Post ablation questions

[outofrhythm]

I have a few general questions regarding post ablation concerns. One month ago I had an PVI ablation done for an irregular heart beat, which included skipped beats. I was told to stay on my medication (Rythmol) for two months although I have missed some doses because of side effects. I have had many skipped beats recently, especially when I exercise or stand up from a sitting position. My questions are:

1. Do most patients stay on medication following the ablation procedure? When do you go off the meds?

2. What are common occurrences in the first few months following an ablation.

3. If a second ablation needs to be done, how long after the first does this typically occur?

[ireneo]

I wasn't on meds before my ablations (to me the tachy was a normal part of my days). But I've read that many people stay on their meds for a few months after an ablation simply because it takes that long for the heart to heal and settle down.

Having mini-bursts of tachy or "skipped beats" is very common post ablation. Again, it takes time to know for sure if things have improved.

I've had 3 ablations: 2000, 2001 and 2004. The first time they thought they fixed my tachy but it came back. Second time they knew it was still there but after so many hours and burns, they stopped. Tried again in 2004. Timing depends on your EP but I don't think a doctor would repeat the procedure any sooner than 6 months.