A-V node ablation or meds. for atrial fibrillation

[chris]

I am a 32 year old woman who several months ago had a modified ablation of my sinus node; which subsequently caused me to have sinus pauses of up to 7 seconds and a very slow rate. The diagnosis was sick sinus syndrome and the result a pacemaker. Now I have developed new arrythmias.  When I saw my electrophysiologist recently he said I was having episodes of a-fib, as well as wide complex tachycardias.  These rhythms are very frequent, almost anytime I stand to do anything. I also have two small children. My Dr.told me I would end up in a-fib all of the time. He said my choices were to have my a-v node ablated and be 100% dependant on the pacemaker, or be on various heart medications including antiarrythmics, which may not solve the prolem.  I also have a P.F.O. and I'm on coumadin.  He said no matter what I would have to remain on coumadin.  Is this because the rhythm would still exist even with the a-v node ablation, and if this is true would it eventually weaken my heart even though I'm not feeling it.  My Drs. are wonderful, and I wouldn't trade them for anything.  If you have and opinions or insight I would be so grateful.  This forum is wonderful. You have helped so many.  Thankyou for your time.

Sincerely,

Confused

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Dear Confused,

I'm not sure exactly what question you have.  Your doctor has given you the various options.  The best choice will depend on your preferences, response to medications and your doctor's experience.  A good general approach, especially for a young person, is to start with medications and proceed to more definative treatments such as pacemakers if these fail.  You will need to continue anticoagulants of some sort to prevent stroke.  Hope this helps.

[david.o'[e-mail]]

Hi,
My Dr has perscribed Atenelol for hypertension - its effect has been to slow my pulse down from a resting 70 to around 56 - is this to be expected and will it be of any benefit to the hypertension.

Regs   David

[to david from one who knows]

yes, the decrease in heart rate is to be expected with atenolol...and yes it will help with the bp...

[mariette]

no idea if you also have a DDDR pacer, but I noticed a severe increase in arrythmias after the implantation of the pacer. it is also the adjustements of the heart to the pacer and all its features as I was told

good luck

[Loretta]

Hi Chris,
I just got home from the hospital yesterday.  I had to have a dual pace maker implanted.  At first it would take off racing to the high setting of the pacer and the next morning they adjusted it and so far I feel better. I am 41 years old. I had SVT and had the catheter ablation last year for it. I was an unusual case and during the procedure, my av node got nicked. It made me have arythmias for awhile and then just recently, third blockage. I had the two for one. I was very tired, extemely slow heart rate, and wound up in ICU. My doctor implanted the dual pace maker and so far I don't have to take meds and I still have what is left of my av node. He said even the pace maker was tricky for me but it worked. This doctor is wonderful and I trust him. Pace makers scare me but for once, I have had a whole day of no palpations. I never knew what that felt like. I don't know what is down the road for me but I do know that so far so good. I feel self conscience about the dressing area and it's a pain having someone help me because I can't lift my arm yet (they put it in a sling until the electrodes attach) but in all, I think it will give me some energy and make me feel better so those little problems are no big deal. I already am itching to do stuff. Would you be interested in writing and sharing news about each other?  I would like to hear about what you do and decide. My e-mail is ***@****
Good luck
Loretta

[Jerry]

RE: confused.  I had an ablation of my av node along with a pacemaker inplant 19 months ago.  I have chronic afib. NO this operation did not make my afib go away. I still have to take coumidin, I still have chronic afib. Why did I have it done? No more trips to the ER with rates up to 200bpm. NO more axiety anticpating the next rapid af attack. MY resting heart rate is always in the 70's. My pacemaker is set for 70 to 140bpm. My rate only goes up if it has to,i.e. arobic ativity. It has Improved my quality of life 100%. I suffered for 12 years, but no more thank God. I wish you luck in whatever you decide. I hope this helps. Jerry

[Lowell]

My wife had a pacemaker put in 6/9/07.  From right after the surgery, her arm is in intese pain when she moves it certain ways or holds it in certain position.  This has not left and seems to be worse.  She is limited in what she can do as she cannot put much strain on the arm.  It pains between the elbow and shoulder.  She cannot move her arm straign out even a matter of 2-3 inches as it causes intense pain.  She had tried to move it some in an effort to exercise it but nothing works.  She now uses tylonol to be able to sleep.  What should we do?  Our cardiololgist is 100 miles away and hard to get to.  Is this something serious or will it eventually leave?  Thanks for you help.

From Lowell (wife Bonnie)

[PikaPika88]

I hope the doctor will answer your post.  

From mine experience, the first pacemaker implant was sore, sore, sore.........  I was in the hospital for 3 days.  IM antibiotic 3 times a day, unable to sleep and move around.  I was done under local anesthesia.  I told them I don't want to do it anymore... no wander what they said and what they offer!  I end up with sore at the right shoulder and both bump.

The second, third, fourth wasn't that pain.  I managed very well without any infection.  It healed completely within one week.  I can wash my hair after 3 days!  But for the first one, I think I took a month then able to start to move on my life.  Take her to the GP and check up.  Make sure her site is not infected.  Is she on any antibiotic?  I hope she will getting better soon.  Send my hug to her.