AV Node and PM installation on horizon

After ten years of meds for A-Fib, two catheter ablations and a Total Thoroscopic Maze, followed by four cardio versions, my EP is suggesting that I consider an AV Node ablation and installation of a PM. Not sure I am ready for this, and would like to know others experience with decision making and if there are any significant drawbacks to being active, like playing tennis, golf and working out at this gym. Will be 65 this fall, and CHAD score may support the decision since I also have hight BP. Any thougths? Thanks.

WayneO

4 Comments

Gentle1

by Gentle1 - 2014-04-09 06:04:22

I cannot give you advice because I am also up for the same procedure and looking desperately for an answer. I do a a pacemaker, however. It is the end of the road, tho. If a cure comes along we will not be able to take advantage. I am 72 and almost unable to function at this point, so if you hear anything please let me know. Thank You and good luck! Sincerely Gentle1

same here

by offcut - 2014-04-09 08:04:38

I same here they have said to me that this is the best option as they do not think I would survive anything else?
I have a lung condition as well with 57% lung function upright which drops 12.5% when flat

Exhausted all options

by golden_snitch - 2014-04-10 03:04:27

Hi!

You have exhausted all alternatives, I'd say. I mean, you even had the Maze procedure, and it didn't work out. When I was in the hospital three weeks ago, I met two Afib patients who had tried drugs, cardioversions, PVIs, and now just had or were to undergo the surgical ablation (Maze). They both said that their EPs had told them the same you are being told: If all of this, including the Maze, doesn't help, the AV-node ablation is the last option. EPs also said that they'd be willing to do the AV-node ablation then, but only then, when all other options have been exhausted.

There are several members here who had the AV-node ablation for Afib, and who are doing much better now. I had an AV-node ablation for a different reason, but am doing well, too. I don't think there will be any drawbacks regarding physical exercise; on the contrary, you should be able to be more active afterwards.

Best wishes
Inga

Pros & Cons

by Many Blessings - 2014-04-11 12:04:36

Hi Wayne O,

I had a CRT-P w/AV Node ablation about 2 years ago. I'm doing much better for the most part, but as with anything else, there are many pros & many cons.

I had Afib prior to my procedure, and I still have Afib afterwards. I was told the AV Node ablation/CRT-P would NOT cure the Afib and they were right, although it did go from chronic, uncontrolled/high rate, to chronic, controlled, which is much better! I have numerous other heart problems (most since birth) which complicated things along the way. Some of those were "fixed" with OH surgeries in the past and others are still there, and still getting worse.

For me, I was told the CRT-P/AV Node ablation would only "slow things down and give me more time, not cure or reverse any damage already there." Have they spoken to you at all about that?

My advice is, research the hell out of it! Don't take someone's advice to do it, that hasn't had it done themselves. Make sure you've exhausted every other option and get multiple opinions confirming this because once you've done this, there is no going back. Some who have had it done will say they wouldn't have done it if given the chance again, while others will say they absolutely would do it again.

My EP doc wouldn't do it until my EF was well under 30, my cardiomyopathy and heart failure were at the highest levels, and I had less than a year to live (according to them it was 3 months). No meds worked, cardioversions stopped working 20+ years ago, and a heart transplant was not an option for me. I was told there was no other choice, and I went to many EP & cardiologists to make sure they all agreed that was true.

Again, my advice is to make sure you research everything you can find on this. Ask as many questions as you can, to as many EP and cardio doctors that you can talk to. Don't just take one doctor's advice. If after you do all of that, you feel it's the best option for you, then by all means, do it!

Are you getting a regular PM? Or, a CRT-P? I'm not sure if a regular PM would make that much difference or not, even with the AV Node ablation. It wouldn't have for me I was told. The CRT-P was the only thing that would work for me. You might want to ask your EP doc about that.

Best wishes to you, and if you want any more details, or have any other questions, feel free to private message me.

Good luck!



You know you're wired when...

Airport security welcomes you.

Member Quotes

I, too, am feeling tons better since my implant.