Many arrythmias discovered during 2nd ablation

I am a 43 year old female and October 10, 2011 I had my first cardiac ablation for a-fib. This procedure lasted 11 hours with one day monitoring,  then five weeks later, I had developed a-flutter.  February 29, 2012, I had my second ablation and the doctor stopped burnings six hours into the procedure because he discovered that there were so many different arrythmias that he did not want to continue burning my heart.  This procedure took 8 hours and 4 days in the hospital to be monitored.  I feel worse after the second surgery.  I have been told that a pacemaker will not help this condition and I am very hesitant to have the "maze" surgery.  I have been cardioverted 13+ times in the last year (lost count after having it done so many times).   Is there anyone out there that has been in this situation with the ablation procedure not working for them at all?  

[DeltaDawn23]

Not sure where you had your ablations done, but I I see you are in the midwest, and have heard really good things about the Cleveland Clinic.  I believe they are number one in the nation with this sort of cardiac procedure.  Maybe it would be worth a second opinion?  Are you on any meds?  Sending good thoughts your way.

[Cheers]

Wondering why a pacemaker wouldn't help? I am ignorant about these things, so please excuse me. But I thought a pacemaker is typically a cure all and would always keep a heart in normal rhythm regardless of arrhythmia.

I am so very sorry you are having such a hard time. What are they doing for you in the mean time to keep you safe??

[michellepetkus]

I don't have any advice to give you about the maze procedure but it does sound like you have irritated spots all over the place and they just can't burn your whole heart.  I believe there are a few here who have had the procedure so hopefully they will pop on and give some advice as well as from those who are struggling with the same diagnosis that they can't be helped either.  But the best advice I can give you is to really take it slow for a time.  Do you exercise heavily?  If you do slow it down considerably for a time to really give your heart a chance to rest and recoup.  I don't think afib can be cured but from what I understand exercising does make it worse.  And if you are adrenaline sensitive, exercise, caffeine, and stress are things you will want to keep under control.  I also think bp meds help even the heart out a bit which may help you feel better even if it doesn't stop the afib episodes.  Well hang in there and stay strong.  My hope for you is if you can't get this cured that you can at least get yourself to a point of feeling like you are on top of it as best you can.  Take care.

[T191969]

Hello, thanks for the reply.  I had both of my procedures by the best doctor who specializes in doing ablasions in my area in Indiana. I am now on amiodarone, but in the past year I have been on sotalol, flecainide, metoprolol and defetilide.  I am checking with my insurance case worker about getting a second opinion.  I have done alot of research on the internet but most people seem to have had better results after their second ablasion, but I feel worse than I did before the surgery.  

[T191969]

Thank you for the reply, Cheers. I was mislead about the whole pacemaker idea.  It only controls the bottom part of the heart and I also thought that would be the next step if the second ablasion failed, but now  my doctor says that a pacemaker will not help in my situation. I am on amiodarone and warfarin. I am just taking it one day at a time and hopefully nothing happens. Take care.

[T191969]

Thanks for the reply.  I have not been able to exercise for the past few years because of the episodes, so much for that lifetime membership to the gym.  From what my doc says, he has never seen a case like mine.  I have so many different arrythmias that he did not want to burn anymore of the heart. My family doc has given me buspar to try to help cope with this and to help with my anxiety.  I go back to work tomorrow, which I am hoping that I can control my stress level and not let things get to me.  Take care.