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Post Ablation Recovery – Need Help!!
Heart Rhythm Conditions | Last Active: Jun 11, 2019 | Replies (30)Comment receiving replies
@rubywitch67 Hi there -- You're right. It was not you with the multiple cardioversions. I was indeed confused. I have since heard about someone else who was going to the ER to get cardioverted every month.... So there. Hope they have good health insurance! It is a very simple procedure really and over in a few minutes. I am not sure about a monthly frequency though - hopefully mine lasts at least 6 months. Yes, indeed it is very scary to have to deal with afib and other symptoms alone. I am actually feeling a lot better now than when I used to years ago when each episode would send me to the ER in distress. My symptoms were a lot more severe then and I credit the multiple ablations I've had with for the way I feel now when I have an episode, it is definitely a lot more tolerable. There was this EP who kept reminding me that 'Afib will not kill you'. Somehow I did not find that very reassuring. It does not matter what they are saying when your HR is running about 180 bpm. I think I know what you are referring you with the deep breaths -- I sometimes have trouble too. There are also times when I am acutely aware of every little sensation in my chest. I try not too focus too much on it and just go about my day - I feel so much better that way. I hope you find ways to distract yourself. I would say you're doing remarkably well if you can climb stairs and take care of livestock! All the best -- Mary
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sayaboleh….thank you! Your response was very reassuring, especially when you said you thought you understood what I meant about the deep breaths. You have been through so much more than me, I'm really impressed with your outlook. I think I said that from the time I was diagnosed with AFIB until I had the ablation was only 5 months! YOU are talking about YEARS of enduring AFIB and multiple ablations and cardioversion's. I am just beginning my third month post ablation and already my episodes are SO much less frequent, less intense and don't last nearly as long.....the relief I feel is sometimes overwhelming. But.....being the anxious person I am, I think "But what if my EP says it hasn't "worked." NOBODY has talked with me about that. I don't even know how they figure out if it has worked or not. Do they just go by what I say? Do they do an EKG, which is OK but those tests only tell you what your heart is doing AT THAT MOMENT, do they have you wear a Holter or event monitor for awhile? I know if it hasn't worked, they will discuss "the next step" with me at that time, but I wish I knew NOW what those "next steps" might be so I don't have to keep worrying about the "WHAT IF'S!" I know I should just take your advice and distract myself...….just be happy with the improvement, and take it one day at a time as I finish healing. Unfortunately, having anxiety disorder makes that more difficult. (And yes, I've been through years of therapy for the PTSD that has left me with panic disorder) I WILL try, Mary, I will try very hard to focus on the improvement rather than the negative possibilities. I will reread your post every time I feel myself slipping into anxiety...…….(((HUG)))