Ablation

Hi everyone. I have just returned from an appointment with consultant and he is advising me to consider having an ablation.
This is because my A.F is getting worse and worse despite them trying different medication and strengths. I have a pacemaker which he says will make it easier. I dont really remember mush of the info I was given can anyone fill me in on the pro's and cons..many thanks Jude.

4 Comments

Interesting

by ScottishTom - 2007-08-02 01:08:55

I am also having very similar problems with AF, the consultant has not talked about ablation since the PM was implanted 18 months ago, but a couple of different PM Technicians have both asked the question recently if i have ever had an ablation. Have been back a couple of times recently for adjustments, with next appointment in 3 weeks, and things seem to be getting worse instead of better.

I'll watch your post and comments with interest.

Keep me posted on your progress.

Tom

Had AV Node Ablation

by mike thurston - 2007-08-02 05:08:28

I had my AV Node ablated and an ICD implated on May 15th. Long story but I felt I had no choice at that point.
Quality of life is much improved and although I remain in permanent A-Fib it no longers is driving me crazy and my Ventricles are doing well with the Bi-V pacing and Cardiac Resyncronization Therapy. Definitely a tough decision and only one you can make for yourself. If you need more info or just want to talk, feel free. Best Of Luck.
Mike

ablation

by Susan - 2007-08-03 12:08:58

Hi Jude-
I have afib. Went the route of meds. Got a pacemaker and had an av node ablation when the pacemaker was put in. Even with all that the afib progressively got worse. I had a PVI ablation, actaully 2, was put on Tikosyn and I am now finding much success for I am in NSR though I am still on Tikosyn.
First: there are different kinds of ablations. What is your doc specifically recommending?
Second: Have you tried Tikosyn?
Third: For PVI ablations I think it makes a big difference what doc performs the procedure. There are many more docs doing PVI ablations and my recommendation is to find a very experienced doc, probably at one of the major medical centers.
Some of the other bulletin boards dealing with afib have discussions about who are the best docs for ablations. I read a lot of comments that helped me figure out a plan. I went to one of the best in the country and I have no regrets.
Fourth: There are other procedures besides ablations to get rid of afib.
Fifth: If you doc is talking about an av node ablation, do understand that while that will help your ventricles beat with regularity, your upper chambers can remain in fibrillation. I did become less symptomatic with the av node ablation but I did not feel it was in my best interests to have the upper chambers of my heart still quivering away at a high bpm, sometimes > than 300 bpm.
It is a tough decision. Read a lot before making a decision. There is no clear easy answer at this time and procedures are rapidlly changing in this field as more is being learned about treatment of afib. Good luck.
Susan

HELLO

by mytrose4444 - 2007-08-04 04:08:41

I am going thru the same thing with my afib it just seems to get worse and medications are not helping it.Wish you best of luck with what ever you decide to do .valerie

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