Celebrating my post ablation 3 month anniversary

Dear Afibbers,

Last week I reached my post ablation 3 month marker. I'm still trying to make sense of my recent Holter result while I wait for my followup appointment (August is vacation month here in Portugal). I know there are infinite variations and zero certainty along the path of this condition, but I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for making me more informed and less alone...I have learned so much here. I am grateful for this platform, and for the amount of time and effort spent to keep it going. So far, all is (mostly) well. I know I will likely face future challenges along the way, but I am really enjoying this present moment! Thank you again!

Congratulations on moving forward. It's hard when you lack confidence, understanding, empathetic help, etc. So much better when you find a team willing to put you back on your feet.

You say that you are trying to make sense of your Holter results. I take it you have seen them? Are you awaiting a formal debrief on those results?

Thanks for your reply!

Yes, the practice here is to deliver patient test results immediately, then schedule a followup appointment for the debrief.

The summary indicates that the sinus rhythm alternated with ectopics, with 27 isolated supraventricular extrasystoles....these are captured with their time stamps, and I can see there is a relation to bedtime and waking, possibly a couple related to exertion. If you can direct me to a resource to better educate myself about Holter results, I'd appreciate it - I assume these will be a fixture going forward!

* I should edit to add: I put the summary page through ChatGTP, and got a nice breakdown of how normal it all is - it would be nice to trust this!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/22/2025 10:58PM by CindyS.

I believe, as very much a layman, that you can trust this report for the most part. I think the average person experiences between 1-8 premature beats in a day, some considerably more (with no ill health or worries), while you need 2500 of them to get into the 'Okay, now we should do something about it.' range...the burden is becoming onerous for the heart's health. Anything less than a 3% burden is apparently not worth doing much about.

I never did learn the numbers when the AF clinic outreach nurse related the results of my post-ablation Holter to me over the phone. She did emphasize the word 'a LOT...' when she told me that I had many PACs. My guess is that they numbered well above 3000. And, I went on to need another ablation a few months later.

Hey Cindy, so glad your ablation was a success and so glad you've found this site helpful. The best help always comes from people who've been through what you've been through.

Gloaming, I'm sorry you had to have ablations so close together....that sounds really difficult, including the way your results were conveyed. Each of the journeys here is so unique! Thank you for your help.

Carey, thank you! I made a donation to the forum...what a wonderful resource this is!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/23/2025 08:23AM by CindyS.

Cindy, congrats! That’s great to hear! Wishing you continued good reports and good days ahead.