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You are here: Home / My Afib Journey / My First A-Fib Ablation Recovery (3-Month Blanking Period)

My First A-Fib Ablation Recovery (3-Month Blanking Period)

Travis Van Slooten |March 12, 2015 | 195 Comments

When you have a catheter ablation to treat atrial fibrillation they call the three months following the procedure the “blanking period.” It takes three months for the heart to fully heal from the procedure.

During the blanking period, you may have varying degrees of afib episodes or episodes of other arrhythmias such as atrial flutter. And you may experience other side effects from the procedure. Most of these things are considered normal during the recovery time so if you experience any of them it’s “par for the course,” as they say. This is why you can’t judge the success or failure of an ablation until AFTER the blanking period.

You’re also instructed to take it easy 4-6 weeks after the ablation as the heart is still fairly inflamed. They advise minimal exercise (if any at all) and no hardcore activities. This is where most people make a mistake – especially if they have a great ablation experience. They’ll feel great a week after the ablation and think everything is back to normal and they’ll push themselves prematurely.

I will not be making that mistake. I usually spend an hour in the gym Monday-Friday but I stopped all exercising a few days before the procedure. I won’t be returning to the gym now until at least mid-April. I will also be taking it totally easy during the first six weeks. I’m going to strive to keep my heart rate as stable as possible. Meaning, I’m even going to keep my activities around the house to a minimum.

I had my catheter ablation on March 5, 2015. My blanking period doesn’t end until June 5, 2015. I was given a heart rate event monitor after my procedure and was instructed to take weekly recordings or whenever I experienced an irregular heartbeat. Here are pictures of the event monitor I was given:

Click on the images for larger pictures.

heart-rate-event-monitor  heart-rate-event-monitor-2

For those patients with more difficult cases of atrial fibrillation, such as those with persistent or long-standing persistent afib, they may be given the choice to have an implantable heart monitor. I wasn’t given that option and even if I was I wouldn’t have gone that route because I assumed I wouldn’t be having regular arrhythmias that would need to be recorded.

I picked Thursday as my “recording day.” To make a recording I place the device on my chest (where you would put your hand when you say the Pledge of Allegiance) with the four circular feet facing down. I press down on it slightly and then I hit the red EVENT button. It makes a high-pitch whistling sound for 30 seconds as it records.

I then call the number on the monitor and send in the recording. When I call it in a live person answers the phone. I tell the person I’m sending in my weekly recording and after finding my name in their system they tell me to go ahead. I then place the monitor on its side and the phone input speaker right next to the speaker hole on the event monitor like this:

heart-monitor-phone

Then I hit the gray send button on the side of the monitor and it makes that high pitch whistling sound again for 30 seconds as it sends the recording through the phone. Pretty amazing, right? As cool as that is, it sucks that you have no idea what the recording says as they don’t tell you. It goes directly into a system where only the doctor has access to. If you have something abnormal going on you’ll get a call. Otherwise, you don’t hear anything from anyone.

I personally don’t like being in the dark like so I when I take my weekly recordings with this monitor, I take a second recording with my AliveCor monitor. This gives me an immediate EKG reading and tells me what my heart rate is and if it’s irregular or not.

You probably have the same question I have – why don’t doctors allow their patients to use the AliveCor monitor instead if they have one? I have no idea why they don’t but I wish they did. It would be so much easier for them and for the patient.

Every week during the blanking period I will be updating this page. Click on the dates below for details on what supplements I took that week and for details on anything that happened that week as it pertains to my recovery.

Week 1: March 12, 2015
Weight: 178 lbs.
Heart Rate: 84 bpm
Heart palpitations/afib: NONE
Other symptoms/issues: NONE

Week 2: March 19, 2015
Weight: 175 lbs.
Heart Rate: 81 bpm
Heart palpitations/afib: NONE
Other symptoms/issues: NONE

Week 3: March 26, 2015
Weight: 175 lbs.
Heart Rate: 86 bpm
Heart palpitations/afib: NONE
Other symptoms/issues: NONE

Week 4: April 2, 2015
Weight: 175 lbs.
Heart Rate: 84 bpm
Heart palpitations/afib: NONE
Other symptoms/issues: NONE

Week 5: April 9, 2015
Weight: 175 lbs.
Heart Rate: 88 bpm
Heart palpitations/afib: NONE
Other symptoms/issues: NONE

Week 6: April 16, 2015
Weight: 172 lbs.
Heart Rate: 83 bpm
Heart palpitations/afib: NONE
Other symptoms/issues: NONE

Week 7: April 23, 2015
Weight: 171 lbs.
Heart Rate: 87 bpm
Heart palpitations/afib: NONE
Other symptoms/issues: NONE

Week 8: April 30, 2015
Weight: 170 lbs.
Heart Rate: 89 bpm
Heart palpitations/afib: NONE
Other symptoms/issues: NONE

Week 9: May 7, 2015
Weight: 169 lbs.
Heart Rate: 88 bpm
Heart palpitations/afib: NONE
Other symptoms/issues: NONE

Week 10: May 14, 2015
Weight: 171 lbs.
Heart Rate: 83 bpm
Heart palpitations/afib: NONE
Other symptoms/issues: NONE

Week 11: May 21, 2015
Weight: 169 lbs.
Heart Rate: 85 bpm
Heart palpitations/afib: NONE
Other symptoms/issues: NONE

Week 12: May 28, 2015
Weight: 169 lbs.
Heart Rate: 81 bpm
Heart palpitations/afib: NONE
Other symptoms/issues: YES

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Other Articles You Might Be Interested In

  • My First A-Fib Ablation Experience

  • My Official Catheter Ablation Report

  • Do I Regret Having a Catheter Ablation?

  • Catheter Ablation Insertion Spots: One Poke In The Neck and Two In The Groin

  • The Weeks and Days Leading Up To My Catheter Ablation

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  1. kerry ( Age: 72 / male / Years with AFIB: 7 )
    Aug 19, 2021

    Hi everyone I had a pvi procedure three weeks ago and all went well on the day.
    I felt rather breathless for about two weeks post procedure and my bp fluctuated very wildly going to 195 over 95 for a few minutes then dropping back but not to my normal 120 over 65. I’am pleased to report bp has settled back to normal and am feeling really great no afib or pvcs. Can anyone explain why my bp went so high! Can’t find any answers. Kerry

    Reply
  2. Keith ( Age: 49 / male )
    Dec 09, 2019

    Hello. had afib ablation about a week ago. So far so good, with maybe just a couple little ectopic beats once or twice a day the last couple days. My pre ablation heart rate was around 65 bpm, and is still right around that. I read below that a raised heart rate may be an indication that the vagal nerve connection was addressed. Vagal response was clearly an issue for me in the past, since very cold food, and lumps of food going down my throat could trigger afib. I do feel that drinking something cold in the last couple days has led to a palp here and there.

    Sigh. Did my doctor miss that key spot? It’s early i know (scar tissue still forming). but the unchanged heart rate seems a bad indicator for me. Anyone in a similar boat? Thanks.

    Reply
  3. Andrew H ( Age: 37 / M / Years with AFIB: 1 )
    Sep 11, 2019

    Hey guys, I have just had an ablation and 3 weeks out roughly, i am easing back into my work and have noticed spikes with heart rate even walking a flight of stairs. When it does it sits around 100 and takes some time to resolve. Also when this happens i get an uneasy feeling and almost a lump in the throat feeling as well as a dull head etc. I am no longer on meds to lower my rate ( bisporol) so when it happens it does freak me out as I thought that would be it after surgery. Dissapointing as my surgeons etc didnt explain that there would be ‘aftershocks’ and I think that combined with the worry is not helping and after initially feeling great for a week I feel like i am spiralling back into the problems again. Is this normal?

    Reply
    • Rich
      Sep 11, 2019

      It’s completely normal to have not only odd heart beat’s following an ablation but you could also experience Afib.
      I had my 4th ablation in July and as I sit here writing this my rat is 75. It’s normally in the high 50’s low 60’s. All I did today was run the pressure washer.
      It could take up to a year for your heart to return to it’s normal activities.
      You must realize that they have created scar tissue within your heart that inhibits pathways that lead to Afib. So it stands to reason that it will affect what is normal heart function for you.
      For instance when I had my first ablation back in 2009 not only was my resting heart rate affected, but also how it reacted to exercise. I was still able to get my heart rate up but it took longer.

      Reply
    • Ali Dalloul ( Age: 55 / Male )
      Feb 14, 2020

      Hey Andrew,

      I just had my ablation on 1/23, so about 3 weeks now. Have the same symptoms as you reported. Curious, have they eased up, gotten better for you?

      Reply
  4. Mary ( Age: 54 / Female / Years with AFIB: Unknown )
    Apr 23, 2019

    I’m 54 female and discovered I had afib in 2017 although I have been experiencing it a long time and everyone said it was anxiety, my age, or menopause. Very frustrating! I was having a spell at work as a hairstylist and my customer was a retired nurse and she took my pulse and knew what it was!

    I have already had three ablations since Oct 2017. My last was one was on April 18. I have a high heart with mine and blackout spells. I hope and pray this took care of it.

    I’m healthy besides the afib. It worries me what will happen next if this one doesn’t work. The meds make me tired and I hate being on Eliquis. It worries me for the long run.

    Reply
    • Travis Van Slooten
      May 03, 2019

      Mary:

      You’re not alone worrying about what the future holds. I suspect all of us that have had ablations think about that. The only thing I can say is try your best to live in the present. Don’t dwell on the past or worry about tomorrow. Enjoy each day God blesses you with afib-freedom. I know that’s easier said than done but life is too short the way it is. Don’t worry about “what if’s.” Cross those bridges when you get there (IF you get there – many of the things we worry about never come to pass).

      I wish you the very best and I hope your latest ablation is a success!

      Travis

      Reply
    • Rich ( Years with AFIB: A long time )
      May 04, 2019

      Mary,
      As Travis said I think we all constantly have it on our minds. Hopefully your last ablation will finally rid you of the burden.

      Was your last ablation more extensive? Was there work done on your LAA?

      Best wishes to you

      Reply
  5. Julian ( Age: 47 / M / Years with AFIB: 5 )
    Jun 21, 2018

    Hello.
    Really useful site – thanks.

    UK – 2 weeks post ablation and have taken it very easy to ensure a better recovery. Pulse was previously 55, now is stubbornly high in the 80’s which makes me very tired.

    I was ready to return to work (office based) next week so I went for a short, 10-minute walk yesterday. What a shocker, it took nearly an hour and I was gasping for breath, feeling like my chest was being kicked. I was shuffling like I don’t know what (I’m 47 and normally very fit).

    My surgery wasn’t bad (2 hours or so), although I do have multiple ASD (holes) and a couple of other structural heart issues which probably don’t help with heart-stress or recovery. I suppose I don’t have a specific question, I just wanted to reflect that the oft-stated “back to work in a couple of weeks” isn’t always the case, despite taking it very easy. I feel guilty about not going back (I work for the NHS). Going back too early is never advisable. We all fall for it.

    I don’t know how some of the contributors to this site manage to go to the gym a few days after surgery. Incredible. Be kind to yourselves everyone.

    Reply
    • Travis Van Slooten
      Jun 26, 2018

      Julian:

      Thanks for sharing your experience. Sorry to hear you’re recovery isn’t going as smooth as I’m sure you had hoped. Hang in there. It will get better!

      Your experience is a great reminder that we are all different. Some of us will recovery quicker than others for a variety of reasons. It might take someone 2 weeks to “fully recover” while another person needs 4-6 weeks!

      As a general rule, however, I strongly advise all afibbers recovering from an ablation to take it easy during the entire 3-month blanking period. Taking it easy for 3 months is a small price to pay in the scheme of things. I’m not saying you can’t go back to work for 3 months but heavy exercise of any kind should be avoided during the blanking period (in my opinion anyway). And if even small exercise sessions such as your 10-minute walk cause issues, don’t do it (at least until you fully recover).

      Travis

      Reply
    • George ( Age: 60 / male / Years with AFIB: life long )
      Jun 27, 2018

      Nice to find this site. I had an ablation on 6/12/18. It was a fairly long one of 7 and a half hours at Shands. I am having some severe headaches but otherwise, not much. I played 18 holes of golf 9 days after the procedure and another 18 3 days ago in north Florida heat. My heart rate used to stay in the 40’s and now stays in the 60’s. I have lifted and ran most of my life but I am going to hold off on that for a while longer.

      Reply
    • Laura V ( Age: 58 / Female / Years with AFIB: 7 )
      Sep 01, 2018

      Thank you, thank you for the information. I am three weeks post ablation of 4 veins. Overall, doing very well with my heart rhythm. Occasional palpitations, but nothing like the eye-popping episodes a few months ago that would take my breath away. My afib returned after a seven year hiatus. They tried metoprolol, which I did not tolerate as I have low blood pressure already.

      An ablation was the obvious choice for me. I kept the metoprolol for only when needed to take a dose. Now after my ablation, I am struggling with the gap between being told I should be able to return to my normal routine in about a week and frustrated with decreased endurance, symptomatic low blood pressure episodes and epigastric discomfort still about 3 weeks post op.

      My history of and now recurrence of near syncopal episodes from low blood pressure are causing problems with driving and trying to stay out of the ER. Six days ago, one of my electrophysiologists advised starting salt tablets to keep my blood pressure up by retaining fluid. Some success so far, during the process of finding the right balance of water intake and salt intake.

      I have been able to return to work but not as much as I hoped (but enough to keep me from feeling hopeless). Finding the right balance of rest and activity has been THE most difficult part of my recovery. Planning anything for sure is just not possible. Good days and not good days. Thank you all again for your input. Your communication has helped with my much needed patience.

      Reply
      • Laura ( Age: 58 )
        Sep 15, 2018

        Update at week 5. Cardiology cleared me last week. Near syncopal/vasovagal continues to be a problem. Some improvement over this past week but was triggered after eating and exercising. Continued loss of appetite, funny taste in my mouth, periods of lightheadedness, transient dry mouth, feeling full after a couple bites of food, mild weight loss, periods of foggy brain and intolerance to light pressure around my chest with wearing a bra.

        Cleared by endocrinology, nephrology, cardiology and my attending physician. Neurology suggested a work up to evaluate my autonomic response and what appears to be an overly sensitive response linked to post ablation and possible vagus nerve affected. My blood thinner was changed last week from Xarelto to Eliquis and discontinued the Prilosec, as they said it was blocking the synthroid. Any others with the lingering issues and discoveries for improvement?

        Reply
        • Travis Van Slooten
          Nov 01, 2018

          Laura:

          Sorry for the long response to your comments. I get so many comments throughout my blog that sometimes comments fall through the cracks. It’s been almost 6 weeks now since you left your comments. How are things going now? Have your issues improved?

          Travis

          Reply
      • Travis Van Slooten
        Nov 01, 2018

        Laura:

        I see you left your comments a couple months ago now. How are you doing today? Are things getting any better? Are you still taking salt tablets?

        By the way, I’m curious about your salt tablets. Do you know how much sodium is in each tablet and how many do you take per day? And what’s your typical blood pressure reading? You said it was normally low so I’m curious.

        Thanks,

        Travis

        Reply
        • Leticia
          Jun 09, 2019

          Hi! I had a catheter ablation on May 8, 2019. Is it normal to feel palpitations here and there?

          I’m taking 80 mg propanol and Pradaxa 150 mg for a blood thinner for 3 months. I have a baby that weighs 20 pounds. Is it ok to carry her? I’m just so worried and scared of having these palpitations before having my catheter ablation. I really had it bad that my body would be shaking each time I had any palpitations. I even fell twice it was really bad I just pray to God after my procedure I will feel better. Can you give me an advice? Thank You!

          Reply
          • Travis Van Slooten
            Jun 14, 2019

            Leticia:

            It is completely normal to experience some ectopy (i.e. palpitations) after an ablation. I had bad palpitations on and off for two years after my ablation but things settled down and I’ve been fine ever since. Hang in there…it will get better! Those palpitations should subside over time.

            God Bless!

            Travis

            Reply
  6. robert ( Age: 59 / m / Years with AFIB: 10 years, on and off )
    May 28, 2018

    Hi Travis, thanks for this website. I am one-week post-ablation, and so far so good but I too have an elevated heart rate, usually 60 or less, now 80. I realized it is considered normal, maybe even good, as it probably indicates the vagus nerve connection was terminated. How long did it take for your normal rate to return, or did it? Thanks for any info, Robert.

    Reply
    • Travis Van Slooten
      May 29, 2018

      Robert:

      It took over a year for my heart rate to come back down to my pre-ablation heart rate, which was in the 50’s. My heart rate was in the 80’s for almost the entire first year after my ablation. Fortunately, I felt exactly the same when my heart was pumping away in the 80’s all that time. It had no ill-effect on me. Your heart rate will definitely come back down but how long it will take to do so is unknown as it varies from person-to-person.

      I wish you a successful recovery and many years of NSR!

      Travis

      Reply
    • Tim ( Age: 58 / M / Years with AFIB: 1.5 )
      May 29, 2018

      Hi Robert-

      I had my one and only ablation about 3-4 years ago. I’m a serious cyclist, and for about a year my resting heart rate was higher than normal (80’s-90’s) and would also take a very long time to return to my new high after hard riding. Sometimes it would take an hour to drop below 100.

      Now, I’m back in the 60’s resting, and my HR drops back to normal within a few minutes.

      Hope this helps you relax :)

      Reply
  7. Rich ( Age: 52 / male / Years with AFIB: 30 )
    Mar 23, 2018

    Thanks for sharing Travis. Information is power.

    I had my first ablation back in 2009. After dealing with it for many years it had finally gotten to a point I could no longer do the things I enjoyed doing. Following my ablation I left the hospital on 200mg flecainide and 25mg Metoprolol a day. After a six month period I was sent a 24hr monitor to wear leading up to my next follow up with my doctor. After that appointment I tapered off of the drugs and was only to use the Flecainide as a PIP if necessary. I went about 5 years before ever needing to use it and from that point on this past year only about 2-3 times a year to convert.

    This past January I found myself in the emergency room as I had passed out several days before after converting from afib. From that day I was going in and out of afib and the Flecainide was not doing the trick anymore. I had my second ablation that day and left the hospital the next day in NSR med free. This lasted about 10 days before I had my first afib episode. I took the flecainide after a few hours of trying to let it convert on its own and several hours later I converted. A couple days passed and wash, rinse, repeat so my doctor advised that I go back on the daily regiment of flecainide for a period of time to allow things to settle down.

    The past several weeks I started back to doing some light exercise on the indoor cycling trainer keeping my heart rate in check and have been feeling good. I received lifewatch monitor in the mail today from my doctor to do some recording as my next appointment with him is a little over a month away. I put the monitor on at around 1pm yesterday and by 6 pm had my first recordable event. I am certain this is the first event I have had at least during waking hours since returning to the daily regiment of flecainide and metoprolol.

    Thanks again for sharing your story.

    Rich

    Reply
    • Travis Van Slooten
      Mar 24, 2018

      Thanks Rich for sharing your story! I hope it has a happy ending. Please keep us posted. God Bless.

      Travis

      Reply
      • Rich ( Age: 53 / Male / Years with AFIB: 30 years )
        May 16, 2018

        Just an update…..

        My affib, I believe is back worse than it was following my first ablation. I have been on Tikosyn now for over a month and the longest period I have gone now in NSR is 5 days. Lately I seem to be in affib just about as much as NSR.

        Right now I am at a crossroads. I’m unable to do the things I enjoy and since starting on the Tikosyn they have also increased my Metoprolol to 50mg 2x/day. I take 75mg when in affib to keep my HR below 100 BPM. Just before starting me on the Tikosyn I had a cardioversion done. I had been in afib for just over a week at a high rate and they thought they saw some weakening of the heart muscle during the TEE. I just had an echo done last week and everything looked normal so at least that’s a positive.

        I am currently waiting to have my third ablation done with Dr Andrea Natale in Texas. I had all of my records sent to him to review and he has accepted me as a patient. So now I wait.

        Reply
        • Travis Van Slooten
          May 16, 2018

          Rich:

          Refresh my memory again…what is your afib and ablation history? Were your first two ablations done by Natale?

          Travis

          Reply
          • Rich
            Jul 24, 2018

            My first 2 ablations were done by a very copitent Dr @ UPMC Shadyside Pittsburgh. He was not comfortable though with doing anything further.
            Just returned home yesterday from Austin Texas after having the third ablation done by Dr Natale on Friday . 90 minutes of burn time. He expanded existing scar tissues @ the PVI. LAA isolation, coronary sinus and posterior wall. Also some work in the right atria.
            Had an organic event during procedure and achieved a rate of 240 bpm. This occurred while he was starting to work on the coronary sinus.
            Feeling pretty good today. Chest pressure has greatly diminished and my resting heart rate is 61 bpm.

            Reply
            • Tim ( Age: 58 / M / Years with AFIB: 1.5 )
              Jul 24, 2018

              Good luck Rich, those folks are Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute are the best in the world. I’m not sure if they talked about their robotic tools, but I was impressed. I was fortunate to find them, and get it done early. 4 years in normal sinus rhythm (knock on wood).

              Reply
              • Rich
                Jul 24, 2018

                Thanks Tim. I had about 5 years of NSR then several using PIP following my first ablation in 2009. Actually I am quickly approaching the anniversary of that first ablation.

                Dr Natale his staff and the staff at st David’s are amazing.

                Continued NSR to you as well.

                Reply
            • Travis Van Slooten
              Jul 31, 2018

              Rich:

              That’s great to hear you’re doing well after your Natale ablation. It appears Natale hit just about every potential afib source so you should be good now (knock on wood). Sometimes the LAA isolation can be stubborn and a touch up is required so if that happens, don’t lose hope. It’s part of the process. Once that LAA is fully buttoned up you are usually free of afib for life:)

              Keep us posted on your progress in the coming months and years. I wish you the very best and a quick recovery!

              Travis

              Reply
              • RIch ( Age: 52 )
                Jul 31, 2018

                Thanks Travis. Yes the LAA is a tricky place to ablate. Thin/thick walls and its proximity to the pulmonary vein make’s cuts the time that the catheter can remain in one area. He also told me, and I already was aware of this, that he may have to revisit the LAA because of this.

                Affb was organizing there though as well as the coronary sinus. Dr Natale first induced it. Then as he was starting to ablate the coronary sinus afib reorganized in both the LAA and the coronary sinus. If I am understanding my ablation report correctly, he had already done some work on the LAA then returned to it following his work on the coronary sinus.

                This is day 11 now and I did have some arrhythmia Sunday and a couple blips yesterday and today. I sent recordings on Sunday and what I was experiencing was a mixture of both Affib and NSR at a higher rate. Completely normal for this short a time into the blanking period

                I also stopped taking the Ticosyn yesterday. I am going to go back onto the Flecanide. The Ticosyn never really worked that well before anyway. That and I am pretty sure that the Ticosyn is causing me nerve pain. At least that is what I believe to be the culprit.

                The week leading up to my ablation I had stopped the Ticosyn. And as the week progressed my nerve pain disipated and by thursday was almost completely gone. SInce I starting back on the Ticosyn the nerve pain has crept back.

                I will keep you updated as things move along.

                Reply
                • Travis ( Age: 45 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
                  Jul 31, 2018

                  Rich:

                  Thanks for the follow up details. And thanks for the info on Tikosyn. These drugs are so complex. It’s just interesting to hear about all the different side effects people experience – and yet someone else can take the same drug and not have any side effects. I hope the flec works better for you!

                  Travis

                  Reply
                  • Rich
                    Oct 06, 2018

                    Another update here at just over 2 months in. Its been a rollercoaster for sure but has smoothed out the past few weeks.

                    I think I mentioned that I believed the Ticosyn to be cause for nerve pain I was experiencing. And during the transition back to Flecainide I went out of rhythm and had a cardioversion. It also turns out that the nerve pain was being caused by a bulged T12l1 and a herniated L5s1. These have caused me great pain and discomfort to the point the pain was so bad it caused me to go out of rhythm again.

                    Following this, I was not cardioverted right away as the fear was I would go right back out of rhythm afterward due to the pain. And at this point the only thing that would touch the pain was Oxycodine and at that, it only dulled it. I had a nerve block done a week later and the pain turned and has continued to improve with physical therapy.

                    I had a cardioversion scheduled for a few days later but converted back to NSR on my own. I was out of rhythm this time for 2 weeks but have remained in NSR for the weeks proceeding to today.

                    There’s a lot of detail between all of this which I cover on my blog. At this point, I am not concerned as to whether or not my latest ablation is going to be a success. Having work done on the LAA always leaves the possibility for a return visit so we will see. I have a follow up with my local EP at the end of this month which will be 3 months. At that time I will also have a consult with Dr. Natale to see what the next step will be.

                    I hope by that time my back issues are sorted so I can start getting back to cycling and a more normal life.

                    Reply
                    • Travis Van Slooten
                      Oct 26, 2018

                      Rich:

                      I missed your comments. Sorry for such a long delay in responding. Thanks for the update.

                      Man, your back issues sound awful. My wife has battled back pain on and off over the years so I know it isn’t any fun. I feel so bad for people that have back issues because it’s painful and seems to take forever to heal. I wish you the best with the back.

                      Be sure to drop a line after you have your follow up visit with your local EP.

                      Thanks,

                      Travis

                      P.S. I’d also be interested to hear what Natale says after you have a consult with him.

                    • Rich ( Age: 52 / Years with AFIB: A long time )
                      Nov 18, 2018

                      I failed to mention that I am off of the Flecainide as well. I’ve been off of it now for 3 weeks but still remain on the Metoprolol and Eliquis for now. I have also started weight lifting again and plan to get back on the indoor trainer this week. The heart is calm although I do feel the occasional PAC/PVC though they are very infrequent.

                      My 3 month follow-up with my local EP went really well. We had a good long discussion and I will see him again next May. That is the time we will part ways due to insurance. Not that my insurance won’t pay. His employer wont accept it. So in the meantime he is going to contact another EP to take over for him.

                      I talked to Dr. Natale’s office and I wont be returning there until sometime in February 2019 to have a TEE done to measure the function of my LAA. At some time between now and then I assume he will have me stop the Metoprolol. They will also be sending me a 24 hour event monitor sometime in January 2019 prior to my February visit.

                    • Travis Van Slooten
                      Dec 29, 2018

                      Rich:

                      Glad to hear things are going well for you. That’s terrific!

                      I hope you have a great appointment with Natale.

                      Have a Happy New Year!

                      Travis

    • Kirk ( Age: 66 / M / Years with AFIB: 4 )
      May 07, 2018

      I had an ablation for AFIB a month ago today. Since the procedure I have been having nothing but PVC’s and PAC’s. It seems they occur mostly during and after exercise, lifting weights and using the elliptical. On Friday last week, my doctor suggested I take a 3rd dose of Metoprolol. So now I take 50mg of this med, 3x/day.

      Over the weekend I felt pretty good but today I got pretty light headed lifting weights. I had not taken the additional dose today before the exercise. My question is; could the additional dose of medication be causing this or are the PVC’s so bad that I’m not getting enough blood, or both?

      I had an echo cardiogram two weeks ago and it was normal. I also experienced a little light headedness before taking the extra dose but nothing this severe while exercising. The PVC’s can be as frequent as every third beat. Any thoughts?

      Reply
      • Travis Van Slooten
        May 07, 2018

        Kirk:

        A few thoughts come to mind. The first thought that immediately came to mind was the weight lifting and overall exercising you’re doing. You may be overdoing it. I know the doctors say you can resume normal activities 10 days or so after your ablation but I caution against it.

        If you read through any of my blanking period updates, I was ultra conservative during my recovery. I didn’t do any lifting during the blanking period and I didn’t do anything beyond a brisk walk until about the third month! Some might argue that is too conservative but it worked for me. Your heart was burned after all. There is a lot of inflammation going on. Your heart needs time to heal:) So the first thing I’d do is cool it on the exercising for a while and see if that reduces the PVCs and PACs.

        My second thought was the metoprolol. It’s possible the increased dose is making things worse. These drugs can have all kinds of crazy side effects including producing ectopy! I’m not saying that’s the cause here but it’s interesting that you were doing o.k. but then as soon as you increased your dose things got worse. Is it coincidence or causation? I have no idea but it’s something to investigate.

        It could be the combination of overdoing it in the gym and the increased dosage that is giving you fits. Maybe if you backed off of both for a while things will settle down. I’d talk to your doctor about it for sure.

        The other thing is it’s not uncommon to have a lot of ectopy during the blanking period. My PVCs and PACs kicked in around two months after my ablation and didn’t really stop for almost two years! You’ll read all about my on and off battles with PVCs and PACs on this blog. Fortunately, they did finally settle down but it took a long time (2 1/2 years). The take away? You will need patience to get your through these PVCs and PACs.

        I hope this helps.

        Travis

        Reply
        • Kirk
          May 08, 2018

          Thanks Travis. I suspected the same thing regarding the Metoprolol and exercise. Spoke with my Cardiologist last night and he advised I reduce the medicine. As for exercise, he doesn’t believe exercise should have any effect on worsening my situation long term. I don’t know if I agree. My problem is I am a true exercise fanatic (probably what got me here in the first place) and I’m having a tough time giving it up. I guess that’s something I will need to wrestle with to determine what I will do. I certainly don’t want to have this done again if I don’t need it.

          Reply
          • Travis Van Slooten
            May 09, 2018

            Kirk:

            Keep in mind, we’re only talking about “cooling” it on the exercise during the blanking period. However, as an official member of the afib club now, you really should consider moderating your exercise regimen over the long-term. There’s all kinds of evidence now that excessive exercise is bad for heart health and afib.

            The other thing is you don’t mention what your specific exercise regimen is. It may be a moderate program to begin with. If that’s the case then throttling things back a little during the blanking period is all you have to do. Then go back to your normal program. But if you’re exercising “hard” for 30+ minutes and really pushing yourself with the weights you would be doing yourself a big favor to moderate things long term.

            I wish you well!

            Travis

            Reply
            • Kirk
              May 10, 2018

              Travis,

              I have cut way back on my exercise regime. 3 days free weights, 2 days cardio on the elliptical. All 35 minutes and under. Cardio is on low resistance and weights are relatively light with 3 sets of 10 for each exercise. This will be my routine for the foreseeable future. I have also started to reduce the metoprolol and I feel slightly better. I hope it continues!

              Thanks for the feedback and encouragement. It is easy to get discouraged.

              Kirk

              Reply
              • Travis Van Slooten
                May 11, 2018

                Kirk:

                Sounds like you’re on the right track. I hope the revisions to your exercise program pay off! Hang in there. It will get better!

                Travis

                Reply
                • Kirk
                  May 15, 2018

                  Travis,

                  Sorry for the duplicate response, the website was not responding properly. One thing I forgot to ask, did you eliminate caffeine from your diet after the procedure, specifically coffee? My doctor says a little caffeine shouldn’t make a difference. I seem to do better, though, giving it up entirely, at least for now.

                  Reply
                  • Sherry ( Age: 58 / female / Years with AFIB: 3 )
                    May 15, 2018

                    Travis,

                    My doctor told me I could drink coffee too, but I haven’t been able to tolerate it since before the surgery, makes me have palpitations, or racing heart. Even decaf. It was a struggle giving it up, I loved my morning coffee…but I didn’t like feeling how I felt, despite the doctor saying ok to coffee, so I gave it up over a year ago now. I might have a cup 2-3x a year, but that’s it.

                    Reply
                    • Kirk
                      May 16, 2018

                      Sherry,

                      Thanks for your comments. I feel the same way. As much as I love coffee, the small amounts of caffeine present in decaf is enough to cause me the same problems. Maybe I’ll give it up all together for the next couple months and see how I feel at that point.

                    • Travis ( Age: 45 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
                      May 16, 2018

                      Sherry:

                      Obviously coffee is a trigger for you so you’re smart to just give it up!

                      Travis

                • Kirk
                  Jun 26, 2018

                  Travis,

                  When you were experiencing PVC’s did you get light headed at times? It’s been 2 1/2 months since my ablation and the PVC’s don’t seem to be much better and I get light headed at times.

                  Reply
                  • Travis ( Age: 45 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
                    Jun 26, 2018

                    Kirk:

                    Not really. There was one time where I was shooting hoops with my daughter and when I jumped up to get a rebound I got light headed on the way down and literally had to kneel down as I felt like I was going to faint. It was kind of a freaky experience. It lasted about 5 seconds and I never experienced it again. This was about 2-3 months after my ablation. Other than that one time I never got light headed from my PVCs.

                    As you know, I battled PVCs and PACs a bunch for about 12-18 months! I thought I would have them forever. I was actually getting used to life with them. The good news is they just went away. Granted, it took much longer than I expected but they did eventually go away.

                    Hang in there. It will get better but it might take a while. Be patient. Be strong.

                    God Bless.

                    Travis

                    Reply
                  • Sherry ( Age: 58 / female / Years with AFIB: 9 )
                    Jun 26, 2018

                    Kirk,

                    It took me almost a year before I felt like myself. And it’s now been almost 2 years. The lightheadness for me, was the darn blood thinner they put me on. That continued for the year they made me stay on it. I switched meds but it was all the same for me. Once I was off the blood thinner, I started to feel so much better.

                    Sherry

                    Reply
            • Kirk
              May 11, 2018

              Travis,

              I have cut way back on my routine. I lift weights 3 days a week and cardio on the elliptical 1-2 days a week @ 50% of normal resistance. All sessions are no more than 35 minutes. Free weight sessions consist of 10 reps and 3 sets for each exercise (6 exercises). Weights are relatively light @ 90 % of my former routine. Time of each session has been reduced by 50% or more. Number of session reduced by 1-2 per week. This will be my routine for the foreseeable future.

              I have also started to reduce the Metoprolol. I have felt slightly better during the 2nd half of this week so I hope it continues.

              Thanks for the encouraging words because it has been a very discouraging last month or so. One bright spot, no Afib episodes.

              Best regards,

              Kirk

              Reply
  8. Mary Ann ( Age: 60 / Female / Years with AFIB: 13 )
    Nov 17, 2017

    Hey there, I have had Afib for many years but it was controlled until last summer. When I read other comments and saw that people experienced for example 2 episodes in a year, I was envious.

    I had a stroke on 12/28/16 and was blessed to walk away with no deficits. I was then hospitalized in January for 4 days and September for 7 days due to Afib. I have been in Afib almost every day and sometimes for a couple of days at a time since 09/21/17 while awaiting my ablation which is scheduled for 11/21/17.

    After reading this blog and comments, I am assuming that my case is complex. Would you think that more than one ablation will be necessary? Also I have been out of work since 09/21/17 because I experience shortness of breath, lightheadedness and extreme fatigue during and after afib. How soon after the ablation was there a return to work?

    Reply
    • Travis Van Slooten
      Nov 19, 2017

      Mary:

      So glad to hear you didn’t suffer any long-term effects from your stroke!

      Anytime you have an episode that lasts more than 12 hours is usually an indication you have a more complex case of atrial fibrillation – especially if you are having multiple episodes that last more than 12 hours.

      Depending on the skills and experience of your EP, you may or may not need a second ablation. That’s why it’s so imperative to seek the absolute most experienced EP. You want to look for an EP that has a long track record of doing ablations for complex cases of afib. The typical PVI-only ablation, which most EP’s do, isn’t enough to put an end to a complex case of afib. When you have a complex case, the triggers come from additional areas of the heart besides the pulmonary veins. If you don’t ablate those other trigger sources, your afib will continue to be a problem – even if your pulmonary veins are completely ablated. An EP with experience doing ablations for complex cases of afib will be able to identify and ablate ALL potential sources of afib – not just the pulmonary veins.

      Please stay in touch. I wish you the very best with your upcoming ablation and I sincerely hope you are a “one and done” case!

      Travis

      P.S. Most people can go back to work within a week or so after their ablation. I’ve even heard of people going back to work in a few days. Personally, I think that’s pushing it no matter how quickly you rebound but the point is in most cases it’s not a long recovery. I was ready to get back to work within a week of my ablation. Some people, however, have a longer recovery but usually not more than 7-10 days. Again, everyone is different and every case is different so your “results may vary.”

      Reply
  9. Victoria ( Age: 63 / Female / Years with AFIB: 1.5 )
    Jul 01, 2017

    Just had first ablation two weeks ago. I went into afib once last week but it only lasted about an hour and went back into normal rhythm, well normal right now 80bpm. I was admitted in Feb. to the hospital with afib but the worse symptom was my jaw was just killing me…signs of a heart attack for woman. The good news I didn’t have a heart attack.

    I mention that because today I had severe jaw pain and pain in between my shoulder blades with extreme fatigue. This lasted for about 15 minutes and then went away except for some slight jaw pain. I did have jaw pain last week when I went into afib. Is this normal?

    I went to the doc last week and they did an ekg and said everything looked good. Reading all the posts have made me feel better and I do realize I probably have been over doing it as I love working in my garden. Thank you.

    Reply
  10. Jonathan ( Age: 50 / male / Years with AFIB: nearly 2 yrs )
    Jun 20, 2017

    Hi Travis
    I have been reading with interest the recovery process and also the magnesium articles. I am in week 8 of the blanking period for my third ablation. Each time the symtoms have improved but I have experienced 4 afib episodes that I have managed through pill in the pocket process. I am now experiencing lots of PACs and PVCs. Sometimes showing as Afib on my Alivecor. However when sent off they come back as PACs / PVCs.

    I had a magnesium RBC test before the 3rd ablation and that can back in the normal range at 2.31mmol/l in a reference interval of 2.08-3.00 mmol/l. I have also been tested for sleep apnea (normal) and have cut out caffeine and alcohol. I am trying to get potassium and magnesium in through my diet and think I am getting enough through diet. Before my 3rd ablation I found that post exercise was when the afib struck if I raised my heart rate above 135bpm. If I stayed below I sometimes was o.k. I have not exercised yet following my third ablation. I am still praying that the third ablation has worked as for the first 9 days post op I was in sinus rhythm and this was absolutely wonderful.

    Have you any views on whether supplementation is better that through diet and whether it will address the PVCs and PACs? Or do I just need to be patient? The fact I’ve had 4 afib episodes suggests to me that I have not managed to get afib clear yet.

    Thanks in advance,
    Jonathan

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 44 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
      Jun 25, 2017

      Jonathan:

      If your 3rd ablation doesn’t work, I can almost guarantee you have triggers beyond the pulmonary veins. Do you know what areas your doctor ablated for your 3 ablations? If it’s just the pulmonary veins then you’ll want to find a doctor that can address triggers beyond them. Until those additional triggers are ablated, you’ll continue to have afib.

      For someone with afib and/or PVCs and PACs, you likely won’t be able to get enough magnesium through your diet. Supplements are the only way to get enough to make a difference. I strongly encourage you to read these articles:

      https://www.livingwithatrialfibrillation.com/2286/magnesium-afib/
      https://www.livingwithatrialfibrillation.com/2458/remag-magnesium-review/

      PVCs and PACs can be tricky to manage. I’ve been battling them on and off for 2 1/2+ years now. I’m constantly experimenting with my supplements to find the right combination to keep them at bay. You will likely have to do the same.

      If you have any other questions, let me know!

      Travis

      Reply
      • Philip Confalone ( Age: 44 / Male / Years with AFIB: 5 )
        Nov 25, 2017

        Hi Travis,

        I have been following your posts for awhile now, and found inspiration to get my ablation from them. I had my ablation 5 days ago, and everything looked good. Yesterday I had a bout of afib, but terminated in 5 minutes. That’s new for me. Never had one terminate that quick so I attribute that to the ablation. Been having on and off PACs as well. Trying to be positive and get through the blanking period without feeling the procedure was a failure. I had Dr. Joseph Levine at St. Francis hospital in Roslyn, NY do mine. He is regarded as one of the best so fingers crossed. Thanks for your posts and continual help to all of us.

        Regards,
        Phil Confalone

        Reply
        • Travis Van Slooten
          Nov 25, 2017

          Phil:

          I’m glad you found my posts helpful and inspirational! It’s normal to experience some ectopy – and even short bouts of afib – during the 3 month blanking period so don’t get too discouraged. Keep in touch and I wish you a totally successful ablation!

          Travis

          P.S. If you do have issues beyond the 3-month blanking period, please reach out to me directly as I will have some information for you.

          Reply
        • Mary Ann ( Age: 60 / Female )
          Nov 25, 2017

          Hi Phil, I had my ablation on 11/22/17. I am happy to hear that you are doing well. I luckily haven’t been in afib at all yet. But I am having other issues such as coughing, vomiting and diarrhea. Have you experienced any of those type of symptoms?

          Reply
          • Philip Confalone
            Nov 27, 2017

            Mary,

            Yes I have. Most are side effects of anesthesia. Did you have a TEE done prior to the ablation? That will cause the esophagus to get inflamed and cause coughing. Also the endotrachial tube inserted during intubation can cause soreness and an over-reactive airway. I’m dealing with that still but better everyday. You should not be vomiting now. That usually lasts a day after anesthesia. I learned the hard way and this time requested IV Zofran before they put me out. Did the job. If you are still having vomiting problems please discuss with your EP or PCP. Don’t wait on that.

            Reply
            • Mary Ann ( Age: 60 / Female )
              Nov 27, 2017

              Hay there, luckily the vomiting has stopped. I am still coughing and experiencing acid reflux as well. Still no Afib….almost a week…the longest that I have been out of afib in months! I am experiencing a palpitation here and there but definitely not afib! Hope you are doing well!

              Mary Ann

              Reply
  11. dave ( Age: 56 / male / Years with AFIB: 3 )
    May 25, 2017

    Hi Travis,
    thanks to your good advice more than a year ago, I just had my ablation last Tuesday after being on a waiting list for this several months. It was easier than I expected and I was out of there within 24 hrs. I feel really good so far and the old ticker just purrs like a kitten, stable and regular. Doc said to stay on Pradaxa and amiodarone for 6 weeks. Hope this works and looking forward to get off all those pills. will keep you updated on my progress, thanks again for maintaining a very good resource on afib here on your site, cheers Dave

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 44 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
      May 26, 2017

      Dave:

      That’s terrific to hear! I wish you many years of NSR. Please keep us posted.

      Travis

      Reply
  12. Mary ( Age: 64 / Female / Years with AFIB: 21 )
    Apr 29, 2017

    Hi Travis,

    I have been reading the comments and your post-ablation recovery posts with great interest. I am now 5 days post-ablation and have been going in and out of atrial flutter. Just to go back a little, I needed valve replacement surgery last year and they performed the Maze and removed the left atrial appendage at the same time. This seemed to get rid of the afib but produced new atypical left atrial flutters which required the ablation 5 days ago.

    They found a few spots for the flutter and also did a touch up on the PVI burns which had reconnected. All-in-all, a 5 hour procedure. Unfortunately, because of all the structural problems with my heart, I went right back into flutter the next day and was cardioverted yesterday. Seems fine now and will re-start amiodarone tomorrow to keep this under control during the blanking period.

    I am quite familiar with amiodarone as I took it for more than 5 years and have no problems taking it again just for a short period. My confusion is this, I was told that all the flutters and extra beats I am feeling are because of inflammation and irritation and it will all go away. That’s all well and good. However, after they looked at the ECG yesterday, they are now saying that my EP is ‘happy’ to do another ablation in a few weeks to take care of this new flutter. So, is this not caused by the inflammation then?

    I think he tried to explain that he may have to ablate again because of a new focal area that did not manifest itself while he was in there. It was all lost on me and confusing when other EPs add to the mix. Also, I thought you have to wait at least 6 months for a touch-up or second ablation. I am just not in love with the idea of going through all that again in about 6 weeks. He did assure me it would not be as involved as the first one and would not be under general anesthesia. Still…

    Mary

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 44 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
      Apr 30, 2017

      Mary:

      There are a lot of things to consider given your “complex” case. It would be best to talk to you on the phone. Please contact me via the contact us page found at the top of this website. Email me your phone number and I’ll call you to discuss.

      There isn’t necessarily anything wrong with them going back in so soon as long as they don’t ablate over the areas they already ablated, which they probably won’t do.

      There is the issue of the coronary sinus, which is typically a common afib trigger. It doesn’t sound like they ablated the coronary sinus but chances are this is a trigger, if not a primary trigger. If it is a trigger and they don’t touch it, you’ll always have this flutter issue no matter what “focal areas” they ablate. Finally, the other issue is the amiodarone. This will suppress potential triggers so if they go in and ablate with amiodarone in your system, then they might miss potential triggers.

      Please contact me and then we can discuss these issues in greater detail.

      Thanks,

      Travis

      Reply
  13. Hannah ( Age: 33 / Female )
    Mar 31, 2017

    Hi there,

    I had my first cardiac ablation February 2016 for AVNRT. The EP said it was successful, but I then started feeling a different kind of arrhythmia. My second ablation was for a fib, in November 2016. The EP said it was successful. I felt no difference from that procedure so I went back to my EP a couple days ago. Since the medications aren’t controlling my PAC’s, the EP suggested a third ablation, where he goes into the left side of my heart and also my pulmonary vein. What is the success rate for this procedure? I want to know if it’s worth it.

    Reply
  14. Melanie ( Age: 53 / Female / Years with AFIB: 2 )
    Mar 05, 2017

    We don’t have monitors post ablation here in the UK. I am 10 days post 2nd ablation and have been having extra and ectopic beats starting 4 days after the procedure (on and off). They are particularly bad today. My heart feels a bit shaky. But otherwise I feel well. Just a little on the tired side.

    I went for a short walk the other day and had to stop 3 times even though it was only over the road. I didn’t have any of these after my 1st ablation in August last year. Then I had a much faster heart rate but it was regular. I then went on to have AF episodes, hence the 2nd ablation.

    This time my surgery was 1.5 hours. He re-isolated the pulmonary veins which had breakthroughs and stumbled across a problem with my neck vein sending off signals so abated that too! I haven’t had a full conversation with him as of yet. I have a 3-month checkup in May.

    Reply
    • Robert
      Mar 07, 2017

      Hang in there Melanie, make sure you take your blood thinner meds and start exercising like get on a treadmill and drink a lot of pineapple juice. You are gonna feel great and better everyday. Good luck to you.

      Robert

      Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 44 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
      Mar 07, 2017

      Melanie:

      Hang in there. I’m sure things will get better. The good news is you aren’t experiencing any afib! Keep us posted and I wish you well.

      Travis

      Reply
      • Cathie ( Age: 56 / Catherine Brock / Years with AFIB: 10mnths )
        Mar 24, 2017

        I had the work done last year, my first op on the 4th July 2016. Everything seems ok but I’m having breathing difficulties at times. Now I am getting what I can only describe as shooting pains from right to left across my chest. I get these everyday. Does anyone else have these or should I worry?

        Reply
        • TJ ( Age: 45 )
          Apr 27, 2017

          Hi Cathie. I had a cardiac ablation done for afib in early November of 2016. I have also experienced (and continue to experience) similar symptoms at 5.5 months post ablation. I have intermittent shortness of breath and chest pains as well. My assumption is that these are pvcs and/or related to healing. My 30 day heart monitor I used in February of this year showed no afib despite these symptoms which was a pleasant surprise. Will know more at a future follow up appointment.

          Reply
    • Peter Dankert ( Age: 51 / male / Years with AFIB: 4 )
      Mar 23, 2017

      UK: Four days out from my ablation for PAF. Very lucky so far, no bumps or racing of my heart. Pulse rate 63-70. Groin stiff and sore but to be honest I had a short walk today and took it easy but all ok. Sleeping well but not overly tired. Back to teaching on Monday; keeping my fingers crossed as I was 12 hours on 12 hours off AF for the last 12 months.

      Reply
  15. Sherry ( Age: 57 / female / Years with AFIB: 3 )
    Feb 14, 2017

    Hi Travis,

    I have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It was diagnosed in my 20’s. I was put on a beta blocker and then had an alcohol ablation. All was well until I hit my 40’s. I started having racing or PVC’s when I ate certain foods or drank alcohol.

    In my 50’s it all got worse. Last year at 56 I would have these horrible racing episodes and my legs were swollen constantly. I told my doctor and cardiologist and all I got was shrugs. Sure, I’m female and it didn’t do it whenever I saw any of them so I got shrugs.

    A wore a holter monitor and I was told, “oh it’s just your condition.” Well…June 2016 I ended up passing out on a neighbor’s lawn. An ambulance came and took me to the hospital where I received a defibrillator after being told they discovered I had afib. I’d already determined that through the Internet but they didn’t listen to me. I changed cardiologists and now have an electrophysiologist (EP).

    I’m grateful for the defibrillator because now there is proof of what I’m telling doctors. The events are real and long! Being 56 and healthy otherwise, it was recommended I have an ablation surgery. I had that on December 21, 2016. So according to your article I am still in the “blanking” period.

    The EP told me he believes the surgery was successful and said we would run a report from the defibrillator in June and discuss removing me from Eliquis and Lopressor. I’m also on Multaq but he said I could stop that at the end of February. However, I stopped taking my morning dose of Multaq 5 days ago and have begun experiencing shortness of breath, which is a side effect of taking the drug, not getting off of it!

    I can’t find any literature about stopping the drug or if there are side effects or a way to stop taking it. And maybe I should wait until the blanking period is over. I’ve continued to have events, no racing periods, just PVC’s and skips, which all feels like “the same old thing” and I feel disappointed and depressed. But if I read your article right, I need to stop this and look forward to March 21st and beyond. But for now, not sure what’s causing the shortness of breath and if I should hold off taking myself off the Multaq.

    Do you know anything about this?

    Sherry

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 44 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
      Feb 23, 2017

      Sherry:

      I’m not familiar with an “alcohol ablation.” Can you tell me more about it?

      Regarding your situation, it’s definitely normal for the heart to “act up” during the 3-month blanking period. And for some, the blanking period may extend up to 4-5 months. We all heal differently. I know it’s easier said than done but try to be patient and give it time. If things haven’t improved by the 4th month mark then you may have to seriously consider a 2nd touch up ablation. Hopefully the doctor that did your ablation is an experienced EP as this will increase your odds significantly of the 1st (or 2nd ablation if necessary) ablation working.

      Regarding the shortness of breath issue, I was never on Multaq so I’m not sure if your shortness of breath is connected to the drug in any way or not. I would discuss with your doctor about taking yourself off of it.

      I wish you the best.

      Travis

      Reply
      • Sherry ( Age: 57 / Sherry Dietrich / Years with AFIB: 3 )
        Feb 24, 2017

        Hi Travis,

        I have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and eventually climbing stairs or simple exertion left me breathless. So I had an alcohol septal ablation. The surgeon goes in like they did the ablation for my afib, but instead of both left and right groin, it was one side. The surgeon uses alcohol to reduce the gradient of the heart muscle which is enlarged. Many athletes you hear of dropping dead on the field or court, with no apparent reason, this is why. The blood cannot flow easily or quickly as it needs to to keep the heart pumping, but many/most people with this defect don’t even know it, death is usually the first symptom! Thank goodness I had shortness of breath that got worse and worse. But before the surgery and until my afib was discovered, I was on Atenolol, a beta blocker. It made me very sleepy/tired all the time and mildly depressed, I learned to live with it.

        Unfortunately, many people with HCM develop afib. HCM effects the lower chambers of the heart, as I aged with it, the lower chamber was less and less able to pump the blood up into the upper chamber. So the upper chamber of the heart, where afib resides, began to take over the lower chambers job, and in doing so began to thicken and act erratically. I had horrible afib events of racing heart, shortness of breath, swelling legs/feet…and everyone said it was my HCM. I knew it wasn’t. And then you know the rest…

        I was concerned enough about the recent behavior of my heart while getting off Multaq, that I contacted the surgeon, who is an electrophysciologist, and his office had me put the scanner to my heart (at home) which transmits what my hearts been up to from the defibrillator. His office called me and said whatever’s going on it has nothing to do with afib, there has been no afib events! So I’ve contacted my cardiologist to see if perhaps while I withdraw from Multaq (which I’ve been taking full dose and feel better), I should up my Lopressor for my HCM. Because I DO want to get off the Multaq, it’s got some side effects I don’t like, and my insurance no longer covers it. At $350 a month, I cannot afford it.

        I know from speaking to the wife of another of his patients, that her husband had to have it a second time, with great success. But the surgeon tells me he believes mine was successful, but wants to wait until June to run tests and see if that’s all true before he takes me off Eliquis.

        I don’t know that I said, but I was diagnosed with silent acid reflux, I didn’t have heartburn, no upset stomach, only a dry persistent cough and a disappearing voice. Eventually I felt pressure in my chest, a runny nose, and burning in my throat. Once I got the diagnosis, I refused to take PPI’s, I changed my diet and the reflux went away, after a year. But now it’s back since I’ve been misbehaving on my diet. I know despite what the doctors tell me, the reflux really aggravates my heart. So there is no knowing for me, if it’s the acid reflux or the decrease in Multaq that caused the palpitations.

        But I’m grateful to your response, that I can’t judge the success of MY surgery after only 2 months. And having the lower chamber heart problem doesn’t help at all!

        Sherry

        Reply
  16. Gaetan ( Age: 69 / Male / Years with AFIB: 4 years )
    Jan 22, 2017

    After Catheter Ablation. Hello every one. My Name is Gaetan, age 69 with A-Fib for 4 years. Dear Travis, I have a couple of questions can you please answer?

    1. I had my first ablation 22 days ago. According to the EP who performed the ablation everything went fine.

    2. Should an ablation ends up by a cardioversion to bring the heart to normal sinus?

    3. Since after the ablation my heart rate was 100 – 110 every day all the time. Last night I had a strange AF attack, and my heart went irregular, never had one like that in the past 4 years. Normally will be mild ones and just a feeling that my heart went irregular this time was more stronger.

    4. Is that normal that one will have an afib attack just after 20 days from the ablation?

    Before the ablation my last episode was 7 months before. Last 2 years episodes were occurring every 3 to 4 months. After the ablation my EP stopped (sotalol) 40 mg morning and 40 mg evening. Now I am only on Omeprazol 20 mg morning and 20 mg evening, and 20 mg Xarelto evening.

    Can you please give me an answer to my questions?

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 44 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
      Feb 01, 2017

      Gaetan:

      I’m not sure what you’re asking in questions 1-3 so I’ll need more clarification. Regarding question #4, it’s not uncommon at all to have an afib episode 20 days after an ablation. In fact, it’s not uncommon to have an afib episode(s) at any time during the 3-month blanking period.

      The goal is to not have any afib episodes after an ablation but that doesn’t always happen. It’s usually a better sign if they occur early in the blanking period vs. later in the blanking period. If you have an afib episode(s) towards the end of the blanking period that usually (but not always) indicates a second touch up ablation may be needed.

      I wish you well!

      Travis

      Reply
      • Gaetan ( Age: 69 / Male / Years with AFIB: 4 years )
        Feb 02, 2017

        Dear Travis,

        Ok I found the questions I asked you. Well, regarding question #2 what I want to ask you is, should at the end of an ablation should one be cardioverted to come to NSR, or one should come to NSR with the ablation?

        The reason for this question is that they have cardioverted me to come to NSR at the end of the ablation.

        Regarding question #3, after the ablation my heart rate was between 100 and 110 bpm, is that normal?

        Thank you.
        Gaetan

        Reply
        • Travis ( Age: 44 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
          Feb 02, 2017

          Gaetan:

          Thanks for the clarification. In an ideal scenario, you’ll convert to NSR on your own but it’s not uncommon at all to need a cardioversion after an ablation and during the blanking period. And needing a cardioversion after an ablation doesn’t necessarily mean the ablation was a failure. That’s why months 3-4 are the most crucial. If you experience afib any time after the 3rd month that requires a cardioversion then there is a very high likelihood that you’ll need a touch up second ablation.

          Regarding your other question, it is very normal to have an elevated heart rate after an ablation. Prior to my ablation my resting heart rate was about 52 bpm. After my ablation my resting heart rate was in the mid to upper 80’s and it stayed there for an entire year. Now two years later my resting heart rate is around 60. Your resting heart rate will come down but it may likely be slightly higher than it was prior to your ablation.

          Travis

          Reply
          • Gaetan ( Age: 69 / Male / Years with AFIB: 4 )
            Feb 02, 2017

            Dear Travis,
            Thank you very much for your prompt reply.
            very appreciated.
            Gaetan

            Reply
            • Gaetan ( Age: 69 / Male / Years with AFIB: 4 years )
              Feb 11, 2017

              Dear Travis,
              I have a question for please.
              Lately these last 6 days I have noticed that I go to sleep with a heart rate 0f 70 bpm, when I wake up in the morning my heart rate will be in the 90’s and some time it goes beyond 100, after a couple of hours it goes back to 70 again. during that time I take the 25 mg Atenalol.
              What is your opinion about this.
              Thank you
              Gaetan

              Reply
              • Travis ( Age: 44 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
                Feb 12, 2017

                Gaetan:

                You’re still in the blanking period so it’s very possible these up and downs are just a matter of the healing process. When you wake up with your heart rate elevated are you dreaming by chance? There are many times when I will wake up in the middle of the night with a very vivid dream and my heart will be pounding away rapidly – in response to the vivid dream.

                Travis

                Reply
                • Gaetan ( Age: 69 / Male / Years with AFIB: 4 )
                  Feb 12, 2017

                  Dear Travis,
                  No I don ‘t dream that much.
                  I Don’t dream often.
                  True there will be times that I dream a vivid dream but very rare.
                  Thank you for your reply.
                  Gaetan

                  Reply
                  • Gaetan ( Age: 69 / Male / Years with AFIB: 4 )
                    Mar 07, 2017

                    Dear Travis,
                    Over 2 months passed from my ablation, and still waking up with a heart rate of 90 – 100 bpm.
                    Is it still because of the blanking period?
                    Thank you

                    Reply
  17. Andrew ( Age: 47 / M / Years with AFIB: 2 )
    Jan 06, 2017

    Brian:

    I am a runner and had 2 AFIB episodes the past 2 years that needed cardioversions. I decided to get an ablation to try to prevent the progressive nature of AFIB. My resting heart rate increased from 43 to the low 60’s post ablation and since I have been wearing a heart rate monitor on my runs the past 2 years and I can say with certainty my athletic ability was diminished (lost 25 seconds per mile!).

    It is now been 5 months since my ablation. I have never had an AFIP episode and my resting heart rate is 53. I am only missing maybe 5 seconds per mile so I have come most of the way back. Perhaps all the way back. I ran and exercised starting on day 8 post ablation all the way through the blanking period. Very slowly at first and gradually increased intensity.

    I don’t believe my resting heart rate will ever recover and maybe that is a good thing as there is data that correlates success to ablation with resting heart rate change. I suspect your heart rate will lower about 10 beats per minute as you heal. Good luck!

    Reply
  18. Travis ( Age: 44 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
    Jan 06, 2017

    Eric:

    Thanks for the update. I’m so glad to hear you’re doing well and back to normal! I wish you total NSR in 2017 and in the years to come!

    Travis

    Reply
  19. Travis ( Age: 44 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
    Jan 06, 2017

    Brad:

    Was your left atrial APPENDAGE (LAA) isolated/ablated? There are only a handful of EP’s in the country that will do this. When you say the “left atria” area that is very different than the LAA specifically. You might want to ask your EP. If the answer is no, that is likely the primary source of your afib so if you want a shot at a true cure, you’ll want to get that ablated.

    As to your primary question, cryo vs. RF wouldn’t have any affect on the length or severity of your episodes this time around. If you continue to have afib (say beyond the 3-month blanking period), then there are areas of the heart that still haven’t been fully ablated. Those “untreated” trigger sources are what cause the length and severity of your episodes.

    Travis

    Reply
  20. Eric Barrett ( Age: 58 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
    Jan 05, 2017

    Travis,

    Just an update I had my third ablation done in May last year which was followed by having a watchman device fitted in June 2016 both operation went well I am now back at work full time however have not returned to full exercise but I am playing golf there yo four times a week. I have had no bouts of AF since then The only medication I am taking is 75mg aspirin a day and a Zantac for indigestion all seems to be going well so to all concerned hang on in their and it will be soon ok. Something’s do work in the National Health Service in the UK.

    Regards Eric

    Reply
  21. Brad ( Age: 58 / m / Years with AFIB: 19 )
    Jan 05, 2017

    Hello Travis,

    In answers to your questions, yes they have ablated “burned” several places other than the 4 main veins. Also the left atria has been treated. I am being cardioverted tomorrow. I am only on Amiodarone for 90 days as they wanted my heart to have a chance to heal. I was on it when first diagnosed for 1 year to calm my heart while the heart failure corrected itself which it did. As for the EP, I am being treated at Northwestern in Chicago by their #1 guy. I do not live there but he rates highest in the country for complicated cases. Just concerned that this duration is like nothing I have ever experienced and wondered if the cryoablation could have caused this prolonged episode?

    Reply
  22. Travis ( Age: 44 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
    Jan 05, 2017

    Brad:

    Sorry to hear about your recent struggles with afib. There is so much to address with your comments that I don’t know where to begin. During any of these ablations, did they burn any areas outside the 4 pulmonary veins? If not, it’s likely they just kept burning the same areas over and over. The problem is, with complex cases like your’s, afib usually manifests itself in many other areas of the heart – mainly the left atrial appendage. If these other areas aren’t addresses, no amount of ablations will cure you. They can burn around your pulmonary veins a dozen times and it won’t matter if the afib is being triggered in these other areas that aren’t being addressed.

    Only a handful of EPs in the country know how to ablate these other areas successfully. To learn more about this, I encourage you to read this post:
    https://www.livingwithatrialfibrillation.com/1980/considering-an-ablation-to-treat-your-afib/

    Now that they have you on amiodarone you have to be extremely cautious as this drug stays in your body for several weeks and can be very toxic to your thyroid, liver, and lungs. You’ll want to demand regular tests of your thyroid and liver function as well as have your lungs checked on a regular basis. I don’t mean to scare you but this is a drug you don’t want to mess with. It’s a double-edged sword. It’s one of the most effective drugs to treat afib but it can also be the riskiest drug to take. You just want to stay on top of things so that if amiodarone does cause some problems you can catch it sooner than later. Please note, because it stays in your system so long this isn’t a drug that can be quickly flushed from your body. It takes several weeks for it to clear from your body.

    If I were you, I would seek out an experienced EP (i.e. Dr. Natale) and get this taken care of once and for all. An experienced EP will be able to ablate the more advanced triggers of afib such as the LAA (left atrial appendage). If you go this route, do it sooner than later as the longer you stay in afib, the harder it is to treat.

    I wish you well.

    Travis

    Reply
  23. Brad ( Age: 58 / m / Years with AFIB: 19 )
    Jan 05, 2017

    I was diagnosed with AFIB when I was 39. It was missed for a long period of time, thus putting me in heart failure. After a year on meds to calm my heart down, I was put on Flecainide. It worked for a period allowing short episodes but converting on my own. Then the episodes began to be longer in duration.

    I had my first RF ablation when I was 48. I was then put on a different antiarrhythmic drug for a period but was breaking through. The second ablation was done a year later where I was told I had reconnected and healed over so it appeared I had no scar tissue from the first ablation. Again I was put on a different drug. I broke through at 9 months. I lived with the on and off episodes for several years.

    In 2008, I had the 3rd ablation in which they burned me in 68 places and I was in AFIB when I arrived at the hospital. They were confident they “got it all.” It lasted 6 weeks before I broke through. I have lived with the on and off AFIB ever since.

    In 2016, I had continued episodes twice in May that lasted 4 days so I went to the hospital and was converted both times. My surgeon said we should try again. I went in for surgery on December 14, 2016 for a 4th ablation. They said I had completely healed over again and reconnected so they were able to treat this as a first time and did Cryoablation. They did applications to the upper two Pulmonary veins 4 times each and the 2 times each to the lowers. They said they wanted to be aggressive.

    Four days after surgery, I went into AFIB that lasted for 5 days so they cardioverted me. That lasted for 30 hours and I am still in AFIB now. They have put me on Amiodarone for 90 days and are cardioverting me again next week.

    I am so confused. I have never been in this persistent state of AFIB for this long. Is my heart still agitated? Am I looking at this quality of life for the rest of my days? FYI – I have normal blood pressure, tolerate Warfarin easily, no blockage in my heart but am 6’10” tall and in good shape. Any one else have this experience?

    Reply
  24. Lorraine ( Age: 58 / Female )
    Dec 28, 2016

    Hello Travis,

    First let me give a big thanks for the forum and your words of comfort and prior knowledge. I’m from Australia and had the ablation for atrial flutter Dec 3rd. Exactly a year ago I had part of my left lung removed also. I’m experiencing pain across the upper back and shortness of breath and find I can’t do a lot without having to go lie down and rest, which is now more acute since the ablation.

    I have a 4 week business trip to South Africa coming up, which requires a 14 hr flight from Australia and I have to confess I’m a bit nervous about the whole trip and whether I might be pushing things and my heart. As I have not only had the ablation but lung surgery done as well, there is no marker I can find on where I should be in my recovery. Any comments would be most welcomed.

    Reply
  25. Brian Cuban ( Age: 55 / Male / Years with AFIB: 15 )
    Dec 18, 2016

    Hey Travis, thanks for sharing your journey. I had my ablation December 5, 2016 after dealing with A-Fib on and off for 15 years (much worse in the last two). As I write this I am going on two weeks post procedure. One thing I have noticed is that my resting heart rate has gone from the low 40’s (I am a former marathoner) to the 60’s. Did you experience a jump and has it begun to resolve?

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 44 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
      Dec 19, 2016

      Hey Brian. Congrats on your ablation! I had a resting heart rate in the low 50’s before my ablation. It was in the mid 80’s after my ablation for probably a year or so. The funny thing was I didn’t feel any different. I felt the same as I did when my heart was beating away in the 50’s.

      My resting heart rate varies now between 65-70 beats per minute.

      I actually looked at the increase as a positive. Bradycardia isn’t necessarily a good thing. I’m actually thrilled my heart rate is now “normal.” Having a heart rate below 60 always kind of freaked me out – even though I was perfectly fine. Like you, I had a resting heart rate in the 40’s back in my 20’s when I ran a lot.

      Travis

      P.S. I hope you’re hanging up your running shoes now. Endurance exercise of any kind is not good for afibbers:) I used to exercise a ton prior to my ablation but these days I’ve become a “power walker.” I don’t even lift weights anymore.

      Reply
      • Brian Cuban ( Age: 55 / Male / Years with AFIB: 15 )
        Dec 19, 2016

        Thank you for responding! I actually had to hang those shoes up after a total hip replacement a year ago. My excercise now is spinning with the blessing of my ablation doctor -funny that just in the last couple days my BPM has dropped back to the mid-50s and no afib so far! Thanks again!

        Reply
        • Travis ( Age: 44 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
          Dec 21, 2016

          Brian:

          That’s great to hear! I wish you many years of NSR! Have fun spinning:)

          Travis

          Reply
  26. Nate ( Age: 30 / Male / Years with AFIB: 10 )
    Dec 18, 2016

    Hello All,

    I am a 39 year old male and I have been dealing with paroxysmal afib for over 10 years. I usually get around 3-5 episodes a year, though that number got more frequent during the last few years. I had my ablation for paroxysmal Afib on Sept. 6th, 2016. Thus, I am a little past the 3 months mark.

    The first month I had maybe 5 episodes lasting from 20 minutes to 6 hours. Post ablation, I was only put on Pradaxa and took 100mg flecainide and 30mg diltiazem only when having an episode and I always converted to sinus eventually within 8 hours.

    A week ago, 2 days after my 3 month mark, I had a terrible episode that did not respond to my meds. After about 24 hrs in afib I started feeling very faint and was unable to control my arms and legs fully. I called an ambulance and was cardioverted in the ER. My electrophysiologist put my on a twice-daily Multaq and has kept me on Pradaxa, both of which will be taken for a month.

    I am still experiencing slight PACs throughout the day, though no more than say 10 or so. My doc said this is completely normal that I would still be having ‘episodes’ this far out of the ablation and that success cannot be determined for at least 3 months and sometimes 6-12 months. My point being, this 8-12 week period seems to be very arbitrary and that many patients are cured after much longer a time. I am starting to feel hopeless hearing this 3 month period being thrown out so casually as if it is the end-all-be-all time frame.

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 44 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
      Dec 19, 2016

      Nate:

      Sorry to hear about the episodes you’ve been experiencing since your ablation. Your doctor is right, 3 months is just a general benchmark. Some people will have episodes beyond the 3-month mark for a period before things finally settle down.

      Having said that, having multiple episodes that last 24 hours or longer after the blanking period is often (but not always) a sign that a touch up ablation will be necessary.

      I know the thought of a second ablation really sucks. The good news, however, is that the success rates go up after a second procedure. Just be sure whoever is doing any follow up work (if any is necessary) is highly skilled and has a lot of experience doing complex ablations.

      I wish you well.

      Travis

      Reply
  27. Janet ( Age: 79 / FEMALE )
    Nov 08, 2016

    July 20, 2016 was my ablation. All these comments are very helpful. My big problem is my blood pressure. It is up and down. Does the pressure change after the ablation? I feel better when it is a little bit high. Is that o k ? Most of my problem is dizziness. Help.

    Janet

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 44 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
      Nov 13, 2016

      Janet:

      Congrats on your ablation! As to your question, I don’t know if fluctuations in blood pressure is normal or not after ablations but I can tell you I experienced the same thing. In fact, to this day I have blood pressure fluctuations. I don’t know if it has anything to do with the ablation or not.

      Travis

      Reply
      • Lekha ( Age: 44 / Female / Years with AFIB: 2 )
        Nov 14, 2016

        Hi, I had my second ablation on 11/9/16 to fix my atrial flutter. I was told to stop metoprolol 4 days before the ablation. I am only taking Eliquis 5 mg twice daily. Everything was fine until today. For the past 4 hours I have been having palpitations or skipped beats – not sure which one. I know these are normal after an ablation but I never had this continuously for 4 hours. Is this normal? I check my BP and HR with Omron BP monitor and for the past 4 hours it is saying I have a regular heart beat. Has any one experienced continuous palpitations? I am so stressed.

        Reply
        • Travis ( Age: 44 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
          Nov 14, 2016

          Lekha:

          It is very common to have palpitations after an ablation – especially so soon after an ablation. You’re only a handful of days past your ablation so I would totally expect some ectopy.

          I don’t know where you live but if you’re in the U.S., I strong encourage you to buy the Kardia heart monitor by AliveCor. This device will show you exactly what your palpitations are (PVCs, PACs, afib, etc.) and how many you’re having. Here is a link to a review I did of the device:

          https://www.livingwithatrialfibrillation.com/1961/alivecor-kardia-monitor-review/

          I used this device extensively during my ablation recovery.

          I wish you well.

          Travis

          Reply
  28. Debbie ( Age: 62 / female / Years with AFIB: 10 years on and off )
    Oct 23, 2016

    Hi Travis,

    I had an ablation on Sept. 19th 2016. The way the doctor explains it is “he really worked my heart over.” Aflutter, AFIB and SVT. The procedure took 6 1/2 hours. I could not breathe when they removed the intubation tube so a respiratory therapist was called. I was released from the hospital Sept. 20th at 11:00 am and at 5:00 pm I was back in the ER in AFIB.

    I spent several hours there on medicine and then they decided to try a cardioversion – five shocks and still in AFIB. They shot me up with more medicine and sent me home. I went to bed telling my husband what ever happens, happens. I was tired and I hurt everywhere. During the ablation I was shocked several times and the pad broke through my skin on my back. Then in the ER they positioned the pad in the same spot and added insult to injury.

    I asked how many times was I burned during the ablation. I was told they do not count the number of burns, they count the minutes spent burning. I was burned for 97 minutes total. Since the ER visit I have had one more AFIB episodes that have lasted 13 hours. The doctor added Flecainide (100mg 2 times a day) to my 180mg ER Diltiazem and I have not had any more problems with my heart.

    My only complaint is I do not have a voice after 5 weeks. I see the doctor tomorrow and will ask him about it. I am sorry to complain so much but I am scared to death I will have to have this repeated. Maybe with him working on all areas of my heart I will not need any more ablations. I know there is light at the end of the tunnel. Each day I am stronger, I have more hope. I do have one question. Has anyone else experienced weight gain after their ablation? I have gained 8 pounds and will talk to the doctor about it tomorrow. Thank you for letting me get this off my chest.

    Debbie

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 44 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
      Oct 24, 2016

      Debbie:

      Sorry to hear the rough time you had recovering from your ablation. I’m glad to hear things have settled down a little for you and that you’re slowly getting better. That’s so awesome to hear.

      I have heard of weight gain after an ablation due to the body retaining fluid but that’s usually only during the 24-48 hours after the procedure. You typically shed that excess water weight after a few days post ablation. Aside from that, I haven’t heard of anyone gaining weight “long term” because of the procedure itself. I’d be curious to hear what your doctor has to say about this.

      I hope you had a good appointment with your doctor and I wish you a full recovery and many years of NSR! Thanks for sharing your story.

      Travis

      Reply
    • Sherry ( Age: 57 / female / Years with AFIB: 3 )
      Feb 14, 2017

      YES! I have gained 10 lbs. since my surgery December 21, 2016! But I think it’s the Multaq they put me on in June 2016 when I lost consciousness and received a defibrillator. But interesting you had this experience after the surgery, I assumed it’s the drugs.

      Reply
      • Sheryl Cauthen ( Age: 61 / Femlae / Years with AFIB: 5 yrs in Afib )
        Oct 30, 2017

        I had my first ablation Mar 3 2016. I’ve gained 20 pounds since. Doing my 2nd ablation in 3 days. Dr said the heart has healed itself. Didn’t have an episode for 11 months. Took me 9 months to recover from 1st one. Also now have blood pressure issues I didn’t have before. Praying for a better recovery!

        Sheryl

        Reply
        • Travis Van Slooten
          Oct 31, 2017

          Sheryl:

          Sorry to hear your recovery didn’t go so well. I hope your 2nd ablation (and recovery) is better than the first. The second ablation is usually always easier so keep that in mind. Keep in touch and I wish you the best!

          Travis

          Reply
        • Sherry ( Age: 57 / female / Years with AFIB: 4 )
          Oct 31, 2017

          Sheryl,

          I had my only ablation December 2016 and have had minor afib events, none lasting long enough for the machine I have that reads my defibrillator, to detect. I feel them, but they are less than 2-3 minutes long. I pray your surgery goes well, and you heal much faster than the first time!

          Sherry

          Reply
  29. Rene ( Years with AFIB: 2 years. )
    Sep 27, 2016

    Hey, I love your website. A lot of good information on here. So I had my ablation 6 weeks ago. I had one day of Afib 4 days after the surgery and some skips but they lasted like 5 seconds and then 2 days ago I experienced what feels like Pacs. I’m away on a trip and there has been some stress but nothing I don’t normally deal with. They come on and last for a hour or so and then stop. I’ve added more magnesium and B vitamins and no change. Then I got a good night sleep and no skipping but to have them start up again. Is this normal? It’s freaking me out. I know they said it can happen in the blanking period but I’m also on Eliquis and Tikosyn. Just wanted to see its expected.

    Thanks. Rene

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 44 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
      Sep 27, 2016

      Hey Rene! What you’re experiencing is totally normal. In fact, it’s normal to even experience afib episodes during the blanking period.

      The time during the blanking period that is typically the most critical is weeks 8-12 (the last month of the 3-month blanking period). Ideally you want your heart “fully” settled at that point. But even if you have some ectopy in that last month doesn’t mean you’re doomed for another procedure as some people may experience ectopy up to a year after their ablations. In fact your’s truly has been battling PVCs and PACs for well over a year after my ablation:)

      I encourage you to read the comments left on this blog post as there is some additional insight on the whole ablation recovery process:
      https://www.livingwithatrialfibrillation.com/1922/roberts-catheter-ablation-experience/

      Travis

      Reply
      • Rene ( Years with AFIB: 2 )
        Sep 28, 2016

        Thank you so much! I absolutely appreciate your blog and the information you and everyone provide on here. I was just reading about your monitor experience and how you said you want to feel normal. Totally get that. I’ve said that too! I keep saying to myself.. I love my heart I love my heart. LoL I want a life off those meds but I will deal with whatever happens. Thank you again!

        Rene

        Reply
      • Melanie ( Age: 53 / Female / Years with AFIB: 1 )
        Oct 24, 2016

        Hi Travis,
        What are PACS or PVCs or svt that you talk about ?
        Also I realise there are very few women on here that have ablation for Atrial flutter

        Reply
        • Travis ( Age: 44 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
          Oct 24, 2016

          Melanie:

          PAC is short for Premature Atrial Contractions. This is an early beat that starts in the upper chambers of the heart (atria).

          PVC is short for Premature Ventricular Contractions. This is an extra beat that starts in the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles).

          SVT is short for Supraventricular Tachycardia. This is a faster than normal heart beat.

          I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing all three over the years:)

          Travis

          Reply
    • Robert ( Age: 56 / Male / Years with AFIB: Most of my life )
      Nov 16, 2016

      It’s been two months since my second ablation and I’m 56 years old. I have not had one full day without having an episode. Everyday I experience something and they tell me that’s expected. I take Eliquis and Propafenone, a heart rhythm medication. I feel like the surgery made things worse. If I still feel the same way on December 16th, then that means the doctor missed something. Wish me luck.

      Reply
      • Travis ( Age: 44 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
        Nov 17, 2016

        Robert:

        According to your comment notes, you’re 56 and have had afib most of your life, correct? Have you mostly had paroxysmal afib or persistent afib? Either way, my guess is any EP would classify your case as “complex and difficult” to treat.

        For both of your ablations, did they just do a standard PVI ablation or did they ablate other areas besides the pulmonary veins? If it’s the former, you might want to look for an EP that has extensive experience doing complex cases of ablations as they will ablate beyond the pulmonary veins, which is likely where your afib is being triggered.

        I wish you well.

        Travis

        Reply
  30. Steve ( Age: 59 / Male / Years with AFIB: Diagnosed 8 years ago )
    Sep 09, 2016

    Hello,
    Just stumbled on to this site searching for post ablation experiences. About 8 years ago I was diagnosed with paroxysmal afib. Started out on Sotalol then switched to Flecainide. Initially I was taking 200 mg per day but the past 2 years I’ve been taking 300mg. Unfortunately the higher dose leaves me often feeling fatigued with low energy. After discussing this with my cardiologist we decided to proceed with an ablation procedure.

    This was performed on 8/25/16. Post procedure my cardiologist told my wife that the procedure was textbook and he was not able to induce afib after the procedure. About 3 hours after the procedure for a period of 3 to 4 hours I felt some odd individual beats here and there. After that no issues and was released from the hospital the next day. Per instructions I resumed taking 300 mg of Flecainide per day.

    About 5 days after the procedure I had an irregular heart beat for about 4 hours. Not sure if it was afib, PVC/PAC or a flutter. It went away however the next morning I experienced the same thing for about an hour. After that everything has been normal until today, 2 weeks after the procedure. Went to bed and about an hour later woke up with the same irregular beat.

    In light of my cardiologist comments about the procedure being textbook and his inability to induce afib, I’m just wondering if my experience is somewhat normal. I know patience is the key but it is a bit discouraging especially since I’m back on the Flecaindine. Again I’m not sure if what I’m feeling is afib, PVC/PAC or a flutter.

    Anyway, just looking for some thoughts on this. Thanks.

    Steve

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 43 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
      Sep 09, 2016

      Steve:

      Congrats on a smooth ablation! What you’re experiencing is totally normal. You may even have some full-fledged afib episodes during the blanking period (the 3-month recovery period after an ablation). All of this ectopy activity is normal during the recovery period as the heart is very inflamed and “angry.” Just be patient and have a positive attitude and a faith that “this too shall pass.” Things will settle down.

      Having said that, the critical time period is around the 8-week mark after the ablation. If you’re going into afib still at that point there is a chance a second procedure will be necessary but not always. Everyone is different so that time period may be slightly different from person-to-person. The point is, between the 8-12 week mark, your heart should be settled and the afib should be history. If it’s not, you could have a more difficult case where a second procedure would be necessary.

      My guess is your doctor will eventually ween you off the meds during the recovery period as well – or shortly after it. That’s where the real test will begin as you’ll be relying 100% on the results of the ablation:)

      Keep us posted.

      Travis

      P.S. While I understand it really stinks to think a second procedure may be necessary if you have afib after your first procedure, it’s pretty much the norm. Most afibbers require two procedures to put the beast to bed for good. I always tell people…go in hoping you are “one and done” but expect two procedures.

      Reply
      • Melanie ( Age: 53 / Female / Years with AFIB: 1 )
        Sep 12, 2016

        Hi Travis,
        Having read through a lot of comments on here post ablation, it seems that everyone comments that they are on heart tablets post op, i was on flecainide for a year before my ablation , then told to stop 3 days before , I haven’t been on it since my ablation , only 20 mg Rivaroxaban daily , and my losartan 100 mg for my blood pressure .
        I have short bursts of fast heart rate , not sure if it’s a fib though .
        Melanie

        Reply
        • Travis ( Age: 43 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
          Sep 12, 2016

          Melanie:

          Yes, some people are required to stay on their medications for a period of time after their ablations. What usually determines this is your situation prior to the ablation. If you’re not taking medications heading into your ablation then you’ll likely not have to take any medications afterwards. Even in these situations, however, you still may need to take medications for a time afterwards if for whatever reason the heart is jumping around a lot after the ablation.

          The goal is to keep the heart in NSR during the recovery period so if medications are required, doctors will prescribe them. That doesn’t mean your ablation wasn’t successful, however! For some people it’s just part of the process. If you need medications beyond the blanking period to stay in NSR, then usually a second procedure will be required.

          Travis

          Reply
        • Steve ( Age: 59 / male / Years with AFIB: 8 )
          Sep 25, 2016

          Hi Melanie,

          I’m about 4 1/2 weeks post ablation. I had been on medications for about 8 years before the ablation. For the past two years or so I had been taking 300 mg of Flecainide per day. As you did, my cardiologist had me stop taking the Flecainide three days prior to the ablation. However, right after, I have gone back on the 300 mg per day dosage. If I remember correctly my cardiologist said this was fairly routine to do this while the heart heals from the procedure.

          I’m sure however that each person/case is different. Just curious if your cardiologist mentioned anything to you about not going back on the Flecainide post ablation. Maybe related to the fact that you had only been on the flecainide for about a year prior?

          Steve

          Reply
          • Melanie ( Age: 53 / Female / Years with AFIB: 1 )
            Sep 26, 2016

            Hi Steve,
            Yes my cardiologist hasn’t put me back onto flecainide post ablation. I am on Rivaroxaban 20mg a day and back on my blood pressure tablets Losartan 100mg. I had a check up last Monday, as I am due to go on holiday, and an ECG showed me in normal sinus rhythm. However, I have had a few episodes of abnormal beats, one of which was an hour. I’m not sure if it was atrial fibrillation so he has requested a 24-hour tape this Friday.

            Sometimes I think it feels worse than before the ablation, and I am still not convinced it has worked, along with the worry of the blood thinners causing internal bleeding, and the cardiologist stating that I will probably need it again and every 10 years too!

            He has prescribed me Atenolol 25mg , as a rate controlling agent, once a day and increase it to 50mg if tolerated, and add flecainide 50mg back in if things get bad. I really don’t want to take any more tablets, seem to be more than before the ablation. Prior to the ablation I was told that the blood thinners and heart tablets would be discontinued post ablation! Don’t know if I wish I hadn’t had it done.

            I am due to go back in 2 months time. I will keep you posted. Also can anyone explain a defibrillator machine, the ones you find in schools and village halls, etc.? Are they to stop atrial fibrillation or are they for something completely different?

            Reply
            • Travis ( Age: 44 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
              Sep 27, 2016

              Melanie:

              A defibrillator is used for a life-threatening arrhythmia such as ventricular fibrillation (also called v-fib). It’s not something you’d normally use for atrial fibrillation. They are used strictly in life or death situations such as v-fib.

              Travis

              Reply
      • Steve ( Age: 59 / male / Years with AFIB: 8 )
        Sep 25, 2016

        Hi Travis,

        Thanks for your reply. I wanted to wait a bit to see how things were progressing before replying.

        It’s been 16 days since my last post and I’m happy to report that I’ve had no afib, PVC/PAC or flutter. (Hopefully I didn’t just jinx things!). Again I went back on the 300mg per day dose of Flecainide after the ablation. My follow up visit with my cardiologist is set for 10/13. I’ll let everyone know how that goes.

        Steve

        Reply
        • Travis ( Age: 44 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
          Sep 27, 2016

          Steve:

          That’s awesome news!! I’m praying for nothing but good news for you on 10/13!

          Travis

          Reply
    • Jon
      Sep 12, 2016

      Dear Travis,

      I have recently had my second ablation. My first went well and after a few blibs and AFib moments it began to settle down. I managed to get back exercising on my bike but some times after a ride I would have some odd beats and I had two AFib periods that lasted about 48 hrs. When I came of the drugs I had problems with AFib again hence the second ablation.

      I am now in the second blanking period and having some different heart beats and have experienced two AFib episodes. I went back to work and have started with some very limited exercise. I am now questioning if I have gone back to work 4 weeks post too soon and whether I should step back from all activities due to triggering episodes.

      My EP nurse seems quite happy for me to work but I wonder what your thoughts are?

      Regards,

      Jon

      Reply
      • Travis Van Slooten
        Sep 13, 2016

        Jon:

        The best thing you can do is “listen” to what your heart and body tells you. If your work is physically demanding, then yes, it might make sense to back off if you can. Otherwise if you have an office job or something similar, I doubt work is an issue.

        The exercise on the other hand, could be an issue. I have worked out at the gym most of my adult life. After my ablation, however, I literally didn’t do ANY exercise until about the 12th week post ablation. And even then I just did light walking. Now well over a year later all I do is “power walk” for 30 minutes 6 days per week. I don’t even light weights anymore.

        Again, listen to your heart. If you cool it on the exercise for a couple weeks and everything is quiet, then you’ll have your answer! If it doesn’t make a difference, then I’d probably continue with my normal exercise program.

        By the way, how was the second ablation? Was it easier or harder the second time around? I’m always curious about that.

        Travis

        Reply
      • Steve ( Age: 59 / male / Years with AFIB: 8 )
        Sep 25, 2016

        Hi Jon,

        As someone who has just gone through my first ablation (4 1/2 weeks ago) I would echo what Travis said. Go slowly and ease back into your routine. I’m fortunate in a sense in that I have a desk job so no issues for me there. However I do see 2 of my 5 grand kids quite a bit. They have been my “test”. They like to be held/picked up/played with. I still get “winded” after a few minutes of activity with them but I can definitely feel improvement as the days go by. Even with chores around the house I find that I will need to take breaks to rest a bit. So go easy and give yourself time to recover.

        Steve

        Reply
  31. Melanie ( Age: 53 / Female / Years with AFIB: 1 )
    Aug 14, 2016

    Hello everyone,

    I have been reading all yours comments with real interest today following my ablation for atrial fibrillation on Tuesday August 9th, 2016 (5 days ago). What an experience it was!

    I was diagnosed last July. I am menopausal so I naturally thought this was the problem (and still do to be fair).

    I was on Flecainide 200mg a day and had a very slow resting heart rate, especially when waking with a heart rate at 45 beats per minute. Sometimes thinking it would stop, the AF crept through the medication so I was advised by my consultant to have an ablation.

    I had 2 previous ablations 12 years ago for ectopic beats in the lower right chamber which were successful. I was just unfortunate to get atrial fibrillation.

    I was nervous about going in but kept myself calm as I had experienced 2 before. This one was slightly different as I was quite awake in the previous ones. I walked into the theater as usual and this time they placed pads on my back and chest which I couldn’t remember having before. The assistant said they were 3-D pads!!! Wow!

    There was a machine above my head, which I couldn’t remember before either!! Then all I remember is hearing someone groaning (it must have been me) and then I was coming around and it was all over!!

    I was returned to the ward (3 hours had passed). My husband said he was worried as it had been a while. The surgeon came in and said it was textbook. My heart rate monitor stayed at 68 beats per minute and I felt NORMAL.

    My blood pressure was a little low (especially as I was diagnosed with high bp the same time as afib). My lowest bp reading while on the monitors was 99/68.

    I had 3 puncture wounds in my groin (I only had one on the last ablations). Anyone else have 3?

    Two of the puncture wounds were still bleeding so I had to have a compression cone strapped around me. The next morning one of these puncture wounds was still bleeding. Three more compression bandages were applied but by the time my leaving time came they decided to keep me another night.

    The surgeon came to see me that evening and decided to inject some local anesthesia into it, which thankfully worked. Otherwise, he was going to stitch it the next morning if it hadn’t stopped.

    I was feeling really well and regular beats apart from 1 or 2 extra ones, which I had been used to for 12 years anyway. I had mentioned these extra ones to the surgeon when he was injecting me and he had said they had seen those on the mapping but couldn’t fix them as I had been on warfarin, which I hadn’t been for the last 2 procedures.

    I came home gingerly on Thursday afternoon having been told to take it easy – no lifting, no housework, no driving for a week, etc.! I was fine until the Friday when I noticed an increase in my heart rate. I have always been heart aware and thought maybe I had done too much – pottering around, having a couple of visitors, etc. I did feel tired but I had had sedation but by Friday evening I noticed my resting heart rate was about 90!!

    I phoned the hospital and there was a doctor overhearing my conversation with the nurse. He said it was o.k. and that I had a reaction to the surgery and not to worry about it. That’s easier said than done!

    I felt really well but was disappointed that I thought the procedure hadn’t worked!! However, the heart rate isn’t like AF. It’s steady, regular, and I don’t feel ill. It’s not pounding out of my chest. It’s quite quiet. I have to listen in and take my pulse. It’s very strange.

    It still beats about 80 bpm on waking. I phoned the hospital again on Saturday evening and the nurse phoned the surgeon. He said he is not worried as long as I feel well and my heart rate doesn’t go over 100 bpm for long periods and that it will settle.

    I am concerned still but not frightened, however, I didn’t ask how long it will be like this. I am exhausted just lying around with my fast heart rate.

    I will keep you posted. I am off for lunch now.

    Will be back later,

    Melanie

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 43 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
      Aug 18, 2016

      Melanie:

      Thanks for sharing your story. It sounds like at the end of the day your afib is under control but you’re struggling with a slightly elevated heart rate. One thing you can try is magnesium. I personally use Ease magnesium spray and ReMag magnesium. Another type of magnesium you can try is magnesium glycinate. Be sure it’s Albion chelated magnesium. Just Google these and you’ll find them.

      I wish you well!

      Travis

      Reply
      • Melanie ( Age: 53 / Female / Years with AFIB: 1 )
        Aug 20, 2016

        Hi Travis …thank you for that advice. I am feeling much better 10 days post surgery. I’m still not driving yet though as my groin is a little tender still and by the afternoon I am very tired. I am taking 20 mg rivaroxaban (Xarelto) daily and they are making me dizzy. I am also back on my blood pressure tablets (Losartan 100 mg) as my pressure was 156/78.

        I don’t feel safe to drive yet. Maybe it’s a confidence thing. I had 2 lots of ablations 12 years ago for ectopic beats in my lower right chamber and I was back driving after a week, but I also wasn’t taking any medication.

        Still, I am feeling stronger every day. This morning on waking my heart rate was 78 bpm.

        Melanie

        Reply
        • Travis ( Age: 43 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
          Aug 20, 2016

          Melanie:

          I’m glad to hear you’re doing better! I wouldn’t get too worked up about the driving thing. Just give it time and you’ll be behind the wheel in no time. Just enjoy having a “settled heart” and enjoy life to the fullest!

          Travis

          Reply
  32. Buddy ( Age: 51 / Male / Years with AFIB: 1 )
    Jul 08, 2016

    I am commenting because I have found reading these posts both helpful and comforting. I suffered from rapid paroxysmal afib for what I believe to be about a year before I was first diagnosed in January 2016.

    I had my ablation on May 25, 2016 after having no luck with Diltiazem and negative side-effects to Sotalol and Flecainide. During (and after) the ablation I was on a Diltiazem/Flecainide combo, which seemed to work best for me. Five weeks post-ablation I just couldn’t take the side effects of the Flec and asked my EP to take me off.

    Well, for a week my heart didn’t know which way was up! I monitored my HR and was seeing readings jumping around from 65-125, but fortunately I never felt like I was back in Afib. With the discontinuation of the Flec, I began a 30-day monitoring period. I am halfway through the blanking period (1 week since discontinuing the Flecainide) and I have had three straight days of “quiet.”

    My monitor reveals no afib at all, and for the first time in many months I am beginning to feel hopeful. I want to echo the comments made by others, namely patience, patience, patience. I rushed out to go walking, swimming and playing golf 4 weeks post-ablation in an effort to convince myself I was “fixed.” Well, not the best idea, in my opinion. While I did lose about 8 lbs. I am now going to finish off my last six weeks with a lot more rest, a “light” amount of exercise, and let the healing process finish.

    Thanks for all the encouragement/advice for those of us with this “insidious” condition.

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 43 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
      Aug 18, 2016

      Buddy:

      I apologize for missing your comments earlier as I’m just now responding well over a month later. My bad.

      How are things going for you today? I hope everything is going well for you!

      Travis

      Reply
      • Buddy ( Age: 51 / Male / Years with AFIB: 1 )
        Aug 20, 2016

        Travis,

        Thanks for asking! I am through my blanking period and I am looking forward to getting back to activities. My heart rate has been pretty stable – in the 80’s for the most part and I feel really stable. Still get a little tired in the afternoons, but I personally think I have just fallen out of shape. My only lingering side effect is the occasional ache (sore muscle type feeling) near the center of my chest that seems to be subsiding. Looking forward to my next appointment with my EP/Cardiologist. Hoping for a positive prognosis and hoping to get off the Diltiazem if possible.
        Buddy

        Reply
        • Travis ( Age: 43 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
          Aug 20, 2016

          Buddy:

          That’s so awesome to hear! I wish you many years of NSR. Keep in touch and God bless!

          Travis

          Reply
  33. Michael ( Age: 52 )
    May 21, 2016

    I’m now 2 days out from my ablation. I had paroxysmal afib for 20+ years which had not been intrusive until Nov 2015 when it became increasingly aggressive. I was not willing to take 2x flecainaide and 2x metroprolol to keep it under control. Everything went well. My only post operative complaint was esophageal discomfort.

    My doc said that they ablated the veins unremarkedly, but that there was an area of flutter on the right side that when they began the ablation kicked me into afib. The afib continued until they were finished ablating the whole site then I returned to normal sinus rhythm. They were unable to artificially force me into afib after that. So far so good.

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 43 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
      May 22, 2016

      Michael:

      Congrats on the successful ablation! That’s so awesome to hear! Keep in touch. I’d love to hear how things progressive for you in the coming weeks, months, and years!

      I wish you years of NSR!

      Travis

      Reply
  34. Tonya ( Age: 47 / female / Years with AFIB: 3 )
    Apr 06, 2016

    Hi…I just had an ablation. For 4 hrs after I felt no palpitations. They then came back mildly for 2 days and are now exactly the same. The doctors told me they are merely break through palpitations and it may take up to 6 months for the scaring to completely stop them. Is this what you also heard?

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 43 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
      Apr 06, 2016

      Tonya:

      Yes. In fact, it can take up to a year or more for your heart to “fully” heal. The scaring may heal sooner but it can take a while for your heart to settle down and get back to normal.

      I’m a year and one month out from my ablation and while I haven’t had any afib, I have been battling PVCs and PACs on and off this entire time. It’s getting better but the point is I’m over a year past my ablation and I feel my heart still isn’t fully back to normal. I’m confident all will be well by summer:) I’m just so thankful the afib is gone for now. I can deal with palpitations from time-to-time.

      I wish you well.

      Travis

      Reply
      • Tonya ( Age: 47 / female / Years with AFIB: 3 )
        Apr 06, 2016

        I had my ablation for pvcs…i had them continuosly and it became a problem in my life everyday.No matter what i was doing my heart palpitated. He said he did 9 ablations. Immediatly after the surgery i cried because i felt nothing and i was so happy. Im hoping your right and its just all about heeling. Thanks so much for replying back.

        Reply
    • Bill ( Age: 66 / Male / Years with AFIB: 12 )
      Apr 18, 2016

      Hi Tonya
      Hope things are settling down for you. I had to post a reply as the psychological and emotional side adds extra anxiety to the natural worry and concern at suffering from this irritating condition. I am 2 months into the so called ‘blanking’ period and still not totally trusting that all is well. I recently picked up a flu virus which for a time destabilised my rhythm. This really affected my emotional state and made me think oh no it hasn’t worked.
      Hang in there and try not to self obsess (as I have on occasion) as Travis says it’s about patience. In the meantime and during the blanking period you will unless very lucky have events that don’t feel right. It doesn’t mean you have been let down it just means you need to trust in recovery. Not easy!
      Good luck
      Bill

      Reply
    • Larcher ( Age: 49 / F / Years with AFIB: 2 )
      Apr 28, 2016

      Had an ablation on 4/13/16 for atrial flutter and left atrial appendage ablation. Had one six months ago for svt. Now my EP thinks it was a success. I’m on no meds except Xarelto 2 weeks post ablation and no problems. I’m in sinus rhythm always. I can’t tolerate Xarelto or Eliquis. Is it ok to not take them as I know when I have tachycardia?

      Reply
      • Travis ( Age: 43 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
        Apr 30, 2016

        Larcher:

        Congratulations on your successful ablation. Glad to hear you’re in NSR! That’s fantastic. I’m not your doctor or a doctor at all so I’m certainly not going to tell you not to take your blood thinners. It would be best if you could hold tough for at least a couple months. My doctor told me I would be on them for 3 months after my ablation. I recovered so well, however, that he took me off them a month early.

        If you’re doing very well, which it sounds like you are, you will probably be able to come off of them early but probably not this early since you’re just a couple weeks out. You might want to consider taking Pradaxa or even warfarin if Xarelto and Eliquis aren’t working for you.

        I wish you well and God bless!

        Travis

        Reply
    • phil ( Age: 49 / male / Years with AFIB: 6 or more )
      May 01, 2016

      I had my ablation on Monday April 25. I have been experiencing palpitations and unfortunately my Alivecor/Kardia app and device are not working this week.

      The ablation was definitely harder than I thought it was going to be but each day I am feeling better. I am a 7 day cyclist and runner about to turn 50. I asked my doctor when I can return to exercise and he said within 7 days. He asked me to perform 50% less volume of what I would do in a week.

      I did not get the impression any “damage ” can be done to the heart by exercising. Of course I do understand approaching it at a gradual introduction. Comments and opinions are welcomed.

      Reply
      • Travis ( Age: 43 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
        May 02, 2016

        Phil:

        Congratulations on your ablation! Yes, recover times (and overall experience) will vary from person to person. It sounds like you’re getting better though each and everyday so that’s awesome!

        I took an extreme conservative approach to my ablation recovery as I mostly avoided exercise during the blanking period.

        I wish you well and God bless.

        Travis

        Reply
  35. Bill ( Age: 66 / Male / Years with AFIB: 12 )
    Mar 24, 2016

    Hi Travis
    I came across your blog having searched on Google to find any comments or advice regarding lifting dumbbell weights. I have lost some weight (partly age and no red meat diet) and body tone so thought I would build some strength and muscle just using modest 5 kilo weights. This seemed to really tire me!!

    Like Ned (earlier post) I’m a veteran of 12 years AF. I play golf and last year I was having episodes (virtually during and after every game) lasting up to and longer than 3 hours. Fed up and worried I finally had an ablation on 9th February this year 2016.

    I won’t go into great detail but so far so good apart from the odd missed beat which I know is normal during the “blanking period”. I’m still not completely trusting and during golf I’m
    regularly checking my pulse for normal sinus rhythm.

    Reading your comments maybe I should avoid weights and stick to improving my stamina?

    For Ned and others who are fed up with feeling tired (taking flecanide and beta-blockers) and having their enjoyment of life compromised by this ‘irritating’ condition my advice on evidence so far is have the ablation!

    Good stuff Travis!!

    Bill

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 43 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
      Mar 24, 2016

      Hey Bill! Congrats on the ablation. Glad to hear things are going well so far. I took an extra conservative approach to my recovery. I wanted the absolute best possible outcome so I was very careful during my blanking period.

      I’m not a doctor but I do know this. During the blanking period the heart is very inflamed. Lifting weights causes inflammation in the body. It seemed obvious to me the goal was to reduce the inflammation to expedite the recovery. That is why I didn’t do any lifting of any kind and waited until the blanking period was over before I even started “hardcore” WALKING. I might have been too cautious but it seemed to work for me. I was able to come off my blood thinners a month early and I didn’t have even a skipped beat during the blanking period.

      I’m sure a lot of people, doctors included, would say a modest 5 kilos is nothing – go for it. I just didn’t want to roll the dice so I waited. You might want to lay off the weights completely for a couple weeks and see if it makes a difference. If you’re out golfing that’s great exercise for now.

      The one thing I do encourage you to do, however, is try not to obsess over your heart rate. I know this is easier said than done. I’m well over a year past my ablation and I’m still obsessed with my heart rate! When you’re out golfing just enjoy what you’re doing and don’t check your heart rate unless you’re having obvious symptoms. Trust the ablation worked and that your heart is normal and you have nothing to worry about. Walk in faith and expectancy (that the ablation worked and your afib is gone forever).

      I wish you well.

      Travis

      Reply
      • Bill ( Age: 66 / Male / Years with AFIB: 12 )
        Mar 24, 2016

        Thanks so much Travis
        It’s always comforting to share concerns with like minded people. Best wishes to you and all your visitors and concerned AF patients.
        Take care
        Bill

        Reply
      • Bill ( Age: 66 / Male / Years with AFIB: 12 )
        Mar 31, 2016

        Hi again Travis
        Since our last exchange I contracted (from grandkids) a nasty cold virus last weekend which my wife describes as flu lite! This seems to have really confused my heart albeit I’m trying not to obsess and given I’m only halfway through the blanking period I’m clinging to the hope that a combination of the infection taking hold and a cup of very strong instant coffee was a trigger for my very strong sinus rhythm (60-80bpm) to be much less stable and reliable (80-100 resting) with the odd ectopic missed beat.
        On reading this I’m conscious that I am indeed obsessing and I need to chill.
        Thanks Travis
        Bill

        Reply
        • Jeff ( Age: 41 / Male )
          Mar 31, 2016

          Bill,

          That happens. Mine did the same thing over the holidays last year, where I must confess to having had “too much fun”. The heart gets a little irritated, gets a bit tachy and fires off PACs. It should calm back down in a few hours or a day.

          – Jeff

          Reply
          • Bill ( Age: 66 / Male / Years with AFIB: 12 )
            Mar 31, 2016

            Cheers for that Jeff – appreciate your response. I’m trying but it’s hard not to get a little anxious and to look for reasons that all is ok rather than contemplate further procedure.
            Thanks again mate and you keep well
            Bill

            Reply
      • Bill ( Age: 66 / Male / Years with AFIB: 12 )
        May 18, 2016

        Hi Travis:

        I may be self-obsessing so forgive my return to outline an unsettling episode yesterday. Over the past few weeks (my ablation was 9 Feb) I have been virtually AF free and received positive news from the referring cardiologist that all looked good after 24 hour ECG. I returned to playing and competing in golf matches with no obvious long lasting issues apart from using a ‘pill in the pocket’ Flecainide (50mg).

        Until yesterday when I experienced an episode which continued into the night which has affected my trust and confidence. However trying to think positive I’m hoping you might agree that the following factors may have conspired to ‘trigger’ the event. I had a poor nights sleep plus 1) I was apprehensive 2) it was a steep course in parts 3) I carried my golf bag 4) windy and rain 5) socialising with colleagues. This plus my anxiety at feeling dizzy & exhausted walking a steep incline. Any comments really appreciated.

        Bill

        Reply
        • Travis ( Age: 43 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
          May 18, 2016

          Bill:

          Sorry to hear about your “extended” afib episode. You’re just outside the typical 3-month blanking period so it wouldn’t be uncommon to have some of these “occasional” episodes as the heart continues to heal – even beyond the 3 month blanking period. You may have these occasional episodes periodically even within a year of your ablation. You’ll want to take a wait-and-see approach on this. Obviously if you continue to have episodes and/or they continue to get progressively worse, then you may need a second/touch-up ablation.

          I know it sucks to hear that but you’ve been through one so you know what to expect. The good news is your chances of success after two ablations is pretty high. I don’t know how experienced your EP was but if you end up having to go down the road of a second procedure, be sure you have the most experienced EP working on you. This is imperative!

          As for the trigger of this specific episode, it could have been any one or combination of the things you highlighted – or none of them! It’s impossible to know. I wouldn’t go stir crazy trying to pin point a trigger(s) and then obsess trying to avoid it. Obviously avoid potential triggers as best as you can but don’t stop living your life! But as one golfer to another…what are you doing walking? Just kidding…sort of. I LOVE golf but I only manage to play 6-8 rounds a year but I haven’t walked a course in years. It takes the fun out of golf for me:) I like to relax when I golf so I always drive!

          But in all seriousness, the only potential trigger would be the walking and carrying the bag for 18 holes but even that isn’t overly excessive exercise unless you’re really out of shape and you were really pushing yourself. My guess is that isn’t the case.

          Hang in there and try to be positive. And just remember, having to need a second ablation isn’t the end of the world if it comes to that. Most of us afibbers need a minimum of two ablations to put the beast to bed. I’m just crossing my fingers and praying to God I get at least 5 years from my first ablation.

          I wish you well and God bless.

          Travis

          Reply
          • Bill ( Age: 66 / Male / Years with AFIB: 12 )
            May 19, 2016

            Thanks so much Travis for taking the time to reply and so quickly. I really don’t want another ablation but I’ll review as you suggested. Driving a golf buggy is not the norm here but I do have an electric trolley. I’ll work on my anxiety which is the biggest contributor.
            All the best
            Bill

            Reply
            • Travis ( Age: 43 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
              May 20, 2016

              Bill:

              I totally understand. None of us want to have another ablation but try not to let the thought of it get you down. It’s one of those things that’s out of our control. We can do our best to try to avoid our triggers (if there are any specific triggers to begin with) but at the end of the day if our hearts are going to go crazy they’re going to go crazy. If a second ablation is needed so be it. In the meantime, just enjoy your life!

              Regarding the anxiety, I get that too. I’m going to be working on a series of posts and resources to address that issue so stay tuned.

              Have a good one and enjoy the links!

              Travis

              Reply
          • Bill ( Age: 66 / Male / Years with AFIB: 12 )
            Jun 05, 2016

            Hi Travis
            Just thought I would check in with you having read with interest the various experiences of dealing with “the beast”” as you refer to the condition. I like the description! My latest encounter has been random PACs that don’t last very long and definitely not extended periods. Fortunately, I’m not allowing this to get me down albeit it’s annoying. I report this as I’ve noted you are still having PACs over 12 months on from your ablation. Medically, I take 1x5mg bisoprolol daily as prescribed and if I feel vulnerable to the PACs (an obvious awareness) I may take an extra 1/2 tablet or a 50mg Flecanide. This ‘pill in the pocket” strategy seems to work.
            Why am I telling you this I ask myself? Well, I suppose it’s a combination of self awareness, education, reassurance and emotional therapy to lift up those low mood periods that the ‘beast’ loves to create!!
            Hope all well with you my friend and fellow ‘beast fighters’. Now there’s a name for a rock group!!
            God bless
            Bill

            Reply
            • Travis ( Age: 43 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
              Jun 06, 2016

              Bill:

              Thanks for the update. Great to hear you’ve found a protocol that helps you deal with your PACs. I could probably take medications as well but I’m holding off taking drugs for any heart issues for as long as I can. For now I’m just toughing them out and praying to God for his help:) Like you, I’m just grateful I don’t have afib.

              Take care!

              Travis

              Reply
  36. Tim Schmidt ( Age: 55 / M / Years with AFIB: 1.5 )
    Mar 03, 2016

    Hi Travis-

    It’s been 15 months since my ablation, but I didn’t have a blanking period. In fact I entered a 50 mile bike ride (on the F1 course here in Austin) 5 days after going home. I had an event-free 90-days post ablation, and have not had any sign of Afib-like episodes since my procedure.

    My problem now is that after I ride my bike (I’ll ride an 1-2 hours at a good pace), it takes my heart over an hour to drop back below 100. And by bedtime, I’m back down to 50-60bpm.

    My doctors can’t really explain it, and don’t seem concerned, but it’s very insettling. I get into a little panic when I think my heart problems are starting all over again.

    Just curious if you’ve heard of anything like this before. If you have, and it’s bad, please don’t reply!!!

    Thanks
    Tim

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 43 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
      Mar 07, 2016

      Tim:

      Thanks for sharing your experience. For the benefit of other readers, you technically did have a blanking period as we all do. It takes around 3 months after an ablation for the heart to heal so whether you have issues or not during this time doesn’t matter. Everyone has a blanking period as it’s simply the “official” time the heart takes to heal. Glad to hear you had zero issues and were able to jump right back in to exercise immediately following your ablation. You’re way braver than I was. I took it super slow and took a super conservative approach to my “recovery.”

      I haven’t heard of anyone experiencing what you’re experiencing. It doesn’t sound like anything I would lose sleep over – especially if your doctors aren’t concerned about it. However, if you’re worried about it or if the issue gets worse, you might want to consider cutting back on your biking or not biking as hard.

      I wish you well and many more years of NSR!

      Travis

      Reply
  37. Brandy ( Age: 38 / Female / Years with AFIB: 20 )
    Feb 22, 2016

    After 20 years of dealing with psvt I finally had my heart ablation 8 weeks ago. It took almost 3 hours to find the nerve causing the problem but at my 6 week post op visit he said he felt confident they got it and that I had about a 5% chance of it ever coming back. He weened me off of my beta blockers and I took my last one yesterday.

    However, today I had what I would consider the beginning of an episode that would normally shoot my heart rate up to 200 plus bpm but it stopped….PTL. But now I keep experiencing flutters tonight. Is this still part of the blank period or is this a precursor that I will need a second ablation? I was so excited to finally have the procedure done and now I’m kind of bummed.

    Thank you.
    Brandy

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 43 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
      Feb 23, 2016

      Brandy:

      The 3-month blanking period is a general guideline, or a minimum recovery time for most people. However, everyone is different so the recovery for some people may be longer. It’s not uncommon to hear of people experiencing flutters and arrhythmias during the typical 3-month recovery period and beyond. This isn’t necessarily a sign that a second ablation will be needed.

      I wouldn’t jump to any conclusions just yet but even if you do need a second ablation, keep this in mind. Your success rate will dramatically improve after your follow up procedure. If your doctor is telling you that there is a 5% change of your PSVT returning after one procedure, imagine what it will be after a second one?

      It’s always nice to get by with one procedure but many of us will need a second or even third procedure for a long-term “cure.” It’s always best to go into these procedures hoping for the best (one procedure) but preparing mentally for the worst (2 or even 3 procedures).

      I wish you well!

      Travis

      Reply
    • Melanie ( Age: 53 / Female / Years with AFIB: 1 )
      Nov 18, 2016

      Hi
      What is a psvt and what is ptl?
      I am just over 3 months ablation , and I am having moments of fast heart rate , he said I can have another ablation if I would like to , but I am wanting to explore other advise first .

      Reply
  38. philip ( Age: 59 / male / Years with AFIB: 3 )
    Feb 10, 2016

    Hi Travis:

    Glad to have found this from you and about the blanking period. I had my first ablation 1-19-16. It was 6 hours with the Topera 3D imaging unit that uses several type catheters. My cardiologist does a 4 hour cryoablation or the 6 hour topera. He said the procedure went well. While in the left atrium for the afib and found the irregular beats, he also found in my right atrium atrial flutter which we did not know I had. So he ablated the right atrium saying he felt 99 per cent successful.

    Prior to all this I had one cardioversion and the TEE where the camera was placed down my throat to check for clots before they converted me. This all done when I was being admitted for the second sotalol loading.

    So glad at the advances they have made in this area. As we all know afib has its own agenda. I could feel mine and was put in hospital twice for sotalol loading they call it, for the rhythm drug. 120mg did not work and was increased to 160mg that did not work, thus the ablation. Could not take the pill in the pocket because of structure of my heart. Also I had a stent placed November a year ago.

    Although minimally invasive it was tough on my body. IV in each arm, arterial probe during procedure and they went up both left and right femoral arteries in my groin. I also had a foley catheter that was placed and removed during the procedure. That was my most uncomfortable dealing the days after..lol…also no one likes laying flat for hours after the procedure hey but it will give me a better quality of life, I am all for it.

    My procedure was on a Tuesday and I stayed overnight in the Cardiac Observation Unit. I developed a cough they said was from the intubation tube and inflammation of the esophagus being so close to the left atria.

    Had to go back that Thursday for a chest x-ray and found a lot of fluid buildup from the IV’s and also when they use the ablation catheters it has saline when they are freezing the irregular area so that added to the buildup. Was placed on lasix and potassium for a few days which helped.

    I have been out of afib for over a week, it seems my heart is very angry…lol….and this am I woke up and took my BP and I was in irregular rhythm. Broke my spirit a little but I realize the blanking period is 3 months and this can occur. I sure hope this was a success. I followup at the end of the month.

    Since both sides were ablated it will take time for scarring and for my heart to heal.

    My afib was found in a yearly physical when an EKG was being done. I did not know what afib was. Some people feel it and some don’t. I do and with the sotalol was wiped out tired. I joined afib.org as I needed a group where people understood. Alot of family and friends don’t understand us with afib and it can be frustrating.

    Well that is my story and I stay in touch with my EP cardiologist office on My Chart which is great and easy to communicate.

    Absolutely find the best EP you can find. I have him, my electrical side doctor, and my other cardiologist my plumbing side. :-). I was originally in a Medtronic Victory AF trial for a few weeks, but there was too much testing and they wanted to change me to coumadin from xarelto etc. I was having more frequent episodes and needed some relief. I don’t like taking the Xarelto but they said I may come off that in few months along with the sotalol.

    Glad you are doing so well Travis.

    Again, thanks for sharing your journey!

    Philip/ Atlanta , Georgia

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 43 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 Years )
      Feb 23, 2016

      Philip:

      Thanks for sharing the details of your experience. All-in-all it sounds like your ablation went well. No doubt your heart is “angry” and will continue to be through the blanking period. I can’t stress this enough but just take it easy during this recovery period. As you’ll read through my updates, I was very careful about my exercise during the blanking period and I think it paid off as I had zero issues during the recovery period.

      Your advice is spot on. It’s imperative to find the best EP you can find. Your success depends 100% on his/her experience!

      I wish you well and please feel free to stop by with updates during your blanking period.

      Travis

      P.S. You mentioned you visited the site, afib.org, for support. When I go to that website it redirects to a medical group’s website in California. I don’t think that is the site you joined. Can you tell me the correct name of the site?

      Reply
      • philip ( male )
        Mar 02, 2016

        Hey Travis…meant to say Stopafib.org as the website. I am always trying to find a great support group.

        I went Monday for a follow up appointment and my EKG was in sinus rhythm!! He said if I can stay another 6 weeks for the 3 month total I could come off the Sotalol and then later the Xarelto.

        Lungs clear…I had a dry cough which initially was from the procedure but then realized I had it before the ablation and determined maybe the Losartan so I was switched to Hydralazine Monday. Lisinopril did the same thing a few years ago.

        He said I would not need an event monitor…they actually have a chip they can put right under the skin and would show the office my heart rhythm for up to 3 years. He told me to get a good hobby and stay out of doctor offices…lol…He was actually the Nurse Practitioner and see the doctor who did my ablation 4-28. That will be the 3 months.

        I told the NP is this the blanking period, and I was one to research and keep up with procedures especially if it is my heart!!….a nurse had told me about the blanking period.

        Interesting that many celebs have afib…it seems so much more common that I ever realized!!

        Still trying to find my new normal…back at work…still being careful…I work in an airline training center and lots of movement and bending, working with mockups etc..

        So glad I found your sight as nice to have first hand info with someone who understands this crazy afib.

        Take care and keep up the great work.

        Philip from Georgia

        Reply
        • Travis ( Age: 43 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
          Mar 07, 2016

          Thanks for the clarification, Philip! Great to hear you’re in NSR. That’s awesome! It will be great once you can stop the Sotalol and Xarelto. Keep in touch and I wish you well!

          Travis

          Reply
  39. Eric ( Age: 57 / Male )
    Dec 27, 2015

    Travis,

    Had my second ablation on 21st December 2015 after my first in May 2008. I came out of theatre and was told all was well. Three of the veins which had been isolated previously were inactive and were not causing a problem however the right upper pulmonary vein, which is rather a large vein, was causing a problem. They subsequently and successfully ablated this vein and all was going well until I got home on the 22nd were upon I have had a few episodes which ended with me being admitted on Christmas day for 6 hours. My heart settled down into a normal rhythm but this took about 3 hour’s. I have been placed on a beta blocker (2.5 mg daily) which is knocking the hell out of me at the moment, lowering my blood pressure to about 100/63 but I will be persevere with all of this as I know what the outcome is if I don’t.

    Thanks for listening

    Regards Eric

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 43 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
      Dec 28, 2015

      Eric:

      Sorry to hear about your recent trip to the hospital – especially on Christmas! I’ve never been on a beta blocker myself but I’ve heard they can really “knock you out” as you’re experiencing. Hang in there. You’re not even a full week out from your second ablation so you may experience afib episodes here and there during the 3-month blanking period as I’m sure you know.

      I would talk to your doctor about Flecainide. You might be able to go off the beta blocker and just take a small daily dose of Flecainide.

      I wish you well.

      Travis

      Reply
      • Eric Barrett ( Age: 57 / Male )
        Feb 10, 2016

        Travis,

        Just an update 7 weeks post ablation I’ve had 14 episodes of AF since my procedure on 21st December 2015 however the last episode was 11 days ago and was a lot milder than others in fact each episode the seemed to get a little bit milder. The cardiac nurses have eave said this is normal (never happened on my first one).

        I have been back to see the cardiac nurse last Friday and she has instructed me to come off my beta blocker which I am now doing and starting Flecainide from Saturday. I don’t see the specialist until April.

        I have also started playing golf again even though the English weather has curtailed this some what. I’m also back to work at the moment. I also agree with one of your comments about vigorous exercise after an ablation. It’s a no no!!

        As an ex Royal Navy physical training instructor I used to train at a high standard for great lengths of time. I believe this has been a major contributing factor to my AF. I still don’t feel 100% but will soldier on and fingers crossed. Get well.

        Reply
  40. Melissa ( Age: 64 / female / Years with AFIB: 10? )
    Dec 15, 2015

    I have just had my first catheter ablation procedure 1 week ago to treat my “atrial flutter”. Was told in recovery that the procedure for the flutter was successful, but that I do have AFIB as well. This ablation procedure stayed within the right atria, not pursing any AFIB. The procedure for me went fine with my biggest complaint having to lay on my back for 6 hours before getting up. But I completely understand why this was necessary.

    I’m writing because I realize that I’m in a whole new world and journey with this condition! While I have felt my heart palpitations for some time, I’ve always had a slow heart rate with this “flutter” condition showing up on an EKG last July. I took a conservative approach to dealing with it, trying medication first, which did basically nothing. When I sought out a second opinion from another EP, he explained to me that medication rarely has an impact on atrial flutter because of it’s organized rhythm….ok.

    I’ve done a lot of reading on AFIB, and now that I know I have it, am braced for the likelihood of more procedures. What I would like input on right now is the “what to expect” one week into post-procedure. I’ve read to expect moments of AFIB for a week, 3 months, the “blanking” period. Since the procedure my heart rate has been in the low 60’s = great! I did have a reading of 125 that subsided back to 60 within an hour. Last night, my heart rate registered at 130, and has stayed in this range all night. I do have a follow up appointment with my doctor but would appreciate any input on what to expect as your inflamed heart heals. Right now I’m going with “be patient”. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 43 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
      Dec 21, 2015

      Melissa:

      Sorry it has taken me so long to reply. You are now two weeks out from your ablation so you probably answered your own question already – what to expect a week out from the ablation.

      I will tell you this…it is normal to have various fluctuations in your heart rate and minor arrhythmias here and there (and sometimes even full fledged afib) during the blanking period. You may even experience various issues up to a year after the ablation. For some it can take an entire year before things settle down completely.

      I was very fortunate in that I didn’t have a single issue during the blanking period. However if you read some of my monthly updates since the ablation, I experienced bouts of PVCs and PACs. It’s now 9 months after my ablation and things finally feel fully settled (knock on wood).

      Keep us posted on your progress. Congrats on your ablation!

      Travis

      Reply
      • Melissa ( Years with AFIB: 10+ )
        Aug 20, 2016

        Hi Travis,

        I have recently gone through my 2nd ablation–a cryoablation, and am now 6 weeks in to the “blanking period”. My first ablation was to tackle atrial flutter in the right atria. And while the EP’s were happy with the results of that first ablation, we understood that the afib, paroxysmal, was living in the left atria leaving more treatment to be done. I did my due diligence in securing a more seasoned EP going into this next procedure. For me the thought of having to pierce the wall of the heart to get into that left area concerned me and I was happy that the EP I connected with had performed as many procedures as he had, was teaching residents, was published and had grants supporting his work. The procedure lasted 6 hours during which I was in afib several times (a good thing). They ablated 4 veins. They had some trouble completely ablated 2 of the veins due to their location. I was told that there would be a 70% probability of success; they’re very careful to not say 100%. And I certainly understand. My experience of this 2nd ablation is very positive. All the concerns I had going into this procedure were unfounded. The only things that were slightly annoying was the difficulty the nurse had raising a vein for the I.V. and the esophageal discomfort right after the procedure–which was a surprise. Since the procedure, I have felt “normal”, a very lovely sensation. I don’t take my numbers knowing that I’ll be wearing a heart monitor soon as part of the follow up process. They have kept me on my various medications, Eliquis, Lopressor, Propafenone during this 3 month period, all fine by me. So we’ll see how things progress. This posting is really intended for anyone who worries about the ablation process. Don’t worry–DO this for yourself!

        Reply
  41. Jeff ( Age: 41 / Male / Years with AFIB: 0.5 )
    Aug 20, 2015

    Just had an ablation for AF done August 12, 2015. Episode free since I woke up. Only occasional PACs that never sustain. So today I decided to hop on the treadmill for 30 minutes. Went into AF *after* finishing. That was disappointing and rather odd, but at least it cardioverted on its own an hour later.

    Maybe I jumped the gun a bit with exercise after only 1 week? I hate not doing it. In fact I’ve gained about 40 lbs since the beginning of this year in dealing (read – stressing) about this AF. I’m determined to get back into shape before winter comes, but if it’s too much too soon then I suppose I’ll have to back off. :(

    Nice blog, BTW!

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 42 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
      Aug 20, 2015

      Jeff:

      Treadmill work just 8 days after your ablation? You definitely don’t want to do that! As I’m sure you read through all my post ablation updates, I didn’t start exercising again until a solid 2 months after my ablation and even then I only started brisk walking. To this day (about 6 months post ablation) I still only brisk walk. I stopped all forms of hard core exercising – including jogging.

      You don’t have to exercise to lose weight. I lost 45+ pounds doing ZERO exercise. Weight loss begins and ends in the kitchen:)

      I don’t mean to lecture you but you probably spent a pretty penny on your ablation and I’m sure you want the best possible outcome. Vigorous exercise so quickly after an ablation is a sure fire way to make the ablation a failure. Take it easy for at least 2 months.

      I wish you the best! And thanks for your compliments on my blog.

      Travis

      Reply
      • Jeff ( Age: 41 / Male / Years with AFIB: 05 )
        Aug 21, 2015

        Informed my EP and he said to hold off for another week or two. As cliche as it may sound, I suppose I’ll “listen to my heart”. It will let me know what’s OK and what’s not.

        Thanks for the wishes and best of luck to all of us in the post-ablation AF world!

        Reply
  42. Eric ( Age: 37 / male / Years with AFIB: 2 months )
    Mar 26, 2015

    Travis,

    Big thanks for sharing this with all of us. I had my first Afib episode January 29, 2015 and have had 3 more since then. I haven’t been able to share my feelings with friends and family therefore I respect you the choice you make to share with all of us your experience with the condition. The emotional aspect of the condition is what is incredibly hard for me to deal with.

    I have always been incredibly symptomatic and have been suffering with “flutters” since I was in my early 20’s. Everybody knows THAT guy who was always at the gym, ate right, boxed, rowed and avid runner…I am…was…that guy. Now I seemed to have lost my vigor and fully absorbed into researching about this condition. Not much of it gives me hope until I read about Catheter Ablation.

    I won’t choose the chemical route although I have no choice to be on the beta-blocker and Xarelto. I will be working my way to seeing a Cardio Physiologist to get the Catheter Ablation. I want my life back and really hope my kids don’t have to deal with this condition in the future. I feel extreme guilt about passing this on to the 2 of them.

    I know I’m the new guy in town here with only 2 months of experience dealing with this but this experience has already aged me a great deal. I can’t imagine what you all had to deal with suffering with this condition for years. I wish you all the best and again thank you Travis, your site is giving me renewed hope. I will be checking on your progress.

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 42 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
      Mar 26, 2015

      Eric:

      Thanks for your kind words. It’s good to know this site is serving a purpose.

      Welcome to the club…although this is a club you don’t want to be a member of!

      Atrial fibrillation is definitely hardest to deal with when you’re first diagnosed. It’s interesting because as I look back I was a nervous wreck about my afib the first five years I had it but as time went on and I became more experienced with it and learned more about it, it didn’t have the emotional/mental toll that it once had. Don’t get me wrong, it was (and still is) a constant dark cloud over my head but it didn’t consume me. I tell you this to assure you things will get better.

      The most important thing you can do right now is get treated – and preferably with an ablation. Don’t do what I did and wait 9 years. The longer you wait, the more progressive afib gets and the harder it gets to treat. If you can have an ablation right when you’re diagnosed, you have the greatest chance of success – especially at your young age. Just be sure you go to an experienced EP to have it done. I of course am extremely bias towards Dr. Natale but it’s imperative you find an EP that has at least 1,000 ablations under their belt.

      The experience of your EP will ultimately determine your success with an ablation. The success statistics look grim for ablations but that’s because they are based on the entire population of EP’s doing ablations. Meaning, the guy that does a couple a year is lumped in with guys like Dr. Natale that do hundreds a year! The statistics are totally inaccurate. Furthermore, a lot of the studies floating around out there are based on ablations that were done years ago. Ablations have come so far in the past decade that even the least competent EP can have great success today compared to a decade ago. And like I said, the earlier you have it done the better so don’t wait!

      As for your kids, don’t let guilt get the best of you. While there is a definite genetic component to afib it’s not a sure thing either of your kids will have to deal with it. And I know this might sound cold, but even if they do, it will be decades from now (knock on wood) that they’ll have to deal with it and I’m confident by then there will be a sure-fire way to cure afib. This is literally what I told my own two kids. I told them not to worry about it because even if by small chance they get it, they’ll be an old fart like me and there will likely be a cure by then.

      If you have any specific questions, feel free to fire away here in the comments or contact me directly via my contact page on this website.

      Keep in touch and best of luck to you!!

      Travis

      Reply
  43. Nancy ( Age: 57 / F / Years with AFIB: 2 )
    Mar 25, 2015

    Hi Travis,

    So happy to hear all is going well for you. I had my ablation on March 12, 2015. The procedure went well but, unfortunately, when I was being moved to my bed, the inner thigh muscle of one of my legs contracted. It caused excruciating pain and a lot of stress on my heart. Still being under the effects of the sedation, I was unable to communicate what the problem was. I was given morphine for the pain and immediately whisked off for an ultrasound as they tried to determine what was going on. I experienced a day and a half of horrible pain (even with continued pain meds) before I was able to articulate that what I needed was a muscle relaxant. Once I got that, the contractions stopped but my muscle was strained to the point that I couldn’t use it for days. Thankfully, it’s been two weeks and my legs has pretty much healed.

    It’s been two and a half weeks since my ablation. I took it easy once the muscle contractions stopped and have increased my activity during week two to include about 20 minutes of walking or light work around the house. I do notice that my blood pressure is a little high even after just walking from the kitchen to the family room next door, which was never a problem before. I also find that my heart tries to go into afib almost every night after dinner. It only lasts a few seconds and there is no racing, but I am aware of it. Otherwise, my heart is doing great! I understand that this is considered normal.

    Next week, I am supposed to begin rehabbing a house that I bought with a friend for flipping. My doctor has told me that this will be fine – even good for my heart – as long as I don’t do any heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling and that I stop and rest when I feel the need. So, painting, for instance, will be fine. I wonder why my doctor says this will be good for my heart while you’ve been told no activities for 4 – 6 weeks. I will be on my feet and active for about 10 hours per day but do plan to move slowly and rest when needed.

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 42 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 Years )
      Mar 26, 2015

      Nancy:

      Wow…you had quite the interesting ablation experience. Of all things I’ll bet a contracted muscle in your leg was the last thing you would have imagined happening! Good to hear you were able to get past it and everything is going well now. That’s so awesome to hear!

      I should clarify my comments about having “no activities for 4-6 weeks.” My doctor actually said I could resume normal activities after a week. However, his nurses said to “take it easy” the first month or so and people I have talked to who had excellent recoveries from their ablations cautioned me to “chill” the first month out.

      These terms are very vague but being the overly cautious person I am, I decided to essentially park myself for 4-6 weeks. I don’t want anything to jeopardize the chances of having a successful recovery and a successful ablation. I would rather be safe than sorry as they say.

      To be honest, it’s been nice to be able to rest. I’ve been exercising for an hour a day every day for the past 15+ years so it’s nice to just chill and relax and let my entire body recover. I honestly don’t even miss the exercise. Having said that, I will be back in the gym come mid-April and will slowly get back to my normal routine (knock on wood) which is just 30 minutes on the treadmill (light jog) and 30 minutes of light weight lifting.

      I wish you continued NSR and please stop by from time-to-time to let us know how you’re doing!

      Travis

      Reply
  44. Joe
    Mar 24, 2015

    I think I would be checking with Alivecor every 5 min….

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 42 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 Years )
      Mar 24, 2015

      Ha ha. I’m not worried about it at all. As I said, I was/am HIGHLY symptomatic. I can feel even the slightest heart palpitation. I can even take my own heart rate by just sitting still and listening to my heart and counting the beats. That’s how tuned I am to my heart after battling this for 9 years!

      But even if that wasn’t the case I wouldn’t worry about it because it’s not likely that a highly symptomatic patient would experience silent afib after an ablation. Once you are symptomatic you will always be symptomatic. Granted, the episodes may not be as intense but you’d still feel them.

      The other thing is I’m on a blood thinner so I’m covered if there really is something going on…which I know there isn’t so far so I’m not worried about it at all. In fact, if I’m afib-free after my second month I may go off the blood thinner sooner than later. We’ll see.

      Travis

      Reply
      • Farid ( Age: 31 / male / Years with AFIB: 3 )
        Sep 08, 2016

        Travis, thank you very much, i have a question, after my cryoablation passed 8 mounth, but sometimes i have some extra beats, extra systols, i took a monitor after advice my doctor 3 mounth ago,there were just 7 extra beats,my doctor said me that its normol for you, so every health man have from 10 to 70 extra beats,its normal, dont disturb,my doctor said, your heart works normol, he said that dont disturb becaus you didnot have any afib episods after cryoablation, and my question dear travis with this sceen can i do exercises,can i do fitness? do the fitness can triger any irregular beats or afib episods,because after fitness usually after 2-3 hoursr i have 1 or 2 extra beats,please help me please execuse for my mistakes

        Reply
        • Travis ( Age: 43 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
          Sep 08, 2016

          Farid:

          If your doctor is telling you you’re having a normal number of extra beats and he’s also telling you your heart is fine, you should be perfectly fine to exercise. For what it’s worth and to put things in perspective, there are people who have THOUSANDS of extra beats per day! I was one of those people. When my PVCs and PACs were at their worst, I was having anywhere from 5,000 – 9,000 extra beats per day and believe it or not, that is still considered “normal.”

          Doctors usually don’t get concerned until 20% of your heart beats are PVCs or PACs, which for the average person would be something around 20,000 extra beats per day.

          The only thing I would caution you on is don’t over do your fitness! Moderate exercise is the key! I would also tend to shy away from any strenuous weight lifting. It’s o.k. to do as long as you’re not really pushing yourself.

          I wish you well!

          Travis

          Reply
        • Melanie ( Age: 53 / Female / Years with AFIB: 1 )
          Sep 09, 2016

          Hi Farid,
          I had 2 ablations in my lower right chamber 12 years ago ….as I had 24,000 extra beats on my 24 hour tape!!!
          The first ablation got rid of 14,000 and the second 9,200 so I am still left with 800 …( abnormal is 500 ) but for me leave alone as that is good for me …
          I was good for 12 years with these extra beats…exercise too , but take it easy to start
          I wish you well
          Melanie

          Reply
          • Farid ( Age: 31 / male / Years with AFIB: 3 )
            Sep 13, 2016

            Thanks Melanie I know to 70 extra beats its normal, I’ll tell you why I am afraid of it, I have extra beats every 2 or 3 days,but after extra beats I am feeling a pause which disturb me, I had like these extra beats about two years. I was very anxious, very nervous. As every young man I want to feel myself health. and that is why I went to many cardiology doctors, one said you have nothing, one said you are healthy, one doctor said it’s normal to have 8 exta beats, but every day I felt extra beats with pause, which I was afraid of it.

            After the consulting of doctors which said that I am healthy and I just have a neurological problems I went into afib in 30 seconds, after this episode I thought something is wrong and went to Ankara. there my doctor said me you have extra beats it is normal but something is wrong with you, I must do electrophysical procedure only then I can say what is going wrong, and after a day they took me I a Liv hospital, made on me a procedure and during a process my doctor said me that you have afib…. he said that you have 2 choice.

            first you must take medication in your all life or the second I can do cryoablation…. it is your choice please select…I was there with my wife and I was at a loss, because I dont know what was a atrial fibrillation or cryoablation, I went to Turkey to heal extrasystols but was diagnosed as an afib patient….then I thought that it good to make a cryoablation than the having medication for my all life… and my doctor Sedat Kose did his ablation on me.

            After ablation I had many irregular beats like extra systols but my doctor said me take it easy… after 5 month I felt that it is going good… so after these procedures after 8 month sometimes I felt extra beats but I don’t have any afib episodes…my parents said me that you did a mistake to choose cryoablation, it was wrong they said my father said, he had afib episode too and he is cardiology doctor.

            Now sometimes I feel irregular beats sometimes my heart beats hard but go to a doctor he says that your heart works normal… What is yours opinion, dr Melania, dr Travis what kind of lifestyle must I choose, I saw that this problem in our is genetical, I am waiting that some day or other these extra beats trigger afib… that is why sometimes I fall in depression, it is very difficult for me to think that my heart will go in afib.

            Reply
            • Travis ( Age: 43 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
              Sep 15, 2016

              Farid:

              I completely understand where you’re coming from – that you fear these extra beats will lead to afib. I’ve felt that fear before and I know most afibbers have as well after their ablations.

              But here’s the thing…why fret over things you cannot control? I know that’s easier said then done but you need to force yourself to NOT worry about these extra beats. Go forward with a positive attitude and faith that your heart is normal and those extra beats are nothing to worry about!

              And if they do became afib, then deal with that when it happens. It is pointless to worry about it when it may never come to pass.

              The best thing you can do is keep yourself busy and your mind off your heart. Again, easier said than done I know:) Here are just a few things I do to help me not worry so much:

              1. When my palpitations really get out of control, I’ll reach for books like these and read for a while to “calm down.”
              How To Stop Worrying and Start LivingHow To Stop Worrying and Start Living
              Battlefield of the Mind: Winning the Battle in Your Mind
              ***And even when I’m not having bad palpitations I’ll make it a habit to read books like this on a nightly basis.***

              2. Listen to uplifting messages like those I post on my Facebook page on Sunday mornings:
              https://www.facebook.com/livingwithafib

              3. Read the Bible. I read the Bible every night. Here’s a verse, for example, that is great to read over and over when you’re fretting over things:

              Philippians 4:6-7
              “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”

              These are just some of the things you can do. I promise you if you do these things on a daily basis, your anxiety and worry will get better.

              Travis

              Reply
            • Melanie ( Age: 53 / Female / Years with AFIB: 1 )
              Sep 26, 2016

              Oh Farid,
              I have been there with that feeling many many times – to feel you have a problem with our heart is the most awful feeling. It makes you very heart aware. I have had a 3rd ablation on my heart for atrial fibrillation. I had it ablated on 9th August (7 weeks tomorrow).

              I am still having odd extra beats and feels like it stops too as well as one hour where it was 125 beats per minute!! I went to see the heart specialist last Friday. He did an ECG. I was in normal rhythm but he has requested I have a 24-hour tape this Friday. He thinks I am having short bursts of supra ventricular ectopics and a short episode of atrial fibrillation which he thinks will settle down.

              Have you had a 24-hour tape, Farid? You could request one.

              I wish you health and happiness to deal with this dreadfully annoying symptom. Remember, as the doctor told me, these beats are not life threatening.

              Reply
              • Farid ( Age: 31 / male / Years with AFIB: 3 )
                Sep 29, 2016

                Thanks for your advises…dear Travis and Melanie….your supports are invaluable…Dr Travis now i need an advise…i dont know how to behave… as i say i had a cryoablation nine month ago for Atrial Fibrilation as doctor said…why i am saying ” as doctor said” because it was his diagnose… untill cryoablation i had only one episido af but i dont know if it was af episode or it was a group of extra beats…how i was diagnosed it was af… and after ablation passes nine month, i had severel extra beats, but how you said there is no reason for annoying… and i now too it is not daengerous for life… But yesterday after work i felt something in the heart are like a palpilation,like something is thrilling… and it lasted almost 5-6 seconds… and now i dont now what it was an short af episode or a group of extra beats… my father said that it was a group of extra beats and it is nonsense, he said that it is sympathetic depending on your nerves system… he is a heart doctor….and i write to my ablation doctor he said too Forget… so you have a great experience…. what is your advise… what must i do? to sit and wait another episode or do something,as a said i had no sustained episode…what i had till this time only several extra beats, sometimes whit pause, and a one episode of thrilling a about 30 seconds a year ago and again yesterday lasting 5-6 seconds.please write your opinions and advises thank you very much and Dear Travis i want to say that you are doing a great job,it is very brave…for your writening i see this things another form.. thanks

                Reply
                • Melanie ( Age: 53 / Female / Years with AFIB: 1 )
                  Sep 29, 2016

                  Dear Farid ,I would take advise from your father is a heart doctor and as he has your best interest being a relative ….and also your heart specialist has said don’t worry ….I know it is easier said than done …but you are very lucky to have your father for immediate comfort …
                  I wish you comfort
                  Melanie

                  Reply
                • Travis ( Age: 44 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
                  Oct 01, 2016

                  Farid:

                  As difficult as it is, I encourage you not to worry or overthink things. Extra beats and palpitations can be normal for even “regular” people. You just had an ablation 9 months ago so it’s possible your heart is still slightly irritated and will take a little time to fully settle down.

                  In addition to my regular on and off battles with PVCs and PACs, I will have the occasional moment where I can feel my heart taking off like the beginning of an afib episode. It will only last about 5 seconds. I’ll admit, when it happens, it freaks me out because I think, “here we go again,” but it stops as fast as it starts.

                  I just brush it off and move on. If I can be blunt, worrying is a waste of time as it doesn’t do any good but make things worse! Just enjoy your life and let your heart do whatever it’s going to do. If afib returns, you can tackle it then – but it may never return so don’t let it consume your life right now.

                  If it helps, and if your doctor is willing, you could also get an event monitor to wear for a period of time so you can capture these episodes. That might give you peace of mind knowing that they are nothing to worry about.

                  I wish you well, Farid. Be strong and enjoy life!

                  Travis

                  Reply
  45. Joe
    Mar 22, 2015

    They only want you to capture 30 sec a week??

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 42 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 Years )
      Mar 22, 2015

      Joe:

      For me, yes. The reason is I have paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and when I have episodes I can feel them immediately. I am highly symptomatic. Given that, they told me I only need to make a recording if I “feel something” or at least once a week if I don’t feel anything.

      If you were someone that had silent afib or had persistent afib they would probably recommend you have an implantable heart monitor that makes recordings around the clock. Each case is different. This is also why I don’t have to be on any daily meds (i.e. Flecainide). Again, if you were a persistent afibber or were someone that was on daily meds prior to the procedure they would probably keep you on them during the blanking period.

      Travis

      Reply
      • Ron
        May 06, 2015

        Travis:

        Did he ablate the left appendage ? Did you have any activity in the left appendage that he is waiting to see if it gives you problems down the road or was it free of afib activity ?

        ….ron

        Reply
        • Travis ( Age: 42 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
          May 07, 2015

          Ron:

          No, he did not ablate the left appendage. I suspect that will be next if I have to have a second/follow up ablation. The only activity in the left atrial appendage was “sporadic PAC’s.” There was nothing of concern (for now).

          Travis

          Reply
          • Neb ( Age: 59 / M / Years with AFIB: 12 )
            Oct 05, 2015

            Hi Travis

            I am a 12+ year veteran of AFib and am considering an ablation. I have paroxysmal Afib but don’t like being on Flecainide every day. The last blog post I saw from you was from May. I am curious how things have gone for you since then.

            Thanks
            Neb

            Reply
          • Travis ( Age: 42 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
            Oct 07, 2015

            Neb:

            If you go to my blog, (just click on the “Blog” link in the main menu on the top of this site) you’ll see all of my updates. To answer your question, however, things have been o.k. Thankfully the afib hasn’t returned but I’m suffering from a number of PVCs and PACs.

            Like you, I had paroxysmal afib but didn’t need to take any medications as I was only having an episode about once per year (until 2014 when I was having them weekly). If I had to do it over I wouldn’t hesitate to have an ablation – with one caveat – look for the absolute best EP you can find. Don’t let just any old EP do your ablation!

            I wish you well.

            Travis

            Reply
            • Farid ( Age: 31 / male / Years with AFIB: 3 years )
              Sep 06, 2016

              Hi guys, my name is Farid. I am from Azerbaijan, age 30. I know english bad, but day by day i try to learn your language to get help from you, please excuse me for my mistakes, 3 years i had extrasystols, my doctors said me that its not problem for you, there are many people who have 2000-3000 extra in a day but you just have 8, they said that you have neurology problems, but i knew something goes wrong.one day after fitness a felt palpitations on my heart, i was very afraid, i just last 30 seconds,i fly to Ankara,there ny doctor said that you have Af, and did me cryoablation in 9 January 2016, in the blanking period l had a lot of different and interesting palpitations,but after 5 month they went off,and now sometimes i have extrasystols and i don’t know is it af is coming back or it is normal,and i very want to do exercises to run to work((( please help me i am the first man in our country who did this surgery nobody knows what is it and how the results will be…

              Reply
              • Travis ( Age: 43 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
                Sep 06, 2016

                Farid:

                Thanks for your comments! The blanking/recovery period is 3 months but some people may have periodic episodes beyond that. If your palpitations continue, or if they get worse, you should request a heart monitor to see what is going on. If the palpitations are afib then you’ll likely need a second procedure. It often takes two procedures to put afib to rest.

                If you have any other questions, fire away!

                Travis

                Reply

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Important Health Disclaimer: Do not follow any of the advice on this site without first consulting with your physician! I am not a doctor nor do I play one online. I'm just a guy who has afib that wants to share his opinions and thoughts on afib as well as share information I find interesting regarding this medical condition. The content provided on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended (nor implied) to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please read my official legal health disclaimer.

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