I was terrified. Terrified. But I felt like it was my only chance at life and I felt like I was too young to give up (45). So I found the best EP and my hero Dr. Natale, did my part at staying as healthy as I possibly can, said a prayer and went for it. It was not at all as bad or dramatic as I imagined it and I am still fib free 7 months later (know on wood).by newyorker - AFIBBERS FORUM
Thank you for your support and wisdom. I was fortunate to have an ablation with DR. Natale and DR. DiBiase in March. I went from 2-3 hour fib attack every day to zero. (knock on wood). I was suppose to get off all drugs on July 15th. I did...for about two weeks. And then, every night I 'felt" like I might be going in a-fib. My heart speeds up, my chest tightens, I start getting aby newyorker - AFIBBERS FORUM
but don't know where else to ask. I had an ablation almost 4 months ago with Dr. Natale. He is amazing. Ablation was amazing and I feel....amazing. I am on Eliquis. About 2 months after being on Eliquis, I noticed bright blood every bowel movement. Not a lot but enough to notice. Its been over 2 months and its not going away. My bowel movements also changed. I called doctor's officby newyorker - AFIBBERS FORUM
So sorry, I just saw this. Yes, Dr. Natale comes to New York once in a while to visit his protege and amazing EP Dr. DiBiase. During that time he performs ablations at Montifiore Hospital, where I had mine done. All you have to do is contact his office and Austin and tell them that you are interested in doing your ablation in NYC. They will figure something out. Or contact Shannon on this forum.by newyorker - AFIBBERS FORUM
I want to post this while everything is fresh on my mind. Before ablation, I was obsessing over EXACTLY how things are going to go. I googled every story I can find that described the process. Here is my ablation story. Step by step. I hope it helps you. I arrived to the hospital at 11am in great spirits, nervous and hopeful. There was no looking back. I had a great team (Dr. Natale and Dr. Diby newyorker - AFIBBERS FORUM
Theresau, wow. Now, I am really starting to wonder... But to tell you the truth, I am too far gone in fib. With medicine, I am still having attacks every day. Altho I do convert on my own. Which is a big plus. I wish I knew about this a year ago so I can at least try to see if the iron would make a difference, but my ablation with Dr. Natale is in 2 weeks. I am 45, so I adduce with ironby newyorker - AFIBBERS FORUM
I guess it is possible, but I have been advised to still go forward with the ablation process.by newyorker - AFIBBERS FORUM
Just had my pre op work done for ablation and the doctor found out that I am a hardcore anemic. Normal rate is 15 and mine is 7. I am practically a vegetarian. I simply hate meat and live like a rabbit, just munching on greens and fruit. With 2 weeks until ablation, I will literally have to "eat a cow" as well as stuff myself with iron supplements. I read on line that there can be aby newyorker - AFIBBERS FORUM
Carey, that was the best, most educated response ever. Thank you for putting my heart at ease. It all makes sense now. Thank you.by newyorker - AFIBBERS FORUM
Thank you for your time everyone. My ablation is on 3/14 and Maestro Natale wants me to keep taking Eliquis until the morning of the procedure. I always bleed very easy and just slightly concerned. If God forbid something goes wrong during ablation, wouldn't it be easier to bleed out with all the blood thinners in my system?by newyorker - AFIBBERS FORUM
Elizabeth, wish I didn't read your comment so close to my ablation.by newyorker - AFIBBERS FORUM
Shannon, Jackie and other beautiful A-Fibbers, Is there are any supplements that I can take to reassure a better outcome of an ablation or to help recovery post ablation? Anything I can do at all to help this process to go as smooth as possible. Thank you so much, Ilonaby newyorker - AFIBBERS FORUM
I am so glad you wrote this post. Its like you are taking words out of my mouth. I am too so confused by that. A-fib = higher stroke risk. so if ablation keeps you out of afib, shouldn't you have the same stroke risk as a non affiber?by newyorker - AFIBBERS FORUM
Thank you Tsco. What a story. I hear what you are saying. Its hard not to tell people that you are in afib. Its just such a weird, messed up feeling that you feel that you should let somebody know. Plus, my symptoms are so bad, even after 2,5 years of going in and out of fib, I still think I am going to drop dead every time a new attack strikes. Fortunately, I have an amazing boss, who basicallyby newyorker - AFIBBERS FORUM
Shannon, you are blowing my mind a little bit. You are so amazing. Thank you for writing this out and making me feel better. I am starting to get used to the twice daily episodes and you are right, the fact that they last 1.5 hours and I convert on my own, is a blessing already. It was just a huge jump from "once a month", so it shocked me a little bit. I have a trip coming up to Japan/by newyorker - AFIBBERS FORUM
Thank you so much for writing to me. He said to leave both medications alone until my ablation on 3/15.by newyorker - AFIBBERS FORUM
Tsco, thank you very much for your answer. I am not even really scared of upcoming ablation YET. Not sure what such a huge increase in attacks be due to. How are you feeling since you ablation 19 months ago?by newyorker - AFIBBERS FORUM
For me its grapefruit and chinese.by newyorker - AFIBBERS FORUM
Thank you so much for your support. Recently, I went from having a-fib attacks from 1-2 a month to daily. Sometimes 2 attacks a day. They usually last 1-1.5 and I convert on my own. I am very symptomatic so its starting to affect my job as a producer. I travel abroad a lot and a bit worried to do so with daily attacks. I have an ablation scheduled in 2 months with Dr. Natale. He does not waby newyorker - AFIBBERS FORUM
Just wanted to ask this experienced group for some advice. I met with Dr. Natale and Dr. DiBiase 6 weeks ago to discuss ablation. I am 44, paroxysmal afib, diagnosed 2 years ago. Highly symptomatic. Episodes 1-2 week, converting on my own. Dr. Natale, accompanied by Dr. DiBiase agreed to do the procedure at Montefiore Hospital in New York when Dr. Natale travels back here. Since then Ive hadby newyorker - AFIBBERS FORUM
I know nothing but one thing that i keep learning is that when nothing else works, you call Dr. Natale.by newyorker - AFIBBERS FORUM
Thank you so much for the kind words. How did it go for you? MY ablation will take place in New York City.by newyorker - AFIBBERS FORUM
Steve, thank you so much for "calming my heart" on the subject. My ablation will be performed in NYC instead of Austin, but to me Dr. Natale's hands is all that matters. I am the same as you...Very nervous about the ablation and will only trust him to do it. I am 44 and I know at some point I will have to do an ablation if I want a good quality of life. Stories like yours confirmsby newyorker - AFIBBERS FORUM
Shannon, I was floored by your thoughtful and detailed response. I heard a lot of wonderful things about you over the last two years of my beast fighting and your response just proves how wonderful and thoughtful you are. I first want to say how blessed I am to even have these kind of choices. What a privilege to be cared by the best and have resources to debate whether to travel or not.by newyorker - AFIBBERS FORUM
Carey, your words are like music to my ears. How wonderful for you. I am so happy you found him. After all the research I've done, I don't think I would trust anyone else but him. I do have a little concern that I need help with. I live in NYC. Dr. Natale performs ablation here sometimes at Montefiore hospital (where is protege dr. Di Biase works). This is where my ablation would be donby newyorker - AFIBBERS FORUM
Hi, I was wondering if someone will help me get in touch with McHale. I am having an ablation with wonderful Dr.Natale at Montefiore in NYC and was wondering if I would have a better success rate flying to Austin to his hospital. It's my first ablation. I am44 and super nervous. Thank you very much.by newyorker - AFIBBERS FORUM
Hi, this is my first post in this group. I am 44 and have been diagnosed with fib 2 years ago. I am getting an ablation done with Dr. Natale in a couple of months in New York. I just wanted to know other people's experiences with him. I know he is a superb doctor. Just wanted to hear how things went.by newyorker - AFIBBERS FORUM