Hi guys - I'd just like your opinion on the situation I'm in. I'm 35 years old and went into AF for the first time 3 months ago - I've just seen an electrophysiologist (private not nhs as nhs said they wouldn't give me an ablation for potentially years/decades) and he's said he will put me on the waiting list to have an ablation even though I've only gone into AF once (I was cardioverted) although I have struggled since then (probably psychologically more than phsically) so my question is would you have the ablation now or wait and see how things go over the next few years ? Thanks
Depends how your Afib affects your way of life. If it is limiting then have the ablation if not wait and see if or how it develops.
My experience is that I've had Afib for 10 years and only recently found that it was my BP meds that triggered my Afib episodes.
Hi. My perspective. I declined bisoporol after my first serious(a&e) episode, basing my decision that one episode and ten mins with a doctor who'd never set eyes on me before, does not a lifetime of medication make! 2.5yrs later and a complete set of tests,and worsening of symptoms I.e. more frequent attacks, I've had to relent, but at least I've done so now both fully tested and fully informed. I get what you say about getting your head engaged however. Explore everything. Be sure you understand all sides of the " if I do or don't" and if necessary, have another discussion with your doc before you decide. Its your body, your choice, just be informed in your decisions, and maybe seek out folks who have had treatment, and maybe someone who took the decision not too. Good luck.
Should also say that an ablation is not guaranteed to fix your Afib. Stats are that, according to my electrophysicist, 70% are successful first time, 91% at second time and 99% at third time.
That is interesting. Which BP meds had that effect on you?
I can understand your reaction to a sudden afib, and with cardiversion, as, in our experience, this is an area where physicians leave one hanging, both physically and psychologically, and you have my sympathy. Ablation is a big step to take, as others have noted. No matter how many physicians tell you that you have nothing to worry about - like THAT helps. They really need to get on board with patients having this experience.
One afib episode - that converted back - is no reason at all to ever have an ablation. An ablation is for someone who is in constant afib or who has them so often there is no other option.
Check out what you did, like taking certain meds to trigger the incident. For me, NSAIDs seem to act as a trigger.
Frank
Ramipril and Candesartan
Ramipril can cause myalgia and arthralgia but candestran has few side effects listed.
I developed Afib shortly after being prescribed Ramipril which I think is significant. As my GP wasn't much interested in med, side-effects I insisted on a change and was prescribed Candesartan with little change in my Afib. Then my cardiologist increased the dose of Candesartan, based on one BP reading and my Afib episodes increased in frequency. Absolutely no doubt there was a connection.
I am now on Bisoprolol and so far good BP control and greatly reduced Afib episodes.
I have found references that many BP drugs can cause or worsen heart rhythms.
When I went into AF for a second time in December 2013 the cardiologist knew of my problems with amiodarone when previously in AF and said that bisoprolol would be adequate until I had a cardioversion. My next appointment was with a young opinionated assistant registrar who told me that I could not have a second cardioversion unless I took amiodarone beforehand.
Hi Steve
I think you need to give things a bit more time and for things to settle down. I was tempted to jump into the private sector, but with cardiology it's a bit like drawing a blank cheque, not that cost really matters when it comes to your health and well-being. I would strongly urge you to seek a second NHS opinion at another NHS Trust, which is your right. After going into AF the NHS Consultant ordered 3 tests: 3 day monitor, Echocardiogram and EP study.
If I were in your shoes, and you're not feeling too unwell and your symptoms are being managed this is what I would advise.
Best wishes
I'm pretty surprised that they've offered ablation straight away. But maybe they think your symptoms are bad enough to warrant it. I would have thought some testing and further exploration would be in order though, so would seek a second opinion.
Don't fear ablation though, if that is what is required. I'm afraid these days in the litigious world we live in, they have to highlight all the negative aspects of any procedure, and they end up scaring you witless. It's not that bad. Where would you be having it, who would be doing it?
Thanks Mike, I was very surprised myself as the cardiologist suggested I'd be in and out of AF for years before they'd even discuss an ablation, the EP is called Dr Chalil and he's at Blackpool hospital.
OK, not heard of him. Mine was done on the NHS by a Dr Richard Schilling at Barts in London. Don't know if he's still there but he was somewhat of a pioneer with the ablation procedure, so I felt in safe hands.
I first saw him around 2001 and didn't like the sound of ablation, and at the time my symptoms were well controlled by Flecainide. But the drug became less and less effective until by 2006 I was in almost permanent AF, so I decided to go for it. Everyone you see, and almost everything you read about it makes it sound really bad, but it really isn't. If it's what you need to do, then go for it. I wouldn't hesitate to have it again if need be. At the very least though, and provided you can live with it in the meantime, I would get a second opinion and see if you can find out a bit more about your condiution and what your options are. Only that way can you really get your head round it and make sure that you are making the right decision for you. It was easy for me, I suppose, as it was a no brainer in the end. It was either that or be in permanent AF, so an easy decision to make, albeit 5 years after ablation was first suggested to me!
I still get bouts of AF, almost every morning I wake up with a bit of it, but it almost always goes away once I'm out of bed and going about my morning routine. When does yours seem to affect you most? When you are active, at rest, hung over, full after eating? Have you tried holding your nose and blowing, like you're trying to clear your ears on an aeroplane? Sometimes that can stop it.
Above all, don't worry about it too much, and look after yourself.
Thanks for your advice Mike, I guess I'm one of the 'lucky' AF sufferers as in it doesnt effect me that much - just when I'm hungover/stressed/tierd. The reason I want an ablation is because I don't see the point of waiting for things to get worse before I get it fixed ?
Why would anyone not go on a waiting list for an ablation ? Yes there are risks involved but them aside it will either work or not wont it ? I.e it won't mKe my AF any worse ?
Can I get another private consultation over the phone ?
you are right, in that it will be very unlikely to make your condition worse, and that if you wait your condition will most likely deteriorate gradually. So from a logical point of view there is no reason to delay.
if you are comfortable with that and accept the slight risks associated with the procedure then go for it.
we all have our different outlooks on these things and I chose to wait. Maybe if I had come on a forum like this I may have done things differently.
Best of luck.
Hi Steve,
I take it you are still in normal synus rhythm.
When I was cardioverted it took me a little time to settle with it, but was good with it after a couple of weeks of normal rhythmn.
Try to carry on as normal, but I understand where you are coming from with the Psychology element.
Adrian
Thanks Adrian I am still in nsr, and things did settle down after about 4 weeks (physically and psychologically), I've still only had the one case of af although I've had lots of strange feelings and 'flutters'. I'm booked in for an ablation tomorrow so hopefully I've seen the last of af although I'm expecting the next few weeks to be tough.
Hi steve,
A work colleague had the oblation last week and its his first day back. Hes feeling a country mile better. Hes a bit sore in the groin area but other than that he is good.
Good luck with your procedure and let us know how you are after.
Adrian.