Ablation in 2 weeks, looking for guidance and advice in preparing.

Posted by davidtrey @davidtrey, Sep 9 3:40pm

Hey friends ❤️,

I (44/m) have had AFib 4 times in my life. At 25, 30, 35 and most recently at 44 in July or 2025. After my most recent time, I was cardioverted in the ER and released that day. Like a dummy, I started an SSRI 2 days after I was home to reduce my stress levels. Wouldn’t you know it was a few days after that I had AFib again, and had to be cardioverted again.

After the cardioversion I was put on Amiodarone and had strong side effects including 90 hours of straight insomnia. I was then switched to Flecanaide with Diltiazem. Although I have major fatigue and brain fog from Flec, my heart is in a stable rhythm.

I was referred by my cardiologist to an EP and had my consult last week. He wants to ablate for AFib and also try to ablate for SVT since it was seen on a monitor I wore. He has noted there are small risks with each. I’ve been advised to stop Flecanaide and Diltiazem 3 days prior to the ablation, which makes me nervous I may convert back to AFib. I’ve been advised to call their office, not the ER, if I do find myself in AFib as they may want to see it when they ablate.

Looking for insights from folks who have been through a similar path as me. This whole experience has brought me a fair amount of anxiety and I’d be lying if I said i wasn’t nervous.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart Rhythm Conditions Support Group.

I had cardiac ablation 3 weeks ago for AFib. I'm feeling better. I have more energy. My breathing is better. I am not dizzy. I have my follow-up checkup next week. That'll be one month post ablation. I'm hoping everything went well as planned. I don't know the results of the ablation yet. Other than I feel better, I'm hoping to be able to get off the metoprolol at this point. Please don't worry about the procedure. I was basically put asleep. I didn't know anything that happened and there was no pain afterwards you will just be bruised a lot and that takes couple weeks to go away

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Profile picture for scottbliz @scottbliz

I am 4 days out from an ablation. Your description is exactly like mine. The only exception was a very sore throat and chest pain but it all only lasted 3 days. Day 4 is almost back to normal including the groin soreness The Dr. doesn't think my ablation will work because of all the scar tissue he had to work with. I will get the Watchman implant in 90 days after the heart heals. I was told it takes 90 days for the heart to heal and adjust. I am on 200 mg amiodarone and Eliquis and 50 mg of metaprolol because of all the scarring on my heart. Procedure was simple and with watchman I will go home same day also

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I had an ablation done for svt. The only thing I did was discontinue use of metroprolol 3 days prior. One day of rest after the procedure and I was pretty much back to my normal walking routine. Everything was a lot easier than anticipated.

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Profile picture for cstrutt52 @cstrutt52

I've had AFib for years. In 2024, I had 59 episodes lasting over 20 hours each. I finally had a PF ablation (Mayo Rochester). I don't know why I waited so long. It was a piece of cake. I had absolutely no side effects except for a bruise on one side of my groin for a few days (no pain). No headache. No bumps or lumps. I had to struggle to try to relax for a few days. I can now exercise and weightlift. I carry grandchildren around. I can have a drink and eat too much (once in a while). I had a few short (minutes) episode in the days following the procedure. This is common while your heart settles down. Just be positive. You might shave yourself before getting there (though they will do a good job at it) and pack some loose clothes to travel home in. I was in early in the morning and out shortly afternoon. 73M and had mine done in February. From your perspective, you get wheeled into surgery, you go to sleep, you wake up in recovery. If you are like me, you wake up not feeling like you had anything done.

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I'm in the queue for the same, including the same place within a couple of weeks. This summary really made a difference!

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Don't worry too much about any procedures your Cardiologist may perform on you. It will just make matters worse for you on worrying about it.

As for me, I have had 3 cauterizations to determine any blockage in arteries and veins; I have had 2 cardioversions; 2 Ablations and my last procedure was a Cardiac cauterization. As per any blockage, I had 20 to 30% blockage which my Cardiologist said it was insignificant. Unfortunately, all these procedures were to help me eliminate my AFIB which it did for a couple of months, but my AFIB returned. So, I am back to square one with AFIB.

My Cardiologist wanted to perform another Ablation on me to possibly clean up any debris left behind in my heart and to burn out any other bad tissues. However, he told me that there was no guarantee that my AFIB would not return.

I am 80 years old, and I have been diagnosed to have heart disease, congestive heart failure, coronary disease, pooling of blood in my veins due to my upper chamber valves in my heart are not closing properly so blood is leaking into my veins. I have also been diagnosed to have pulmonary hypertension which causes me to get exhausted, winded and shortness of breath. So, my ticker and lungs are in bad shape, but it is what it is, and I just have to live with it and just take one day at a time.

I am tired of going through so many procedures which none have really worked on me. Therefore, I will just remain as is with my AFIB and continue taking my Eliquis for whatever time I have left in this life.

I am not going to worry about it and have just left all my health issues in God's Hands.

You take care and try not to worry too much about your upcoming Ablation. It may just work out for you.

Good luck and may God bless you!

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I had an ablation a few years ago after being on diltiazem and flecanaide for a couple years. The procedure is fairly straightforward, ...if any heart procedure can be straightforward. After a period of about a month or so with intermittent A-fib, it worked great for me for about 2 years, then a leaky mitral valve caused it to kick in again. After mitral valve repair about a year and a half ago, I've been afib free.

Anxiety with any heart related matter is normal., but try not to stress too much about it. You may have some a-fib for a while after the ablation, while the heart heals, (this is normal) but that should calm down - again, somewhat anxiety producing - but as my cardiologist said, "you are along for the ride."
All the best and let us know how it goes.

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I think we are on the same path. I’ll have an ablation for Afib on Oct 1. Looking forward to seeing a post from you post Ablation. If you don’t worry, I won’t worry either! All the best.

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I have a similar history as yours and just had an ablation on 9-2 followed by a cardioversion the next day.
My advice is to follow their directions as they know what they're doing. I'm on Flec also and really enjoyed the 3 days off it. I will be on flec for approx. 6- 8 weeks until the heart has properly healed and then I choose to stop taking it. Quality of life issue for me. Of course everyone's case is different.
Focus on what you can control, such as a heart healthy lifestyle and whatever exercise you are comfortable with. Reduce stress and anxiety. My motto that I live by is: doing anything healthy is better than nothing.
The only thing I can't control is my age (79). My last ablation lasted for 8 yrs. My EP guessed that if this one lasted for 4 yrs, that'd be great.
Best Wishes for a successful procedure!

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Being nervous is normal. I had two cardiac catheterizations which didn't hold. The ablation I had 19 mos. ago is still holding. Anyway, good luck. Read up what you can, and take in all your doctors' advice.

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Get the ablation You will never regret it. I had one 12 years ago and the afib has never returned. Good luck to you.

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Profile picture for sandwalk @sandwalk

I had cardiac ablation 3 weeks ago for AFib. I'm feeling better. I have more energy. My breathing is better. I am not dizzy. I have my follow-up checkup next week. That'll be one month post ablation. I'm hoping everything went well as planned. I don't know the results of the ablation yet. Other than I feel better, I'm hoping to be able to get off the metoprolol at this point. Please don't worry about the procedure. I was basically put asleep. I didn't know anything that happened and there was no pain afterwards you will just be bruised a lot and that takes couple weeks to go away

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It’s my turn next Tuesday and I am hoping the dizziness, lightheadedness/brain fog diminishes and I gain back energy.
Really want to get off blood thinner and some of the BP meds.
Glad I found this board, your posts are very reassuring and appreciated. Thanks to all.

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