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Gloaming - thanks for clearing that up so quickly! So many people do believe that a pacemaker will 'cure' AFib, the same as an ablation. I am a prime example that it doesn't - since I am on my fourth episode of AFib since my pacemaker was implanted - all with RVR ! I really preferred to have PFA because I didn't like the idea of an AV Node ablation (sort of like using the generator as the only power source for the house). However, I also did not want to have multiple ablations, as many people on this site have reported. As you accurately state, "I have accepted" that an AV Node Ablation is the correct course for me. I requested a cardioversion before the ablation, however. I want to start out with my atria not in AFib to compare any differences I feel once I am back in AFib (which certainly will happen).
Zebra - like you, I was confused why so many people "live" with AFib for years without doing anything about it - while my doctors were 'pushing' me to do something! My EP mentioned that my heart rate was over 100 most of the time, but I didn't think that was such a problem. When I saw "RVR" on an ECG report, I started researching and went back through all of my ECG reports and learned that RVR was a part of each episode of Afib that I had. Then I researched RVR to see how my AFib was affecting my ventricles (not good!).
This is all such a learning experience! As you can tell from my "name", I also have CLL (a chronic leukemia). I joined MCC because of that! Then I got distracted by the Heart Rhythm Support Group - and here I am! I sincerely hope I don't have to join too many other support groups!
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@bettycll
I’m one of the people living with untreated AFib for years. I’ve always felt for me the risk of treatment was greater than the risk of no treatment. Lesser of two evils. I have a long history of adverse reactions and complications. I just finally had a consult with an EP. He agrees that I have a lot of added risks with DOACs and ablation. He came highly recommended, takes on complicated cases and is willing to treat me. He said I would likely end up having 2-3 ablations overall. I don’t even want one. I do feel he’s the right EP for the job if I decide to move forward with PFA.
Like you, I came to this Mayo site for cancers and rare conditions but I’ve probably found the AFib threads and everyone’s experiences here the most enlightening. I have lung tumor ablations I need to take care of before any heart ablation. The EP agrees.
In the meantime, I need to talk to my oncology teams before I make my decision. I also have so many food triggers, I’m trying a very limited whole foods diet hoping to minimize episodes as afib frequently and duration have become a quality of life issue. I also have dysphagia from a neuro issue so eating fruits and veggies is especially challenging, nearly impossible. Lots of food allergies too. Losing my taste and smell 8 years ago after taking strong antibiotics is an added eating challenge. So far the extremely limited diet is helping but needs to help more. There are so many possible triggers other than food, I’m sure I can’t stop them all. I do appreciate all the real life stories that have been shared. If I ever have ablation I’ll share my experience. Despite all that, I’m still enjoying life in between all the medical stuff. Best of luck to all.