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.
I got discharged today about 6pm. After 3 days in the hospital I am glad to be out. I arrived at OSU at 7:00am. They put me in a bed at 7:30am and I was down for the next 27hrs. My back was killing me but that was to be expected. They redid the TEE test that they couldn't do the day before and this time I had a different Doctor and it was flawless. I went into AFIB when I came into the hospital with a rate of about 185. I went back into NSR right before the TEE test and stayed in rhythm. I got back to the lab at 12:30 p.m. I told them about the catheter problems I had before so they didn't give me one. Dr. Weiss came out before they put me under and assured me that he works with only the best team and it showed. Before I knew it someone was yelling my name and it was over. Wouldn't it be my luck that he was unable to induce the AFIB. But that didn't stop him from finding the problem areas. He said I had a couple gaps in the ablation lines and saw that one section had re connected. He said that he put sandbags down to plug the holes and then performed a Wide Circumferential Ablation. Basically I think putting up another wall around the original ablation lines. I will get the full report in 6 weeks. They wouldn't give it to me in the hospital. My original Doctor wanted to section off the roofline but Dr. Weiss felt that would be too much and send me into a flutter. He felt what he did would be sufficient. When I tried to get up about 12:00am the next day my insert site started bleeding so that was the reason for the 27hrs. They stopped the bleeding and all turned out ok. I am on 120mg of Sotalol 2x a day for 30 days. Protonix for 30 days. Magnesium oxide 400mg 1x a day, my level was 1.7, and my blood thinner is Eliquis along with 81mg aspirin. So far it looks like I made the right decision. I can't say enough about Dr. Weiss and his team and also OSU. The pre care, post care, the patient techs, dietary people, every single person I encountered was so kind and caring. They went way above and beyond. I know that theres still the chance of this coming back and also experiencing the healing arrhythmias, but it has been nothing like the horrible first time. I'm pretty tired but all in all I feel great. I'm getting the pacs again but just single ones and not runs of them. I am glad I stopped at OSU first before flying out to Cali. No matter what happens, I feel hopeful that I just might beat this. If I can get one year I would be happy. Thanks for all the support and advice on seeking out another Doctor.
Sean, the only pain I had was from my back. I think you have nothing to worry about. My first ablation was very long and extensive. I had an ablation for AFIB, AFLUTTER, and ATACHY. With that one too, my pain was all in my back. You are in very good hands and have not just Dr. Weiss but 4 other very brilliant Eps that he works with. From what I experienced I think you have made the right decision and will also be happy it will be closer to home. I brought up my concerns and all were patiently addressed. So don't hesitate to have a list on the day of.
Your progress sounds great. I am very happy that your 2nd ablation is having a happy ending. Absolutely fantastic :-)
As far as chest pain that you have now, I had it too for about 2 weeks off and on. I was told to take Ibuprofen for it by my EP. I did and it knocked the pain off withing 20 minutes or so. Then, I did not have any chest pain for at least 15 hours or longer. I am not sure what your EP has told you to take for the chest pain.
It sounds to me Dr. Weiss and his team kick butt :-)
Sean -
Based on Mark's results, you will be in good hands. These EPs appear to know what they are doing. As far as chest pain, it is NOT that bad and they can give you a shot of something like Ibuprofen in the hospital right after the ablation if it started to bother you too much. That is what they did for me later. Just heads up, do NOT let the nurses to give you morphine for the pain since it will NOT work. The night nurses gave me morphine for my chest pain without asking the doctors and it did NOT work. I felt very tired and sleepy with still lots of pain in my chest and left shoulder. Finally, in the morning, I asked the hospital doctor to give me Ibuprofen per my EP instruction. She did and within 5 minutes the pain went away. Food for thoughts. Good luck with your ablation too.
Scott
I know it must be nice to hear all our assurances about your success, but it must be nothing short of FANTASTIC to hear that Mark is doing so well, and he used the same guy who you are going to. I know you may still be nervous when they wheel you in (I said about 1500 Hail Marys as they wheeled me down the hall), but Mark's postings must give you the confidence that you have definitely made the right decision. Peace be with you, my brother. NSR forever!
Bill
Also, I like to hear how you are doing and if you could come off the Sotalol. I am really happy for you that after such a long time you are in NSR and feeling well. Hopefully you will be in NSR from here on with no worries.
As far as myself, 4 months after my ablation, I am still in NSR and pretty active. I am back to my normal life. However, I am still on Sotalol (80mg x 2 per day) , which is my choice. My EP left it up to me to take it or NOT. I chose to take it since my resting heart rate goes to low 90s if I stop taking the Sotalol. With Sotalol, my resting HR is in high 70s. So, I really take the Sotalol as a rate control drug rather than for anything else. I do NOT have any side effect from the Sotalol so far.
I guess for some people high heart rate after ablation is normal.
My best wishes for you.
Scott
I called you "James" by mistake in my previous post. Sorry for that.
Take care,
Scott
I will always look over my shoulder Snow, but maybe now is my time to be up front. Whatever happens, I am enjoying now.