Ablation for AF then Bradycardia

[MBErnie]

I received ablation 1 year ago for consistent AF and Aflutter.  I am a 66 year old mountain runner for 30+ years.  My previous resting pulse was low 60s and training at 150 and maximum at 185 pulse.  After ablation, my resting pulse was 35 and training 125 with a maximum about 134bpm.  This pulse was slower, but my efficiency was fine, but 9 months later, my resting pulse is 26-28, my training pulse is in the 80's and maximum about 100.   My training is consistent mileage, but there was an immediate drop in my mountain uphills, but not level nor downhills.  
After my ablation, I was in ICU for 4 days because of a stroke---now with partial aphasia, but luckily I had no paralysis.

[MBErnie]

Our conditions are very similar.  I started AF in episodes (several days) in the early 1990s, especially after long runs in the mountains.  I avoided coffee, tea, chocolate, heavy alcohol to help prolonging AF.  Luckily, I only used daily aspirin since then.  Two years ago my cardiologist thankfully convinced me to switch to Coumadin. I am grateful that I am alive, period.  Just like I signed the piece of paper--there are lots of possible complications.  Ablation does not work out perfectly.  If your HR is 60, and if you have some weakness, maybe your cardiologist might try cardio-version and an arrhythmic drug.  I see we both have dilemmas, and I really want to make a lot of consideration before my treatment.
Take care and thank you for all--Ernie

[Jerry_NJ]

Well I'm impressed, I was still "running" up to age 67, but by your standard I was a duff.  I tried to do about 3 miles in under 30 minutes with little or no grade.  I was having trouble with that goal as my age advanced.  I was in NSR, but taking an anticoagulant because I had a case of "latent" atrial fibrillation, never knew when it might hit. My resting HR was in the 60s and my running 6 mph would get me up to 150, my maximum.  I have subsequently gone into permanent AFib and no longer run.  My history tells you how/why  I am so taken "back" by your problem.  Good that you are seeing your cardiologist.  I would think a pacemaker (what in the heck would it be set at?  60 bpm would be normal in my book, but that's way high for you and the pacemaker would be pacing you whenever you are at rest... The concern, as I understand it, of a low HR is the heart is more likely to stop (fail) than a HR that is more in the 60 range.  I am not a doctor, just related what I have experienced and what I have read.

[MBErnie]

Right now, my resting HR is 30, but awakening, my pulse is usually about 28.  While working in the house, I have a slight short of breath sometimes with spurts of exertion.  On the other hand, once I start running and my pulse is at 80-90.  Starting my regular hill I never lose dizziness.  During weekdays, I run a stroller with a 65 lb. English Bulldog, and have been doing this for 8 years.  Sunday, I ran 18 miles in the mountains (without the dog), and I was fine, but I can't get my pulse above my 90s.  I see both of my cardiologists every 6 months.  One is my electrophysiological cardiologist, and an ekg was fine except the bradycardia last week and my other main cardiologist will see me in 2 weeks, and he will see my rest HR down from previously 35-36.  Both say my heart is strong and keep what I am doing.  I am actually worried about surgery for a pacemaker or ??? without anti-coagulant medication with my previous stroke.  
Thank you

[Jerry_NJ]

Sorry I can' be of any useful help, but hope my questions will attract some.

Are you saying that even with the low resting (20-ish) and aerobic (80-100) you can still run, albeit not uphill?  

I consider a resting HR of 26 to be potential serious... but if you have no symptoms such as dizziness or breathless, it may not matter what I "consider" it.

Have you discussed with your cardiologist?  Or your EP?