Ablation for Afib

I have had A Fib for about 5 years. Easily controlled with meds for 3 years. Had first Ablation. Two years of meds later, I had 2nd Ablation last Monday. Take Eliquis and Sotalol. Fingers crossed

I have only had two afib episodes: 9/24 and 10/24. 10/24 episode had 5 and 7 second conversion pauses. Put on Amiodarone to prevent further episodes. Have not had a rhythm problem since. But, I can’t stay on this medicine long, so am having an ablation 8/25 at Mayo Clinic. Hoping it’s early enough in the game to prevent it.

Hi, thinking about Apple Watch to monitor for A-fib. Does it send notifications if go into A-fib, or do you always have to physically take the ECG?

Apple Watch is a great way to monitor. My cardiologist is happy with me using it. I wear it 24/7.
The Apple Watch is the reason I got help. I had two A-fib events two weeks a part, in the middle of the night. First time it happened I thought nothing of the alert. The second time I called my primary care doctor. They got me right in. Had a ECG, I was having irregular heart rhythm. After some other tests I was diagnosed with paroxysmal A-fib. Just started Eliquis.

I prefer the FITBIT watch

I learned recently that the Apple watches, certain late models, can give real-time monitoring and alerting The Samsung Galaxy watches cannot. You must initiate each measurement. I For Garmin, the Venu 2 model has AF detection, but I don't believe it is continuous; the user must manually call for a measurement via the health app. At least one most recent Fitbit does have AF detection and incident recording.

Yes I was suggest Eliquis 2 years ago and I knew it was the one drug I would be willing to take the cost of it would have been very hard for me even with help from Medicare Blue so I chose to stay on a aspirin regiment. Month ago I Had a stroke and had to have a blood clot removed from my brain. It turned out ok but now I am taking Eliquis 2 x a day and I go without to pay for it. This experience was so hard on my children I have no choice . I have learned to be humble.

Hi, just wanted to share that my experience was somewhat similar to yours. In Oct 2022, I had my first known AF episode. I was given the choice between staying on medication to control it or seeing an EP for an ablation. Based on my age (68-year-old female at the time) and health, the cardiologist felt the ablation was a good option so that is what I chose. I was put on amiodarone, diltiazem and Eliquis, saw the EP and had the ablation 2/14/23. The procedure went well, and my EP had me stay on amiodarone and Eliquis for the next 3 months. Everything looked good at that point, and I was able to go off the amiodarone. Based on her recommendation and what I've read, I will be on Eliquis for life. I'm glad I made the choice to do the ablation early and feel fortunate that so far it has been successful. Initially my resting heart rate was higher than before the ablation, in the low 80's which made me a bit anxious. However, after reading that it was not unusual to see that change my anxiety eased off. Finally in the past year, my RHR has started to settle back in the low 70's. I wear a Fitbit all the time that monitors my heart rate and have a KardiaMobile 6-L which I use for periodic checks. I wish you the best for a successful ablation this month.

I am having an ablation in 4 weeks. The amiodarone was causing side effects and my EP has been talking about a Watchman implant after the ablation. Anyone with one of these. Any comments appreciated. I am currently on Eliquis

Yes, but do you have to initiate the ECG every time? Will Apple Watch monitor for afib without you initiating the ECG?