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.
It looks like things have taken a turn for the worse. My ablation was one month ago, and while I was initially considering it a total success, now I'm not so sure.
Last Saturday, after almost a month of glorious NSR, I had the worst afib episode I've ever had. Now it seems my heart has rewired itself with afib being the new normal. Sleep used to allow me to self-convert, but for the past two nights, afib has woken me up, so intense that I can't get back to sleep. That never happened before. Before the ablation, I would have days of SVT, which is easier to deal with. Now it's nothing but afib.
Since I am still in the blanking period, my EP seems reluctant to do anything, which I guess is understandable. It just seems odd that I would be in continuous NSR following the ablation for almost a month, only to have afib return with a vengeance, worse than it was before. I thought the normal course of events was to have some arrhythmia immediately following an ablation which gradually tapers off over time.
At this point, I am thinking another ablation is in my future. I have no hesitation about that, I just wish I didn't have to suffer at least 3 more months of this crap before anything can be done about it.
The worst part is the anxiety. I've had afib for 20 years, so you'd think I would be used to it by now. Unfortunately, my EP doesn't seem to want to deal with the anxiety aspect of it. Plus I live in a state where getting a prescription for xanax is next to impossible (doctors offices here have signs on their front door saying they will not prescribe it or anything like it, and the few psychiatrists who are able to prescribe anxiety meds are booked a year in advance). So dealing with anxiety is something I guess I just have to do on my own. I am so sick of the platitudes from people who know nothing about this condition, "it will get better, you just have to have patience"..."go see your doctor, he should be able to help". On the surface, these people say they want to help, but in reality, I think they would ssy anything to get me to stop talking about it, since no one wants an honest answer when they ask, "how are you doing?"
Sorry for the rant, I am just frustrated and more than a little pissed off, and other than this board, there isn't anyone I can talk to who truly know what I am going through.
Last Saturday, after almost a month of glorious NSR, I had the worst afib episode I've ever had. Now it seems my heart has rewired itself with afib being the new normal. Sleep used to allow me to self-convert, but for the past two nights, afib has woken me up, so intense that I can't get back to sleep. That never happened before. Before the ablation, I would have days of SVT, which is easier to deal with. Now it's nothing but afib.
Since I am still in the blanking period, my EP seems reluctant to do anything, which I guess is understandable. It just seems odd that I would be in continuous NSR following the ablation for almost a month, only to have afib return with a vengeance, worse than it was before. I thought the normal course of events was to have some arrhythmia immediately following an ablation which gradually tapers off over time.
At this point, I am thinking another ablation is in my future. I have no hesitation about that, I just wish I didn't have to suffer at least 3 more months of this crap before anything can be done about it.
The worst part is the anxiety. I've had afib for 20 years, so you'd think I would be used to it by now. Unfortunately, my EP doesn't seem to want to deal with the anxiety aspect of it. Plus I live in a state where getting a prescription for xanax is next to impossible (doctors offices here have signs on their front door saying they will not prescribe it or anything like it, and the few psychiatrists who are able to prescribe anxiety meds are booked a year in advance). So dealing with anxiety is something I guess I just have to do on my own. I am so sick of the platitudes from people who know nothing about this condition, "it will get better, you just have to have patience"..."go see your doctor, he should be able to help". On the surface, these people say they want to help, but in reality, I think they would ssy anything to get me to stop talking about it, since no one wants an honest answer when they ask, "how are you doing?"
Sorry for the rant, I am just frustrated and more than a little pissed off, and other than this board, there isn't anyone I can talk to who truly know what I am going through.
Not one person I personally know understands AF and the fear I live with on a daily basis .. So please come here and vent - you are amongst friends .. will keep you in my prayers and thoughts and look forward to your updates filled with NSR .. I think I remember that you are quite young??? Surely young hearts heal better than old hearts?
My Best To You
Charlene
Thankfully my "normal" afib events aren't the really intense ones where I feel like I'm going to pass out, those are relatively infrequent, so if I can train myself mentally to not freak out, then I can make it through the next few months of the blanking period without losing my mind.
I had an ablation on March the 3rd. and i am holding my breath , so far so good but it's early days yet. i am just taking it easy. i was told of the possibility of having to have a second ablation but i hope this one works. I wish you all the best margot
Margot I hope your recovery is quick and your arrhythmia is history!
laurab
So for now it's starting flecainide, and more than likely another ablation before the year's out.
I know when it is my turn I will pray for 1 but plan on 2
Keeping you in my prayers and thoughts
Thanks for the update
Charlene
So sorry to hear about your set back. I can't imagine how frustrating that must be. I just had my ablation last week so I'm anxiously wondering how the next 3 months are going to unfold myself. I'm crossing my fingers.
Based on your latest reply it sounds like you're on Flec now and will likely need another ablation. That is actually a positive thing in my opinion as your odds increase dramatically of beating the beast after two ablations as you know. Focus your energy on that thought to keep your spirits up.
Regarding the anxiety, that's crazy that you can't "easily" get a prescription to Xanax. What about Ativan? That's what I take for anxiety. You might also want to consider Ambien (sleep prescription) just to help you sleep better.
Best of luck to you and I sincerely hope you take a turn for the better sooner than later!
Travis
For right now I am on Flecainide and it seems to be working. For how long, who knows. My plan is to keep taking it until I can get another ablation on the books. The first one was so easy that I'm not hesitant at all to do it again. Although my first one was cryo, EP said that if we do a second one, it will likely be RF, which he says is a little more "aggressive". If ever there was a time to get more aggressive, it's now.
Do hope to hear some good news from u and hope u aren't stressing as much.
Hugs and special thoughts:)
Christine