My third a-fib ablation was a very minor touch up. I only had seven minutes of actual ablation time (vs over sixty minutes for my second ablation). In fact this touch up was so minor that my care team told me that unlike the blanking period for my second ablation, it’s not imperative I provide them with weekly EKG’s and updates on how I’m doing.
For this blanking period, they told me I could send them ECG’s and updates to them every couple of weeks, or as needed. Like my last blanking period, however, they said it’s still possible I could have some breakthrough atrial flutter episodes so I had to prepare for that. I’m really hoping and praying that’s not the case or I’ll be a nervous wreck. I’m still shaken over the breakthrough atrial flutter episodes I had during my last blanking period.
I had my third ablation and Watchman implant on April 27th so this first update is a little over a week from when that procedure took place. I will probably update this page every couple of weeks, or as things come up (and hopefully nothing does). But then again knowing me and my desire for details, I will probably post something every week.
Week 1: May 6, 2023
Heart Rate: 81 bpm
Blood Pressure: 132/84
Blood Oxygen: 97%
Heart palpitations/a-fib: NONE; Normal Sinus Rhythm
Other symptoms/issues: NONE
Comments:
The first week out has been great. I’ve had zero issues. I didn’t do any exercising until just two days ago (Thursday, May 4th). I let my body rest for an entire week after the procedure as I was instructed to do. The only exercising I’ve been doing since Thursday is my usual daily 2-mile (moderate intensity) walk. I’ve had no issues either during my walks, not that I’ve expected any.
I’m a bit annoyed that my blood pressure reading was so high today. I hope that’s just a one-off fluke.
One thing I don’t mention very often is my mental state during these blanking periods. I hinted earlier that I was still shaken from the atrial flutter breakthroughs I had during my last blanking period. I know breakthroughs are normal, but since I had ZERO breakthroughs after my first ablation for almost eight years, I was spoiled. I had very high expectations after my second ablation. I expected no breakthroughs so when I had them it freaked me out.
I’d be lying if I told you I haven’t been nervous this time around. I have no idea what to expect. I hope (and pray) that after three ablations I’ll be good for a while, but every day I feel like I’m just waiting for the shoe to drop. I think I’ll lose my mind if I have any breakthroughs. The question that keeps running through my mind from morning to night is, will I get another 7+ years of total a-fib and atrial flutter freedom like I was blessed with after my first ablation? Then the other questions that immediately follow are, if not, what am I going to do? Am I going to have a fourth ablation? Am I going to have to be on those dreaded heart drugs? Am I going to be in persistent a-fib or atrial flutter? Am I going to die an early death from heart failure like my dad did?
It doesn’t take long for me to go down a dark rabbit hole of despair of what the future might hold. I know I shouldn’t do that, especially as someone that confesses to be a believer in Christ. What does that say about my faith and trust in Him? He’s done so much for me and has seen me through this a-fib journey successfully since I was first diagnosed with atrial fibrillation back in 2006. I have no reason to doubt Him, and yet I do. I have no reason to worry, but I do. My lack of faith and trust in Him despite what He’s done for me really convicts me and drives me crazy. Lord, give me greater faith and trust in You!
Well that’s all I have for now. I’ll probably post an update here next week. Until then, take care!
Week 2: May 14, 2023
Heart Rate: 80 bpm
Blood Pressure: 130/79
Blood Oxygen: 97%
Heart palpitations/a-fib: NONE; Normal Sinus Rhythm
Other symptoms/issues: NONE
Comments:
Another solid week without any issues. My head has been in a better place too this past week. I just try to take things one day at a time, hoping and praying for the best. That’s all we can do, right?
Week 3: May 19, 2023
Heart Rate: 79 bpm
Blood Pressure: 132/83
Blood Oxygen: 97%
Heart palpitations/a-fib: NONE; Normal Sinus Rhythm
Other symptoms/issues: NONE
Comments:
The third week of my ablation recovery went great. I had zero issues. I continue to do my daily two-mile walks at moderate intensity. All is well so far (knock on wood)!
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