I had no problem stopping Multaq five days before the ablation.by bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
The first ten days or so after my ablation I was really wiped out. Returned to work after three weeks and then had a delayed inflammatory response. So I guess it depends on the individual and how much work is done inside the heart with the branding iron. Best wishes!by bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Sounds like something wonderful! Congratulations!by bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
The evening after my ablation, I sent my husband back to the hotel to get a good night's sleep. He was more tired than I was. They are very attentive to you at St David's so your spouse might be able to rest better away from the hospital. What's another few dollars! Then you don't have to pack and unpack so many times either.by bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Hi Barb, I'm seven months post ablation and think I have something like what you are describing. It started after stopping the rhythm drugs. I have short runs of Tachy along with lots of couplet PACs. They are sometimes triggered by the same things which used to trigger afib but now there is NO afib. This causes me to be short of breath sometimes. I'm trying to keep cool about all thisby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Hans, This site has been valuable to me over the years as I've sought to learn about Afib and the options available to me. I appreciate the education and support. Best wishes for your retirement and thank-you. Bettyby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Chuck, I would suggest turning on your phone recorder at the beginning of your appointment with the nurse to record both your conversation with the nurse and Dr. Natale. Both will have good useful info for you. Then you won't have to remember when and how to turn on your device at the last minute. My initial consult with Dr Natale took less than 15 minutes while the nurse spent more timeby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Barb, I am sorry about your loss. Bettyby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Tom, My ablation with Dr. Natale was the same week as yours. No afib since. However after three months I began having lots of PACs and runs of rapid rate of about 110 bpm followed by runs of 55 bpm. The PACs can be bothersome. I've sent many EKGs to Austin and its always sinus rhythm. This has been going on for about a month. Since preablation days I've taken magnesium 800 mg perby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Wonderful news, Shannon! Bettyby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Michael, The contact information for Dr. Andrea Natale in Austin, Texas is: Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia 3000 N IH 35 Suite 700 Austin, Texas 78705 Phone 512-807-3150 You are on the right track by asking the important questions. Too bad your EP was not more up-front with you with the answers. Best wishes as you go forward. Bettyby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Heather, It was great to hear your news. Keep up the good work! Glad you asked lots of questions of your EP. It has been three months since my ablation and I'm dealing with PACs trying to keep them under control. Have my fingers crossed that I'm once and done, but don't know yet. Bettyby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Shannon, Congratulations on your success. Many of us have followed your saga with interest and concern. It is wonderful that you have it behind you and have been able to toss the empty Coumadin bottle. Along with others, I hope to be able to toss the empty Coumadin bottle some day too. Your concern for others while undergoing your own tribulations is very much appreciated. Thank-yby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Karen, I don't think Pradaxa is safer. Dr. Natale told me he wouldn't prescribe Pradaxa because he had "issues with it." He preferred Xeralto or warfarin. Although my insurance covers Xeralto I'm taking warfarin. At least there is an antidote. Bettyby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Cindy, Sounds like your Watchman was a breeze. Glad that it went so well for you. Think you and I were both hospitalized in Austin the same time in June but our paths did not cross. Continue to do well and keep us posted. Bettyby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Congratulations Barb! I knew you could do it! Bettyby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Barb, Prayers and best wishes for you and your husband. Tomorrow you can take the day off and let your Afib be somebody else's problem. You're in the best of hands. Bettyby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Thanks Shannon and Hans for answering our questions. Such good information! Bettyby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Shannon, Is a 3D CT or MRI the only way to learn the shape and size of your Left Atrial Appendage? Can you get that information from TEE or ICE? Or do the TEE and ICE just give you the emptying velocity of the LAA? Thanks, Bettyby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Bruce, Glad to hear you are doing better after your rough start. I also felt pretty wiped out after the procedure for a couple weeks and know exactly what you are talking about. My Natale ablation which was my first took about 3 1/2 hours. The conclusion on my report: "Successful isolation of all four pulmonary veins. Successful isolation of the posterior wall of the left atrium utiliby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Since a lot of these things have been addressed, as you said, you need to review the answers. If you find yourself in the last minute 'hysteria mode' it may help to write down your questions and then the answers you already know. For unanswered questions call the EP office where a nurse has been assigned to you to help with your specific questions. My Natale ablation was 8 weeks agoby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
As far as I am concerned, the more ablations, the more experience. An EP cannot have too much experience. I went to the one with the most experience I could find.by bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Awake for 150 joules of electricity to the chest!! Think I would rather be chased by a Taser gun. No wonder you got right on the phone to arrange your ablation.by bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Hi Shannon, Hope this finds you continuing to improve. I understand the function of the LAA is debated by some. Have you found a lack of pacing cells or lack of ANP hormone during your recovery? I know this was a significant problem with the extensive ablation you had. Bettyby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Congratulations Robert on your success! Enjoy normal sinus rhythm! Bettyby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Congratulations on your success! It is wonderful news! Bettyby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Shannon, Sending the Angels your way.by bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Barb, I am an average sized non obese female who had a Natale ablation 6 weeks ago. It was without complications, vascular of otherwise. There was no bruising from any of the three catheter insertion sites. Dr. Natale is very experienced in ablating female patients. You are in good hands my friend. Bettyby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Hi Shannon, Just wondering, do you get your Lariat in the EP lab or is this done in the OR? Does it require different equipment than what they have in the EP lab? If you can't get the Lariat for some reason, why can't they just go ahead with the Watchman then? Bettyby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Good luck, Bruce. You are persistent. May #7 be the charm!by bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM