How did your cardiac ablation go?

Take it easy and wishing you a speedy journey back to your old self. Do let me know how you progress.

Very best wishes Maggie

-Shane Allen     

Well I'm now 3 weeks post cryoablation. The procedure seemed to go smoothly, I was awake throughout despite being given Fentanyl and Midazolam. EP didn't induce AF but just went for the most likely spots. He also did a bit of RF ablation at the end because one pulmonary vein wasn't quite round to fit the cryoballoon. It took 2 1/2 hrs followed by an hour on back before sat up a bit then another 3 hrs before had a walk. They were really good during ablation, making my knees and shoulder comfortable with pillows so no problem there. Couldn't do much for first week - slow, short walks and afternoon naps! Chest soreness and cough lasted 3 days. Since arriving home have been fine except for yesterday - had done too much the day before, thought I felt able to! Yesterday I had same chest soreness I'd had in first 3 days and felt miserable - took panadol had long sleep, now fine again and learning to be more patient!

Wanted to ask how you are and what you're doing about your medications, are you still on same ones? Did they give you instructions as to how to decrease them? I have an appointment with my EP 3 months post ablation but I thought I would have to be off my antiarrhythmic pills by then so that they know if ablation has worked. I guess they all do that differently as well.

Do hope it's all gone well for you and you're making a good recovery. Cheers Maggie

One odd thing has been my elevated pulse rate.  It's averaging 90-100 beats per minute while at rest.  Dr said this was normal and it should return to my normal 65.  My pulse and heartbeat are much weaker and faster than before.  Is your pulse quicker?  Best of luck to you, Maggie and may the Gods of normal sinus rythm be with you always!   

That's awful news to hear your ablation made you so much worse. I think your wise to see a different EP and ask how many procedures they have done successfully. Even verify with a couple of cardiac clinics who they would send you too if referring. I hope you have good emotional supports, as I know this is a very very stressful time for you. I really do think stress is the key to why AF occurs or worsens.

I had 2 procedures with complications, and would never have a 3rd unless things got much worse, even then probably try all alternative measures possible. I was a very fit and active 50yo ran, hiked, swam, danced and kayaked to name a few activities. Travelled all day in a car for a new job and had a very hot summer here in Vic, Australia. Was going through menopause so continual sweating drinking 3-4litres water and very stressful position as well as rushing constantly. I had PAF for over 15 years with minimal symptoms, never diagnosed properly until caught it at docs 2 years prior. This one day was rushing in AM to get to work and while driving felt big heart thump and shift as I do but this was a bigger thud than usual, had a bit of a cough as it always makes me slightly breathless, then within seconds was unable to concentrate enough to drive and became severely breathless, hypoxic. Rang ambulance for myself and ended up with first cardioversion.

I had my first cryoablaion nearly 2 years ago which I woke from with severe chest pain thinking it was normal after such a procedure. I was blue and very weak when I went home the following day. I was in AF straight after procedure and off and on the week prior to seeing EP. He then put me on small doses of atenolol and flecinaide and I took it for 3 months. I then had the 2nd which was a cryoablation with trans esophageal echo. I ended up with esophageal complications which thankfully I lived through. And found out I had a lung lobe collapse and who knows what other complication.. Now I still take the pill in the pocket of 1/4 to 1/2 atenolol and flecinaide and been in AF 8 times in the last 6 weeks otherwise was only about 5 times in last 8 months.

I have had to quit my job recently due to stress and travel. Now looking for something less stressful and in semi retirement until I can work up my fitness level again.

I have seen discussions on other threads and am trying to work out what the triggers are. Coffee may be a trigger, alcohol seemed to have no effect and a glass of wine kicked it out of AF once when I was out, I think cause it relaxed me. Not that I would drink it often especially after having the esophageal complications. I take 2 magnesium every day, and another 2 if I go into AF and need the meds. I do think electrolytes play an important role. I feel triggers are anything that can elevate your heart rate as then AF can kick in so am careful to relax when these times occur. I have also had it kick out on its own when had a hot relaxing bath.

Perhaps time is helping to heal, Mike as much as Id hate to be in your position I would go for the 2nd ablation and be asking alot of questions, demanding answers. Im a nurse and I should have asked so much more than I did, went through it all by myself noone to assist. Its very stressful and you need an advocate to help you get through and ask what you cant. Pre plan, be assertive but somehow be positive about it all when you decide your action. Then rest rest rest for weeks after, do whatever makes you happy and exercise when they say you can but dont over exert at any time.

Goodluck Mike. I wish you well and hope my long story has helped you somehow. ☺