Ablation for Afib

Posted by mec151 @mec151, May 16 10:21am

I’m looking for shared experiences with folks who have had only one or two AFib occurrences over six months. I am in that situation right now where I had two AFib episodes in November 24 and am being encouraged to have an ablation. Currently, I am not on any meds. But, if I should have an episode I have a med protocol of metoprolol and eliquis. I monitor 24/7 with an Apple Watch and an Oura. Any advice on how to reduce the chance of recurrence? I’m not thrilled about the ablation.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart Rhythm Conditions Support Group.

@sjm46

Yes, don't you just hate it when the only reason for your A-fib is "being old." And then the line "but A-fib isn't going to kill you." Well, guess what, it isn't improving my life much! I can't drink more than one cup of 1/2 caf, no alcohol, no tonic water, no chocolate, no "excessive" exercise, lose weight, no heavy meals, no extra salt, no bad sleep habits, take a crap-load of meds, no "stress" as if walking on eggshells waiting for the next episode to pop up isn't stressful! I absolutely hate this condition and I am doing everything I can to get an ablation with the hope that it will arrest this demon before I go crazy.

Jump to this post

You pretty much mirror my feelings about Afib. I got the same talk from my cardiologist and primary care provider. When they told me that a lot of people live with Afib I just told them that I am not a lot of people. I like to fix things when they are broken not just cover them up and hope they don't get worse. You are the patient and this is your body. I went around my cardiologist and PC and contacted a hospital that does the pulse field ablation and set up everything on my own. PFA was successful and now the stress level is back where it should be.

REPLY
@abob

Yes, very helpful here. Yes, 70s are considered old. ( I can’t wrap my head around this though.) I now have learned it’s never just “fixed” - over and done.

I have not heard of AV node ablation, so:
“Anyone who has AV node ablation needs a pacemaker for life to help the heart beat correctly. It's placed under the skin by the collarbone. You might have this device placed several weeks before AV node ablation to make sure it works well. But some people receive the pacemaker the day of the ablation.”

Please keep us updated. Wishing you well.

Jump to this post

When my EP suggested an AV node ablation, I researched it. As you say, it requires that you have a pacemaker, which I do. In order for the heart to beat, the pacemaker takes over after an AV node ablation. In my simplistic reasoning, I equate it to turning off the electricity in a house and having the generator control the electricity. I don't want to do that. I can't help but wonder if his reasoning is because I am "old", and this is a quick fix. In addition, I have other medical issues (CLL, CKD, etc) which might be part of his reasoning. I also read that AV node ablation does not stop AFib; in fact, many people go into chronic AFib without the accompanying side effects because the heart is beating normally (due to the pacemaker). Another concern I have is that AFib is causing some atrial enlargement and diastolic dysfunction. If I have chronic AFib, what about those concerns. I am hoping for a PFA. I have tried to get a second opinion with a doctor highly recommended in his group. However, they will not let me make an appointment with a different doctor in the same group! So, I am looking at a different medical team. If only I could prevent this AFib - but while doing everything recommended, it keeps coming back! It helps to hear from others with this condition.

REPLY
@bettycll

When my EP suggested an AV node ablation, I researched it. As you say, it requires that you have a pacemaker, which I do. In order for the heart to beat, the pacemaker takes over after an AV node ablation. In my simplistic reasoning, I equate it to turning off the electricity in a house and having the generator control the electricity. I don't want to do that. I can't help but wonder if his reasoning is because I am "old", and this is a quick fix. In addition, I have other medical issues (CLL, CKD, etc) which might be part of his reasoning. I also read that AV node ablation does not stop AFib; in fact, many people go into chronic AFib without the accompanying side effects because the heart is beating normally (due to the pacemaker). Another concern I have is that AFib is causing some atrial enlargement and diastolic dysfunction. If I have chronic AFib, what about those concerns. I am hoping for a PFA. I have tried to get a second opinion with a doctor highly recommended in his group. However, they will not let me make an appointment with a different doctor in the same group! So, I am looking at a different medical team. If only I could prevent this AFib - but while doing everything recommended, it keeps coming back! It helps to hear from others with this condition.

Jump to this post

Yes, this group has been very helpful.
Silly me thought afib was fixed and done, I’ve learned.
I too would be concerned re pacemaker being in control
Please do post with your next steps.
Wishing you the best.

REPLY
@sjm46

Yes, don't you just hate it when the only reason for your A-fib is "being old." And then the line "but A-fib isn't going to kill you." Well, guess what, it isn't improving my life much! I can't drink more than one cup of 1/2 caf, no alcohol, no tonic water, no chocolate, no "excessive" exercise, lose weight, no heavy meals, no extra salt, no bad sleep habits, take a crap-load of meds, no "stress" as if walking on eggshells waiting for the next episode to pop up isn't stressful! I absolutely hate this condition and I am doing everything I can to get an ablation with the hope that it will arrest this demon before I go crazy.

Jump to this post

Unfortunately surving one ailment only leads to battling another. All the meds and imaging and procedures often just prod another sleeping or newly formed ailment to the surface.

REPLY
@sjm46

The only concerns I have are if they will think I need to try an anti-arrhythmic drug first. I don't want to try any more drugs. My second concern is that I want a pulse field ablation since they are less likely to harm surrounding tissue and they are done in less time than the radiofrequency ablation. Lastly, I am 79 and I am concerned that they will think I am too old to be concerned about this condition ruining my quality of life. It seems lately that everything boils down to "you're old so you just have to expect these things!"

Jump to this post

Just to let you know that I am 79 too and just had my first ablation using the Radiofrequency method - so worries about damaged tissue. My doctor didn’t mention anything about age. I also know a friend’s father who is 95 and who had an ablation - so I would question the age issue should it come up. I was also on a beta blocker Sotolol to help manage the palpitations - and there weren’t any side effects. Don’t get discouraged about your age - I’m sure all will work out.

REPLY
@sjm46

I really congratulate you on your choices. I don't have as much difficulty getting to good docs but I would fly to anywhere about now to get my A-fib treated with PFA. I am hoping to see my cardiologist today to see what he plans for me after the "episode" this weekend. I am now questioning just what I am doing that triggers this! I would just like a "WHY" for this problem. I absolutely don't eat or drink anything that is supposed to be harmful but I did recently have a tonic with lime (no alcohol) as a substitute libation when we went to lunch with friends. Now I am reading that some people are sensitive to the quinine in the tonic! Can there be anything else that is "forbidden" to take away the pleasure in life at this age? LOL Good luck and thank you for the feedback. It helps not to feel alone in this journey.

Jump to this post

Pls let us know if you learn of any “triggers” to avoid.

REPLY
@suerte

You pretty much mirror my feelings about Afib. I got the same talk from my cardiologist and primary care provider. When they told me that a lot of people live with Afib I just told them that I am not a lot of people. I like to fix things when they are broken not just cover them up and hope they don't get worse. You are the patient and this is your body. I went around my cardiologist and PC and contacted a hospital that does the pulse field ablation and set up everything on my own. PFA was successful and now the stress level is back where it should be.

Jump to this post

I had a significant episode of A-fib this past weekend lasting 12 hours and culminating with a pulse of 130 or more that scared me to go to the ER. I had a natural conversion while in the ER where I think they were considering a cardioversion under anesthesia. I had a 3.5 second "pause" in my EKG and then NSR returned. The on-call cardiologist wasn't too concerned about that, nor was my regular cardiologist when I had an appointment with him today. Of course, my EKG today was "perfect". Again the comment that A-fib "won't kill you!" and "just go about your business without worrying". He gave me plan A: anti-arrhythmia medication or B: ablation. I am having an ablation and nothing else will satisfy my attitude toward this. He has referred me to an excellent electrophysiologist that I will meet in July. I too believe in "fixing" this as much as is possible. I don't care if others live with this and it doesn't bother them. I hate the feeling, the discomfort, the interruption in my daily plans and happiness! I want it fixed and I am also now being reassured that my age will not be a factor. I thank you so much for your feedback! I know I am not alone in this feeling of stress with the constant worry of another episode occurring--so often in the middle of the night! And the experts say to avoid stress and get a good night's sleep to minimize the attacks! If only!

REPLY
@abob

Pls let us know if you learn of any “triggers” to avoid.

Jump to this post

As far as I can tell, I don't know what causes the out-breaks. I don't have sleep apnea, but getting a good night's sleep is supposed to be important--but then that is when I have had three outbreaks in one month. I drink 1/2 caf coffee and no alcohol, I exercise every day and faithfully take all the meds and supplements. I try to eat a reasonable diet. I think dehydration at some point might be my issue but if I drink a lot of fluid during the evening, then I am up half the night going to the bathroom! I feel like it is a crap shoot! My doc says that "super controllers" like me are the kind that are most bothered by A-fib. The ones who are relaxed and more sedentary don't seem that upset about it! From all I have read, the sooner the problem is addressed, the better the chances of living a more normal existence. And that is what I want! Sorry I can't offer a better answer but thank you for your support.

REPLY
@sjm46

As far as I can tell, I don't know what causes the out-breaks. I don't have sleep apnea, but getting a good night's sleep is supposed to be important--but then that is when I have had three outbreaks in one month. I drink 1/2 caf coffee and no alcohol, I exercise every day and faithfully take all the meds and supplements. I try to eat a reasonable diet. I think dehydration at some point might be my issue but if I drink a lot of fluid during the evening, then I am up half the night going to the bathroom! I feel like it is a crap shoot! My doc says that "super controllers" like me are the kind that are most bothered by A-fib. The ones who are relaxed and more sedentary don't seem that upset about it! From all I have read, the sooner the problem is addressed, the better the chances of living a more normal existence. And that is what I want! Sorry I can't offer a better answer but thank you for your support.

Jump to this post

Thx. I don’t think you’re a “super controller”, I think you’re “cause and effect”. If you can determine the trigger, you might be able to lessen afibs. Oh well! So we’ll try to relax and hope for the best.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.