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What downside have you experienced after an ablation?
Heart Rhythm Conditions | Last Active: Jan 11 9:31am | Replies (91)Comment receiving replies
@thisnthat
Hi,
Like you I have suffered migraines with aura since an ablation and watchman implant. Stated with back to back one's when leaving the hospital and occur every 2 -3 days since then, just over a year now. I too was under longer than usual chasing an arrant signal which never stuck around long enough to zap. Did you find any med or anything that stopped the migraine occurrences? My primary and ENT drs. have thrown up there hands, tried a neurologist and meds he gave me made my loony but did not stop the migraines. I am at a loss where to go next. Thanks for any advice
Replies to "@thisnthat Hi, Like you I have suffered migraines with aura since an ablation and watchman implant...."
@dalet1 Not sure if relaying my experience can help, but thought I'd share it in case it could help someone. I am not doctor, so take this as anecdotal only.
I have had migraines with aura that usually is connected to being dehydrated and is relieved by fluids, electrolyte drinks. So I am wondering if a fluid/ electrolyte balance is involved after an ablation surgery. I also suffered with vertigo and heart papitations for several years (before being diagnosed with proximal afib and supraventricular tachycardia). I do not know if there is any connection (but on some level everything is connected in our body systems). I saw a neurologist who diagnosed it as vestibular migraine and prescribed an anticonvulsant (She also prescribed Ubrelvy to take during an episode). I did not take either. An integrative MD suggested trying herbal tinctures of Tian Ma (Gastrodia elata) and Blue Vervain. While I went on to experience many episodes of supraventricular tachycardia (documented on 14 day monitor) I have not had one episode of vestibular migraine since taking these tinctures daily.
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@dalet1
Hi there!
Gosh, I wish I could give you some advice. But my migraine auras only occurred twice within the first 2/3 days of the ablation. I did have one other migraine aura about 2 months ago, after stopping my hydroxychloroquine prescription. My opthalmologist did not think it anything to worry about at the time. (Fortunately, I never got the actual migraine headaches, only the visual disturbances!)
It would have been nice if the EP/his team had been more forthcoming about the possible side effects of having an ablation done. I thought I was having a stroke! And then all the other arrhythmias that plagued me, especially that first year or two.
Now it’s been more than 5 years since my ablation, and nary a blip on the arrhythmia front. It did take longer than expected for my heart to truly settle down, but the loop recorder seems to confirm NSR every month.
Here’s hoping you can find some help for the migraines. It must be very unsettling!