cardiac ablation recovery

[terrydillon]

I had a cardiac ablation 2 months ago for atriel flutter.  I was told the ablation was a success.  I felt so much better post ablation for the past two weeks.  However now I have started having shortness of breath upon exertion and have had several bouts of atriel flutter again.  My cardiologist has placed  now placedme on Amiodoron; which I had hoped to avoid.  
Is it common to have difficulty this far past the ablation?  I have read that sometimes you can develop irregular beats while your heart is still healing from the procedure.  However if this were the case would I not have had them immediately instead of 2 months later.  I am concerned that another pathway has been created for atriel flutter.  Does anyone have any insights?

[Flycaster305]

I can't comment about why you are having atrial 'flutter', is it also considered A-Fib?  
Amiodarone is commonly prescribed for A-Fib.  From experience, I can tell you it is quite effective, but can have some difficult side effects.  I do know that sometimes it takes several attempts before A-Fib can be  eliminated with an ablation and Amiodarone is a drug that sometimes eliminates AFib, sometimes is a bridge used between ablations, but almost always has some side effects that can be unpleasant.  It was effective in my situation, so I'm certainly not suggesting to not take it, but do pay attention to how you are feeling, and report any oddball symptoms.  In my case, I had some vision and breathing issues, the drug was stopped, but also the A-Fib stopped.  I'd stay in close contact with your doctor with discomfort, symptoms, etc.  Keep us informed.

[ireneo]

I've had 3 ablations due to different types of arrhythmias but the most persistent is my PSVT. The first time they went in they happened to find some atrial flutter which they didn't know I had. They got lucky and got that corrected but the PSVT is still hanging around after all these years. Oh well.

Like flycaster said it's still possible that your heart will settle down in time. The Amio may just be a bridge to give you some relief till the heart heals completely. Did the doctor say you had to take it forever or just try it for a few months and then return for a follow up?

Don't give up yet. It's possible your heart is still healing. Or perhaps there is a spot inside that was dormant or overpowered by the more active spot that they ablated and now is acting up. You may have to go back for a bit of a touch up but only time will tell.

Track your reactions to the med. If it's bothering you too much after a few weeks or you continue to feel worse, talk to the doctor. There are other medications that could help with fewer side effects.

[terrydillon]

Thanks you for sharing your knowledge and experience with me.  Particularly, the success of the amiodarone, as I have been quite concerned about the side effects.  So far the main side effect is that I am having a great deal of difficulty sleeping; but given the other possible side effects it is far from being the worst.  My heart has settled down and I am hoping that after the three months of healing is up that I will be able to come off of the amiodarone

[ireneo]

That is encouraging then. I'm not familiar with the side effects of amiodarone  since I've never taken it. Before my ablations they did try Verapamil on me. The side effects were pretty bad: extreme fatigue, pain in my legs and chest, dizziness and I was extremely short of breath. I tried to tough it out but when I ended up in ER within the week, they decided to take me off of it. LOL I think that was a good idea.

I'll keep my fingers crossed that in 3 months your heart will settle way down and you can get off the medication. You may always have a few heart hiccups like PACs and PVCs but compared to what you've been through, they will seem quite minor. Wishing you a happy heart.