Jim, Stan, Jackie, ablation

Jim, I am so sorry your afib came back right after your ablation. What a bummer! Try not to despair..your heart must have time to recover. It is probably way too soon for your heart to know what it wants to do..

I was diagnosed with persistent/chronic afib and flutters two years ago. And, at this time, two years ago, Dr. Wharton did my ablation. It was not 100 percent successful, but, it did make my heart so much better. However, I wanted to be free of all drugs forever. I knew, going into the procedure, that my odds of a complete cure was 70-75% at best, and, I thought I was fully prepared to have the ablation all over again if I was not cured. I was not cured, so I was scheduled to have a touchup procedure in the summer of 2002, but backed away from it after reading so much information and research done by many of you on this bulletin board. I decided to wait for newer techniques and better technology to be developed.

Now, I have decided it is time for me to go on and get the touchup second ablation. Again, I want to be free of all meds. Flecainide or tambocor (even though it does hold me in NSR) does reduces my level of energy, and taking a blood thinner is a worrisome thing for me.

Some reasons for having the second ablation and getting off antiarrhythemic drugs and thinners:

..My husband and I live within an hour's drive from the wonderful NC Mountains. We go there on hiking trips nearly every weekend. The flecainide slows me down and I worry about taking a fall (blood thinner). We do tough trails. I am a "middleaged" senior, but, I have an awesome, adventuresome spirit.

..My tennis doubles partner is playing in NC state's seniors tennis tournament this year. I want to get back to playing tennis again....I used to be a state ranked tennis player.

.. We are fortunate from the standpoint of having a 75% or greater odds for a cure done by ablation. My thinking at this time, why not go for the touchup ablation while I am still healthy, and, before I get too old. My new odds for a touchup is at 90%. At least it was that a year ago.

A bit more. After my ablation in 2001, I went into afib several hours after the procedure. Dr. Wharton put me on Flec. 150MG twice a day which converted me. Flec kept me in NSR for three months until I went back to Duke for my check up. I was so CERTAIN that I was cured. I only had one 4 hour episode during that period, but converted back to NSR easily. When I was taken off flec, after my three months check up, the afib returned within a few days. (I had a heart monitoring card which confirmed it), but I was in denial until I heard the words spoken by Dr. Wharton. Yes, he said, start back on flecainide. I was in such dispare. I truly thought in my heart of hearts that I was cured (inspite of preparing myself for disappointment.) I was not cured, but my heart at least responds to drug thearpy, Flecainide or Tambocor, which holds my heart in NSR.

During those two years after my ablation, it was not necessary for me to INCREASE my dosage of flec. In fact, I actually was able to REDUCE the amount of flec that I was taking from 150 mg twice a day to 100 twice a day ....sometimes I take 75 mg twice a day. I have changed my diet dramatically, (similar to what Jackie describes for herself) a paleo type diet, few sweets, lots of veggies and fruits, regular exercise, etc.

Jim, I hope at this point that your afib has diminished and that you are now in perfect NSR. I will be looking for your next posting.

Stan, I am so glad your flec or tambocor is working for you and you have no bad side effects from taking it.
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Jackie, you are a real sweetheart with your wonderful words of encouragement to all. I hope your upcoming ablation is successful. Keep us all informed.

I hope my remarks have been helpful. Regards, Peg

I meant to say in my previous posting that many diseases have no cure. But affibers at least have an opportunity for a cure. Peg

Peg - thanks for your kind words of encouragement. You are the sweetheart. I can understand your need to get on with your life and off the drugs. It's a goal we all share. I am prepared for the procedure- both physically and mentally. I am also realistic enough to understand that there could be afib post-ablation and there could be more drugs.

But, my mindset is toward a perfect ablation and surgical outcome. You are what you think....or so they say. I'm trying to think very positive thoughts almost constantly as the 11/12 date is nearly here.

I wish you every success on this next ablation. Let's hope this one does it. Certainly, you have the best in Dr. Wharton.

Sincerely, Jackie

Jackie, thank you for your kind response. peg