Atrial Fibrilation ablation surgery or Pacemaker

I am 78 yrs old and just had my 2nd ablation. The 1st one lasted 12 yrs. I also had a Watchman implant to prevent blood clots but never had a pacemaker put in. Have the drs told you why you need one. I know many people who have pacemakers with positive results.
Good luck and happy blessings to you 🙏

I would get to a Cardiologist as soon as you’re able. A “heart nurse” and “medical consultant” just doesn’t seem the correct course to me. I have AFIB coupled with LBBB and headed toward an Ablation and Pacemaker. The sooner the better for me. Hard to live with both of these.

Drs want at the moment an ablation. I'm hoping to meet with them this week.
My AF is new to me resulting from sepsis through a bacterial infection.
I've just had a week in hospital and was in AF the majority of time
especially during the night. The Dr attending said that ablation doesn't
always work and to consider a Pacemaker. This will depend on what my
Cardiologist says. I am on a list for an ablation but it could take upto 8
months. The breathing difficulties have been occurring quite frequently. I
am on medication for blood thinning. Its all new to me at the moment and I
so appreciate you sharing your experience. God bless.

Thank you for your reply. I am under a Cardiologist but haven't met him as
yet. I'm a fairly new patient. I rang yesterday and explained how I'm
feeling and my breathing episodes. I'm on a waiting list for upto 8 months
but they are going to get me in and discuss options. I like you I don't
want to live with this a moment longer than I have to. I find the breathing
difficulties debilitating even though I am on medication for AF.

You might want to consider a Watchman. See if you can get an appointment with an electrophysiologist (a cardìologist)that specializes in the electrical system of your heart. She/he would do both the Watchman procedure and the ablation, if necessary. Since the Watchman prevents blood clots in your heart, thus traveling to your brain, it prevents strokes without the use of oral blood thinners. My bruising is minimal now. The Watchman is implanted through a vein/artery (I can't remember which one) but no major heart surgery 😄. Talk to the cardiologist and make the decision that's right for you.
Best wishes!

A pacemaker does not stop AFib. I had a pacemaker implanted due to very low heart rates (I passed out). However, since my pacemaker, I have had several episodes of AFib. I am now in Afib for the 4th time since my pacemaker. The EP wants to do an ablation because I am in AFib 100 percent of the time.

Sorry for your breathing difficulties. That has to be debilitating. My AF has been mild except for one event that I created with overdoing yard work in 90 degree temps. It’s been a learning process as well as lifestyle change. Good luck and health!

I didn't even Know I had AF until I had a hospital stay with sepsis. That was Nov 2024. Now it's full on. I have an appointment with cardiologist on Wednesday first one. They are going to try and move my op forward or look at alternatives to ablation and discuss with me. So 🤞🤞🤞

Anyone considering cardiac ablation for AFib should have a thorough workup. An ablation may or may not be successful. If successful, the ablation may last a few months or several years. My 2nd and last ablation was 3 years ago.
As for your immediate need to get relief for your shortness of breath, quite a few of us deal with this symptom. Patience is something you will learn with AFib. AFib changes your life. You will never be the same person again physically. AFib usually is treated with medications and sometimes procedures. Changes in lifestyle are often necessary. However, there is no magic bullet. I wish you the best.

Thank you