I Had an Ablation to Treat AFIB - 6 Things You Must Know
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- Опубліковано 26 вер 2024
- I had an ablation in February 2021 to treat atrial fibrillation. In this video I share details and photos of this experience. I also share six things everyone who is considering an ablation must know, including if the ablation worked for me. Please feel free to reach out with any questions you have.
Thank you for watching!
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💛If you have additional questions about my ablation, check out this video ( • My Afib Ablation Exper... ) where I answer 27 common questions people ask about my ablation! Thanks for watching!!!
👉Watch Next:
💛If you have additional questions about my ablation, check out this video ( • My Afib Ablation Exper... ) where I answer 27 common questions people ask about my ablation! Thanks for watching!!!
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#Ablation #Atrialfibrillationablation #AtrialFibrillationTreatment #AfibSucks #Afib
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Also, if you have additional questions about my ablation, check out this video ( ua-cam.com/video/_Td5ZnIQJ70/v-deo.html ) where I answer 27 common questions people ask about my ablation! Thanks for watching!!!
I am having an ablation in one weeks time. I was born with a heart condition so mine is going to take between 8-12 hours. I've put it off as long as I can but u got debilitating arrhythmia. I'm scared it might go wrong but I am housebound and this isn't living either. I'm so pleased for you. Please make sure you enjoy life as much as possible
Hey brother I had a question. I had ablation and on beta blockers now do you think I can start working out again the doctors had me do nothing for a long time now I’m worried I have a blood clot I don’t know about or to go back in to agib
@@jamesgray4590 my meds was slightly different. I had mine done 5 says ago. My doctor said stop beta blockers which I did but the arrythmia re occurred twice which is normal for 3 months until everything heals. I've decided to Continue them for a while and gradually reduce them. For blood clots I was given heparin and warfarin. I've just tried to do some walking around the house as they was concerned about blood clots. If your worried, check for signs of a blood clot in you leg called DVT or pulmonary embolism. I'd keep moving as much as you feel able to and keep your fluids up. Ask your doctor if you should take blood thinners. I would avoid weight lifting for at least 3 months. Start with jogging or running and gradually build up. There is no reason you cannot work out like you did before hand , just go slow and build up
Did you have the cold ablation?
@@elliottfireice4394 of is
I had a sudden attack of Atrial Flutter one night that caused a clot and then a heart attack (my third!). I was raced by ambulance to the hospital where they treated the heart attack and got me stable and the next morning my cardiologist and electrophysiologist came into my hospital room and informed of what had happened. They said the bad news was that the heart attack had caused damage but, while it would restrict some of my future activities it would not shorten my life. The better news was that atrial flutter can be stopped permanently with an ablation. They asked if I would be willing to undergo the procedure and I jumped at the chance. Four years later and I feel wonderful, I am active and planning my fifth two week cross country summer vacation since the ablation. The only pain I had was the IV in the ambulance and that was minor. Don't let fear stop you from getting well. I should know, I've also had two open heart surgeries and 6 stents! Now I'm off to the gym to work up a good sweat. Not bad for a 76 year old! Life is good, go for it!😁
My husband's AFib would cause him to pass out- he never felt anything during his AFib episodes - no racing heart- no knowledge when his AFib would be happening- he had 2 procedures to check for blockage- 5 years apart- no blockage ' big beautiful ' pathways - one day he had hiccups for hours- got mad because he had hiccups so long after trying every 'cure' that people suggested- went to the ER and he was in AFib that they tried to control- the hiccups went away but the AFib would not stop - was admitted to the hospital CCU -- the next day because his AFib was not improved - the doctor decided to shock Him- they put him out - and shocked his heart- it brought the heart into rhythm - it has been 2 years and thankfully no more AFib rhythm - he still takes his medication -:-has his check ups - but doing well
What hospital carried out the help you needed ?
Thanks for the pep talk!
Omg thank you! My husband is facing the decision to have this procedure done. Your health situation prior to procedure is extremely similar...and so encouraging. He is close to your age as well. I will share your information with him. I wish you ongoing health and joy!
Goddamn you're a hell of a warrior man! 😊
Now at 67... I had Afib on and off for 10 years, shocked many times to try to stop afib but eventually needed Ablation. Had it done, ZERO pain or discomfort, and NO catheter either! Its been 2 years and I am in perfect rhythm. Would do it again "in a heartbeat"!
Good to hear! I’m 43 and scheduled for next Friday. How quick was your recovery? Any chest discomfort after? I’m hoping I can get back to business within two weeks.
$300 thousand dollars,,,,,,,,,, is this covered by medicare, l may need this procedure
No catheter????
What’s the cost of ablation… which hospital it was done? Please reply my dad needs urgent treatment….. i need to save money pls reply the hospital name and cost of the procedure
@@klartava. Yes it is covered by Medicare and if you have secondary insurance , it will pick up whatever balance there might be .
I got ablation surgery on 01/24/24. So glad I did this procedure. My heavy breathing went away and I haven't been in afib since.
After a weeks of ablation u can went for a lil exercise?? Such as walking?or slow jog?? Is it gonna be painful?
Yes, I did lots of walking with no pain at all. @@diens_hirahashi
Walked the dog for an hour the next day and did everything else as usual, and there is no pain at all.
You treated the symptoms, but the cause is still there and will manifest itself in some other way now.
Had my ablation in 2022, happy I did afib free and off blood thinner
I had one in 2021 and it worked .. I'm 80 and had a five way bypass in 2009 ....I have no idea how I'm walking around ...I'm Blessed at least ...Grateful ...😎
Great to hear! Thanks for sharing!!
Great to hear! Thanks for sharing!!
I had a few stents put in, one in a mine artery the day of my heart attack. When they inflated it, it was like a 100 pound weight was moved from my chest. That was interesting to watch, and see the blood rush through, once the stent was inflated. You have 5 years on me, good for you. Good health to you.
I am 72 years old. I had Afib for about 12 years. Mine presented as an irregular heartbeat that would come and go. I saw three cardiologists and they all three immediately wanted me to have the ablation. It was a last resort for me and I wanted to try meds first. None of them worked at all. What I noticed about my irregular heartbeat was that I got it late morning and late evening, the rest of the day I was fine. I found this odd. I researched and researched and it took me 12 years of looking, but I finally came across an article written by a cardiologist in New York that said women, especially women over 50 or in menopause, should not take calcium, it’s bad for your heart and will cause Afib. I was taking calcium in the morning and the evening. My gyno put me on calcium supplements when I was about 40 bc they believed back then that it helped prevent osteoporosis. It’s doesn’t, btw. So, I immediately stopped taking calcium and within a day and a half my Afib stopped. That was three years ago and I haven’t had so much as a blip in my heart beat. I am still angry at the three cardiologist bc, one, they all immediately jumped to wanting to do surgery without even trying medications. They don’t make money if you just take pills, they do if they do surgery on you. And two, none of them knew the affects of calcium on the heart. They are fucking cardiologists, they should know. I had to spend 12 years researching it myself to find my own cure. I don’t trust cardiologists and never will again. I don’t even trust doctors bc the don’t think outside the box and they treat everyone exactly the same. They only know what was in the textbook they read in medical school. I do my own research and always will.
My heart is full of calcium as well have blocked arteries but they didn't know back years ago that K2 vitamin K2 and D3 together will make you absorb the calcium into your bones instead of your arteries so taking calcium is not the problem is the problem is that you have to take K2 and D3 with it that's the story my doctor told me I take it with my calcium when I take calcium
@@katiehopkins8018 Vit D helps absorb calcium into your blood, not your bones. Calcium and Vit D help build bones, it will NOT replace bone loss caused by osteoporosis. For decades doctors thought it would, which is why they developed Boniva and other bone replacement supplements. Those are no longer prescribed because they don’t work. Neither do calcium supplements for bone loss. It is literally just the last year or two that cardiologists have started making the connection between calcium supplements and heart health. Cardiologists now say that women over 50 or who are in menopause should not take calcium supplements bc it’s bad for your heart. That’s why women with palpitations or AFIB are prescribed calcium channel blockers, to keep calcium out of the heart bc it disrupts the heart rhythm.
Good for you ! As a nurse , I found many times that doctors just want quick answers like pills or surgery . But I listen to Dr. Eric Berg , on You Tube . a lot and first thing he said … no calcium if you have been diagnosed with A Fib ! His videos on You Tube are free , over 2500 of them. I was diagnosed 2 months ago with A Fib and none of my doctors even mentioned no calcium !
Glad you didn't need an ablazion.
Absolutely have had it for 5 yrs , never heard about the calcium , I'm a 70 yr old male. Trying to figure it out
Just had my ablation done yesterday. The worst part is laying in bed for 8 hours after the surgery. I wish everyone here much success who is about to do this. Amen
Did the procedure hurt at all
@@unpredctable1147 no pain other than maybe some chest soreness but that goes away. Just back pain from staying in bed.
I'm so confused about this laying down for 8 hrs. They expect me to travel 2 1/2 to get to the hospital and immediately travel back after the procedure???? What is the purpose of laying flat after the procedure?
@@brendawaggoner7555 hi risk of blood clot after this surgery they just like to be careful. Some hospitals are different. I’ve seen some people say only laying down 3 hours after surgery. But mine was 8 hours.
I got it. Didn’t lay in bed at all after
My ablation failed after 12 months (I learned this wasn't unusual, as often it takes 2 ablations to get healing). So, I immediately went in for another .... which gave me 10 glorious years of normalcy. However, in 2020 during the height of pandemic, the AFIB returned. I flew down to Los Angeles for another ablation. This one was by one of the best EP's ... today still great and active. Ablations ... no matter how many you need ... can be a life-changing procedure. The newest tech procedure is tremendously better, quicker, and safer than my earlier ones.
Hi Kansai dan, thanks for sharing your story. I like that you point out how much the ablation procedure has improved. I've been reading a lot about this and my doctor is always telling me about the advances in ablation technology. Sounds like it will keep getting better. This is great news for us all. I really appreciate your comment. Hope you are well! Take care!
My second version worked much better than the first however I noticed coffee really irritates me
which EP did you see?
@@shawnl3151 Dr. Natale, known as the 'Maestro' and Director of Texas EP Department. Probably near the top of EP's in the world. He ablates tissue-thin areas where other EP's decline to go. His procedure was cutting edge compared to what I had 10 years previous. The two puncture wounds in my groin area looked like micro dots ... that's not the way they looked years ago: bruising ... oozing ...... obvious punctures. They healed OK, but I prefer Natale's advanced method with collagen plugs. Not all EP's use them.
I don't believe the ablation failed!
Unless you're in a 3rd World Country!
After fighting AFib for three years, I finally had an ablation a year ago. Afib completely gone, three meds eliminated. Handled it all in day surgery. Doing great. I'm 72 now
Me too!! 🙏👍🤛
Had Flutter 14 years ago…had ablation….11 years later AFib ….had another ablation week later back in AFib
Amiodarone for 6 mos kept me out of AFib…weened off Amiodarone and celebrating 4 years of smooth sailing.
Modern Medicine is wonderful
I couldn't participate in sports as a kid. I therefore had an ablation around age 40, and some ten years later became a very good road cyclist. In doing so I learned for the first time what winning and losing felt like.
Thanks go out to my primary care physician, surgeon, nurses, technicians, and entire staff for changing my life for the better.
I must confess more than 27 years hence have tears of joy while writing this account.
I had one 12 years ago. Haven’t had any problems since. So glad I got it done.
Pretty much the exact same experience I had, including the anxiousness after, waiting for afib to return again. It never has returned and it has been 3 years. I tell everyone that if it by chance comes back, I will definitely have the ablation surgery again. Changed my life!
I had an ablation past Tuesday and I can attest with you that I had the same experience. I have the sensation of fear about the AFIB to come back too. I hope I can live a normal life from now on. Thank you for sharing.
Had my heart ablation 9 years ago. It completely fixed my problem. I had two AV nodes from birth. I’m so thankful for my great doctors.
I had 2 cardioversions...neither 1held....had an ablation... that didn't work either so I was put on amiodorone...am now waiting on my THIRD cardioversion
I just had my cryo-ablation yesterday 1/20/23. And everything you described was accurate. I did not have an incision in the neck. They went into the same crease of the groin. It was successful and feel much better. My faith in God, through Christ Jesus and the support of my wife, kept mentally healthy, which in my opinion makes for quick recovery and back to
a healthy lifestyle. Thank you for your input😎🤙
Awesome, great to hear you are doing well and feeling better!
Great news, prayers definitely help big time. Needed to cut back on bad habits which helped put me back on track. May GOD always bless you.
Praise Jesus
Heart problems lead one to Him! I know this by personal experience.
I had an ablation in 2019 . That's after 16 years of it being controlled with multiple medications . And subsequently 3 cardioversions . My ablation was 6 1/2 hours in length . My electrophysiologist said the errant electrical activity was " just crazy" . I had 2 medications eliminated, and another dosage cut in half . Doing well so far . Best wishes to you !
Hi RJ, that is great your ablation improved your afib and got you off some meds. Glad you are doing well! Thanks for sharing your story. Take care!
Wow 😳 F crazy😳
Why did you develop AF?
I have a pacemaker (crt-p) implanted some years ago to pace my slow heartbeat. Only recently i developed afab which is persistent accordingly to my cardilogist/electrophysologist and i should could cardiac ablation to improve my symptoms. Though i have no palpitation but tiredness is setting in during or after i exercise/ exertion . Has Anyone got similar experience to share or comment if ablation has helped them? ...appreciate.
A friend had one done in a major Connecticut hospital. The probe penetrated her heart wall and caused fluid buildup around the heart. It is a dangerous procedure.
I had an ablation in 2020 when I was 67 years old. For me, the experience was pretty much a no-brainer. I did not remember the procedure as well as this narrator did. For instance, I didn't even know about the insertion holes below my belly button or even removing the bandaids (so that's a mystery). Even after the surgeon tried to explain what he did I am still clueless. Over the following days, my strength increased and I felt much healthier. So, for me, everything turned out great.
I have SVT and had a horrible attack,heartbeat of 150 or more for 3 days in a row, that if not for the ablation I received from this fantastic doctor, I would be dead now. For 50 years I fought panic attacks, depression, low blood pressure, low heart beat after what I thought were panic attacks, etc,.. until this doctor diagnosed my problem correctly!
I am great now and I thank my ablation doctor every day.
About 90% of the doctors out there don’t have a clue how or what is going on with patients. The insurance companies and government insurance companies continue to rip off the public by proscribing drugs to treat anxiety and depression when it is not anxiety or depression but a form of AVIB, AFLUTTER, or TACHYCARDIA (as in my case).
Find a doctor that can diagnose you properly or just go to the emergency room in several hospitals until you find a doctor who can treat you properly.
Good luck.
My freind just had an ablation and she feels so much better this is her second one, she was in constant A-fib, and really needed the procedure and it has worked, she had it 4 days ago
Greetings from UK. First, thanks for this illuminating and articulate resumé of your experience.
Second, I recognise all of the pressures felt by your mind - my condition is ventricular tachycardia rather than a-fib - but when you
remarked some days go by and you dont even think about your heart, that dtruck a chord as when one is diagnosed with a heart condition one becomes hyper-aware of one's heart rhythm, so to have a few days when it's not on your mind at all is really a sign of progress.
Third, my own ICD procedure was unbelieveably swift and not uncomfortable - anyone due to have a procedure please take this assurance that it isn't nearly as bad as you imagine it is going to be.
Lastly - $317.000????!!!! To a British person this is incomprehensible. All my treatment has been provided 'for free' on our National Health Service.
Thank you for this.
Great comment. Thanks for sharing!
Suffered from Afib for 20 years, 10 years un-diagnosed; 10 years trying to control (1992 thru 2012) along with tachycardia. Had ablation Dec. 2012 and have never looked back. Don't recall any problems of any nature outside of worrying it might return - this fear has subsided with time and no return. It was a pleasure to return to a normal life with no blood thinners are expensive drugs to control Afib. Eleven years later and still good to go at 82 afibless !!
I'm scheduled to have a new ILR (Implanted Loop Recorder) this Nov. 2023 to replace one that battery died after 3.5 years. My electro-cardiologist wants to monitor on a continuous basis as I've had three TIA's since early 2012, another 2015 and last 2018. It has detected a lower chamber irregular heart beat, but Doc says not to worry as not as dangerous as Afib.
I had an ablation in 2021. My doctor told me I went into Afib twice during the procedure, so he had to do two different procedures. It took 5 hours. I was in the hospital for 5 days because I had no feeling in one of my legs. After 5 days the feeling returned, and I went home. So far everything is working and I feel great.
I had an ablation 18th of March. What a great experience.
I was not sleeping.
My whole body was paralyzed, but I could hear all they said and do but could not even move a finger te show them that I was not sleeping. Did not feel pain, was just that I was feeling that I am going to die without breath and I became very anxious but could not move.
Hear them say my bloodpressure became very high.
Then the anysthetize came aware that the sleep aid did not went in and was leaking out.
But ok, I am here today to tell my experience, but the ablation was a success and I am doing well and better every day.
I thank God who took me trough a dark place and brought me back.
$317,000! only in America! I had one 7 years ago, and yes it changed my life and didn't pay a penny! Australian Health Care- arguably the best in the world!!!
Had mine in Mississippi USA 4/10/24, $139,000! Insurance paid most, Total I paid was about $2300, included dr visits, ct angiogram($4300), and lab.
Yes yes yes I concur....as a British man this bill is incomprehensible.... I mean yes we have a 'free' NHS but how does the bill for a day procedure rocket up to that sum? How much is the real cost and how much is going to the Board and the shareholders? To hear it was over 300k dollars shocked me to the core
yeah thats bs. No way it costs that much. Medicare pays negotiated rates which are a fraction of that cost. But hospitals are thives and if youre not in an HMO or on Medicare they will absolutely rob you.
@@Ken_oh545 its not true......not at all. But hospitals do try to get away with incredibly inflated rates.
@Ken_oh545 Ken, hospitals and insurers in the U.S. scratch each other's backs. An insurer reimburses for less, and a hospital can benefit by claiming a loss. The real pity is when uninsured people get charged these ridiculous prices. It's a racket. A _real_ and literal racket.
I’m 32 years old end went into afib about 18 months ago. It is unbelievable how similar our stories are. Once in afib no meds or lifestyle changes worked. My ablation procedure was identical. Not too painful other than lower back pain. I’m still pretty weak but feeling better by the day. Slowly starting to not check my pulse every 5 min but the anxiety is still there. Thank you so much for sharing your story. We are medical twins.
Hi K, thank you for your comment! We are definitely medical twins! Sorry you got afib so young. Do you have any idea why? I've been searching for what I could have done to cause my afib, but haven't found any answers. I'm glad your ablation is over. Hope everything is going well and you stay afib free! Keep me updated. Take care!
@@AfibPatientExperience just started having random palpitations every few days and woke up one morning with a heart rate of 179bpm. Went to the ER and they said yep, you’re in afib. Never had any previous health issues and am in pretty decent shape. Doctors have absolutely no idea what triggered it. That’s played into the anxiety of it all. Young, healthy, but random afib… it makes a mind wonder.
I have ventricular bigeminy and SVT and the anxiety is crippling. I have my ablation in Oct. I find my anxiety gives me chest tightness and left arm pain and I panic which makes my arrhythmia worse! It’s a vicious circle. 😢
L
@@AfibPatientExperience I’m another young AFib patient: I’m 38, diagnosed last year. I was able to cardiovert on my own with metoprolol but I started having afib episodes more and more often and would not convert back on my own. My doc has me on blood thinners and rhythm control meds temporarily until I can get setup for an ablation. I’m also at a loss as to why I have afib so young other than a history. I blame my weight (230 lbs at 5’9) and previous heavy alcohol use as possible triggers but there’s no other obvious causes.
The ablation changed my life as well. Did the ablation in Amsterdam 15 years ago. After the ablation i never had afib anymore. The procedure was horrible but the results are amazing. For everybody who is going to have the ablation , good luck and you have a very big chance to get rid of the afib.
Hi T.R., thanks for your sharing your story. That is great the ablation worked for you. Hope you are doing well. Take care!
Ha yeah right😐
Do u feel any palpitation again like one minute or few seconds pls reply me. Bcoz I feel the palpitation few minutes
@@nalininalini7502 Hi ... not even one minute i had fibrillations... in the beginning i had the feeling that my vetricula forget one beat only. After some time even that healed and i have a completely normal live again. Hope for you for the same results. good luck
@@t.r.9542 ok tq sir
Had mine a few years ago and so far, my heart is in rhythm. I'm 69 now. I have an appointment in the morning as well as my cardiologist wants to see me about every 6 months. They always do an EKG test during my visits too. So far, so good. Thank you for making this video. I pray for your continued health.
Did you have any high heart rate or afib right after the ablation? Just had mine done 2 days ago and today I’ve had on and off afib.
@@dougcoleburn1579 No I did not. Now, in about 2 weeks, I will have a Watchman device implanted to get me off blood thinners.
13 years ago my back surgery resulted in full body sepsis. I was hospitalized 8 days, including 3 in ICU. AFib developed, had a cardioversion in order to enable subsequent treatment of the wound. After five yeas of problems a cryoablation cured it immediately. I'm currently 81 and I'm thankful for all the medical developments that have made survival-to-date possible !! (And I've needed many)
I had my ablation done 3 months ago. You described the procedure perfectly. That was my exact experience as well. I’m so glad I did it. Life changing. Back to playing tennis, golf and biking again. No meds! Good video - thanks for sharing.
Hi Chris, yes, sounds like we had very similar experiences. Thanks for sharing. It is very helpful for others to hear. I'm glad you're doing so well. Take care!
wow Chris, sounds like you got the lottery numbers, congrats :)
I was just told today by my cardiologist that soon he will be recommending this Ablation for me. I've had A Fib for a fewW
years now I feel it's hereditary as my dad had it.
My flutters and/or palpatations have not been severe and I'm on Elequis with good results but that med is expensive.
I'll pray about having it done and, of course, talk to my family.
I just turned 80 last month and I've got so much more I want to experience.
My second one, they put me out. The first one they made me stay awake, and it was very painful.
@@barbarazuviceh6506 I turned 80 a few weeks ago and had an ablation 4 months ago. I tolerated it well and feel good, with a nice steady heart rate now and am leading an active life again without my heart rhythm going crazy. I can't, of course, predict how others will benefit from the procedure, I can only say it's helped me.
I just turned 50 and my heart was all over the place. Ablation on the right fixed flutter, then turned into a fib. Ablation on the left. For me it was great results 13 years later I take bystolic to control pvcs which are now rare and I feel great. I won’t say it wasn’t scary but the results for me have been life changing.
I had this procedure done 4years ago 73 now and feel super have it done it's piece of cake never felt better.
I had an ablation back in 1995 when the procedure was relatively new. I was awake during the entire procedure which lasted about 35 minutes. The only part of the procedure which was very uncomfortable was when the ablation was complete but the doctor injected adrenaline directly into my heart. I took2 nurses and the surgeon to hold me down while my body was flapping around. This lasted for less than 2 minutes. It’s been 28 years and I feel fine.
I developed Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia (PAT) at age 26 (1981) and was on pills for ten years until the Australian doctors learnt how to do an ablation. So they cut two nerves in my heart in 1991 and I haven’t looked back. I never regretted that decision
Wow, glad to live in Canada. Had mine done in 2019. No pain and no payment except for parking. Afib free now.
I'm glad you have done well with your ablation. I had my first ablation in 2011. It was to be a ventricular ablation but they also went into the Atria and ablated a few errant cells . I was doing great until I began have spells where I thought I would pass out. Several times I pulled over to the side of the road just in case. Then 3/16/19 I passed out at my daughter's house. Three days later I passed out twice in the hospital while I waited for my second ventricular ablation. I asked to be awake for the procedure. It was an amazing experience. First the doctor mapped the "bad" cells then when back in and zapped them. To hear all the conversation was very interesting. I had to lay perfectly still for six hours but it was so interesting. Then back in my hospital room I had to lay flat an additional 4 hours. Two days later they installed a defibrillator in my left shoulder area as a precaution. I feel the ablations, definitely the second one saved my life. I wish you continued good health. I'm doing well also.
I developed persistant afib on 24/12/20. Due to covid I waited until 16/08/22 to have my procedure at the Royal Papworth hospital cambridge uk and it was free!! Yay! My incision site was in my leg only one stitch which was removed after an hour or so. I have to say that whatever people think about our nhs system that hospital was absolutely amazing. I can't thank them enough for my wonderful experience.
Thanks for sharing you experience. So glad everything went well!
How old are you?
@@JJ-ur9yp I'm 56
Nice work. 😊
Viewers should note that there are two different rhythmic disturbances connected by ablation, flutters and fibrillation.
Flutter is much less invasive, as you can enter the right hand atrium directly from the groin. To correct Afib you need to penetrate the dividing wall between the two atriums.
I’ve done both. No narcosis (I watched the procedures on the screen) and zero Cost. (I live in 🇳🇴). Some paroxysmal Afib events after the Afib ablation corrected by Amiodaron (horrible medicine!!!) and some events later that I converted with Flecainide “pill-in-the-pocket”.
Hvordan har du det? American (a Norwegian-American), here. What a surprise that you got put on amiodarone . . . it is rarely used in the U.S. anymore. H
Does the flecainide agree with you? I just started on it yesterday in preparation for an ablation, and it seems agreeable and effective, so far. I do have what is sometimes called "vagal atrial fibrillation," and flecainide is very good for reducing high vagal tone.
Had 3 ablations never held sinus rhythm for more than a few days. Been in af since 42 now 65 managed by medication but guess pace maker will be needed later in life.
I had open heart surgery last January; then my heart went into AFib and AFlutter and my heart rate was a constant 130-140 and no meds would slow it down so I had an ablation in June. It was a very minor procedure, compared to the heart surgery, and it immediately controlled my heart rate so it is rarely over 100, mostly in the 80's. I feel like a new person and the ablation was a life-saver, literally. I highly recommend it if your have heart issues like I did, and medication wouldn't control them. My ablation gave me a new lease on life and I feel wonderful! Please don't hesitate having it, if recommended by your doctor.
Hi Suzanne, thanks for sharing your story! Sounds like you've been through a lot. Great to hear you are doing so well! Take care!
@@AfibPatientExperience Thanks! It was a not-fun year, but it's all behind me! I had a wonderful doc do my ablation, too; she knows her stuff!
Thanks for sharing. If you don't mind my asking, at what age and did you have the Ablation and how long did you suffer with the condition ( Afib and A-flutter ) prior to undergoing the Ablation procedure ? Furthermore, have you encountered any reports of the necessity to repeat the procedure.
@@nigelwillson6096 I was 79; I had Afib and Aflutter for six months. No, so far it doesn't appear I will have to repeat the procedure; my heart rate is stable.
My heart does that but it doesn't go higher than 89 , from 64 they said I should have an ablation i said no its not too high mine I hit 130, 140 a few months ago but not for long meds seem to do it for me
I’m 37 and have dealt with AVNRT since I was a teen… After winding up in the hospital for a scary spell, I’m scheduled for ablation next month. Nervous as heck, but this video actually made me cry thinking of the possibility that I might be able to go months without thinking about my heart rate getting out of control. SUCH a helpful video. Thank you for sharing!
You should do fine. I was 60 when I had mine and should have had it done years before.
I hope everything worked out for you.
Had ablation at 55 years old, need second one at 85 years getting second one Sept 12, 2003. Have experienced AFIB in last few years.
I have Avnrt too diagnosed this year. I’m 35 and I have had a few scares too going to the ER for it. I’m on meds to do help control my heartbeat metoprolol. But they say whenever I’m ready to do the ablation. I’m just super scared. But you say it’s worth it?? Any tips to prepare.
I'm 42 I've had it my whole life going to the cardiologist for the first time ever tommorow to get a diagnosis going. Every 1 is very helpful on this thread.
My ablation was in December of 2005. By 2014 I was forced to have a pacemaker installed. In November of 2014. the nodes to my heart were severed and I became 100% pacemaker dependent. I have a bi-ventricular pacemaker, and since the November 2014 date, my life changed for the better. My Cardiologist told my last June that he has never seen anyone improve so drastically.
Glad you are doing so well! Thanks for sharing your story!
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I just had ablation done yesterday. My throat is sore, it’s not easy to take deep breaths, at all. I’m experiencing neck pains on either side of my neck. I had quadruple bypass last October so this pain is like a walk in the park. I really appreciate you telling your story man. Thank you!
I had a mini stroke a couple of years ago. By wearing a heart monitor, they found I had A fib - a common cause of strokes. I've been treating it with drugs, but it has gotten worse and I feel fatigued and quite bad when I'm in A fib, about 50% of the time now. I saw my great electrophysiologist today and decided to have ablation. Thanks for the video, and I hope my results are as good as yours!
Hi Tom, thanks for sharing your story. I'm glad you found a great electrophysiologist. It is so important to have a doctor who you trust and is willing to listen and answer questions. I had to switch doctors to find one I felt confident with. Best of luck with you ablation!
I am headed for an ablation in the next month or so...after dealing with occasionalAFIB, but then going into full on AFIB for the last couple of years!...medications did not help for very long. The latest medical wisdom about Ablation is--have the procedure while you are experiencing early, partial symptoms...once you are in full, persistent AFIB, like me, the success rates for the ablation go downward, to around 50-60% success!...my ablation doctor has informed me that I might have to have another ablation, if the first one does not get the job done. I am upset with the way my cardiologist has strung me along with drugs, these last three years or so...he should have been more open to telling me to pursue an ablation earlier on!...I sometimes think that the drug companies encourage doctors to maximize their usage of the drugs involved...Anyway, I am an old guy--75--and have a couple of "co-morbidity" issues...moderate plaque in my vascular system, moderate blockage in my Aorta...rather typical for older people. I am philosophical about the outcome...I have outlived several of my friends already, and have had a good life...it is worth the risk of this procedure, to give me perhaps a few more good years. If I do not make it through, it is simply my time to go!
@@curbozerboomer1773 Hope you had a good result. I've had 4 ablations. Age 69. If you get a good EP ... should improve your energy and life. I had to do a second ablation after 1 year to finally get good result, which isn't unusual. Nowadays, they might send you home same day of procedure, which wasn't the case for me. Good Luck!
I experienced every thing he mentioned...I feel great now. Thank God.
Thanks for your comment! So glad you feel great. Take care!
I Had My Ablation Procedure in 2017 at the Ottawa Heart Institute in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada to close up some of the Arteries that were causing My Heart Beat to Spike up to 180 bpm. They had to Stop My Heart and Re-Start it to get a Proper Beat of about 60 bpm. I also have a Device ( Implanted Cardiac Rhythm Management Device ) that controls My Heart Rhythm if My Heart Beats to fast and it gives my a Small Control Shock to re-set My Heart Rhythm. This Device also works Great to Control My Heart Beat. I was also told by My Doctor that I may require more Ablation to be done because I have some Arteries that keep forming on the Dead part of My Lower Heart Area. That's Great that You got the procedure done. Stay safe and in Good Health.
Greetings fellow Canadian from St Catharines. Our dear friend from Maynooth, Ont. had exactly what you described. She's 56, and her Cardiologist said her heart wasn't beating, it was "quivering like Jello-O." Fortunately she's been taking meds that have controlled her A-Fib. She is a strong woman, but that experience truly scared her enough to quit smoking and change her lifestyle. I'm thankful you're doing well, wishing you all the best from Niagara 🇨🇦🙂
@@waynemastersThanks and I'm Glad Your Friend is doing Well.
I had an ablation in 2005, because I had Wolff Parkinson white syndrome. I was not put under anaesthesia, but had conscious sedation, so watched the procedure on a monitor, in between feeling very drowsy. I am in South Africa, and my cardiologist sedated me, and did the procedure with two nurses in attendance. The entire procedure lasted approximately 6 hours, and the catheters were inserted through the groin. I had to lie flat with a sandbag on the incision site, to prevent bleeding, for six hours. After which, I was able to sit up in a wheelchair and stayed overnight, and was released the following morning at about 7am. When I got home, I baked a batch of brownies, as I was craving chocolate. Crazy, I know! I was a little tired, but otherwise, felt great, and have never looked back. I feel very lucky to have been able to have this procedure done, by an excellent cardiologist. The improvement to my life was incredible. It certainly was an expensive ‘operation’, but I had medical insurance, which covered the costs.
I had a totally different experience (Adelaide, South Australia) in 2021 (1) Entered Hospital the night before. (2) Surgery 8:30am the next day. (3) I was awake for the whole process 1.5hrs. (4) Discharged at 4pm. (5) Cost: $3500 AUD covered by insurance. I had a lot of pain in the rhs base of the neck when they were doing the burn. AF came back straight away then after 3 weeks I went into a regular sinus rhythm, been good ever since (fingers crossed).
Yes , you’re right about that . Every day , psychologically it takes over when you constantly think about your heart going rogue on you !!!!!!
Thanks for your comment!
I had a long ablation procedure 5 weeks ago. I can relate to just about everything you have shared. Especially the anxiety after the procedure. Like you, I was checking my heart rate constantly, worried that I would fall back into a-fib/a-flutter. I'm doing much better now. Exercise tolerance is way up, anxiety is way down, a d life is getting back to normal. Thanks for sharing your video. It kind of let me know that I was not alone in my anxiety after the procedure.
I found out I was in afib from my apple watch notifications. It’s been 6 months & 3 cardioversions later- still in afib. The watch saved my life as I really didn’t know I had it until the notifications.
You guys seem to do ablations somewhat differently than in the UK. I have had three ablations (now having my fourth due to a comeback of my atrial tachycardia). I was sedated during the events, but was fully awake and aware of what was going on. Not the most comfortableness of procedures, and was quite painful when they burned the rouge cells. However, the ablations were successful, and I hope the fourth will be successful too. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Had ablation 2 weeks ago, so far so good, I totally recommend it
Hi Bruce, thanks for your comment! That is great to hear!
I had it done in 2017 and haven't regretted for one moment
I realize so much that I had missed out on my heart being faulty
I spent overnight at the hospital
Thanks for your comment and sharing your experience!
I've had AFIB since 2010 and have gone in 8 times and have had to be shocked every time to get back into rhythm always in the ER at all times of the day the longest time between episodes was 4 yrs and have been in 5 times in 6 mos. promoting the doctors to schedule my ablation for next month. I know all about the anxiety that comes with afib and not being yourself out of fear. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I'm 52 now and have always been active, hopefully I get back to being me after this ablation.
Hi Joe, thank for sharing your story. Sounds like you've been through a lot. I hope your ablation is successful and you can get back to being active and living your life on your terms. Best of luck! Take care!
Hey, at least your cardioversions worked for awhile!...after a couple years of consistent AFIB my cardiologist tried the the paddles on me...no luck!....in the meantime, I have been diagnosed with Chronic Diastolic Heart Failure...I am beginning medications for that, but still am in AFIB...my main cardiologist is not sure if my heart will be a candidate for an ablation, so I am going to see an ablation specialist, and hope that he can do the procedure!...BTW--my AFIB started as Paroxysmal (occasional) but moved to full time Persistent after about three years of medications...at no time was I briefed to the fact that ablation works best when the AFIB is in the beginning stages!...I am angry about that...but not much I can do at this point. Your story is inspiring...then again I am 75yo, so my situation is not so good, compared to yours....Getting old sucks!
@joecorfield3770 how are you today in 2024?
I am 57, had the procedure done last year in 2021 December at the heart center in Berlin. Before that I suffered about seven years of afib. Last year of the attacks got more frequent. I couldn’t tie my shoelaces without getting in an attack after coming back up. The attacks were so severe that I had chest pain and dizziness. The procedure was a complete success, My health has changed to a better and in summer I could return to the gym and lift weights again. I’m to 90% symptom-free and enjoy a healthy lifestyle.
Thanks for sharing! That is awesome your ablation was successful and you're back to living your life! Take care!
90%? Does that mean the ablation failed?
@@yepyep6916 Not at all, as 90% is a good score - It means a potential of 10% is still there that occasional rumbles can happen. Meanwhile i `m completely off the beta blockers i took 6 years long and quite fine with that.
I’m glad to see you’re doing well. I notice that you are responding to new comments.
I had my C. Ablation procedure last month. I had a flutter and Afib. 4 years ago I had a Mitral Valve repair operation. It seemed like the Afib came in around that time too.
I was in the Army for 20 years. I was a Paratrooper. I smoked cigarettes for years. Quit in 2014. That did damage to my heart and lungs. Before I had my ablation I was afraid to go running or get my heart rate up too much. I would ruck several miles though. 35 lb rucksack, combat boots, Bluetooth speaker to listen to punk rock and either an 82nd Airborne Division flag or a 101st Airborne Division (AASLT) flag. The Afib didn’t bother me and I worked through it.
Since my ablation procedure my quality of life has improved tenfold. I am 50 years old and I feel 35 again. My sleep is better. I have more energy. My heart rate is good and I do feel irregulars occasionally. I’m hoping to get off of Rythmol when I go in for my follow up ekg.
Thank you for making this video.
@@theoaktownhellbilly Thanks for sharing your story! I’m so happy to hear you are doing well. Best of luck getting off some of your meds. Take care!
Got RF ablation in August 2023 for afib and it worked beautifully. No more Eliquis! I have had SVT and ectopy since I was a toddler,and they were getting worse as I aged. I;m 68 and glad to know that whatever other health issues emerge as I age, arrhythmias are less likely to be one of them. Really a worthwhile experience. I shudder to think it cost $300K though, did not know that.
I had afib, waited too long to fix it, my right lung filled up with a full liter of fluid, had a cardioversion now my heart beats perfectly. Now I have peripheral artery disease from my heart not beating correctly when I had a fib. If you have a fib, get treatment immediately
I'm 10 days out from my ablation. I'd been diagnosed with SVT (SupraVentricular Tachycardia in 2009) and had a gap of several years between my fourth and fifth episode where I had to call an ambulance and be cardioverted in emerge. The 6th time was just two months after the 5th and my heart hurt so I was admitted. The cardiologists and EP guys (electrophysiology) studied my case and decided on an ablation...which had been talked about over the last 13 years. My procedure was described by the EP cardiologists, my Nurse Practioner (who I will visti in a couple of months in the Ablation Clinic) and the anesthesiologist. I had the electrical pads stuck to me then lay down with my head cradled in a special form to restrict movement. The anesthesiologist started the sedative and asked if I'd like Red or White, I said Rosé and off I went. I remember being conscious of my heartbeat...I guess when the surgeon was making my heart do it's 'thing' to find the errant electrical path...then I was spark out again. I awoke with the surgeon pressing on my groin for a while to make sure it wouldn't bleed then I was taken back to my room and lay flat for three hours. I sat on the edge of the bed, chatted to my husband, used the bathroom and had some dinner. The next day I was given breakfast and a ream of paperwork to follow and to sign, a visit from the cardiologist and the Nurse Practitioner who wrote me a scrip for a beta blocker....I was already on a blood thinner. Then I went home. I'm feeling better each day and my heart only flutters once in a while but less and less. I wore a Holter monitor for 3 days and will get the report from that in a week or so. I will see my GP this week and be able to do more strenuous activities next week. I had no pain.
The difference is that I will have a $45 fee for the ambulance and small fees for the drugs (like $10). My sister and my husband spent some $$$ for their parking but that's it. I live in Canada and was shocked to see this gentleman's fee!!!! I'm looking forward now.
All of you guys are a lot of help I have my surgery next month and scared I have SVT and been battling it for well over 2yrs I had 2 bad episodes and thanking God someone was near... all of these videos and post is making it a little easier for me
Hi Brittney, thank you for your comment! Best of luck with your surgery. I hope it goes perfect and that you can get back to living your life! Take care!
Hey, how did your surgery go? I hope you are healing well.
My ablation in 1996 changed my life. Before that my AFIB was so severe I had relied on high dose beta blockers and digitalis meds since the age of 10. These precluded my ability to sustain a pregnancy, so I knew having children would not be in my future. Short version: ablation successful, meds out, my son is now 24 and I am free to skip and jump (and hiccup) to my heart’s content. If your AFIB is severe it’s a game changer!! I couldn’t be more grateful.
Your sore throat post procedure was more likely due to the TEE probe used to help guide the cardiologist in placing the catheters. I’m a retired anesthetist who has a history of a fib. The Trans EsophagealEchocardiagram probe is moved and manipulated during the procedure to guide the ablation probe
Hi Sally. Did you type in the correct age? 10 years Old??🤔 #WOW!😲 I'm so happy for you that the ablation worked So Very Well!!!💜😊
@@gloriamaryhaywood2217 Thank you. Yes, my first episode was at age 8, the last tachycardia episode before I started meds at age 10 my heart rate was between 260 and 280 for 13 hours. After meds began, episodes were fewer and farther between, and much shorter in duration. But always a risk, and always extremely uncomfortable. (150 for two hours is an improvement, but still not fun.) The ablation at age 33 erased it all and changed my life! I married three months later and our son was born 11 months after that. Did I mention I was grateful, lol? ❤️
@@sallyshafer436 Great News to hear!!😊 I'm thinking of having an ablation done if my Afib does not improve. I never had Tachardia. Just Afib since about 4 years ago. I don't take any medication other than a prescribed blood thinner and low dose blood pressure tablet. My heart doesn't race much at all but when in Afib will beat out of rhythm.#UGH. It's nothing extreme but it happens more frequently now and I'm just tired of having to deal with it!!😝
(So pleased your ablation worked so well for you!💜 May I ask How long the ablation procedure lasted?)
@@gloriamaryhaywood2217 I think it was less than a couple hours. I was effectively “out for most of it”-I think they call it twilight sleep. Not full sedation, but I wasn’t really “there” except for a brief moment when the surgeon yelled to announce they found the spot that needed ablating. I startled awake, realized where I was and easily fell back asleep until they informed me it was over. I was discharged the next day. And this was early days of the technology, so I’m not really familiar with current practices. But it was surprisingly painless, and improved my quality of life immeasurably. I hope you find good relief for your afib, whatever you decide!
Hi, your story sounds very similar to mine. Last year at this time I was working out with a trainer twice per week. My goal was to be in great shape for my 60th birthday....which is today! January 2022 I had an extremely stressful interaction with someone and my resting pulse went from 60s to 160s. It stayed that way for 3 days. At that point I called my doctor, was sent for an EKG, and then was sent straight to the hospital where they did a cardioversion and put me on a beta blocker and anti-coagulant. I had never been on medications before and took myself off them after a month because they were making me very lethargic. (This is not good idea. Always consult your doctor first!). For several months I was doing fine, even taking strenuous hikes up and down mountains. Then one day in May 2022 after a mild hike the pulse jumped up again to the 140s. I've been on medications again ever since. I've been determined to solve this without a procedure and was doing well with my pulse for the past several months but suddenly 3 weeks ago it began jumping up again for no apparent reason. I've been to Chinese medicine doctors and chiropractors and always experienced positive results after treatment but it wasn't lasting. I've consulted with other cardiologists and alternative medicine doctors and the answer keeps coming back to get the ablation and work on the lifestyle factors as a parallel track of treatment. So the next step is get back in touch with the cardiologist and make the appointment with the electrophysiologist. As much as I didn't want the procedure it looks like after a year of trying everything else that it might be time to just get it done. Thanks for putting your story up here on UA-cam, It helps and it's encouraging. Be well.
Thanks for sharing your story. I agree, we have very similar stories! Like you, I tried everything not to have an ablation, and every time I thought AFIB was gone, it would randomly jump back into my life. I just hit my 2 year after ablation date, and still no AFIB! Hope you get the treatment you need and get back to living your life! Take care!!
I have permanent Afib now since a couple of months, after two years in Sinus, but it is controlled now with medicine. (metoprolol, eplerenone and Eliquis.). Heart failure in 2020 because of Afib. I am feeling fine though heartbeat around 20-25 beats higher than normal, but rarely over 110. I am overweight, but working on it. In November the doctors will talk to me about what to do: live with Afib by controlling the frequency, do anther cardio version, or an ablation. I know it's a difficult one but: what would you advice me? I am 60 years old and fit, LVEF is back to 60%, so that's good! Thank you! P.S. I just feel so mentally insecure about this irregular heartbeat.@@AfibPatientExperience
First, thank you for sharing. Im a 53 year old male, massive heart attack at 42, 2 stents installed.
I then had a massive open heart surgery 7months ago (aortic valve replacement, one bypass, and ascending aorta replacement) while in recovery I started experiencing afib. They said it was common after the surgery I had. Treated me with meds, after about a month I weaned off med and the afib was gone.
I felt great for months, All of a sudden 6 months after surgery, I’m in afib everyday. It causes massive anxiety, and fear. Cardiologist put me on a couple of new meds, it helps, but doesn’t seem to be completely under control. Most affecting me while trying to sleep. They are talking about doing cardioversion, which to me doesn’t seem to be as much a permanent fix. I think I’d rather go straight to something more likely a permanent repair. Ablation sounds as such. Thank you again for your story. I’ll come back with my repair story. God bless everyone.
Prayers for the right procedure for you and a success. Please write back to let us know how you are doing. I find these testimonials extremely valuable.
Hi. I'm just reading some old replies to an AFib video I saw. You commented about your experience. Did you have the ablation in the end? How are you now. I'm recently diagnosed with AFib.
In a week, I will have my second ablation. To my great disappointment, my first attempt failed. SVT has gotten worse with each attack so they are going in for a second attempt. Your films have really helped me because your honesty and expression of all the things that go along with arrhythmia, the experience of trying medications, pre and post surgery are extremely helpful and right on. I feel very positive about this next attempt. My SVT has been around since my earliest memory and I've had 67 years of it so I pray it is fixed this time. I will welcome any period of time with a correction.
I am aware that people do have to have a 2nd procedure!
Why people are commenting that their ablation failed is beyond me!
I had one to everything you described is spot on, the cold room I was told is so the imagining equipment don't over heat, I was in full time afib for 2 years after my procedure I was still in afib a month later my heart went into sinus rhythm and has been for 2 months now.
I’m glad your Ablation went well, it is a game changer. I had one over 30 years ago and it has made a huge difference. After dealing with Afib off and on for 20 plus years my symptoms were getting worse. I was taking a Stress Test and passed out with Vfib, fortunately the paddles worked and the shock converted my rhythm. I traveled to Houston and saw a Cardiologist who looked at my stress test print out and sent me to a new Dr. Thank You Dr Masumi❤️ My Ablation was painless, I have been very fortunate, a beta blocker for several years and now on Metoprolol.
Thanks for this video. I'm a registered nurse suffering with paroxysmal a-fib on and off for 4 years. It's been getting considerably worse the past few months and interferes with work and life in general. Moreover, I see what happens to people living with it, not only in diminished quality of life but also end organ damage such as strokes and dementia.
So, I finally engaged with my doctor, a cardiologist, and now an electrophysiologist, and the ablation is schefuled for 5 days from now.
I have been looking around for information about the procedure and fo appreciate these videos; it is one thing to read a journal article and quite another to see the procedure done or hear a testimonial like yours. What landed especially hard was the idea that somebody else besides me spends way too much time training attention inward on the heart, checking the pulse, waiting for the telltale flutterings. It means a lot to know I'm not nuts.
Just started on flecainide prior to the ablation, and today is the first time in months when my heart hasnt clamored for my attention. It feels great!
Thanks so much for reaching out to fellow a-fib patients. Wishing you an eyernal normal sinus rhythm!
Hi and greetings from Dublin, Ireland. Good on you for giving such an open and informative summary of your ablation experience. I have had AFib for 9 months more off than on, but a major worry nonetheless.
I have decided to have the procedure carried out in the coming weeks hopefully, as truly this is affecting my head more so than my body. I am M58 but have always been in good health. I am and always have been a complete non drinker or smoker and have never so much as touched any illegal substances. I would want to be in a bad way, before I would reach for over the counter or prescription drugs of any kind.
I have always kept myself very fit and continue to do so. The cardiologist told me to work away exercise wise, but obviously to stop if anything acts up. I seldom get any fibs during the day, but do get them occasionally when lying down at night. I could go weeks with no irregularities at all. This is what delayed me from having the procedure, but I (my wife 🙄) recently decided to get the job done. I hope I get as good a result as you appear to have done, so fingers crossed and thanks again!
Thanks for sharing your story! It sounds like we've had very similar experiences. Hope the procedure goes well and you get back to living your life! I hope to visit Ireland someday. It looks so beautiful! Take care!!
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I’ve been fighting this Afib for over 10 yrs 😢 it truly screws up your life, family and lost wages !!!! Tomorrow morning, left side of my heart will be taken care of !!!!! Hopefully, fingers crossed I’ll get my life back !!!! I feel you brother !!!
Hope you got the treatment you needed and are doing well. Did you have an ablation? Hope you are well! Take care!
I truly understand. Mine did not go well at all! Just 2 weeks out but it has been hell.
Just had ablation 2 days ago. Had an aborted ablation 3 months ago when a blood clot was discovered. Had an echocardiogram. All clear. Had my ablation feb 4th. . Just recovering , sore throat. Canadian cost 0$.
Hi Paul, thanks for sharing. Sounds like a scary experience on the first attempt, but glad you eventually got it done and are recovering. I've heard from many people in other countries who paid zero or very little for an ablation. The USA definitely has a messed up healthcare system. I'm wishing you a speedy recovery and the end of your afib. Best of luck to you!
The USA has a miraculous Healthcare system and the rest of the world owes a great debt to your country for developing life saving medications and procedures such as ablation which was pioneered by a cardiologist in San Francisco. Yes this comes at a high cost but the rest of the world free loads off of America's inventions and technology and can provide a 'free' Healthcare system because it was paid for by the USA. By the way, it might be free but it's actually a rationed health care system. There's only so much care to go around. If the government will only pay for 10 hip replacements per year, that's all you get so get in line. Tens of thousands die waiting for medical treatment in Canada where I reside. I cannot get an ablation here because I'm only 38 and the government will make me suffer for decades until I reach the front of the line. But hey, at least it's free.
My guy was in the room with me the way he is talking. I agree with everything he said. except my bed was arm and they used IV for the medication, I was out cold in 30 seconds. They used my groin area to insert the tools. I was only in the recovery for about 2 hours. i only had one scar. NYU Langone did my procedure. I was employed with them at the time so thank god for that. I was also weary of hurting myself after the procedure. The list of things that were fixed doesn't seam to end. My BP was high as sin. My sugar was all jacked up, pain all over, brain fog. All fixed and some are going away. Good luck, and congratulation.
Thank you for posting this. I am very scared to scheduled my ablation. You made me feel a little better.
Hi Mike, thanks for your comment. Best of luck to you with your ablation or whatever treatment you decide. Hope you are well!
Thank you for sharing.
i have AFib and it’s so annoying and caused a high anxiety and effect my breathing because of the panic attack i have because of it, some doctors advised me for ablation and some other doctors advised me to not do it which makes me confused but your story is so encouraging, thank you for sharing and wish you very healthy life
Hi Emtbasic20, thanks for your comment. That is frustrating getting conflicting information. If you have the option to get a second opinion by seeing another electrophysiologist who has a ton of experience, that might be helpful for you. Many people comment how important it is to have an experienced doctor who they trust. I completely agree. I hope you find answers soon. I'm sending good vibes your way. Good luck. Take care!
@@AfibPatientExperience i agree yes a electrophysiologist who has a ton of experience is the best thing to start with, thank you again bro, god bless you and your family
Thanks for the video. My wife is in the lab right now getting ablation for her SVT, and I'm scared s--less. Positive outcome stories are very helpful right now.
Hope all is going well for her! Sending positive thoughts your way.
Thanks for sharing your experience and updates. You really helped set my mind at ease with your videos. I'm glad you have been afib free for two years. I just had the procedure done on 3/31/23. It went well. I prepared for the worst but I'm glad to say the experience was super positive. I was in no significant pain or discomfort. I did have a sore throat and my mouth was really dry. My doctor used a Vascade closure device and reduced my laying flat time. I was in at 6am and went home at 2pm. I think this will get me back to living a normal life again.
I've had 8 afib episodes in past 2 years. Some episodes happened months apart. Twice I had 2 episodes within one week. I went through 5 cardioversions. The anxiety was the worst part. But hopefully this procedure works. Thanks again!!
Thanks ya for sharing your experience! Going in for a Cardiac Cath on Friday due to a unusually high amount of PVC's - I think ablation is an option on the table. The mental mind $#%$ is the worst I think as well. It only takes a minute for my mind to put me in anxiety mode!
I really appreciate your total honesty, most of us would be just as anxious and health checking etc
Thanks for your comment!
Had an ablation about 2 years ago. I'm still in rhythm (knock on wood). No pain at all. Had it done at the age of 77. Only problem I had was that they went in through the groin and after a few hours in the recovery room the damn bandage on the incision burst. Kept me in the hospital for another day. Problem was probably because of an excessively full bladder because of my bloody prostate. Bladder was putting pressure on the groin area I was told. So....this summer I had a Turp, a procedure where they cut away some of the prostate to relieve the pressure on the urethra. Best thing I ever did. I'm pissing like I did 30 years ago. We're lucky to live in an age of medical miracles.
Thank you! I’ve been struggling with AFib, I believe, for a long time, since shortly prior to the lockdown. I had a stroke 2/22 and AFib was finally dx’ed in 9/23. For 4 years I’ve experienced a gradual decline in my energy level and it’s gotten worse in spite of treatments over the precious 9 months. I’ve also felt that my physicians haven’t believed me and prefer to assign blame to other things (eg, gaining weight, not using cpap as I have sinus issues which were finally corrected). I finally have a specialist who has prescribed ablation and surgery is scheduled. It’s been a long road. I appreciate you sharing your experience. It’s been very helpful.
5 months after my ablation I started coughing up blood went into congestive heart failure was told I had lung cancer. I went through 3 lung biopsies and to keep it short was diagnosed with pulmonary vein stenosis in all 4 veins caused by the ablation. I am now on my 3rd heart surgery to try to fix this .If all the fixes fail I will have to have a lung transplant. I pray that all of you have a better outcome than I have.
Sorry you had to go through, these medical treatments, Tommy hope your recover soon and God Blesses You! 🙏
Please Share your comments on how you're doing and Thanks Again for Sharing Your Situation!
Tammy you poor gal!! How did the ablation cause this I’m curious as my dr wants me to have.
Thanks for sharing your story Tammy. You've been through a lot! Hope you get the treatment you need and are feeling better. Take care!
I hope and pray your have had successful procedures that have brought you back to “normal.” Let us know how you are doing.
very informative. I have had chronic AFIB for 8 years with no symptoms other than occasional dizziness. I had a cardiologist for awhile but he didn't do anything except prescribe a lot of medications. No one ever told me that AFIB is a progressive disease and can result in Congestive Heart Disease. Likewise none of my primary care doctors ever mentioned anything about AFIB being a progressive disease. About a week ago, I stumbled on to a video about AFIB and the ablation procedure. I immediately called my doctor's office requesting a referral to an AFIB specialist but so far no one has returned my call. Thank you so much for the video you put up on your experience. May God continue to bless you.
Find a good cardiologist and discuss your symptoms and possible ablation.
I also had long term afib which led to heart failure. I had an ablation 2 years ago and have been in normal sinus rhythm ever since. It transformed my life. Please find a good electrophysiologist.
I am scheduled for an ablation in the middle of January 2023. This video was very informative.Thank you for taking the time to make it, and happy heart beats!
Thanks Hokey, best of luck with your ablation!
I had my 3 hour ablation Tuesday a week ago. My AFib Cardiologist recommended it after wearing a ZIO heart monitor patch for 14 days. I went in for pre op at 10 am, had the procedure at noon and woke in recovery at 3:25 pm. I was home by 9 pm. I am blown away at how little discomfort I experienced. Absolutely no pain. My groin was a little tender but with Tylenol I slept very well. I’m amazed how great I feel after the procedure at 74! And so are my dogs. 🐶 🐕
This is, without a shadow of doubt, the most informative thing I have seen on UA-cam regarding ablation.
I have an appointment with an ablation specialist two weeks from now & really appreciate this very honest & direct approach to the procedure.
I had 3 ablations 2013 2019 2021. They worked for a time but always went back into AFIB. I found out If you have a mitral valve that leaks you will always be in AFIB.
I ended up getting my mitral valve replaced and had "maze" procedure which is an ablation on the outside of the heart. Worked perfectly. I've been in rhythm ever since. Feel incredible
How old are you? I’ve had mitral valve prolapse - self diagnosed in my twenties (I recognized the symptoms) and had open heart surgery to correct an anatomically wrong R coronary artery (had to have bypass as it was completely closed from birth). Still have the prolapse and no recommendation to have it replaced so I’d like to assume it is mild, or at least it was when diagnosed. This is 50 yrs later.
I was diagnosed with Wolff Parkinson White syndrome in my early 30’s after experiencing an increased heart rate up to 220 beats per minute at rest. This resulted in three cardiac ablation procedures to finally correct the arrhythmia. I am now 60 yrs old and have had no recurring symptoms. I am SO grateful for this procedure as it likely saved my life and was a quick solution avoiding years of medication and potential side effects. Also, I am forever grateful to live in Canada 🇨🇦 with Universal health care. The cost of these procedures in the US would have destroyed my life financially. If you are considering having it done, I wouldn’t hesitate.
My mom is 91 yrs old and had her procedure and was total success! She was taken off two medications that for 2 yrs was like poison to her.
That's awesome to hear her ablation was a total success! Thanks for sharing!
Hi there. I found your video very informative. I'm a 56 year old man from Scotland and going to have this operation in the next few months. We get everything medical treatment in our NHS. So I'm shocked at how much it costs but it won't cost me a penny as it's paid out of our taxes. I'm scared and I don't mind admitting that but you have put me more at ease. Thank you so much for that and I hope your heart stays in great shape.😁
I am going through the same thing now. I had to have a cardioversion little over a week ago and have an appointment with a Electrophysiologist in January. Fortunately I have good insurance as well. $317,000 is over the top. Truth be known I suspect the amount the hospital got reimbursed for perhaps 1/10th this amount. I'm glad you are doing well and I feel better after watching.
Thank for you comment and I hope your electrophysiologist appointment goes well. I think you are correct about how much the insurance actually paid the hospital! Hope you are well and are getting the treatment you need. Take care!
317.000$ for ablation?
Had mine in Dec. 2021 and mine was about $90K here in Boise,ID . I was out of pocket $2500 IIRC.@@sonicxdudex765
In 2011 I had an Cryo Ablation I have had very little episodes maybe 15-20 seconds. Pryor to the ablation I received 2 cardioversions 6 years apart The first version lasted 6 years the second only 1 year. I suffered with AF for practically 30 years 1984 was my first episode. My family doctor kept trying with meds with no availe it wasn't till after I was diagnosed with colon cancer I found a real doctor I am 69 years of age and a survivor of cancer for 12 years. Thank you for taking time to read my past history
Thanks for the video, I’m currently recovering from open heart surgery. I had a valve fixed and my aortic valve replaced with a mechanical valve. I was having pretty bad afib in the hospital and I can feel it happening again now that I’m home. I was curious about how it’s dealt with on a long term scale and found your video. The procedure looks pretty easy, at least compared to what I have already done. Hopefully I don’t have to go that route but so far everything that can go wrong has gone wrong. Once again thanks for the video and hopefully you’ll have good cardiac health for the rest of your life.❤
Thank you so much! I hope you continue to get the treatment you need and things start to go better for you! Best of luck!
Thank you for this video. I am meeting with my cardiologist next Tuesday. Like you I am very nervous about it but I am more comfortable now. One challenge I may have is age- I am 69 years old. Thanks again
I went whole food-plant based at age 48, 7 years ago, to lower my cholesterol which was 210 mg/dl (200 being high). The weight loss probably gives me much better benefit, which turned out to be 50 lb. I'm still down 40 lb. I saw your information regarding weight loss and reduced issue with afib.
My dad has afib controlled by medication but he also would benefit from a whole food-plant based diet. His weight probablyl could be a bit lower but is better than most people.
Do you think weight loss would improve AFib?
@@adelewilson-s9q I don’t think there’s much medical evidence that it helps, but I think doctors can prescribe medication to prevent clotting, which is the major issue with a drill fibrillation from what I understand and other issues they can treat
That said, some people claim that the severity and frequency of atrial fibrillation goes down after they go on a Whole Foods plant-based diet. Will reduce blood pressure and cholesterol which is very good. That part is proven.
Just had my second cardioversion, last one was 18 months ago. Stress brought it back on. I've turned down laser ablation last time and this time. This video was very helpful thank you. I'm hoping I never need an ablation but good to see other people in similar situations.
Thanks for sharing your story. I hope you never need an ablation as well. Best of luck and take care!
Just had another afib episode, 19 months since my last thankfully. Both times my heart has gone back to Sinus by itself after 1hr. For now I'm on no meds. I'm avoiding ablation as long as I can, especially as the technology improves all the time. Also going to try acupuncture soon. Hope we both avoid ablations, but this video was at least really positive. Thanks :)
Thank you for this incredible video. A service to mankind. I had cardio ablation 4 days ago. Excellent results so far. I elected to have cardio ablation immediately, since I had severe symptoms and went from athlete to nearly disabled over a 1 year period. I chose not to try the med route first and further debilitate my body. I hope this will resolve my severe afib. So far so good.
Awesome to hear that so far so good for you! Thanks for sharing your story. Sounds like we've had similar experiences. I was very active, then AFIB struck out of nowhere and completely changed all aspects of my life. Hope your ablation recovery continues to go well and you get back to living your active life! Take care!
I have had 2 ablations. Obviously the first didn't work and I am sad to say that the second one didn't work either. I changed cardiologists and my second doctor told me that the only reason to have an ablation was to relieve the symptoms of the afib. Knowing that would have saved me 2 ablations because I was asymptomatic. I can't tell that I am in afib and I am able to have a fairly normal life.
Hi Frank, thank you for sharing your story. I'm glad you're being treated and able to live a fairly normal life. Best of luck to you. Take care!
Well done, especially for mentioning the mental side of things. All the best!!!!
Thank you! I appreciate your comment. Hope you are well.
After a routine ECG, I was rushed to hospital with severe AFib. I didn't know I had it except one night when I took a Viagra and started to feel as if I was going to pass out. A cardioversion didn't help and so I went on to the ablation. After the ablation the AFib was gone but in its place were moments of severe palpitations, where once again I thought I would faint. I took up power walking (75 years old) and over the past 12 months the palpitations have gradually disappeared. All good, but there is no substitute for Youth and invincibility.
My wife is experiencing increased a fib and this procedure was suggested. Thanks for the video this is very informative
Glad it was helpful. Hope her ablation goes well and she can get back to living her life afib free!
Hi Steven, I open UA-cam today and your video pop up right on top. Not if something from above or who knows. I am going in tomorrow for my SECOND ablation, I have a rather long story to tell. So about 6 years ago I was going into have my gallbladder out and they were doing a pre op and while doing a EKG the nurse said did you know you were in Afib I said uh no what's that? So while I had already been on blood thinners for my heart and high blood pressure they put off the surgery. I saw a cardiologist who send me to EP doc, they decided to do a restart to put me back into rhythm and it worked for about 3 years. Then after moving to TX I had another episode and the doctor also found a block in one of my arteries so the put in a stint for that. They then decided to to a ablation after trying to put me back in rhythm and it did not last. So private hospital, all ready for the op and I wake up in recover for the doctor to tell me there was a problem with my heart. So I went home and went back to see him after a week only to find out that it was not my heart but a problem with the machine they had, and that was the reason for the failed procedure. The best part this one was the hospital tried to charge me for the procedure, I was like no way. So the doctor suggest since was a Vet and had been using the VA hospital that I go there. This doctor had done his training at the Dallas VA hospital so he knew all to doctors. So in 2020 I had it done. Just as you described it was really a no brainer for me. Now about week and half ago I went to be on Saturday night and for some reason I did not put my Apple watch back on before going to bed. When woke up and put my watch back on I got a alert that I was in AFib. We went to the hospital and had all the tests done and sure enough my heart was in AFib. So I am having the procedure done again and not to soon for me, as this past Saturday night when I went to bed, my wife had just taken a sleeping pill to help her sleep. My heart started to go crazy and for the next three hours all it did was race 100BPS for up and down it go down to 44BPS then a second later 110bps. I thought what should I do call an ambulance, try and wake my wife. I just lay in my bed praying that I would make it through the night. We are about 40 mins from the hospital, and I did not want to go to private one again as they would not have my records. I did some checking and apparently you can even after have an Ablation go back into AFib and be in need of another one. They do say after the second one things should be good. Now I will say I am 67 years old so this might have some bearing on what I am about to say. I do not suggest anyone who has had a Ablation or has AFib to used CBD, as I did not realize that CBD can cause your heart to race which can put you into AFib, I am not saying this is a hard and fast rule for everyone. I am also not saying any bad about CBD as it has helped alot dealing with my PTSD, all I am saying is just to be aware that if you are taking CBD stay with a low dose. So I guess I will see how this all pans out tomorrow. I do recommend an Apple Watch to anyone who has heart issues this watch has now saved my life twice. I hope this helps someone.. All the best..
Thank you for sharing! Hope your second ablation went well and you are recovering and feeling great. I agree, having a smart watch to monitor afib is awesome! Hope you are well!
I'm due to have an ablation in February. Fingers crossed. thanks for the video and insights.
You are very welcome. Best of luck! Hope everything goes well and you get back to living your life AFIB free!