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contro; afib with pace maker or oblation?
Heart Rhythm Conditions | Last Active: Jun 24 10:02am | Replies (32)Comment receiving replies
I have had three cardiac ablations and had a watchman device inserted so I could get off the blood thinners that I could not tollerate, after all that I still get Afib episodes. I was told by the electrophysiologist that the next step is a pacemaker. I have always been active and very health conscious, it just doesn't seem fair.
Replies to "I have had three cardiac ablations and had a watchman device inserted so I could get..."
@velvetsummerrain
Don't blame yourself. When I was told 25 years ago I got a LBBB and the cause was a virus I too said why me. The determined the cause was a virus as I had NO cardiovascular disease (heart catherization). It is just life.
I have been an exerciser all my life. Up until recently did Sprint Triathlons. Was in hospital twice in 2026 so my training and participation in that sport is severely reduced. But I am back to doing 5 days of water aerobics a week, riding my bike 15 miles twice a week, and swimming an hour twice a week. Took me some time to build back up to that.
How long was your last ablation? I just had one on June 4th. It was on my LV not atrial. I was told it would take up to 4-5 weeks for the heart to calm down and to expect tachycardia, and PVCs until heart calms down.
I have AFIB but not sustained. One pacemaker done showed on incident of AFIB for 4 hours. I was put on Eliquis because of that. The main problem with AFIB is stroke. AFIB can cause blood clots. I know many people who never even know they have AFIB.
I have an ICD/Pacemaker for 21 years. The pacemaker gives me a stead pulse and has greatly improve and reduced my PVCs over time. I have a dual device ICD/Pacemaker. If I did not have the dual device I would not be typing this. Thus I see my ICD/Pacemaker as a life saver and something I should be glad I have. It takes time but those devices are there to help and can do wonderous things for AFIB, tachycardia, PVCs, PACs. And the ICD is like having your own EMS team to shock you back to rhythm when needed.
Asked your doctors about medications for AFIB. I was told by my EP that every cell in the heart is capable of sending an electrical impulse to heart. So you can see the problem with fixing one that more can be out there. I hope you find some help with yours but try to see the pacemaker is a out patient surgery, millions done, and you won't even know it is there once it encapsulates and your mind and body get used to it being there.
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@velvetsummerrain I would suggest you consider yet another ablation before the 'last resort' of a pacemaker. Not that I am qualified to give anyone medical advice, and I don't know your history, but there are fantastic, world-class, electrophysiologists out there who are almost certain to be able to help you..................if you are interested and have both the time and the means to travel. Two I know of are Dr. Andrea Natale at the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute in Austin (he has privileges at many hospitals around the country and does travel), and Dr. Pasquale Santangeli at Cleveland Clinic. Both are at the top of the heap.