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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lzybt 07/01/2015

Just got conformation from my VA Doctor that my second ablation (he did both) was a failure. Had the ablation on Feb 4th of this year; afib like crazy for a month, then two months afib free. Now it's started up again, every couple of days (always at night). Very disappointed. I don't know what to do now. They want me to take Flecainide now whenever I go into afib. I am going to ask if I can be referred to a heart center that does a lot more ablations then this particular VA Hospital. 26 years of this stuff and I thought it was finally gone. We'll see I guess.

acrossthepond 07/01/2015

Bummer. I know exactly how you feel. You might have a glimmer of hope though because you did get 2 months a-fib-free so it might be worth trying a third time. Get another opinion for sure. Who knows, maybe the third time will stop it for good!!
Let us know how it goes,
Carpe diem,
atp

yogacat 07/01/2015

There are folks who have Successful NSR by taking Flecainide every day.

I am hoping you will be referred!!!!!

acdcfan 07/01/2015

thats a bummer . i know that feeling my 3 months is just about up and afib is worse now then ever . and i was on flecainide metroprolol warfrin . so yea im not sure about ablations . but you had two months with out so you might get lucky with a third .

yogacat 07/01/2015

So Sorry to hear this acdcfan!

snowshoedude 07/01/2015

Good luck. I hope you get the well deserved referral. I had lone atrial fib about as long as you did before my ablation and things have been holding up pretty well. Not sure if you have taken flec before but it can make Afib worse in some people while for others it helps. I think you are doing the right thing though in seeking a hospital and EP that has done a ton of successful procedures so you can stay off the drugs. Pulling for you!

duder 07/02/2015

I hate to hear you're getting such sub-par care at the VA. People who have served our country should have access to the best health care. But I guess that's another discussion...

The great thing about the internet is that researching doctors and hospitals is easy for everyone. Now that you've had 2 failed ablations, you can probably see the value in an EP who really knows his stuff.

You look like a relatively young guy, so a third ablation might be feasible for you. Choose wisely - the doctor definitely makes all the difference.

Wishing you the best and hope you can find some peace.

pacyetep 07/02/2015

Have you seen this Izybt?

http://www.va.gov/PURCHASEDCARE/docs/pubfiles/programguides/NVC_Providers_Guide.pdf

Maybe you could have someone determine that your afib is persistent and that an EP like Dr. Andrea Natale who does fixes on ablations that failed would be appropriate. You have to reinforce your intolerable symptoms.

pacyetep 07/02/2015

Look at the section on "referrals".

lalab707 07/03/2015

I am so sorry this is happening and hope you will get the referral you need to get someone who can help you.

laurab

juniebe 07/03/2015

Must be very hard to cope with such disappointment. I hope you can find a doc who can help you . Third time could be the charm.

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