[I'm a long-time lurker here, but have almost never posted before]
I was diagnosed with persistent AF in 2016 IIRC. Had a cardioversion, which stopped the AF but it returned after a few days. Then had an ablation which again stopped AF but it returned again after a few weeks. Second ablation - same effect. Third ablation (Feb 2019) - AF went away again, but returned as paroxysmic rather than persistent AF, which I still have - anywhere from nothing in a day to all day, average around 20% of the time. Ablations were around a year apart from each other owing to waiting list. All were done in St Bart's in London. I'm now in my early 70s.
General notes:
- The actual procedure isn't too bad; if it got a bit painful they just increased the amout of opiates they infused into me. They used diamorphine i.e. medical-grade heroin which I found very euphoric; I can understand how folk get hooked.
- Procedure takes c.1-2 hours
- They kept me in overnight each time, just for observation
- I was distinctly weak and shaky for 2-3 days after each procedure, and for a couple of weeks had occasional mild faint/dizzy spells (not bad enought to be dangerous for driving etc.)
- After 3rd ablation I was put on Amiodarone which is an anti-arrhythmia drug with possible nasty side effects. I seemed to tolerate it well for about 16 months, then suddenly came down with very unpleaseant symptoms of over-active thyroid (had missed regular blood test because of Covid lockdowns).
- Now on Sotalol (beta-blocker) instead of Amiodarone, which I have no problems with, though I know many don't like beta-blockers. Also on blood-thinner (Apixaban).
- NICE guidance is apparently to try up to 3 ablations. Last time I saw cardiologist, early 2020, he said he'd push for one more attempt, but I've heard nothing since - I haven't chased it up as I'm not really convinced it would fix things.
- Since my last ablation I've kept a daily diary of symptoms (% of time I experience AF each day, and anything else which seems relevant). I find this useful, and so do any doctors I've spoken to. Takes about 20 seconds per day, using a spreadsheet.
I'd say it's worth giving it a go - it clearly does work well for many people. No major downsides apart from the slight risks associated with any cardiac procedure.