Another Ablation Day after Tomorrow

[MaryLL]

Yikes! I've been keeping busy and trying not to think about the fact that I'm having an ablation again on Tuesday morning. I had a catheter ablation in May of 2010 that was not completed. I had 95% of one side and none of the other side done. Things were better for awhile, but then I gradually had more episodes in spite of medications. In February 2012, a cryoablation was done and completed. I seemed to be good for a month (continued on meds), then started having worse episodes (BP dropping to 50/30 and heart rate at 190). So now another cryoablation is planned for Tuesday, 6/5.
I went off meds today and am a wreck but trying to stay calm in hopes of averting an a-fib episode before the ablation. Last time, I spent most of the night before the ablation in the ER getting cardioverted and stabilized. I am really hoping it works this time. My doctor says I am the maximum of medication I can take, I am tired most of the time, just work and sleep, and I want my life back!!
I am doing some interior work on the emotions and stress levels, taking the medication, and following my doctor's orders all the way: no caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, low salt/sodium, no chocolate, etc. My cardiologist and I share the common goal of healnig my a-fib and getting me off medications. If this doesn't work, I'm not sure what I will do. There are no physical reasons they can find for my a-fib.
Any support is appreciated. I'm cautiously optimistic about Tuesday and I LOVE hearing when ablations are working for others!!
Thank you!
MaryLL

[MaryLL]

Thank you for your words of encouragement! I am glad to hear that ablation is working. Yes, I was tested for sleep apnea, but don't have it. (I was surprised and thought it might explain a lot).

I'm having a calm, stress-free day: homemade soup, good books, lying around, and drinking chamomile tea. Doing everything possible not to go into a-fib before the ablation tomorrow.

Thanks again and I so appreciate the support. This is a chronic condition that can feel so lonely sometimes!

Hugs to all,
MaryLL

[JohninTroy]

Good Luck Mary,
And I'm here to tell you Ablations do work.  I had my ablation on January 31, I had 2 episodes of A fib the following week and none since. I have my next follow up appointment tomorrow and hopefully I can get off of some of these medications.

[tom_h]

Yes, good luck.  Hope this is the last time you have to get it done.

[MichelleP_3811]

I will be thinking of you tomorrow praying for a successful outcome!  (((Hugs)))

[DeltaDawn23]

Mary, have you been checked for sleep apnea?  I learned when I was in the hospital for an episode, that 1/3 to 1/2 of afib is caused by sleep apnea.  It's worth checking if you think there is a possibility.  Mine is much better controlled now, with better treatment of my sleep apnea.

I will be thinking of you and sending good thoughts your way.  I know this must be terribly scary.  There are many good outcomes on this message board, maybe reading some of them will help.

Hang in there -- good luck.