End of AFib Fight

[JoKelly]

I have posted on this forum many times, but thought I would post this to say I am now on a different road.  Following two failed ablations, I again found myself in AFib but this time with the new addition of atrial tachycardia (in other words a pulse going twenty to the dozen).  In hospital they tried all sorts of drugs to slow it, but this time it didn't revert.  I was given my options (a)  aggressive drugs which could damage my thyroid and liver, or (b)  try a third ablation but was advised it was getting risky as the only areas not yet worked on were very thin walled) or (c)  a dual chamber pacemaker which would control the condition but not cure it.

I opted for the pacemaker which was fitted a couple of days ago and I am coming to terms with the end of a long battle with AFib which I didn't win, so am feeling a bit blue at present.  I still have an AV node ablation ahead and all the testing etc.  I know I shall feel better about it soon........  
NB  Stop feeling sorry for myself!

[Jerry_NJ]

Sorry for the bout with a virus, not one I recognize - here in the USA.  But I'd better watch out, I am part English... Mother's side is Harrington.

[JoKelly]

Now one week after pacemaker.  Still a bit sore on the shoulder but remain in sinus with drugs until the AV node ablation in about a month.  Do I feel better?  Well just as soon as I got home, we both went down with the Norovirus (winter vomiting bug) and have had a horrendous week with it, worrying whether I was going to dislodge the wires!  Feeling well enough to creep to the computer again.....It never rains but it pours (especially here in the south of England at present).  I am sure I will have something better to report soon.

[JoKelly]

Aren't you just lovely people on this forum.  Many thanks.

[MichelleP_3811]

(((HUGS)))

[DeltaDawn23]

Sorry to hear the previous ablations didn't work out. Sometimes we are left with few options.  The one you chose seems right for you.  Is the pacemaker working now?  Are you feeling better?  Keep us posted.  I have seen posts that stated the AV node ablation/pacemaker route was a godsend.  Will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.  

[Jerry_NJ]

We all want to be winners and in a way you are by taking steps to put the AFib "out-of-business".  

I am in a state of permanent AFib and my heart rate control works and so far I get along fine with Warfarin to lower clot risks.  

I have had to accept I will not return to my day of NSR, and in the period of age 60 to 67 that was aided by periodic electrocardioversions.  This means many of the physically heavy things I liked to do:  biking, hiking, skiing (Alpine and Cross Country) even running are no longer part of my life.  I continue to work to find activities I can do and can enjoy just as much. One is target shooting.  Of course I try ot carry out work that gives me physical exercise - including house and yard work, and taking car of my wife, myself, and our dog.

I am sure you will do fine with the pacemaker.