--- In p_atrial_fib@yahoogroups.com, "Loretta and Chuck"
<cleaner@c...> wrote:
> Hello, Andrew:
>
> This is only my opinion, but if I were having attacks that were
only a few minutes and nonsymptomatic, I would wait on the
ablation. There is little risk, but as my EP told me, do I want to
be the 1% that has a stroke, esophageal fissure, etc. Also, my EP
claims there is only a 70% success rate for the first ablation.
Many have had to have two or more ablations to be successful. It
would be a good idea to wait if you are able, for new procedures are
being developed as well as improvements in the ablation itself. Are
you on an anticoagulant? If you decide to go with the ablation,
please do a lot of research on the doctor you choose. If you are
able to travel, Dr. Natale from the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio is one
of the best. Let us know how you are doing.
>
> Loretta
>
>
> Loretta

Thanks for your views. FYI I am on aspirin 75mg/day.

My cardiologist, who is one of the leading arrhythmia specialists in
London is saying that the risks of ablation have significantly
reduced, and is therefore more confident than hitherto about the
efficacy of the procedure. His concern if I wait is that the more
attacks I get the more teh attacks will increase, which makes any
subsequnet ablation more complex than say today. It seems like a
strong case, but am pretty nervous about the whole issue - hence the
email to this site.

If I do get it done, I think I would stay put in London, as my
family are here and I wouldn't want to place further burden on them
by travelling. That said, I may canvas Dr Natale about my
cardiologist.

Once again, many thanks for you perpsectives. Any other thoughts
always welcome.

Andrew