I have posted on several topics on Mayo Connect and have always had such good advice and comfort from all of you. I just need a little support and prayers concerning my second ablation happening on May 22nd.
I had my first ablation almost two years ago and becasue of an enlarged upper atrium and scarring, it was not an actual success. I was put on a small dose of flecainade and an increased dose of metoprolol along with my Eliquis and aside from not wanting to be on medicine, everything was fine and I did not have an Afib episode until a year and a half later.
My EP continually added more flecainade and metoprolol until I felt like I was walking thru mud daily. My heartrate was at 44 to 55 and I was having continuous events that became atrial flutter. My EP and I decided it was time to try again with a second ablaltion.
I was scheduled for April 12th of this year but a week before the procedure I received a phone call that my ablation was cancelled and my EP was not scheduling at this time. No one would give me the reason. I waited for several weeks and then consulted with another EP in the same group whom I absolutely loved. He told me I was overmedicated and immediately took me off of more than half of my medicines. My heart rate became normal and I had less episodes. My goal is to come off of flecainade because I live in fear of needing an antibiotic and flecainade, for me does not pair with any antibiotic. They would have to remove me entirely from this drug while I was on an antibiotic.
I am going to have my second ablation with this new doctor. I want so badly to become the person I used to be before I was diagnosed with Afib. My husband believes things happen for a reason and God has a hand in this.
I might never know the reason why my original EP is not doing procedures right now. He took care of me for at least 6 years but I was never comfortable with him and he was never positive with me. Hopefully, this new doctor will help me.
My question is...if the first one didn't work, what makes the second one work? I am finding myself so anxious about next Monday the 22nd...about the ablation and the recuperation period. I just need to hear some positive feedback from some of you so that I can breathe deep and relax.
Hi CeCe, Yes as others have said my second one was a resounding success. I believe the reason was that during each one they get a baseline of what parts of the heart have issues. I've been told also that there is a limit to how much can be done during a single ablation so with a second, they already have some information from the first one to add to what they learn during the second one. So I hope that helps ease your anxiety and Ill put in a good word with the man upstairs. I completely agree that God does play a role. Prayers for the comfort and great outcome you seek.
Hi CeCe, Yes as others have said my second one was a resounding success. I believe the reason was that during each one they get a baseline of what parts of the heart have issues. I've been told also that there is a limit to how much can be done during a single ablation so with a second, they already have some information from the first one to add to what they learn during the second one. So I hope that helps ease your anxiety and Ill put in a good word with the man upstairs. I completely agree that God does play a role. Prayers for the comfort and great outcome you seek.
Thank you so very much for responding to me. Everyone's answer helped so much. My ablation has been moved up to tomorrow so today is high anxiety! Plus I am now off all my meds so my heart is really reacting.
I will be sure to leave a message here next week knowing I will have a big smile on my face.
Blessings to all my friends on Mayo Connect.
CeCe55
Thank you so very much for responding to me. Everyone's answer helped so much. My ablation has been moved up to tomorrow so today is high anxiety! Plus I am now off all my meds so my heart is really reacting.
I will be sure to leave a message here next week knowing I will have a big smile on my face.
Blessings to all my friends on Mayo Connect.
CeCe55
My second ablation went so well this past Thursday, It was totally different from my first ablation. I love my new doctor who is so positive and easy to communicate with. They found gaps from my first ablation and several areas that were not addressed. He was very pleased with the procedure.
I have so much energy this time around but know to watch myself. I just took a short walk outside and will do it again at the end of the day.
The Lord was surely watching over me during my ablation and the change of doctors had to be his idea!
I have posted on several topics on Mayo Connect and have always had such good advice and comfort from all of you. I just need a little support and prayers concerning my second ablation happening on May 22nd.
I had my first ablation almost two years ago and becasue of an enlarged upper atrium and scarring, it was not an actual success. I was put on a small dose of flecainade and an increased dose of metoprolol along with my Eliquis and aside from not wanting to be on medicine, everything was fine and I did not have an Afib episode until a year and a half later.
My EP continually added more flecainade and metoprolol until I felt like I was walking thru mud daily. My heartrate was at 44 to 55 and I was having continuous events that became atrial flutter. My EP and I decided it was time to try again with a second ablaltion.
I was scheduled for April 12th of this year but a week before the procedure I received a phone call that my ablation was cancelled and my EP was not scheduling at this time. No one would give me the reason. I waited for several weeks and then consulted with another EP in the same group whom I absolutely loved. He told me I was overmedicated and immediately took me off of more than half of my medicines. My heart rate became normal and I had less episodes. My goal is to come off of flecainade because I live in fear of needing an antibiotic and flecainade, for me does not pair with any antibiotic. They would have to remove me entirely from this drug while I was on an antibiotic.
I am going to have my second ablation with this new doctor. I want so badly to become the person I used to be before I was diagnosed with Afib. My husband believes things happen for a reason and God has a hand in this.
I might never know the reason why my original EP is not doing procedures right now. He took care of me for at least 6 years but I was never comfortable with him and he was never positive with me. Hopefully, this new doctor will help me.
My question is...if the first one didn't work, what makes the second one work? I am finding myself so anxious about next Monday the 22nd...about the ablation and the recuperation period. I just need to hear some positive feedback from some of you so that I can breathe deep and relax.
CeCe55, it is exceedingly common for first ablations to fail. The reason is that the heart tissue is inflammed due to the burning (lesions), and the idea is that the lesions will eventually form scar tissue through, and around, which the spurious/extra signals cannot pass. The whole idea behind ablation surgery is to create scarring which dams, blocks, stockades, or cages (take your pick of descriptor) the signals from emerging from the pulmonary vein ostia and causing the atrium to contract chaotically. When a first ablation fails, the answer is simply that the eventual scarring that forms during the blanking period (ten-to-twelve weeks after the surgery) does not fully fence or block the entire circumference of the pulmonary veins. A second ablation will succeed because so much of the 'necessary' scarring as already taken place, and now the EP only has to begin to find the hole in the dam. In my case, they watched while they zapped three of my pulmonary veins. They didn't have to do the fourth vein because when they did one of the zaps, my heart immediately resumed normal sinus rhythm on its own. They stopped at that point (while do more scarring than the job needs?!), and my EP said he didn't even have to cardiovert me with shock to restore my normal rhythm, something that he and other EPs do routinely after catheter ablation. Yes, there were high fives all around when my heart thudded back into the normal thump-thump,...thump-thump. And, as you would probably enjoy hearing, I am now 14 weeks out and I feel SOOOOOO much better. People tell me I looked grey before the surgery, and that my demeanor is much improved. You can look forward to that.
Just one little tip. Remember that it is normal to have some bits, short runs, of AF during the blanking period, particularly in the early three-four weeks. If this should happen, and your rate remains above 100 for long, go get cardioverted. It is the right thing to do because your heart is not longer the same heart it was before this last ablation, and it needs to be shocked back into the proper rhythm. Since AF begets AF, don't let it go longer than 24 hours.
I just had my 2nd one 5 days ago. So far so good. My first one was 3 years ago. Dr. Said if this doesn’t work I will need a pacemaker. Hopefully this one will last.
CeCe55, it is exceedingly common for first ablations to fail. The reason is that the heart tissue is inflammed due to the burning (lesions), and the idea is that the lesions will eventually form scar tissue through, and around, which the spurious/extra signals cannot pass. The whole idea behind ablation surgery is to create scarring which dams, blocks, stockades, or cages (take your pick of descriptor) the signals from emerging from the pulmonary vein ostia and causing the atrium to contract chaotically. When a first ablation fails, the answer is simply that the eventual scarring that forms during the blanking period (ten-to-twelve weeks after the surgery) does not fully fence or block the entire circumference of the pulmonary veins. A second ablation will succeed because so much of the 'necessary' scarring as already taken place, and now the EP only has to begin to find the hole in the dam. In my case, they watched while they zapped three of my pulmonary veins. They didn't have to do the fourth vein because when they did one of the zaps, my heart immediately resumed normal sinus rhythm on its own. They stopped at that point (while do more scarring than the job needs?!), and my EP said he didn't even have to cardiovert me with shock to restore my normal rhythm, something that he and other EPs do routinely after catheter ablation. Yes, there were high fives all around when my heart thudded back into the normal thump-thump,...thump-thump. And, as you would probably enjoy hearing, I am now 14 weeks out and I feel SOOOOOO much better. People tell me I looked grey before the surgery, and that my demeanor is much improved. You can look forward to that.
Just one little tip. Remember that it is normal to have some bits, short runs, of AF during the blanking period, particularly in the early three-four weeks. If this should happen, and your rate remains above 100 for long, go get cardioverted. It is the right thing to do because your heart is not longer the same heart it was before this last ablation, and it needs to be shocked back into the proper rhythm. Since AF begets AF, don't let it go longer than 24 hours.
You are very well versed with your condition. I have a friend who takes many pills for afib,had to call her and read to her what you wrote.
She said excellent information, more then her doctor told her.
My second ablation went so well this past Thursday, It was totally different from my first ablation. I love my new doctor who is so positive and easy to communicate with. They found gaps from my first ablation and several areas that were not addressed. He was very pleased with the procedure.
I have so much energy this time around but know to watch myself. I just took a short walk outside and will do it again at the end of the day.
The Lord was surely watching over me during my ablation and the change of doctors had to be his idea!
My second ablation went so well this past Thursday, It was totally different from my first ablation. I love my new doctor who is so positive and easy to communicate with. They found gaps from my first ablation and several areas that were not addressed. He was very pleased with the procedure.
I have so much energy this time around but know to watch myself. I just took a short walk outside and will do it again at the end of the day.
The Lord was surely watching over me during my ablation and the change of doctors had to be his idea!
Well, I spoke too soon. My second ablation was on Thursday and I wrote that I felt wonderful. This past weekend I started a slow short walk and all was well. My heart was silent and I had no symptoms.
I went for a short walk on Monday morning and came home, sat in a chair and ate lunch, watched some t.v. All of a sudden my heart started racing. I took my blood pressure and it was 60 over 40 and my heartrate was at 125. Yes, I started to panic. I was home alone. I felt like I was going to pass out and I felt winded. My husband was 20 minutes away. I ended up calling 911 and spent Tuesday and Wednesday in the hospital. My doctor and team told me I am on the far end of normal as far as healing. Whatever that means. They said it was not abnormal to have these episodes for at least three months or longer. I did not experience this the first time around. I am also having a problem bending down and feeling lightheaded. No one seems to be concerned.
I feel so sad and also panicky when it happens. It's frightening. I cannot get in a car and drive and for right now I am afraid to be alone. The episodes are short. Can anyone tell me if they had this experience? My doctors say that the symptoms will gradually go away and take deep breaths, relax but it is still very scary and I don't want to call 911 again when I am alone. I am a little bit lost.
Can you help me feel better emotionally about this?
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Hi CeCe, Yes as others have said my second one was a resounding success. I believe the reason was that during each one they get a baseline of what parts of the heart have issues. I've been told also that there is a limit to how much can be done during a single ablation so with a second, they already have some information from the first one to add to what they learn during the second one. So I hope that helps ease your anxiety and Ill put in a good word with the man upstairs. I completely agree that God does play a role. Prayers for the comfort and great outcome you seek.
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1 ReactionHi Dana,
Thank you so very much for responding to me. Everyone's answer helped so much. My ablation has been moved up to tomorrow so today is high anxiety! Plus I am now off all my meds so my heart is really reacting.
I will be sure to leave a message here next week knowing I will have a big smile on my face.
Blessings to all my friends on Mayo Connect.
CeCe55
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2 Reactionsthen my prayers will be with you tomorrow,
Hi Dana and everyone on this post,
My second ablation went so well this past Thursday, It was totally different from my first ablation. I love my new doctor who is so positive and easy to communicate with. They found gaps from my first ablation and several areas that were not addressed. He was very pleased with the procedure.
I have so much energy this time around but know to watch myself. I just took a short walk outside and will do it again at the end of the day.
The Lord was surely watching over me during my ablation and the change of doctors had to be his idea!
Much Love to everyone,
CeCe55
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7 ReactionsCeCe55, it is exceedingly common for first ablations to fail. The reason is that the heart tissue is inflammed due to the burning (lesions), and the idea is that the lesions will eventually form scar tissue through, and around, which the spurious/extra signals cannot pass. The whole idea behind ablation surgery is to create scarring which dams, blocks, stockades, or cages (take your pick of descriptor) the signals from emerging from the pulmonary vein ostia and causing the atrium to contract chaotically. When a first ablation fails, the answer is simply that the eventual scarring that forms during the blanking period (ten-to-twelve weeks after the surgery) does not fully fence or block the entire circumference of the pulmonary veins. A second ablation will succeed because so much of the 'necessary' scarring as already taken place, and now the EP only has to begin to find the hole in the dam. In my case, they watched while they zapped three of my pulmonary veins. They didn't have to do the fourth vein because when they did one of the zaps, my heart immediately resumed normal sinus rhythm on its own. They stopped at that point (while do more scarring than the job needs?!), and my EP said he didn't even have to cardiovert me with shock to restore my normal rhythm, something that he and other EPs do routinely after catheter ablation. Yes, there were high fives all around when my heart thudded back into the normal thump-thump,...thump-thump. And, as you would probably enjoy hearing, I am now 14 weeks out and I feel SOOOOOO much better. People tell me I looked grey before the surgery, and that my demeanor is much improved. You can look forward to that.
Just one little tip. Remember that it is normal to have some bits, short runs, of AF during the blanking period, particularly in the early three-four weeks. If this should happen, and your rate remains above 100 for long, go get cardioverted. It is the right thing to do because your heart is not longer the same heart it was before this last ablation, and it needs to be shocked back into the proper rhythm. Since AF begets AF, don't let it go longer than 24 hours.
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1 ReactionI just had my 2nd one 5 days ago. So far so good. My first one was 3 years ago. Dr. Said if this doesn’t work I will need a pacemaker. Hopefully this one will last.
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1 ReactionYou are very well versed with your condition. I have a friend who takes many pills for afib,had to call her and read to her what you wrote.
She said excellent information, more then her doctor told her.
Where did you have it done?
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2 ReactionsThanks for the Update and so great to hear it went well.
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1 ReactionHello everyone,
Well, I spoke too soon. My second ablation was on Thursday and I wrote that I felt wonderful. This past weekend I started a slow short walk and all was well. My heart was silent and I had no symptoms.
I went for a short walk on Monday morning and came home, sat in a chair and ate lunch, watched some t.v. All of a sudden my heart started racing. I took my blood pressure and it was 60 over 40 and my heartrate was at 125. Yes, I started to panic. I was home alone. I felt like I was going to pass out and I felt winded. My husband was 20 minutes away. I ended up calling 911 and spent Tuesday and Wednesday in the hospital. My doctor and team told me I am on the far end of normal as far as healing. Whatever that means. They said it was not abnormal to have these episodes for at least three months or longer. I did not experience this the first time around. I am also having a problem bending down and feeling lightheaded. No one seems to be concerned.
I feel so sad and also panicky when it happens. It's frightening. I cannot get in a car and drive and for right now I am afraid to be alone. The episodes are short. Can anyone tell me if they had this experience? My doctors say that the symptoms will gradually go away and take deep breaths, relax but it is still very scary and I don't want to call 911 again when I am alone. I am a little bit lost.
Can you help me feel better emotionally about this?
Thank you everyone,
CeCe55
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