11 Year Anniversary

I have my 11 year ablation anniversary this month. Here is my story, plus it’s worth noting that I didn’t find this website until after my ablation.

72 years old; excellent physical condition; 6', 170 lbs; 11 years of LAF; was on meds for the last 6 years after diagnosis; averaged 33 episodes per year for those 6 years (documented when and how long they lasted). The episodes ranged from a few minutes to 72 hrs (average time per episode was about 10 hrs). Converted only once at the hospital, but after that visit, my Dr. said that since I was so healthy, staying in afib would not be an issue, plus I always converted back on my own. The only trigger I identified was more than one alcoholic drink. For the majority of my afib, I was on Plavix 75 mg; Toprol XL 25 mg; Norpace CR 200 mg twice a day. With this combination of meds, I lead a normal life 99.9% of the time. It was typical to not notice I was in a-fib, unless going up a flight of stairs. The Plavix was prescribed because of the risk of bleeding with my active lifestyle.

Ablated in November '06 (over 60 "burns" in the left atrium). I had been postponing extensive hiking trips and vacations because of the afib and finally decided it was time. The summer after the ablation, my wife and I spent 7 days hiking in the Dolomites in northern Italy.

Stopped all meds at ablation and was put on Warfarin for 4 weeks post ablation, but no other meds. No a-fib during the blanking period and for the next four years.

Returned to normal activity two days after ablation.

Returned to normal exercise 4 weeks post ablation. Felt like I could have started working out the day after the ablation, but decided it was wise to follow the Dr's advice.

While exercising, I reached my anaerobic threshold much quicker than pre-ablation (reduced atrial function from ablation trauma). This steadily improved during the first year, then leveled off to what I would consider normal. I do weight workouts twice a week, golf twice a week, windsurfing (40+ days a year) and walking 3-4 times a week. I pay close attention to staying hydrated while exercising and drink 20oz of G2 (plus a lot of water) when sweating profusely.

Resting heart rate was in the 50's pre-ablation while on meds.

Resting heart rate for three months post ablation - 70's.

Resting heart rate for 4 years post ablation – 60's.
Resting heart rate now - upper 50’s/lower 60’s.

Two episodes of A-fib? since ablation in August of 2010 and August 2012. Lasted 2 hours one morning and 4 hours one night. Felt like A-fib, but heart rate was only in the 80's! Not totally sure what it was since my heart rate was 180 while in afib prior to going on meds.

Infrequent PVCs for 2 to 4 seconds. Maybe once or twice a month. Usually the precursor to an A-fib episode pre-ablation, but now just subsides. By the time I get to my pulse, it's gone. Have been taking Taurine, Magnesium and Potassium daily. The frequency of my PVCs have been cut back significantly in the last few years as I have upped the dosage, but still below what is recommended here. I try to eat a diet high in Magnesium and Potassium, but nothing special beyond that. I have a cup (16 oz.) of caffeinated coffee, blue berries, a few ounces of mixed nuts, glass of red wine and a small amount of dark chocolate daily. In addition to the A-Fib supplements, I only take a multi-vitamin, 81mg aspirin, and 2000 mg of vitamin D (tested a little low at my annual physical a few years ago. No prescription meds.

Overall, my ablation experience couldn't have been better. I believe a high level of fitness greatly reduces the impact of a-fib on one’s lifestyle.

Ablation done by Dr. Kevin R. Wheelan - Baylor Med. Center, Heart Place, Dallas, TX

Keeping my fingers crossed for “one and done”. Good luck to all in the same boat.

Ken

Excellent report as always Ken ... my the years roll by don't they?! :-) Seems like just yesterday you were here giving us your 10th years anniversary! And always great to hear!

Dr Wheelan is a fine man and very good EP too, and I agree that the many of us from this forum who really endeavor to take good acre of ourselves most definitely typically stack the deck in our favor ... and especially in helping get the most out of an expert ablation process overall.

Thanks again for keeping us all posted each year and in between as well Ken!

Cheers and best wishes!

Shannon