I hate to keep piling it on, but........

I think newbies who come here can benefit by the continued success stories.

I'm just slightly past the 4 month mark after my 1/27/15 Natale ablation.

I went to the local cardiologist today for my follow-up echo.

Just a reminder so you don't have to look back:
January 2014--diagnosed with afib
May 2014--first echo since diagnosis--ejection fraction at 51%
October 2014---second echo since diagnosis---ejection fraction at 46%
January 2105---nuclear stress test--ejection fraction at 45%
January 27, 2015---Natale ablation

As usual, the echo tech tells me he can't say what the results were. I ask him, "Can you just point to it?" He then flips between screens and tells me it is measured two different ways---one was volume and I don't remember the other way. The other way result was 59.6%. The volume way was 66.2% Of course he said it was open to interpretation and subjective and the doc would give me the actual result.

I met with the doc about 45 minutes later. He walked in and announced my ejection fraction was an extremely healthy 65%. Of course I didn't sell the tech out and ask about how it was figured.........I was actually pretty elated with all of those results, after the tortuous year of 2014 in afib.

Like so many others, I thank GOD every day for finding this site......and the wonderful people who participate and dedicate themselves to help others. By name, I specifically want to thank Shannon, Jackie and George for the careful and prudent guidance they gave me, as well as sharing their personal time to help me, a complete stranger. We've never met in person, but you guys are welcome at my house anytime. You guys amaze me and are always on my prayer list. Thanks to all of the others who corresponded with me, shared ideas and simply just took time to share this personal burden with me. You all are amazing.

After the downward spiral of 2014, I honestly feel like I've been given a second chance. As many of you suggested, I waited three full months before exercising (very little cheating!) I started back slowly and am still working my way up. I've completely abandoned heavy weights for the rest of my life. I have transitioned to the recommended "super slower training" technique. With regard to cardio, other than walking, I've been doing some more strenuous cardio cycling, taking my heart rate up, then allowing it to come back down before ramping it up again---in the high intensity interval training style, aka Tabata. I am spending about 45 minutes twice to three times weekly doing this. I always monitor my heart rate with a very accurate Polar chest strap monitor. So far, no blips or irregularities.

If any of you want to warn me or suggest another HIIT style workout, I'll listen.........I'm not married to the cycling routine.........it's just something I picked up in a class at the gym.

I know what I'm about to say is repetitive, but it is always work saying again, because it is so true. I know this site may seem like a Natale fan club---and there are so many fans here, including me---but it is much more than that. If you don't take anything else away, please give yourself the best chance at success in attaining freedom from afib by selecting an ELITE, TOP-TIER ABLATIONIST when you do finally decide on an ablation. Please, do like I did......try all of the different anti-arrhythmia meds first, try all of the the supplements, change your diet to be healthier---and I pray that one of those things will heal your heart and you won't need an ablation.......but if you do, please seek out the best. Find someone who is experienced AND successful.

Please don't think you are rid of me......because I am not going away that easily. I will continue to visit this forum, reading the posts and provide any support for others that I can.

God bless you all.

Sincerely,
Ken

There is no such thing as too much good news here, Ken. Thanks for sharing.

On the subject of exercise and for what it's worth, I have been doing a version of high intensity training once a week for 20 minutes since my ablation in August 2013 (after waiting three months to go back). The intensity is not what I used to do, and anything involving upper body is moderate, following suggestions that Dr. Natale made. Interestingly, my trainer doesn't think that the lower intensity has resulted in any loss of strength or benefit, and I can say that from a personal point of view, I feel the same. My goal was not to do anything crazy, but to simply be strong enough to manage the things that require strength and balance at age 64. It's definitely done that for me and with no problems related to AF. I also walk for an hour 5-6 days a week.

Congratulations and best wishes for NSR always,

Rob

Hey Ken,

Great news!

In the same vein, just got a message from my good buddy in Houston. I'd referred him to Dr. Natale for a 3/5/15 ablation. At the time of his ablation, Shannon said my friend beat him (Shannon) out for the longest burn time Shannon knew of for a Natale ablation (indicator of how involved the problem was).

In any case, my buddy just had his 3 month echo & meeting with Dr. N. Perfect ablation, perfect results. Every weekly checkin since the ablation has been perfect. Needless to say, my friend is ecstatic and very thankful for the support he received from Shannon.

Cheers,

George



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/04/2015 02:09AM by GeorgeN.

Great to hear Ken!! You did everything by the book as far as I'm concerned and we have simply witnessed an undeniable and highly impressive degree of consistently good outcomes from those who choose to do so and follow the overall guidelines evolved here over the last 16 years, both with nutrient repletion and life style/risk factor management and specifically in holding very high standards in the selection of an ablationist when and if the time comes.

That combination is a strong formula for success without any doubt whatsoever after so much repeated confirmation over the years.

And George, Wayne beat me out at long last for total burn time record that I know of in an index extensive ablation by Dr Natale by about 17 seconds more burn time with his ablation at 117minutes and 27seconds and mine at 117min/10sec more or less a tie but I gladly relinquish the title to Wayne and wishing him a tire one and done success across the board. Regardless, like Ken, Wayne has already made the single biggest step by far in ending his struggle with the beast for good.

Shannon

Ken – Pile it on! The credit really goes to you and begins with your being interested and very dedicated in trying everything possible to reverse the afib trend. You certainly went the extra mile.

Along the way, undoubtedly, you learned of healthy changes that will be continue as strong influences on other body systems as well. That’s the bottom line.

It was a pleasure working with you. Long may you enjoy your blessed NSR.

Best to you,
Jackie

Hi Ken,

Allow me to chirp in too. I'm 1 month out from my Dr. N ablation and experiencing the same. There was one episode of Atrial Flutter that lasted for a few days but then auto-corrected. Otherwise, pure NSR! It's good to hear of the exercise recommendation. I had read a bit on the NYT site: [well.blogs.nytimes.com]. and [well.blogs.nytimes.com]. Hopefully these can be of help to some. I also know exactly what you mean. I feel like I've been given my life and sanity back.

Kind regards,
Que