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Info on experience with AV Node Ablation with Pacemaker dependency.
Hello everyone and thanks in advance for any info you can share regarding this procedure and what life is like afterwards.
I am 67 yrs, just retired, and have been dealing with afib for 10-15 yrs. I've been treated with different meds all having varying degrees of success but in 2015, it was discovered I have a bicuspid heart valve. I had an open chest procedure in 2016 where the aortic bicuspid valve was repaired, an aortic stenosis removed, and a maze procedure was performed at that time. I recovered well and returned to work and normal activity. The afib continued on and off since all of this started and I've had a few ablations, a few cardioversions (the latest 2 weeks ago), and my flutter and afib has returned.
My cardio specialist (EPS) has mentioned the AV Node ablation with pacemaker dependency as the remaining option but it sounds really scary and so "final". The idea of not taking so many meds is appealing however, as is not having to deal with the afib/flutter any longer.
Any info would be much appreciated! My biggest fear is over the reliability of the pacemaker, not being able to walk 3-5 miles p/day or swim laps, or play tennis or pickleball.
My apologies for this epistle and appreciate any info or resources you can share or direct me to!
BB
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I had the av node ablation. It does nothing to stop Afib. In fact my Afib is now constant and my 2 flutters are also constant. At times when the flutters and Afib collide I feel as if my heart is beating sideways and at first I had vertigo whenever I moved my head…. Can only sleep sitting in a recliner over 40 degrees angle…. That lasted for almost 2 months…
I started with Afib my history is much like yours minus the open heart surgery….
I’ve had 4 ablations. The first 3 left me with a new flutter after each. My Afib/ flutters were off and on for 20 years. The 4 th ablation left me with 2 good weeks… then the Afib et al came
Back off and on however, I was unable to walk and breathe at the same time. 5 steps and I had a heaviness on my chest and lost my breath. Required 2 liters of oxygen day and night..
After av node ablation I had 2 great weeks… thought I was cured…. Then Afib and all flutters came back! Constantly.
I got the av node ablation because my heart rate was over 165 for over a week and nothing we did could reduce it. For that it works great! I have had a pacemaker for 21 years…. Until the av node ablation it only worked when I was in Afib because my heart
So…
If you need to get the AVN for other than Afib reasons talk to your doctor…
But get the what ifs covered….
You can’t have any MRIs EVER
Expect to be in Afib all the time..
I swam 3 miles a day daily before I got Afib. I was never able to get more than a half mile a day afterward and haven’t been able to swim more than three or four laps in my backyard pool.
Good luck with your decision.
I had a pacemaker implanted in 2014 and have been playing singles tennis ever since -- until recently. A couple of AFIB incidents have caused me to stop playing because of intense breathlessness and fatigue.
A pacemaker won't impede your exercise capacity, but AFIB will. The device can be set to allow a higher heart rate -- and to distinguish arrythmias from an exercise-induced pulse rate.
My understanding is that a pacemaker will not cure AFIB. I am 100% pacer-dependent and still get AFIB.
I found it very interesting to see this question because I am scheduled for an AV Node Ablation TODAY! I have had a pacemaker for 4 years. As jimhealthy said, a pacemaker will not cure AFib. I have had 4 episodes of AFib since my pacemaker. None of the meds worked for me. While I decided I would go with a PFA, my doctor said I am not a good candidate. He has recommended the AV Node Ablation for months. Right now I am not in AFib; I had a cardioversion last week. I know, however, that AFib will return in the atria (but not the ventricles) and that I will be pacemaker dependent. So, I appreciate everyone's experience. I hope I do not have the flutters that focci has had. After I get 'settled' with this ablation, I will share my experience.
Good Luck. I have had a pacemaker 4 yrs. I have intense breathlessness and fatigue all the time. I am I at the end of my] rope ? Thanks
Have you talked with your electrophysiologist about reprogramming your pm? When mine was put in five years ago I was not given the opportunity to speak with the doctor about the symptoms I was experiencing. But I finally was put in touch with another electrophysiologist who helped me in resetting some of the many features on my Boston Scientific pm, which has eliminated the fatigue and shortness of breath. This may be what you need to do.