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.
Hi all! It's been a while since I've posted an update after my ablation. Also I think the update I did post right after the procedure was tacked onto someone else's post. So here's one of my own. I just want to share my experience so far. I know so many of you wonder what it's like after the ablation.
I was very nervous about the procedure but it was actually a piece of cake. There really wasn't any pain...just a bit of discomfort in the chest area for a couple of days and in the groin area where they insert the catheter. But it's really nothing to be afraid of.
Now that it's done I have to say that I have been feeling really great. Some days I feel like a million bucks! I didn't have many episodes before the ablation so I can't say it's been life changing like it is for those who have episodes every day. But, tomorrow will be 3 weeks since the procedure and no afib. I was expecting to have an episode at some point since the EP said that it was normal to have them while healing. But nothing so far...knock on wood!
I'm still on all my meds (beta blocker, blood thinner, antiarrythmic). I was never on the antiarrythmic before but I was put on it after the ablation as a preventative measure to make sure the heart had a chance to heal. They did cut my beta blocker dose in half after the ablation. But, I can't wait to not have to take any meds anymore. I'm assuming they will wean me off the meds after the 3 month blanking period and then I'll find out if the ablation was a success. I remain extremely positive that this is it and it will be a success!
The only things I have been experiencing are PACs (skipped beats) often and sometimes I feel a little out of breath when exerting myself. I have also had two occular migraines in the past five days. I had these before years ago but they wouldn't happen often. So to have two in such a short period of time was curious. I did some research and found others who complain about the same thing after an ablation. But it doesn't seem like it happens to many people. Anyway, I keep telling myself all of this is a normal part of the 3-month blanking period and healing process.
I have an appointment with my EP today for the first time since the procedure. I'm actually excited to see him since I didn't get much information about how things went during the procedure while I was in the hospital. I have a bunch of questions for him as well so I'm looking forward to getting in there today. I'll update with any good information later.
Thanks again, guys! Hope you have a wonderful day!
I was very nervous about the procedure but it was actually a piece of cake. There really wasn't any pain...just a bit of discomfort in the chest area for a couple of days and in the groin area where they insert the catheter. But it's really nothing to be afraid of.
Now that it's done I have to say that I have been feeling really great. Some days I feel like a million bucks! I didn't have many episodes before the ablation so I can't say it's been life changing like it is for those who have episodes every day. But, tomorrow will be 3 weeks since the procedure and no afib. I was expecting to have an episode at some point since the EP said that it was normal to have them while healing. But nothing so far...knock on wood!
I'm still on all my meds (beta blocker, blood thinner, antiarrythmic). I was never on the antiarrythmic before but I was put on it after the ablation as a preventative measure to make sure the heart had a chance to heal. They did cut my beta blocker dose in half after the ablation. But, I can't wait to not have to take any meds anymore. I'm assuming they will wean me off the meds after the 3 month blanking period and then I'll find out if the ablation was a success. I remain extremely positive that this is it and it will be a success!
The only things I have been experiencing are PACs (skipped beats) often and sometimes I feel a little out of breath when exerting myself. I have also had two occular migraines in the past five days. I had these before years ago but they wouldn't happen often. So to have two in such a short period of time was curious. I did some research and found others who complain about the same thing after an ablation. But it doesn't seem like it happens to many people. Anyway, I keep telling myself all of this is a normal part of the 3-month blanking period and healing process.
I have an appointment with my EP today for the first time since the procedure. I'm actually excited to see him since I didn't get much information about how things went during the procedure while I was in the hospital. I have a bunch of questions for him as well so I'm looking forward to getting in there today. I'll update with any good information later.
Thanks again, guys! Hope you have a wonderful day!
So far, so good! Glad you are doing well...except for the migraines. But I am sure they will pass, and you can look forward to a long life of NSR! Keep us posted...good news for one is good news for all!
It has been over 2 years for me, and still get hit with those pesky PACs...but sometimes I can go a few weeks without them. LIke afib, doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason. But I am sure you will agree, a few PACs beats the heck out of afib! Continue healing.
Bill
BITB... Awesome that you are doing so well. I appreciate the updates.
Just a question for you...how long did you have afib prior to the ablation...and how many episodes were you getting on average? Did you convert on your own or were you doing PIP?
The reason for all the questions is because it sounds like I'm in the same situation as you. I've had afib for 9 years now but until last year I was only having an episode once a year. Then last year I was having them monthly and then weekly. I was (and still do) taking Flec to convert so I was doing PIP.
I finally bit the bullet and scheduled an ablation. Mine is scheduled for next week. Like you, I have a feeling I won't notice much of a difference afterwards other than I won't have to look forward to having my weekly episode (knock on wood).
Travis
It's natural to be nervous, but try not to fret too much. Having knee surgery is more invasive than an ablation. As surgeries go, it's a piece of cake.
Travis - I was diagnosed in Sept. 2014 and had a total of 4 episodes by the end of November. I always converted on my own after a few hours. I decided to get an ablation and didn't have any episodes during the two months leading up to the ablation this month. I was "brand new" on the Afib scene so I thought the sooner the better when it came to the ablation.