A-Fib, Tachycardia, SVT - post Ablation

[bethy67]

I have a lengthy history of A-Fib.  My condition led to the point where surgery was necessary.  My racing heartbeats, even on medication, began lasting for longer than 48 hours at a time.  On 2/11 I had catheter ablation.  Since the ablation, I continue to have episodes of A-Fib.  I have had two recent episodes of tachycardia though one of the cardiologists I see said it was SVT.  I was in the ER today with a heart rate of 220 bpm.  The surgeon told me during one of my follow up visits that I will have to have another ablation.  I really dont feel comfortable with this.  Has anyone had anything similar?  I dont know why my symptoms are worsening even at 4 months post op.  Depending on which dr. i ask, the recovery is either 3 months or 6 months.  I appreciate any info anyone has to offer.
Thanks
Beth

[ksig]

Multiple ablations are not uncommon as stated by twinbee.  And recovery does take 3-6 mo depending on the patient. I had three left atrial ablations (PVI).  I also had a pacer implanted between the second  and third procedures.  After the third ablation I was put into the hospital to load on a new drug, dofetilide (tikosyn) as I still had major bouts of AFib.  After nine mo of continued difficulty, I had a fourth ablation to eliminate the AV Node.  I am off all meds except warfarin and feel great.  I am paced 100%.  The only difficulty I have had required me to have my pacer adjusted.  I still have AFib but my heat beats at a lower rate so it doesn't bother me.  Life is good.

Many people have to have more than one ablation and sometimes a change in drug therapy is warranted.  Hang in there.  

ksig

[bethy67]

My surgeon did not make clear the probability of additional procedures until he realized this one was not successful.  I saw another EP in the same office who said they know 3 mos post op if it was a success but my EP says we need 6 months.  He switched one of my meds to Rhythmol and is confident this well help.  I took flecainide for three years but it didnt seem to help.  He said the SVT is either a result of the surgery OR a new condition altogether.  I have to return to see him in August to discuss further options.

[twinbee]

Needing a second and sometimes third ablation is not uncommon.  Did your EP discuss this with you before you had the first ablation? When I had my ablation I was told I might need another. So far that hasn't been the case. Lots of people have to have 2 ablations to "cure" their a-fib. I also was told the recovery was around 6 months, however I think it can take up to a year.