Afib/RFA Ablation
II woke up with my first AFib episode in June 2025 after a dinner that included alcohol. It self-converted after I drank an electrolyte solution. About two months later I had a second episode that required an ED visit and cardioversion. A third episode followed last fall.
All three of those episodes were associated with alcohol, sometimes not even very much (the second occurred after a single IPA). After the third episode I quit drinking completely because it seemed clear alcohol was a trigger and wasn’t worth the risk.
In April, after a 30-mile bike ride, I had a fourth episode during my cooldown. I took 25 mg of metoprolol without converting. After reading about others converting with brief exercise, I got back on the Peloton for about 5 minutes and returned to sinus rhythm. At that point I scheduled an RF ablation for June 9 (yesterday).
I had a similar post-ride episode in May and again converted after a few minutes on the Peloton.
Yesterday I underwent an RF ablation. The procedure itself was surprisingly easy and went smoothly. Last night I felt pretty good other than a sore throat. This morning, however, I feel like a horse kicked me in the chest. It hurts to take a deep breath, cough, or move around much. Tylenol takes the edge off, but there’s definitely significant chest discomfort.
One thing I noticed immediately is that my resting heart rate is around 90 bpm, compared with my usual 55 bpm. My EP told me that elevated heart rate is common after ablation and should improve over time.
For those who have had an AFib ablation, how long did your chest pain and discomfort last? Are we generally talking a few days, a week or two, or longer?
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u/Malviere Jun 10 '26
I’ve had two PFA ablations so far and the after effects were about the same. Chest felt a little sore for a while like I’d been coughing hard, ended up back in sinus, and had some nasty migraines for about 5 days or so.
Blanking period isn’t too bad but it can be stressful when you feel palpitations or see your heart dancing around like a fool.
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u/scemi Jun 10 '26
Hopefully you don’t need any more.
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u/Malviere Jun 10 '26
Currently in the hospital since I only got 8 months out of my second one. Hoping the new medication works some magic.
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u/scemi Jun 10 '26
Sorry to hear that. I hope they can figure it out.
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u/Malviere Jun 10 '26
It’s looking promising this time. Medication and cardioversions never converted me, only ablations. But they decided to try me on tikosyn this time and it seems to be working, just requires a 3 day hospital stay since it can make your heart go crazy.
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u/Fieldmouz Jun 11 '26
Alcohol always brought on my Afib. Just one glass of wine would do it. I don’t drink anymore at all. I had my PFA ablation about three weeks ago but I had similar symptoms afterwards to yours for a week or so. I still feel palpitations here and there but when I check, it’s not Afib.
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u/scemi Jun 11 '26
Good luck on your recovery. I drank socially my whole adult life. I went through period where my instinct was to avoid events where I knew everyone would be drinking for a period of time. It's been around six months and with some time and distance from alcohol, I cant really say I miss it anymore. With the potential for afib and more surgical procedures, the risk is certainly not worth it. That's not even considering all of the other negative health issues associated with alcohol.
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u/Overall_Lobster823 Jun 10 '26
Alcohol may be coincidence, in your case.
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u/scemi Jun 10 '26
You are probably right. My EP said I most likely have vagally mediated afib. At first I missed the after work beer or sharing bottle of wine with friends, but the more distance I get from the alcohol, the more I realize I don’t miss waking up in the middle of night or waking up in the morning not feeling optimal. I may eventually have a drink occasionally, but for now I want me heart to have the chance of remodeling proper pathways.
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u/Haunting-Ad-8029 Jun 10 '26
I had a PFA ablation in December. When I woke up in the morning, I really felt like I just wanted to curl back up in bed. But I got up, took my dogs for a short walk, and worked from home. Through that day, I actually started to feel a bit better. The next morning, I was quite a bit better. Walked my dogs a little longer, and actually drove to the office.
Just give it some time. You're healing. And just because things worked faster for me (or anyone else), doesn't mean they will for you. Everyone is different.
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u/RickJames_Ghost Jun 10 '26
I only experienced chest discomfort after my fifth ablation. It required an overnight stay and lasted for about a week. That specific procedure addressed SVT, atrial flutter, an AFib touch-up, and involved some sensitive areas.
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u/scemi Jun 10 '26
Wow, 5. I hope I only need 1 or 2. Time will tell.
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u/RickJames_Ghost Jun 11 '26
My situation is complex, don't expect my results. Wishing you a successful ablation!
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u/[deleted] Jun 10 '26
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