Upcoming Pacemaker and AV node ablation

Hello everyone. This is my first post. I'm hoping to get a positive response to my question. 
I have had persistent a fib on and off since 2007. Two ablations, numerous cardioversions, mitral valve repair 3 years ago. Some of you may know the drill.

I am scheduled for a pacemaker and AV node ablation in three weeks. 

My question is:  

Has anyone had this done, and what was the outcome?  I have read that some people still experience tiredness.  Have you been able to lead a normal life like when in sinus rhythm?

Thanks in advance for the info. By the way, I am 74 years old. 


5 Comments

The Drill

by Violet West - 2019-10-25 19:47:12

Yes, I know the drill too well.  After all that stuff, I had my AV Node Ablation and PM one year ago.  It has given me my life back.  

Do I still get tired?  Yes, but I'm now able to do my daily activities and am no longer short of breath.

Be prepared for the emotional stuff, which most docs don't really warn you about.  Fear, anxiety, depression -- all normal.  It's scary to think about, but give yourself time.  Seek all the support you need.  

I can't tell you for sure how your experience will go--everyone is different.  It took me about 5 months to get back on track emotionally; and about 9 months before the dang really healed and stopped "twinging" sharp pain. 

Be careful of your shoulder, especially lifting the arm above your head or behind your back, but  don't baby it too much.  Ice helps a lot with swelling and pain.  

Good luck!

PM and AV Node Ablation

by Nomads65 - 2019-10-25 21:13:07

Thanks Violet for the encouragement!

 

AV Node Ablation

by AgentX86 - 2019-10-26 00:03:13

I had no depression or anything like that. Quite the opposite.  I'd had enough.  Anything had to be better than the atypical flutter (caused by a Cox Maze gone wrong).  Note that I needed the pacemaker in any case because the antiarrhythmic drugs took their toll, so it wasn't a huge stretch to go PM dependent. My EP had been discussing an AV node ablation with me for a while and I got to the end of the list of options.  An AV node ablation should always be the last option, only to be considered after everything else failed and you can't take it anymore. 

In my case the difference was night and day.  After the surgery I was almost euphoric.  That lasted a month or two, then I got pretty tired for a while but recovered from that in another couple of months.  It really did give me my life back.

Pace and Ablate - sure better than the alternatives!

by IPGENG12 - 2019-10-28 20:40:08

I got my pace and ablate procedure done in 2015,  after having gone through 25 yrs of paroxysmal afib, atrial flutter, cardioversions, 4 failed ablations and a dangerous run-in with Amiodarone.  The device and ablation have definitely improved my life- anxiety is way down!  Best of luck with your new device once you have it!

Pace and Ablate

by Nomads65 - 2019-10-28 20:50:22

Thanks for the info and encouragement!!

You know you're wired when...

Your favorite poem is “Ode to a Cardiac Node”.

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Since I got my pacemaker, I don't pass out anymore! That's a blessing in itself.