av node ablation and pacemaker

had this procedure 2/2/10 and don't know anyone who has had it. would love to hear from those who have. I didn't really know what I was getting into but wanted relief from 10 yrs. of Atrial fibrillation, trying medications and 2 ablations that didn't work.

4 Comments

I have

by lenora - 2010-02-15 09:02:35

I had really vicious afib which resisted every drug they threw at it including amiodarone, and had 2 unsuccessful cardiac ablations. We got backed into a corner on the pacemaker. My AV node has been ablated to make me dependent on the pacemaker which is really not so bad. I don't feel the afib much anymore although I know I have it. The best part is that I don't pass out anymore!

Been There ~ ~

by Carolyn65 - 2010-02-15 11:02:34

Had my ablation/PM implant on 10/2/09. I did not really have the "symptoms" of what I have read on the PM Club "posts" of what to have/expect Pre-PM. I had A-fib was all I knew I had, but I could not feel my condition.

My cardiologist stopped/started my heart a couple of different times and I was on a med. when he told me I needed a PM. The cardiologist told me sooner or later I would need the implant and to call him when I was ready. After about 5 months of no symptoms (fainting/feeling faint, tired, etc.), I called to have the implant done. MY GP and my family urged me to do it.

After the PM implant & 100% dependent, once in a great while, I do feel a slight, simple, split second lite head. I do not show any nor have any symtoms Post-PM, but I still have A-fib and on Warfarin for clotting/stroke prevention the rest of my life.

For really good, educated "comments", this is the site to "post" your questions/fears/anxieties on.

Take Care, Carolyn G. in TEXAS ( :

Me Too

by janetinak - 2010-02-15 11:02:54

After 2 yrs of meds & cardioversions that didn't work, I got an AV node ablation & a PM. That was 10 yrs ago this coming Oct. Best thing I did for me. Still in Afib & on Coumadin & completely dependent on PM but do every thing I want (as long as arthritis lets me-hah).

You'll find a few more of us on this site.

Welcome,

Janet

Me to

by mike thurston - 2010-02-16 10:02:11

Totally ablated and PM dependent three years this may. Still in permanent a-fib and of course the damage to my heart from MIs is still there. Went through a failed mini maze that almost did me in. If I had to do it over i would have skipped the mini maze for sure. Still rock climb, mtb. bike, road bike and lift moderate weights. Is a hell o0f a lot better than being exhausted and anxious form the a-fib passing to the ventricles. Tough physcologically some times but that is true for all of us in life. Best wishes .
Mike

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