Ive had 4 ablations. Last two by Natale Nov 2017 and April 2018. Natale told me a could need a third since he could not be "as aggressive as he wanted to around my coronary sinus." I'd go back in a heartbeat (no pun intended) if need be.by Josephkroussell - AFIBBERS FORUM
I live in NOLA. There are some "very good" EPs at Ochsner who perform successful ablations. I see one of them. The one I see has read Natale's reports of my two ablations I've had with him. He told me quite frankly that no EP at this hospital could have or "would" have done what Natale did. He has also recommended another "hardcase" patient to Natale. So, iby Josephkroussell - AFIBBERS FORUM
65; M; 4 ablations last two Natale; 2.5 yrs NSR (albeit last 1.5 yrs on flecainide/atenolol for ectopics)by Josephkroussell - AFIBBERS FORUM
Great discussion! For the AF battled harden veterans, we live, each in our own way, with the fact that there is no cure (Natale's words not mine), and we are a heartbeat away from a another battle.by Josephkroussell - AFIBBERS FORUM
We don't talk much about rate control/permanent AF; although it sits uneasily in the back of my mind. The question I have if you are asymptomatic or your AF is well controlled with a minimum Rx at a point in time, will your AF worsen over time to where your options become more and more limited (just like with rhythm control)? When I discussed this with my local EP (after two failed ablationsby Josephkroussell - AFIBBERS FORUM
I've had 4 ablations. 2 with Natale (Nov 2017 and April 2018). Always had occasional but manageable ectopics post ablation after stopping meds. (I take 300mg of magnesium per day.) Started bad ectopics basically 24/7 for about a week at about 9 months out. After several sleepless nights, decided to go to 50 mg flec and 12.5 mg atenolol. This dosage kept the ectopics in check for about a yearby Josephkroussell - AFIBBERS FORUM
Hi all I'm about 14 months out after my second ablation with Dr Natale (April 2018). About 4 months ago had a bad bout of ectopics and went back on 50 mg flec bid and atenolol. Ectopics have been pretty quite since. however, last couple of weeks, been getting some brief episodes of tachy. Some episodes lasting no more than 20 secs most lasting around 10 secs. Dr Natale told me after the lby Josephkroussell - AFIBBERS FORUM
Had second local ablation Feb 2017; 1st Natale ablation Nov 2017. Sorry!by Josephkroussell - AFIBBERS FORUM
Ii'm in same boat. Had 4 ablations . 2 local. 2 Natale. 1st natale Feb 2018. 2nd April 2018. Natale worked both left and right atria. Ablated LAA and worked extensively in CS. He told my wife after 2nd that he couldn't be as aggressive as he would have liked in CS area and AF may return he thinks probably in flutter. Had TEE performed at St Davids Dec 2018. Cardiologist said insufficieby Josephkroussell - AFIBBERS FORUM
Forget to add that i take Eliquis. i've been taking blood thinners for so long I no longer consider them meds!by Josephkroussell - AFIBBERS FORUM
Had 2 Natale ablations (4 overall and 2 hours of burn with Natale); last one April 2018. Off all meds from July 2018-Feb2019, but had ectopics off and on from july-sept, then they essentially stopped until Feb 2019 where they came back significantly. Tried to put up with them but was having trouble sleeping so went to 50mg flec bid and 12.5mg atenolol. It's helped alot but am still visited dby Josephkroussell - AFIBBERS FORUM
Had 4 ablations. Last two with Natale. Most recent April 2018. Had PACs for awhile after last ablation, then went silent for about 3 months, but about three weeks ago they came back with a vengeance. Went on low dose Flec and atenolol about a week ago. It's helped abit. I'm hoping they go away.by Josephkroussell - AFIBBERS FORUM
Hi Shannon - thanks for the response! I would not be where I am today if not for YOU, also the many many people on this board who are also kind enough to share their experiences, knowledge and wisdom. Kindest regardsby Josephkroussell - AFIBBERS FORUM
Hi all - I've had 2 ablations with Dr Natale, (2 prior from local EP), that included isolation of my LAA. Have been blessed thus far after last ablation, ie in NSR except for the occasional ectopics. Received a call from Dr Natale's office that my recent TEE results would allow me to come off Eliquis and just take 81 mg of aspirin. I've been on blood thinners for the better part oby Josephkroussell - AFIBBERS FORUM
Had 4 ablations. Last 2 by Natale (Nov 2017 and April 2018). Stopped meds after 2nd Natale July 2018. Had significant ectopics July -Sept. Gradually ectopics diminished thereafter. Currently have very few ectopics. Started taking 200mg of magnesium daily about 2 months ago as well. Beats afib!! Have TEE and appt with Natale next month at St D to determine LAA functionality, and possible stoppingby Josephkroussell - AFIBBERS FORUM
My condolences Shannon. May your sister finally rest in peace. God blessby Josephkroussell - AFIBBERS FORUM
Been a resident in the Big Easy all my life (I'll be 64 yrs old next month). I had my first two ablations (Feb 2015 and Feb 2017) done here by a very well known and respected EP and in a similar facility. Both ablations failed and the first procedure left me with a DVT in my left leg. Both local ablations left me significantly bruised and battered. I've had two ablations recently (Novby Josephkroussell - AFIBBERS FORUM
I am 6 months post 2nd ablation with Dr Natale back on April 17th. Stopped Flec and atenolol at 3 months. Struggled with ectopics after stopping meds. Started taking 200mg magnesium about 3 -4 weeks ago. Last two weeks been essentially in NSR (some odd bumps here and there but alls well that ends well). Keeping my fingers crossed. Received my ZIO XT patch in the mail today. So we'll see howby Josephkroussell - AFIBBERS FORUM
I had second ablation with Dr Natale on April 17th (2 more prior to Dr Natale's with local EP) - stopped meds (Flec and Atenolol) July 7th. Now just on Eliquis. I had no problems during blanking period - perfect NSR. My issue now is dealing with essentially daily episodes of PACs to varying degrees. Dealing with them at night can be a challenge! I've had two very brief episodes of tachyby Josephkroussell - AFIBBERS FORUM
Many thanks to all - Jackie will review your comments on the supplements and if I have any start up questions I will post. all the bestby Josephkroussell - AFIBBERS FORUM
Thanks Vanlith - I can see,smell, and taste the peak of Mt Everest. Will stay the course. Would not have gotten this far without Natale of course, Shannon and the insights of the many participants on this forum. Many thanks!by Josephkroussell - AFIBBERS FORUM
Had second ablation with Dr Natale on April 17, 2018. Had extensive work for AFIB and flutter in both left and right atria. Last ablation the Doc worked on "various fractionated potentials" around the coronary sinus area. He said this is a very delicate area and that he can't be as aggressive as he would like to be so if any arrhythmia resurfaces it would require a touch up. (My loby Josephkroussell - AFIBBERS FORUM
Many thanks! The pearls of wisdom and experience are comforting. I'm ready to kick the tires and light the fires....by Josephkroussell - AFIBBERS FORUM
Hi all - I'm a patient of Dr Natale and Shannon. Dr Natale performed his initial ablation on me on Nov 8, 2017 (had two previous by local EP). Dr Natale did some extensive work on me (or maybe its standard?); insured PVI; isolated posterior wall of left atrium; left atrial septum; floor of left atrium; left atrial lateral wall and anterior roof; isolated left atrial appendage, isolated coronby Josephkroussell - AFIBBERS FORUM
This is my first post but I'm not new to this forum. I'm a 62 year old male who has undergone two failed PVI ablations at a well known hospital here in New Orleans. I have very recently, November 8th, had my third ablation procedure with Dr Natale at St Davids. After the second failed ablation and talking extensively to my New Orleans EPs who now classified me as a "challenging casby Josephkroussell - AFIBBERS FORUM