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7 weeks post Ablation - how to manage symptoms & medication?

Posted , 5 users are following.

maggie34838
maggie34838

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

8 Replies

  • Allen012
    Allen012 maggie34838

    Posted

    Hi Maggie! First off, you're correct on the 3 month healing process so please don't get discouraged as you're only a little over a month into it. I've heard of several people not feeling any different post ablation until later into the second or third month. Although your doc didn't give you much guidance on medication I don't think that has any bearing on your heart properly forming the scar tissue which is the whole purpose of the ablation.

    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
      maggie34838 Allen012

      Posted

      So good to hear from you and thank you so much for those reassuring words. I was getting quite dispirited, altho not telling anyone because when friends see me now (thinking my heart was instantly fixed) they all say 'You look so well!!".In actual fact at times I feel worse than before but am reluctant to admit that. I will try to be patient and think positively about the next 2 to 3 months. The first 3 months seem to be quite a hit and miss affair - try this, try that etc You certainly have a very good doctor, was that the Cardiologist or your GP? Anyway many thanks again and if OK will definitely stay in touch. Cheers Maggie
    • Allen012
      Allen012 maggie34838

      Posted

      Agreed that the first 3 months are hit/miss. There doesn't seem to be a common thread for all of us to expect post ablation. Healing times vary, stress varies, surgical accuracy varies. Honestly, the only reason my dr (he's my electrophysiologist) gave me his cell number is because I asked so many questions and wanted to have constant access to someone who knew what they

      were talking about. I guess he didn't want me badgering the nurses with questions smile. 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
      maggie34838 Allen012

      Posted

      Hi there,

      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
    britrecko maggie34838

    Posted

    Hi Maggie,I had my ablation two years ago. I still have rthe occasional minor AF attack but i remain on Warfarin and other meds.

    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.

  • pat01
    pat01 maggie34838

    Posted

    Hi Maggie, Iam 53 years old male I had my first ablation in October last year in

    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
      maggie34838 pat01

      Posted

      Hi Pat, Great to hear from someone else in NZ - I live in Nelson, where are you? As you say everyone is different in how they react to AF, meds, ablation etc. You obviously think ablations are worth having, since you decided to have another one? Interested to know which Hospital did yours? You've had a bit of an up/down experience but I think noone knows if it's worked or not until the 3 months post ablation when the poor heart has recovered from the assault on it. Here's hoping it really works for you, would be very keen to know how you get on. All the best Maggie

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