Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Support Group
Atrial fibrillation (AF or afib) is an abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia) which involves the two small, upper heart chambers (the atria). Heart beats in a normal heart begin after electricity generated in the atria by the sinoatrial node spread through the heart and cause contraction of the heart muscle and pumping of blood.
Well gang, Im through the 90 day blanking period and am pleased to report that I have had no AFIB events since Ablation #2 as measured by my subjective experience, my Oximeter, my blood pressure meter (which also measures heart irregularity), and my EPs reading of my imbedded reveal Linq monitor (50 days ago). I have experienced an increase in periods of palpitations (PVCs?) (usually lasting less than hour, and an increase in periods of shortness of breath. Both of these have decreased in frequency over that last few weeks.
I will continue on Eliquis for life (history of stroke, DVTs, pulmonary embolisms, and severe leg varicose veins, in addition to the AFIB). I also take a very small dose of Norvasc for blood pressure control and a fistful of vitamins/minerals. I take no other cardiac meds (no beta blockers or rhythm control). I still go to the gym for 3 hours 3x / week but have had to cut back a little on my cardio because my knee arthritis has progressed a bit. My work project has slowed down so Im only working 1-2 shifts per week. I expect to be finished with it by October and then be fully retired.
I certainly did not expect such a positive result. At nearly 67 and a history of AFIB for about 40 years, and the first ablation (two years ago) being initially only partially successful and not lasting more than a few months, I was certainly skeptical. I hope my positive experience provides some hope to those who are considering this procedure.
I will continue on Eliquis for life (history of stroke, DVTs, pulmonary embolisms, and severe leg varicose veins, in addition to the AFIB). I also take a very small dose of Norvasc for blood pressure control and a fistful of vitamins/minerals. I take no other cardiac meds (no beta blockers or rhythm control). I still go to the gym for 3 hours 3x / week but have had to cut back a little on my cardio because my knee arthritis has progressed a bit. My work project has slowed down so Im only working 1-2 shifts per week. I expect to be finished with it by October and then be fully retired.
I certainly did not expect such a positive result. At nearly 67 and a history of AFIB for about 40 years, and the first ablation (two years ago) being initially only partially successful and not lasting more than a few months, I was certainly skeptical. I hope my positive experience provides some hope to those who are considering this procedure.
Christine
My PACs never went away completely, but they are at the point where they only last 5-10 seconds. Where I used to freak out, now I just take a deep breath and let it pass. Of course it took over a year to get past that "Uh oh, AFIB coming back!" period, but it did happen.
God bless us, every one!
Bill
My AFIB continues to be stable now 8 months after ablation #2. I did have a few minor afib episodes in August, probably because I ate too much one weekend. But the afib is back to being gone. My Reveal Linq monitor now shows 1.1% afib burden, I can live with that. My echo shows thickening of the right and left atrium enlargement and mild left ventricle hypertrophy. After so many years of afib, these physical changes of the heart might be expected.
In any case, most of us have moved over to the forum at http://forum.stopafib.org. See you there.