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.

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rfreeze 10/24/2012

It's been a very good party these past 8 months of NSR after my ablation but I had a very brief episode yesterday (while sitting at my desk) where my HR went up to 150. I laid down for a while and it seemed to settle down. For the next hour or so my HR ran ~ 95-110. Within 2 hours my HR was back down to 80 and my EKG was normal. It's a pity the arrhythmia event didn't last long enough to get to the clinic to get it on EKG. After an ablation you are basically starting from ground zero for the diagnosis as your heart has changed so the diagnosis may not be the same.
Today I am back on Atenolol, Warfarin and a 30 day event monitor.
Oh well, it was fun while it lasted! Time to reload the medicine chest and dust off the log book.
Rick

yogacat 10/24/2012

I did not want to read this!!!! So sorry!!!!!
I am trying to stretch my arms......for a group hug for you~

NYNM 10/25/2012

I understand that often a second or "touch-up" ablation is needed. Maybe it should just be said in the first place that ablation is often a 2 part procedure. first ablation then a few months or years later, second ablation.

Maybe that sound overwhelming but maybe it doesn't lead to false expectations and then terrible frustration afterwards.

I had an ablation that lasted 2 years. When I originally asked my EP (who I liked a lot) "What happens if ablation doesn't work he said: Let's not get that far ahead, or something like that. I already knew, so we discussed it more, he said maybe a cardioversion, maybe another ablation tc. I felt he wanted to keep optimistic, but I think it would be better to say upfront: This procedure may need a touch up/second ablation

CLane 10/25/2012

Hi Rick: I am so sorry that HR issues have returned. I am sure that this has to be so disappointing after 8 months of peace. Lets hope there are not many more events for the monitor to report and I hope yesterday's episode was an isolated incident. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Take care, Carrie

deleted_user 10/25/2012

Hi Rick, so sorry to hear about Afib returning. I know how you feel, since I am in the same boat.
For me it's on to ablation number two and I'm sure you will come to a decision that is right for you.
I agree with NYHM's statement, that for many an ablation should be considered a two part procedure.
Please keep us informed and all the best to you.

BonnieLander 10/25/2012

Sorry to tell you all, I have had 2 ablations
2009 and 2010. Recently I have been starting
up again.......VERY frustating.........It only
holds a while......More atenolol.gaby61@aol.com

deleted_user 10/25/2012

sorry to hear about your set back on the lighter side get some batteries in for your blood pressure machine because if you are anything like me when I get a go around with afib I can not stay away from my blood pressure machine it becomes an obsession

rfreeze 10/26/2012

Thanks for your kind words and thoughts. When I had the first ablation I was pretty much "all in" with the idea that a second one (or more) may be required at some point in time. That's getting ahead of things a bit yet and this was a really short episode. Maybe this was just a blip like I had once in a while over the years before anything needed to be done. We'll see how things go over the next month. Best wishes to all!
Rick

Surfrat 10/26/2012

Sorry to hear about the interruption. Hang in there and all the best moving forward. - Thomas

heart2222 10/26/2012

Rick,

So sorry to read about this!! You were doing so well. I'm hoping your monitor will show ZERO more episodes and that this was an isolated incident. Take it a day at a time.

Wishing you the best and NSR!!!!

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