily and will start to ween off once the iregular beats settle, every one if diffrent, I hope you have a positive outcome.
Cheers
maggie34838 pat01
Posted