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)!
Week 4: May 28, 2023
Heart Rate: 78 bpm
Blood Pressure: 131/81
Blood Oxygen: 97%
Heart palpitations/a-fib: NONE; Normal Sinus Rhythm
Other symptoms/issues: NONE
Comments:
The fourth week of my ablation recovery was great! I had zero issues, and I felt great. I continued my daily walks and living life as usual. This was also the best “mental week” I’ve had as well since my procedure. By that I mean, I felt optimistic and positive about my future in regards to staying in normal sinus rhythm!
Week 5: June 5, 2023
Heart Rate: 74 bpm
Blood Pressure: 125/75
Blood Oxygen: 98%
Heart palpitations/a-fib: NONE; Normal Sinus Rhythm
Other symptoms/issues: NONE
Comments:
I keep falling behind on getting this weekly updates done. I should have recorded and posted my vitals on 6/3 or 6/4 at the latest. Regardless, now a full five weeks out from my third minor touch up ablation, I continue to do better each week. This past week I felt even better than the previous week on all fronts (mental, physical, emotional, etc.). My blood pressure reading is finally down, my resting heart rate has come down slightly, my pulse ox is up a bit, and I’ve had zero heart issues!
I’m still cautiously optimistic. During my last blanking period, I was doing great through the fifth week as well, but then in the ninth week the wheels fell off the bus and I started having atrial flutter episodes. I’m not going to lie, I’m nervous as I continue through this blanking period. What will the ninth and tenth weeks look like? Will I still be in NSR, or will I be battling atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation again? I guess I’ll find out in a few weeks if I’m in the clear or not!
Week 6: June 12, 2023
Heart Rate: 87 bpm
Blood Pressure: 137/76
Blood Oxygen: 96%
Heart palpitations/a-fib: NONE; Normal Sinus Rhythm
Other symptoms/issues: NONE
Comments:
Another solid week but I’m not happy with my heart rate and blood pressure readings! Granted, I took my vitals in the evening about an hour after eating a large meal (that was followed up by a bunch of sweets for dessert). My daughter made chocolate cupcakes and I’m a sucker for them so let’s just say I have a tendency to eat more than just one:) I know my heart rate and blood pressure aren’t normally running that high, but it’s a good reminder to keep my meals in check!
Week 8: June 29, 2023
Heart Rate: 79 bpm
Blood Pressure: 126/73
Blood Oxygen: 97%
Heart palpitations/a-fib: NONE; Normal Sinus Rhythm
Other symptoms/issues: NONE
Comments:
You’ll notice I skipped my 7th week update. To be honest, it totally slipped my mind because things have been going so well. I haven’t had a single heart issue (knock on wood). I haven’t made any changes in my diet and I haven’t changed anything with my exercise routine. I continue to live my life as usual. It’s been awesome!
I have a date set for my first TEE to see if the Watchman implant is fully sealed over and not leaking. The TEE is scheduled for July 27th at 8 am down in Austin, TX. I’ll have a detailed blog post about that experience after it’s done. I’m hoping the implant is fully sealed over and not leaking so I can finally get off my blood thinner (Eliquis). I feel like I’ve been on it forever. I’ve been taking Eliquis now since my atrial flutter attack right before Thanksgiving last year.
I can’t believe it’s been seven months already since that attack and everything else that has unfolded since then (fifth cardioversion, second ablation, and third ablation with Watchman implant). What’s the saying? When it rains it pours? I hope I’ll finally be in the clear for a while!
Week 10: July 14, 2023
Heart Rate: 75 bpm
Blood Pressure: 126/75
Blood Oxygen: 97%
Heart palpitations/a-fib: NONE; Normal Sinus Rhythm
Other symptoms/issues: NONE
Comments:
I skipped an update for week 9 as things have been going great. Since my last update on week 8, everything has remained the same – normal sinus rhythm! I have nothing more to report other than the vitals I’m listing here for the week 10 update.
I will be flying to Austin, TX next Tuesday, July 25th, for my TEE. I will have a detailed post about that appointment towards the end of the month. I’m crossing my fingers that the TEE reveals my Watchman is totally sealed over and not leaking so I can get off my Eliquis!
Week 13: August 6, 2023
Heart Rate: 81 bpm
Blood Pressure: 127/70
Blood Oxygen: 96%
Heart palpitations/a-fib: NONE; Normal Sinus Rhythm
Other symptoms/issues: NONE
Comments:
My 3-month blanking period technically ended on July 27th but I haven’t had a chance to make my last blanking period update until now. As you can see by my vitals, everything has been “steady Eddie.” Even though things have been going just fine I’d be lying if I said I felt like I’m totally in the clear. Quite the contrary. Literally every day I wonder if my atrial fibrillation/flutter will return.
I’ve come to the realization that this dark cloud will always be a part of my life. There is no sense in fighting it. It is what it is. I’ll enjoy life as best as I can and will just pray that the good Lord gives me as many good years as possible. Let’s hope I don’t have any more blanking period updates moving forward!
The only thing left now is to finish my last two TEEs. I had my first TEE on July 26th and everything looked great. My next one will be in late October, early November. After that TEE I’ll know if I can finally get off my blood thinners. Keep an eye on my blog around that time and I’ll be sure to write a blog post about it.
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