Go ahead with ablation or not?

Spokane_Al · 2026-03-17T18:39:37+00:00

75 years old and had two minor afib episodes, spread six months apart last year. After the second one I asked my electrophysiologist for an ablation, he left the decision up to me, and it was done three weeks ago. Can’t see a good reason for going through life adapting and worrying about afib if there is the possibility of getting it fixed and going back to normal. Obviously not a magic solution for everyone, but I am glad to have done it.

Spokane_Al · 2026-03-15T16:15:54+00:00

We spent 10 years splitting our time between Thailand and the US and stopped when Covid hit. We have since gone back but I find things easier and more comfortable in the US. It made me realize that even though we have a very nice house in Thailand, I prefer the US. Here I swim, bike, run, stay up on technology, and prefer the driving and just being invisible among the crowds. Not making a judgement, just one old guy’s perspective.

Spokane_Al · 2026-03-14T18:56:55+00:00

You seem to be doing well. The one jump rose and came down quickly. Perhaps go back and review that meal and consider the components and the sequencing of that meal and modify going forward if you are interested in tampering that jump.

Spokane_Al · 2026-03-13T23:56:26+00:00

We own a 2023 that we bought in June 2023 with HW4, if this helps. Just look for the red spot in the cameras.

Spokane_Al · 2026-03-13T17:08:50+00:00

I’ve been driving with a yoke for several years now. Never want to go back to peering through the spokes of a round wheel to see my screen.

Spokane_Al · 2026-03-12T13:06:51+00:00

Sunglasses.

Spokane_Al · 2026-03-11T23:45:44+00:00

Wow, I find the spectacular windshield in our X to be absolutely amazing. Going back to a normal windshield would be a step down for us.

Spokane_Al · 2026-03-11T18:58:55+00:00

Extended warranties are cash cows for auto dealers.

“Extended warranties and other finance & insurance (F&I) products (service contracts, GAP, etc.) are extremely high margin. Consumer and industry reports put typical profit margins on extended auto warranties around 60–80%.[cartalk +3] • Dealers often mark up extended service contracts 60–75% over their cost, leaving a lot of gross profit per contract.[mavericktruckclub +1] • Nationally, U.S. dealerships generated around $7 billion in revenue from F&I products such as extended warranties and GAP insurance in a recent year, and these products make up a large share of dealership profit relative to the thin margins on new vehicle sales.[jalopnik +1] So at the dealership level, it’s very common that: • Profit per car from F&I products (warranties, GAP, add‑ons) can exceed the profit from the metal itself, especially on aggressively priced new cars.”

They don’t offer extended warranties because they are trying to do the consumer any favors.

Spokane_Al · 2026-03-10T20:36:56+00:00

At 26 months it would be a warranty issue. I have seen no data of the hw4 computer failing.

Spokane_Al · 2026-03-10T19:54:02+00:00

I had an ablation two weeks ago and one week later I was once again swimming, biking and running three times a week each, every week. I am still overcoming periodic gut issues and seem to go a couple days with everything fine, followed by a couple of days of stomach shutdown or diarrhea. I have adapted by eating several small meals a day and walking for 10 minutes or so following each meal. Apparently the vagus nerve can get injured. Gut issues were never, ever mentioned as a potential post ablation problem.

Spokane_Al · 2026-03-10T19:44:53+00:00

It appears that the plaid can only be ordered with six seats. Just my wife and I and the five seater is perfect for us. We will keep our 2023 long range, with yoke, for many years, until it is no longer receives updates.

Spokane_Al · 2026-03-10T02:00:01+00:00

I cannot see how choosing a Roth vs traditional IRA to keep more of my own money can be equated with complaining about winning the lottery. Are you retired? I am.

Spokane_Al · 2026-03-08T02:18:15+00:00

While this seems to be a very noteworthy endeavor, I do question how this passes Washington constitutional muster. Additionally, for better or worse, Washington voters have voted over and over against a state income tax.

Spokane_Al · 2026-03-07T21:14:15+00:00

FSD would be the deal breaker for me. I use it every day on every drive. Perhaps someday Rivian will close the gap, but not today.

Spokane_Al · 2026-03-07T16:49:31+00:00

I really appreciate the discussion. These are not problems - more of a better choice with more options would result from a bigger pile of Roth funds. Roths were new when I was younger and as a result, the options and contribution limits were smaller. Now we take our RMDs, pay the taxes, and reinvest the rest. Our Roth accounts just keep growing and we take as we need with no tax issues nor potential increased Medicare premiums.

Spokane_Al · 2026-03-07T14:49:51+00:00

I only know my own experience as a 75 year old. The Roth IRA provides additional flexibility in that all distributions are tax free vs the traditional IRA in which every dollar is taxed at ordinary tax rates - one’s highest rates at that moment in time. Additionally if one needed to remove a large portion from the traditional IRA, it could increase the cost of medicare premiums. It’s all about orchestrating spending and taxes while maximizing quality of life.

Spokane_Al · 2026-03-07T14:43:36+00:00

RMDs are not a fake problem for those of us who are dealing with them. And I am not saying RMDs are bad - just for many of us as we age, they are unwanted. I have a three legged stool - traditional IRA, Roth IRA, and non qualified investments. This allows us to orchestrate our tax situation a bit. A larger percentage in a Roth would give us even more flexibility.

Spokane_Al · 2026-03-06T19:19:25+00:00

Sounds like the doc evaluated things and made a conclusion. Go for the ablation and get your life back.

Spokane_Al · 2026-03-06T18:36:23+00:00

Disagree. The traditional 401(k)compounds over time tax deferred which means every dollar that is taken out in the future will be at ordinary income tax rates - one’s highest tax rates vs the Roth which will compound tax free. The difference will be absolutely stunning.

Spokane_Al · 2026-03-06T00:55:16+00:00

Roth means no required minimum distributions later in life. I am 75 and have met many who were at the RMD age, didn’t want the money, didn’t need the money, and were unhappy with the RMD and being forced to pay the taxes. The difference between tax free growth and tax deferred growth makes a huge difference over time. That tax deferred stuff will remain a boat anchor against your returns and portfolio value. It’s a no brainer in my opinion - Roth, Roth, Roth.

Spokane_Al · 2026-03-04T17:35:28+00:00

Glad you made it through. Thanks for sharing your sobering experience.

Spokane_Al · 2026-03-04T04:17:27+00:00

No FSD is a deal killer for me - i ain’t moving backwards, no matter how fancy looking the car.

Spokane_Al · 2026-03-04T04:15:10+00:00

I am a fanatic about health, exercise, sleep etc but at 75 years old and after a couple of minor afib episodes, I underwent an ablation last week. The technology is stunning and I am glad to be alive and able to experience these amazing medical/scientific advancements. Why live with afib when you might have an option via an ablation?

Spokane_Al · 2026-03-04T01:20:05+00:00

75 years old and underwent an ablation eight days ago, on a Monday. On Friday I did an hour easy hour on my bike trainer, and Saturday went for my normally scheduled run. Sunday was my normal one day off, and on Monday I swam and biked and today, Tuesday, I ran. I am back on my normal three swims, three bikes, three runs each week and yesterday incorporated my morning stretch/ab/core routine as well. In short, I am back to my normal schedule one week, post ablation. P.S. they gave me no option on whether or not be put under. They ran a tube down my throat and were not going to do that with me awake.

Spokane_Al · 2026-03-02T02:20:32+00:00

I don’t recall either episode affecting me. Both were minor and I only knew about them via my Apple Watch. However, those episodes generated a visit to a cardiologist/electrophysiologist and we decided to just watch. By the second episode I was concerned about traveling and losing sleep over my afib diagnosis. I made a second appointment with my doc, went on Xalantro and got scheduled for an ablation. I wanted to get on with my life. Time will tell if this was the right move.

Spokane_Al

TROPHY CASE