Atrial Fibrillation

[Alice679]

In Jan., 2011 I had a 2nd heart ablation.  Had some complications from it.  First my lungs filled up with fluids.  Then one week later I went back into Atrial Fibrillation.  I have been weak and tired ever since.  They performer another Cat scan and echo and found that the hole where they went through the two chambers is not closing off.  Also the pressure in the heart is more then it was before.  Has anyone else had this problem.  I am wondering if I will ever feel better.

[helyanna]

I had persistent atrial fibrillation last year. My pulmonary pressure in the heart was at the upper limit. I had often difficulties to breathe.

[Alice679]

Thanks for replying.  I have had AFib for 10 years.  First Amiodarone took care of it for 5 years then after that it has been on and off.  Have been all the different medication.  In the past 2 years I have had a lot of AFib.  My first ablation was done at the Un. of Penn in Phila. but they punctured my heart and they had to stop the proceedure.  I was afraid to go thru it again but after the past year of no medicine helping my cardiologist suggested that I should have it done again.  My AFib always bothered me as I could feel every heart beat and I got so weak.  Decided to have it at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA.  It seems that any proceedure I get complications.  I will not have anymore.  So far my heart is in Sinus since January.  I hope to get off the medication Flecainide soon.  My cardiologist said that if the hole does not close that the only thing they can do is put a patch on it.  If they do that I cannot have any more ablations. I think I will pass that and hope it closes on its own..  

[Jerry_NJ]

Sorry to read about the complications and trouble you are experiencing.  I guess this is why my Cardiologist and EP will not do an ablation - also my symptoms from permanent AFib not severe.  I don't even feel it unless I get physically active.

Did your doctor say what can be expected relative to the hole?  I hope it is just that it is taking longer, but will close and get you back to normal.

Did the first ablation provide some relief, or was it a complete loss?  I do know AFib is very persistent and at our age it is very hard to beat.w

Sorry I couldn't provide any advice or related experience.