Many of you know my story, but I don't know exactly what is currently happening. My first ablation 13 years ago was a great success. After a roaring comeback of afib in Nov. and Dec. 2019 - I had my second ablation on Jan. 6 of this year. The first week I had considerable arrhythmias, which Flecainide stopped, then went on Flec for two full months to avoid breakthroughs. That worked perfby Ken - AFIBBERS FORUM
When my afib returned in December after 13 years being afib free, I started Toprol and Eliquis and very quickly I went on Flecainide and stopped the Toprol. The Flecainide slowed my heart rate while in afib, so no need for the Toprol. After my January ablation, Eliquis only for one month, but after two weeks of breakthroughs, I went back on the Flecainide for two months. No issues with Fleby Ken - AFIBBERS FORUM
Oops, when I saw PVC I was thinking PVI, so I have not had a PVC ablation.by Ken - AFIBBERS FORUM
I went home on the same day. Whatever mapping they choose, it should be the best. I doubt that ultra sound does a better or equal job of mapping. I would take the radiation, but asking the Doctor the pros and cons would be a good idea.by Ken - AFIBBERS FORUM
I am sure many of us have, but I am not sure about the robotics. I am guessing that the Dr would have mentioned it if that was what he did, so I would venture a no. I don't recall robotics having been mentioned here, so few, if any of us have had it. All speculation.by Ken - AFIBBERS FORUM
Having an ablation is a no brainer. But having it done correctly by someone that knows what they are doing is critical. Otherwise, the success will be limited. After my first ablation 13 years ago, I felt 100% normal from the day after until it returned last fall. I had my second ablation on January 6th and all is well, but I did have a few bouts of afib/arrhythmias the first few days, but Flby Ken - AFIBBERS FORUM
If it wasn't for this website, I am guessing that Natale's reputation would be no different than any other EP for most afibbers. Are there other ways to find the best at any medical procedure other than word of mouth? I don't put much faith into online star or point ratings of Doctors. My wife was in the medical field for 40 years, nuclear medicine tech to start, but evolved iby Ken - AFIBBERS FORUM
I don't recall your issue, but why are you one Eliquis? And if you were off it for three days, what could happen that could cause a stroke. I had afib for 5 years (didn't know it) with over 100 episodes, but it was misdiagnosed and I wasn't of any blood thinners. Seems the stroke risk was pretty small for me. Having cancer of the colon seems like a bigger issue than beingby Ken - AFIBBERS FORUM
After my Jan. 6 ablation, I am taking Eliquis for one month and Flecainide for two months. Then med free. After my first ablation 13 years ago, I too Warfarin for one month (no Antiarrhythmics) and then nothing for 13 years. I am in good health and stay fit, so I don't take any prescription meds, other than the short term afib meds I am currently on.by Ken - AFIBBERS FORUM
I had afib for 11 years before the first ablation, averaging about 3 episodes per month ranging from 1 to 72 hours. It was misdiagnosed for the first five years and I took no meds, then the afib was found on an ECG and I went on blood thinners and control drugs for 5 years - then ablated. I went back for the second ablation because of two 10 day long episodes one week apart after 13 years wby Ken - AFIBBERS FORUM
Two ablations, first 13 years ago with great success and then in the last 4 months, afib back. Second ablation on Jan.6 this year. 24 hours after both ablations, I felt almost 100%. No pain meds, walking a mile on the day after and light weight workouts one week after. RF - PVI + other burns for the first one, and RF where needed for the second one. Worst part is a 24 hour bad sore throatby Ken - AFIBBERS FORUM
My internist wouldn't give me flecanide, but my EP did. Started with twice daily about a month before my ablation, which kept the afib away. After the ablation, it was pill in a pocket for two weeks, but was changed to daily for two months because of the many breakthroughs. Since I started taking it daily, no problems. I haven't seen any side effects from taking flecanide.by Ken - AFIBBERS FORUM
Ectopics after an ablation are the norm, but when they occur, what is the usual length of time that a series of ectopics will run? A few irregular beats on occasion or hours in a row?by Ken - AFIBBERS FORUM
The Anti-Fib said: "Can you describe your arrhythmia a little better? Do you know how fast your HR was? Do you know if it was AFIB?" Since you asked this question, I haven't had any arrhythmia, but when it's present, the rate is probably under 100. My original afib without meds was up to 180, so I am not sure what I have been encountering. However, I did get withby Ken - AFIBBERS FORUM
It's not that new. I was offered it 13 years ago as part of a study, but went for the more standard RF ablation.by Ken - AFIBBERS FORUM
Good advice and I will check with my EP to follow up.by Ken - AFIBBERS FORUM
Advice needed. As I have posted before, I am 2 weeks into my blanking period and have had a few bouts of arrhythmia the days after the ablation where my Dr. said to use Flecanide as needed - 100 mg. In the first four days post ablation I took one pill each day after some arrhythmia showed up each day and then converted, then 7 days with no issues. Early Sat. morning, another bout where the arrby Ken - AFIBBERS FORUM
Thanks Shannon for the kind words and your assistance with helping me decide which way to manage my returning afib. Now, two and a half days with no arrhythmia. Had some each of the first four days post ablation. I will likely go for a light weight workout today or tomorrow.by Ken - AFIBBERS FORUM
Ghost, Here is a great 1 min video that explains the process.by Ken - AFIBBERS FORUM
After 13 years of success from my first ablation, my “relapse” (two 10-day periods of afib) in November and December resulted in a second ablation. Done by Dr. Kevin Wheelan at the Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital in Dallas, who did my first ablation in 2006. I made it to Dallas (from Raleigh) on Jan. 5, ablated on the 6th and home on the 8th. Started the RF ablation atby Ken - AFIBBERS FORUM
Just an off the cuff observation - It seems that from what I have seen/read, endurance athletes that get afib get later in life 50's - 70's. This may not be true, but I don't recall any athletes in training, or shortly there after, getting afib. For me, afib showed up at age 50. Endurance training ended at age 23.by Ken - AFIBBERS FORUM
30 seconds if fine, but I can tell in 5 seconds with fingers on my carotid pulse.by Ken - AFIBBERS FORUM
Elizabeth Google "shingles" and go to images. It's pretty clear what shingles looks like. I had it on the upper left quadrant of my face about 35 years ago. Nasty and ugly, but no pain. I don't recall much of an itch.by Ken - AFIBBERS FORUM
Previous details can be found on my other two "Anniversary" posts below. Starting Oct. 11: 10 days in afib, and self converted before cardioversion (started Eliquis 2 days before scheduled CV). 14 days in normal rhythm, then back in afib for 10 more days. I converted this morning (heart rate - 66 bpm) and cancelled a 10:00 am cardioversion. I was in Dallas for part of my lastby Ken - AFIBBERS FORUM
Just wondering - When I was scheduled for my cardioversion a week ago (converted before it happened), a TEE was scheduled immediately before. Is that normal?by Ken - AFIBBERS FORUM
Wolfpack, I got the message, forgot to look for it until now. Thanks, I will likely follow up sometime soon.by Ken - AFIBBERS FORUM
Regarding the dosage of Eliquis, I was prescribed 5 mg 2X day or 10mg per day. This was in prep for a cardioversion, but I converted before the cardioversion and the Dr. said to stay on the Eliquis for one month. Is 10mg too much at this point? I weigh 170 lbs and am 74. What I just found this on line from Drug.com - Reduction of Risk of Stroke and Systemic Embolism in Patients with Nonby Ken - AFIBBERS FORUM
Wolfpack, Absolutely, I would like to here your recommendations for both, a cardiologist and an EP. I have had treatments of one kind or another in many of the area systems, but mostly Duke. However, Duke is really busy and tough to get a timely appointment regardless of one's need. The EP that I saw is in the Duke system at the main Duke Clinic in Durham, just a guy that the earliestby Ken - AFIBBERS FORUM
I guess I didn't foresee that the number 13 was going to be unlucky. On Nov. 11, I went into my 5th episode of afib in the last 13 years and thought that it was just another short bout. Well, it lasted 10 days and in the mean time, without a cardiologist or EP where I now live, it was a struggle to work on a resolution and find a Dr. After some "string pulling", I got in to seeby Ken - AFIBBERS FORUM
After being persistent for a year, things are looking pretty good for you. Hopefully it will continue.by Ken - AFIBBERS FORUM