Would like feedback from those who have had ablation

[munk1958]

I am 53 years old, in excellent health, except for periodic bouts with a-fib. My cardiologist is sending me to talk to an E-P doc on the 16th, as he feels I would be a good candidate for ablation. He says there would be a 70% chance of stopping these for good. They can find no abnormality in my heart that would be causing these. I have had about 5 episodes over the last 20 years. More frequently lately, but also much less severe. They always converted on their own except the time before last where I was shocked. The doc has me on Multaq, and 25mg per day of Atenelol. Other than these things I am healthy and feel good. I would like to hear the pro's and con's on this procedure. Thank you for listening. Mark

[munk1958]

I know there are quite a few who have had this procedure. I would appreciate some replies. Thanks, Mark

[munk1958]

Do you still have episodes, or are they gone? Mark

[LindaTX]

Well, first of all, if you type in ablation, you'll find a wealth of information.  My own experience,  I had a Pulmonary Vein Isolation ablation a year ago Sept. for a-fib, which I'd had fairly frequently for about 12 yrs or more.  I had a chance to get the ablation done by the man who had ldesigned that particular type of ablation.  I couldn't pass that chance up.  He is Dr. Andre Natale from the Cleveland Clinic now in Austin, Tx.  The first 3 months post ablation I had bouts of a-fib most of the time and was feeling discouraged but like others will tell you, it takes 3-6 months for the heart to settle down from the irritation.  My real advice is to tell you that all of the heart anti-arrhythmic meds will eventually stop working, maybe after even yrs of use...and if you do get the ablation, (I'm glad I did) be sure you get the best Dr. you can find to do it.  Good luck to you...I'm sure you'll be hearing from a lot of others on here.   Linda