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 had a PVI cryo ablation three days ago. Since then I have had shortness of breath when walking up stairs, or sometimes just walking. But I'm not having AF (unless it's asymptomatic) just the shortness of breath. I never had shortness of breath in these situations before, even when having AF. Has anyone had shortness of breath after an ablation, and how long did it last?
By the way, I have not had any AF since the ablation (I was having AF a few times every day before the ablation). I realize for the next few months having AF doesn't necessarily mean anything, but still it's a nice start.
By the way, I have not had any AF since the ablation (I was having AF a few times every day before the ablation). I realize for the next few months having AF doesn't necessarily mean anything, but still it's a nice start.
Glad the 'worst' is over for you! May you be Blessed with AF free days.....one day at a time....forever~
I remember having shortness of breath after my ablation last March. It was after going up stairs just like you. I mentioned it to my EP (thru a nurse practitioner) and he didn't know why I was having it. It went away thankfully.
Maybe worth asking your EP.
"How will I feel after the procedure?
You may feel fatigue or minor chest discomfort during the first 48 hours after the procedure. Please tell your doctor or nurse if any of these symptoms are prolonged or severe.
Some patients experience symptoms of congestive heart failure the first few days after the procedure. These symptoms may include shortness of breath, bloating or what may feel like the symptoms of a common cold. This is normal, but it is important that you call us so we may help you. These symptoms are frequently due to water retention and the inflammation caused by the ablation."
petey
Happy to read that you have not had any fib since your ablation. Healing takes its time and happens in many different ways. Hope yours continues to be smooth and successful.
I had my first ablation when I was 29 in 2009 - I didn't quite feel myself until a month after the procedure. I don't recall shortness of breath or chest discomfort, but I felt lethargic overall.
My second ablation was just this past December. I was up and running again at week three, but for the next month or so I couldn't seem to catch my breath when running and needed to slow it way down, if not just walk at times. Sometimes it did feel like just getting up to fast or walking around the house too quickly left me short of breath. It's now been five months and I've been running my 4, 5, 6 miles with no difficulty for the past couple of months. So, I guess it took me about 3-4 months to get back up to speed.
Give yourself permission to heal as you need to. I've had to remind myself this often throughout this process.
Here's to you and smooth healing.