post ablation

[fayiris]

I had a pulmonary vein isolation 2 weeks ago and my heart is still going into a/fib quite strongly. Is this ususl after this procedure?

[fayiris]

Many thanks. Will certainly look it up.

[SDalb]

Your right, it is not a nice experience.  The only way a doctor is going to appreciate a patients experience is if they go through it themselves.  I read a blog by a cardiac electrophysiologist, who is also a bike racer.  He experienced afib during a bike ride. He blogs about his experiences including treating patients with afib and he has some good insights.  If your interested he is at drjohnm.org. I have found his blog very helpful also. Hope you find it helpful.  

[fayiris]

I was blaming the afib as well until a Doctor told me the Sotalol cuts your energy in half, and then I looked up the side effects - I feel as if I am under a grey cloud and just can't wait to come out from under it.
It sounds as if your heart went "mad" after the PVI procedure too - not a nice experience is it?
Problem is no one in the medical profession tells us what is likely to happen, it would be such a help if they did.
I thank you once again.

[SDalb]

To answer your question, yes.  I did not notice the effects at first.  I thought it was the afib that made me feel so bad.  Now if I take an 80 mg sotalol, I feel terrible.  But that is because I know what it feels like to feel normal.  The sotalol makes me feel light headed, my neck and shoulders feel achy and I am very lethargic.  It was a great day when the doctor said I did not have to take it on a regular basis any longer.
Your welcome.  I have found a lot of help on this forum from those who have had similar experiences.  

[fayiris]

Yes there is a difference, not nearly as many afib episodes. I am on Sotalol 120mg twice daily, but if I don't pace myself I go into afib straight away. Does the Sotalol make you feel tired and a little light headed at times? I looked it up and it is known for these sort of side effects. Roll on the day when I can (hopefully) come off meds. Many grateful thanks for your reply, it has helped tremendously.

[SDalb]

Yes.  Flecanide.  The second week, I went into constant atrial tachycardia and was taken off flecanide and put on sotalol.    It took 3 days to get back to NSR. After 2 months it was cut in half then at about 4 months I was taken off the meds.  Now I only take it as needed.
Are you having any progress with the afib?

[fayiris]

Did you still take medication after your PVI? Mine was reduced to a quarter of the usual amount after PVI but my heart banged about so much afterwards that I had to go back to the full dose.

[fayiris]

Thankyou so much for your reply it helps to know that someone has been thru the same. It sounds as if your heart has really settled now and it was a success.
I

[SDalb]

I had a PVI ablation last August.  I experienced a number of episodes the first 15 days.  I ended up in ER and was cardioconverted at one point.  Since Sept 15 of 2010 I have only had one four hour episode of AFIB which was about 3 weeks ago.  So, no it is not unusual to have episodes for several months after the ablation. Your heart will need a good 3 to 6 months to recover.  Do keep your doctor appraised of your situation.  Good luck,,

[bbxx]

I hope someone else helps you out. Make sure you call your doc though while you are waiting to hear from someone on here that can help. :)