Chest pain following ablation

[Teach1]

Hi all.  I had an ablation 4 weeks ago and since that time I have been experiencing chest tightness, pressure, and sharp pains in the heart.  I am seeing my doctor on a weekly basis to determine the cause and undergo treatment.  Following a work up of tests (echo, nuclear stress, ekg, etc.) the doctor has determined that everything in the heart is normal and that this "discomfort may be something that I just have to ride out." I never experienced these problems before the procedure and had an ablation due to SVT.  My question is - has anyone had similar experiences following an ablation procedure?  If so what were your symptoms, how long did the discomfort last, and what type of treatment did you undergo?  I am a helthy 29 year old that had been exercising regularly before the procedure.  Since then I have not been able to do so because of the pain.  I just want to feel "normal" again.  Thank you for your response!

[mariop]

I had an ablation on feb 16 and I did not experience anything like you have.  My heart rate went up about 20 points and it lasted about 2 weeks.  My blood pressure went up sky high for about 2 weeks.  And I felt an irritation in the chest.  I had 23 burns and I would say my heart healed within 3 weeks.

If all your tests post ablation came out ok I would think your heart needs more time to heal from the burns.

Was your ablation successful?

[Teach1]

Thank you for the response mariop.  So far the ablation has been successful which I am extremely thankful for! Was your ablation successful? Did your doctor give you an explanation as to why your heart rate and blood pressure became elevated?  I bet that was frightening to go through.  I'm sure you are right about my heart just needing more time to heal.  I just assumed that 4 weeks post-op would have been plenty of time.

[Momto3]

My experience was similar to mario's.  I had 2 ablations and each time my heart rate increased for a short time after the procedure.  I did not experience any chest pain or discomfort other than my leg was a bit sore.  Interestingly, after the second procedure, my BP rose enough to warrant a small dose of medication.  Up until then, my BP was on the low side...95-110/55-65.  

Hope you are feeling better.  I'm happy to hear your test results are good!!

Take care.

[chloerenee]

I had the exact same experience with ablation and had it done 2 years ago, I had just turned 30.  The dr. acted like I was some kind of freak but I had pain that I was taking tylenol for and my left arm was tingly (not good, right?) . On top of that I was svt free for only a short time.  I had the ablation in November and in March I was starting to have tachycardia worse.  More frequent and longer attacks and all he wanted to do was go in.  I was like"no way, I'm worse than before"  I think I'll take my chances and live with the svt.  It is getting difficult because I have it so freaking much.  I take 25 mg atenolol.  I hope your arrhythmia is fixed, not like mine.  I am scared to go anywhere else and so scared to even consider another ablation.  I am sorry you had the pain post op.

[dylansmomma2001]

Hi there-
I just got an ablation 5 days ago, for wpw syndrome.  I just returned from an ER visit.  I went in with a feeling of severe heartburn  as well as tightening/heavy feeling.  Also, I have a very severe headache- all post-procedure.  I too am a very healthy 30 year old woman, a runner in fact, with very low BP, typically 90/50-60.  Mine has shot up to 125/70.  Maybe that is what is causing the headache....?  Was told that these were not symptoms of ablation recovery- hard to believe when I did not have them going in, but have them now.....How are you doing now?  Thanks
Kate

[Smitty150]

My post-ablation nurse told me chest discomfort was due to heart being swollen enough to

"rub" against the pericardium (sp?). Mine went away within a day. Perhaps your situation is

different. From the comments on this thread I would strongly advise that THIS PROCEDURE

SHOULD NOT BE DONE BY YOUR LOCAL ELECTRO-PHYSIOLOGIST!


I obsessed on research and finally went to the Cleveland Clinic. I am now 2+ weeks out from the

procedure and, lord knows, I could still run in to rhythm problems (as they have warned me as they

do every patient), but so far things are smooth.


Think about it. This is a very tricky deal and you want someone who does it all day every day

every week.

[Smitty150]

How can I stop the "de-formatting" of my Posts? It looks terrible.

[ireneo]

I'm computer illiterate so I don't know what de-formatting is. I assume you mean the sentences are all spread out. I had some trouble with profile pictures showing up all over my screen. At the bottom of this screen is a spot titled "contact us." You can click on that, choose tech help and send them an email. They've been a great help to me.

[marlou514]

Hi I underwent my second ablation for wpw syndrome in January 2007.  This time it was successful, however I have been told It could return.  I'm 26 and otherwise healthy.  Like you I suffered terrible stabbing pains to my heart post procedure, they were agony initially,I couldn't lie flat, bend, lift, and definately couldn't work,  but gradually they got easier.  I'm still having the pain 11 months on, however less regularly.  It's really nice to hear that others have had the same experience as I was beginning to think I was imagining them.  I've been told that it's something that will eventually go but have been given no time scale.  

[gstrickland86]

I had 2 ablations in 2002-2003 for Afib and it was a success.  About 4 months following the last ablation I started having severe chest pain (Level 10) so I went to the emergnecy and it was determined that my Pulmonary veins had stenosed from the ablation - the 1 % risk that is discussed, that is me.

To make a long story short after stents and several angioplasties, my upper left PV is still 100% stenosed and lower left PV is ~ 50%.  The discomfort is still there but is not anyway as intense.

It may be worth asking the question of the pain continues - they are able to test with a CT angiogram now without having to cath.

Good luck

[Sweetwaterguy]

I developed an inflammation around my pericardium which caused some discomfort and an intermittent cough.   Whatever discomfort I had post ablation resolved quickly.  Hopefully you will end up with as good a result as I have experienced.  

[steven63]

I had abalation for AVNRT on January 22, 2008. I'm 45 and have had PSVT's if not all my life, then since I was about 14. For me, recovery was difficult.  I had alot of stabbing pains at the ablation site for the first few weeks, skipped heartbeats, dizziness and the like. Caught pneumonia 3 months after. Now, 4 1/2 months later I still get the stabbing pains, though much less frequently. Cardiologist says it should continue to subside. I find that when I suddenly exert myself (as opposed to gradually such as gardening or mild exercise), my blood pressure will spike to 140 or 180 and stay that way or I get the stabbing chest pain at the ablation site.  It can happen when I pickup something a little heavy, during sex or simply moving around too fast.  If my blood pressure spikes, I can feel like my heart is in my throat and my chest feels heavy and I am weak. I could go to bed and 8 hours later it is still spiked, with my heart rate at around 100. Dr. says to take a Verapamil, which brings me back to normal within 2 hours. Dr. originally said symptoms would last 30 days, then 3 months. I have seen so many varied experiences on this forum, I appreciate all who have shared. I don't feel so alone in my experiences.  By the way, no more PSVT's, which I am thankful for - and I hope they stay away. I look forward to symptoms continuing to decrease.

[bookert11]

hello everyone!! I have WPW and from you guys responses I dont think I'll get it treated anytime soon.  My heart rate does go up a bit and I do have chest pain and a tingle in my left arm like others have said. They say that WPW is something people are born with. Personally I think its "our" diets we grow up eatting fast food along with other horrible things we feed our bodies.  I'll encourage all of "us" myself included to eat better and stay away from fast food. :)

[james1234567526]

i am 25 had an ablation to to severe tachychardia  i was in the 200's

i had echo cardiogram my ablation took 6 hours i almost died

beacuse it took over control of the main chamber but they did it right i have tingling in my hand on  the left and am dizzy all of a sudden


and have chest pain should i go to the hospital?

[ireneo]

How long has it been since the ablation? It sounds like the ablation fixed your arrhythmia but now you have tingling. If the ablation is recent some people do comment on having some mild ache in the chest after the ablation but it's not debilitating.

As for the tingling, it sounds like there's some irritation of a nerve. Did you get a catheter in the neck vein as well? I only had the 4 in the femoral veins. After my first ablation I did have some achy feelings in my one leg for a few months. Nothing drastic but it hurt to sit or stand for any length of time. I figured they must have accidentally put pressure on a nerve during the procedure. It went away and I'm fine now.

If it's been a few weeks since the ablation, I'd say call your doctor. It may be something completely different and not related to the ablation at all. I have to leave it up to you to decide how severe your symptoms are. If you feel very bad, just go in and be seen.

[Zeropopordie]

I had an ablation over 3 months ago and have had a cough from the time I got out of surgery until now.  I have pericarditis  without effusion and have to sleep propped up.  They said that the machine blew a fuse when they were working on me and they had to wait 25 minutes until the janitor could replace it.  My concerns are that they would not have any imaging system after the blown fuse, and could not see where the catheter was.  I think the catheter may take a while to cool, so I'm worried that it might have burned something it shouldn't have.

My heart rate jumped 20 to 25 bpm (to 100) after the procedure and it was unsuccessful.  I still get Afib up to 180 bpm.

[CNickels77]

I had an ablation done 5 weeks ago and just haven't been right since.  I am have an increased heart rate.  Resting seems to be about 80 versus it used to be 60 and once I start moving around I am settling around 100.  Also, I have dizziness, am unsteady and am overall fatigued (not sure if the fatigue is from this ordeal or if it is heart related).  The doctors have pretty much said they have never heard of this.  One doctor this week theorized that maybe some nerve damage could have occurred which is effecting my vagal response so he has put me on medication to increase my blood pressure to get the blood moving better and relieve some of the stress on the heart hopefully leading to a lower rate.  Has anyone had anything similar?  I like most of you just want to feel "normal".

[Rachel465]

I had a left atrial ablation 5 weeks ago. I am experiencing chest pain, pressure, and shortness of breath, if I do anything streneous like walking, bending, or lifting.  I have had ekgs, an echo, blood work, a cat scan for pulmonary emboli, chest x-rays and nothing shows up.  The doctors cannot tell me what is causing this, or what to do.  A full aspirin helps ease the pain.  I am wondering if my LAD was affected, and if a stent would relieve the
pain etc.

[PaulS123]

I've had an SVT ablation around 2 months ago and even before I was getting out of breath, chest pain, dizzy and fatigued very easily during physical activity and sometimes even at rest.
Initially my palpitations kicked off at around 200 ish.
Had to go to hospital emergency because it wouldn't slow down, verapamil did the track after some hours.

After the ablation i've been getting sharp and hard chest pains and also mild chest pains and aches, fatigue, out of breath and dizzy.

I am 27yrs old and I used to play football and go to the gym, with a fit and healthy lifestyle.

I've been told it can happen to people by random, there's no explanation, the cardiologist can't determine the cause.

My SVT ablation was successful but during the procedure they found another 2areas, another SVT and a VT which is very close to my natural pacemaker.

The SVT ablation I had done was quite near my natural pacemaker too but they managed to do it successfully just by catheter ablation alone.

My VT is even closer to the natural pacemaker and I am going to have that done in a couple of weeks.

I've been a little worried sometimes but now seeing you all here makes me feel much better, you all got similar symptoms so i'm not alone.

It's amazing what doctors can do nowadays, we must be all grateful for medical science.

I wish you all the best on your recovery and hope you be in the clear.
It's a bit scary before going into theatre though but the first time i went, it wasn't as bad as i thought it would be, the worst thing was the bad news that i've got another 2 areas, so i got to go through it again.

Just want to be back to normal, they said after they're all ablated it's all cured and that's what i want.

I can't work, train, and sometimes can't evil do simple things, like walking etc.

Sometimes i feel semi faint as well.

I'm joining this community if anyone wants to talk to me or anything I'm here to share my experiences and to listen to others.

We all need support together because i know that it's not that common and very unlikely you've got a friend with the same problem, it's good we can meet here.

[PaulS123]

One of my cardiologists said that there is a small risk of death before i was deciding to have an SVT ablation, but because i'm young and taking tablets all my life is not a very good option, so i took the chance to be cured.

Strange that my other cardiologist who did the procedure only told me that the risk is just a risk of needing a pacemaker, and didn't mention death or anything.

I'd rather not know to be honest because it's too scary, i don't know why i'm typing this.

I have to have a VT ablation soon. My cardiologist said that it's very high risk, he didn't do that one last time, because he wanted me to sign a form. He only did the SVT.

So, a bit scared and i hope after this 2nd one it'll be all done with and cured.

[PaulS123]

I've heard that having VT is more serious than SVT according to my research on the internet and i've read that it's life threatening in some people so i hope i get rid of this thing.

I've asked my docs and they've not actually gave me an answer to my question about is it life threatening, and the nurses told me not to worry, i've just had an operation and i should rest and take it easy, the heart is a complicated thing.

Since then i've been taking each day as it comes, i'm not thinking about the future, it scares me, just take one day at a time and deal with it step by step, it's a better approach otherwise if you think too much you'll just worry.

[griffs_adamsdad]

I had the same thing after my ablation for SVT's (almost 4 yrs ago). It went away after about 8 weeks, I know it drives you crazy. But my doctor told me it can take up to 8 weeks for the ablation to take full effect. it's been great since then. Good luck to you, I wish you the best.

[larry649]

Hi Rachel, just wanted to know what tests did they do to find out that you needed ablation, and how high wasd your pulse rate?

[tina59]

I had an ablation 5 weeks ago on the left side of my heart. and 1-13-09
I had an ablation procedure done on the right side. The first one went smooth as silk. I was thrilled from day one. But the last one has been quite different. My chest pain has been horrible. Now i know that its just been a day, but I just want to make sure this will GO AWAYsoon. MY doctor said it should go away in three to four days, but my nurses said expect two to three weeks. Thats okay if its typical, just as long as it does GO AWAY.

[banglamom]

I have had 3 ablations.  After the second one, I felt like I had been run through a cheese grater or like I had a rug burn inside my chest.  They had done 25 burns and spent 6 hours.  It took 3-4 weeks before it quit hurting.  Mine didn't work either.  It was altogether a very disappointing day.  Hope your at least changed rhythms for you.

[jackieblu]

I had an ablation for SVT 5 days ago. I have symptoms like chest pain and pressure in my throat when I bend or switch positions from laying to standing and sitting. I have had about 3-4 skipped heart beats which put me on alert but they soon stopped after a few seconds. I have also experienced headaches and some coughing. I will take apirin on a daily basis for the next 2 weeks. I was not put to sleep during the procedure and they used two sites, one in the groin and the other just below my collar bone. When they proceeded to burn the nerves it hurt immensely. Is it routine to be put to sleep because I can't imagine going through this again.

[tia77]

I can't belive what I am reading here.  I thought I was some kind of freak.  After my ablation for wpw I experenced pain/burning in my chest.  Exactly where I felt it when the ablated during the procedure.  I keep calling and finnaly got in and I finally ended back in the hospital for test that were all negative.  I stayed on night and the gave me intervenous anti-inflammitories.  I went home taking 600 of motrin 3x a day.  My ablation was unsuccesful.  The bad signal is to close to the main artery in the heart.  They also burned 3 times and then put a hole inbetween the chambers and tried to get it through the other side of the heart.  The day after the procedure I started with pvc and have had them ever since.  I now have to take toprol which doesn't work well and I have hair lose from it.  Try taking some motrin for a week and see if it helps.  

[misha_AL]

I am not in as good a health before the catheter ablation but I am definitely having the same issues.  Try using CoQ10.  Just check with the cardiologist since it will interact with heart meds or blood pressure medication.  I am still having some issues but it is much better than before and I am off the bp and heart meds.

I was having constant heart palpations 100-110 heartrate, fatigue, dizziness, generally ill feeling.  Everyone is saying just go for a walk but I cannot catch my breath from getting off the couch much less WALK.  Some days are better than others.

[TachyAfraidy]

I am 4 days post ablation for afib and come to find out a flutter too. I have not read the dr's post surgery report yet, but I was laid out on the table for 11 hours. I felt like my shoulders were in a vice for 11 hours when they brought me back to consciousness.  I have read everyone's post op comments because I have severe edema and my hr and bp have been purposfully kept low with 360 verapamil 2x daily for 3 weeks prior ablation. I felt tired all of the time and was tachy-brady. In Jan I ran red lights to the hospital with a hr of 225 and bp of 240/200. Had a bout of Tachy one more time before ablation..was scary. I also had sick sinus and tachycardia from one minute to the next. My hr would fluctuate from 29 to 160! Changed meds around and was taken off propafenone altogether.

Had to take blood thinner to get my INR to 2.5...was given
hypertension meds and that walloping dose verapamil. Before ablation was very brady and almost fainted at work twice.

Now my concern is that my bp is calm 100/70, but hrate goes from 77 all the way up to 111, whereas before procedure hr was happy at 60-70. Taking huge amounts of lasix. My chest pain is subsiding throat is sore still.

I too was on the heart monitor/blackberry ACT sensor for 21 days prior to procedure. It would be nice to have it on for a few weeks post surgery to see what is going on.

FYI I was on the flourescope for 99 minutes during the 11 hour ablation and ep study and my ep stated that I will have a radiation burn on my back in approx 4-6 weeks. Oh well. During 11 hours, I am certain he ablated everything that he felt was a problem.

If I have to do it again, I hope my heart can wait for the newer cryo catheter to get FDA approval in Jan 2010!

All the best to all of you. and if high heart rate post ablation is something that you all have experienced, please give a shout!
Just call me Tachy Afraidy!

Oh, I am 44 and was active until this hit me on Christams Day! I have an excellent cardiologist, but we all have to be our own spokespersons for how our body feels. I am not shy and I think both my cardiologist and my ep were a bit tired of my questions. They answred them all though. That is how we learn. This stuff is all new to me! I have a lot of living left to do! All the best to all of you and thanks for the comfort that I find in reading all of your experiences. We are not alone in this. :0)

[PaulS123]

I'm more better than before now, goin' to the gym, working full time, generally I am ok. I know it's very hard to overcome it, especially with the heart you will get anxiety cos it's a serious thing and it messes with your head and causes depression also with all this combined it can make you feel unwell anyway, it took me just over a full year to feeling generally well again, fingers crossed and hope you all become feeling well soon.

[MichellesLaw]

Thank you Teach1 for starting this post.  I also thank each and everyone one of you for sharing your story and experiences.  I had my ablation done 16 days ago at UCLA.  Did anyone else in thi group have their ablation done at UCLA/Ronald Regan?

I too have had chest pains/preasure/cardio cough/shortness of breath/ and dizzyness.  I was admitted to the ER at UCLA 14 hours before my ablation for an epsiode of svt @ 249 bpm for over 5 hrs (they told me I had to stop all my meds before surgery so they could ensure they could induce an SVT episode.  

My fastest episode of SVT/WPW was 289 bpm. I was told I too have WPW but not every cardiologist has seen it on the EKG.  My heart rate hasn't slowed down at all like I was told if anything like many of you it is actually about 99-111 bpm  Where prior to the ablation it was about 87-93.  I have been trying not to be a wimp and go back in to see my surgeon.  After hearing everyones stories I don't feel so redicent to call up my surgeons office to be seen.

I also have had three episodes where I have no fever but I get the chills so severe I shake all over till I get warm.  Am I the only one who has experienced this?

I was on the table for 8 hours  I was told it took them a while to figure out where it was and how to get to it.  My ablation was done on the back of the left side of my heart.  My neck is still very sore where they entered.  The sites on both sides of my groin healed quickly with no problems.  

I fatigue easily and take naps most afternoons around 3-4 PM.  There is no way I would last communiting and teaching everyday.  I was told to take 4 baby asprins everyday for a month then daily after that for the rest of my life.  I still feel like at times my heart wants to or is trying to go back into a SVT but the BPM stays in the low 100 range.  

What a relief it is to discover I am not alone in my experiences. I wish each and everyone of you good health and a speedy recovery.

Michelle

[TachyAfraidy]

Wow! Your rapid rhythm puts mine to shame. We have diiferent arrythmias, I believe, but wow! How do you cope with the out of control feeling??? I would love to know your secret, I am an emotional basket case at times over it! I hope your heart settles down and you have some peace. There is nothing peaceful about tachychardia no matter how rapid the rhythm is or what kind it is. I look forward to the time in between irregular rhythms, when I feel peaceful. Sinus rhythm is a beautiful thing.I am now 16 days post ablation and there are good days and bad ones. :0) Be well.

PS - I am overweight and pre menopausal and I now have the chills too! That is really unlike me!! Nice to hear someone feels this way too.

[debcashdol]

I'm hoping someone can help me.  About 2 months ago, I had an SVT.  I may have had a short one some 15+ years ago, but it lasted a minute and never recurred.  Frankly, I barely remember it.  

I had been asleep for about 3 hours.  It was 2 AM and I awoke and noticed that my heart felt funny.  I eventually went to get a BP monitor, because I remembered that it had a heart rate on it.  The heart rate errored out and I got alarmed.  I ended up in an ambulance.  They told me it was an SVT and used adenocard to stop it.  The ER told me to see a cardiologist.  The cardiologist put me on 50 mg of  toprol XL daily.  The cardiologist sent me for an echo and it came back normal.  When I went back to the cardiologist for a followup, I asked if the toprol could be giving me a funny feeling in my chest.  He suggested that maybe I was now hypersensitive and I told him I didnt think so.  In fact, I asked if I really needed the medicine, since I had only one episode and it might not happen again.  WELL, everything changed at this appointment when he asked if I had gotten the ambulance EKG.  I told him I had dropped it back at his office so he located it and took a look.  Turns out my heart rate was 280, and even peaked at 300 several times during my SVT.  He immediately called a colleague and they agreed that I needed an ablation--medication was not good enough.  
Well, the fun was just beginning, because the "funny feelings" in my chest kept happening, and I had several episodes where I was jolted from my sleep with an elevated heart rate--nothing near 200, but up to 130, while I was on toprol.  It happened typically about 1 hour after I had fallen asleep and before I went to sleep my resting heart rate was 60-65.  A couple of times, it even felt like an electrical type jolt in my chest.  It was alarming.
Okay, so I had the ablation and it went well.  They found the pathway, ablated it, my legs healed in a few days.  The thing is, the uncomfortable feeling continues.  I just dont feel right at times, typically at night, laying flat or on my right side.  I do not think I am hypersensitive because these feelings often wake me from my sleep.  I have never had any trouble sleeping before.  And it's strange, I might have 2 good nights in a row, then have a couple restless nights with my chest feeling heavy or hollow---really uncomfortable.
I had an event monitor for just a few days before the procedure, because I wanted the cardiologist to capture whatever was causing the chest weirdness.  I've continued to use it and have sent probably 14 events to the cardiologist.  READY?  He sees nothing on the EKG.  
I KNOW it is not my imagination.  I KNOW that I never had any fluttering, or hollow feelings, or uncomfortable feelings before that original SVT.  I don't know where to go from here.  
This doctor is really well respected.  He has done thousands and actually taught the ablation procedure at Ohio State, Riverside, and the Cleveland Clinic.

[wpwgoodbyeplease]

HI!
i had my ablation a year ago for asymptomatic WPW. it was found incidentally during a cardiac workup while trying to find a reason for some fainting spells that i have from time to time. the WPW was supposedly causative, so i underwent the procedure. i was consciuous and they couldnt give me a lot of iv valium because they had to keep me alert enough to trigger the wpw symptoms. they did 17 ablations and i felt them all, but only some hurt - in that case i complanied and the nurse gave me a little more happy fluid. not the most pleasant experience ever but doable for those who have it ahead of them. in my case they entered thorugh the groins only. no scars at all, cant even find the spots anymore.
i had chest discomfort and felt pooped for about 3 weeks, then everything subsided. no tachycardias or high blood pressures in my case, probably since i never had symptoms of the kind to start with.
however, after 1 year i still feel my hear sometimes.l cant call it pain, but i feel it is there and that work has been done in there. somebody else in this thread said "chest weirdness", that's a good word for what i feel.

does anyone else still feel chest discomfort a year later very much like the post-ablation burning sensation, only milder???

my fainting has not gone away and i am now worked up neurologically to find an answer, they cant find anything evident either, so i guess its just low blood sugar or being a wimp.

has actually anyone ever fainted because of WPW??

thanks, it s great to have this forum for exchange. have learned a lot from previous discussions!

[formermidwife]

I am 55 and have had five major cardiac issues. Detoxing and juicing and strict diet addressed the poor pumping ability and two severely leaking valves. Three electrical problems remained. It had been four years since I had seen a cardiolgist and they were amazed at the two issues that had stabilized. I soon had a pacemaker. I then had a successful SVT ablation. I don't believe that I was told honestly about the risks but the tachycardia was happening often and harder to convert.
I agree that going to an electrophysiologist with a great reputation is so impt. I then had a left sided PVC ablation. I was not informed about the difference in the room and procedures compared to the SVT ablation and would have liked to be more prepared mentally and emotionally. It was deemed successful, but after 3 weeks I tried to take a five minute walk and have crashed for four days with the same symptoms that propelled me to undergo the ablation. I contacted the dr who said it probably isn't PVC's but I've had very debilitating PVC's for five years and believe that I know the symptoms and suspect that the ablation was not successful. I don't know wether I would undergo another.

[jawarneh]

please i waan ask about post ablation symptoms?? i had ablation for wolf parkinson syndrom (syndrome) 2 weeks ago and still have episods of palpitaion specificlyy after eating and when i wann go to bed at night,,it make me anxious and scared and disturbe me more and more......
after ablation i had already holtter and the result show normal heart beats and my doctor said this is normal to have some episods of palpitations for 6 months later and i f you want i can give you some beta blockers,, but i refused,, but im scared from this plapitaion episods and im anxious that the ablation was failed,,

[jawarneh]

please i waan ask about post ablation symptoms?? i had ablation for wolf parkinson syndrom (syndrome) 2 weeks ago and still have episods of palpitaion specificlyy after eating and when i wann go to bed at night,,it make me anxious and scared and disturbe me more and more......
after ablation i had already holtter and the result show normal heart beats and my doctor said this is normal to have some episods of palpitations for 6 months later and i f you want i can give you some beta blockers,, but i refused,, but im scared from this plapitaion episods and im anxious that the ablation was failed,,

[luv4cascy]

I had mine done last tuesday and prior to the procedure I was warned it may take a few times...mine is the sa node itself..i had chest pain and arm pain post which i was told take ibuprofen for..due to the irritaiton to the heart muscle and damage caused by the ablation itself..was extremely tired the first few days but slowly getting better...i will eventually have a pacemaker due to the fact its the sa node itself...im also 29 and was very active..hopefully with my rhythm under control i can become active again.

[Greg101004]

I was one of the first to undergo an ablation for SVT. It was done at Children's Hospital in DC almost 15 YEARS ago. I am now 23. I was in the hospital almost every week for a year before I had the surgery. They told my parents I could die during any of the episodes. My heart was once recorded at over 290 beats per minute. Sometimes it may have been higher. After the 8 hour surgery I was in the hospital for several days. I had skipped heartbeats and bad pains in my chest. Afterward they thought I was better and for a long time it seemed I was. However, over many years, I gradually became more and more fatigued. I had always been extremely active in soccer and wrestling, both very demanding sports. By the age of 18, I could not even run a mile without collapsing. I have been suffering with severe fatigue for 5 years and waited until I was out of college before going to see a doctor about it. I am now involved with a cardiologist that specializes in ablations and I am a 'special' case because the original ablation that was done on me is nothing like what is done today. I may need a much more serious operation in the future. Still too much is unknown.

I hope that the surgery has come a long way since my days in and out of the hospital. But please heed my warning. 15 years later there can be some MAJOR consequences to this surgery. Please talk to your doctor about this. If he says he hasn't heard of anybody having problems after a few years, mention to him of one person that had it 15 years ago, and although would most likely be dead without it, is still suffering because of it.

[Natasha79928]

I just recently underwent an ablation for SVT after suffering for many years. I had been on beta blockers which did not stop the SVT which was only stopped with Adenosine. I had my ablation 3 days ago and I feel a bit sore and tired. For the ablation my doctor only does it under general anesthesia which was a shock to me. I do not recall anything after the prepping for the procedure. He entered through both groins and the right side of my chest wall, which I had never heard of. Other than a little light headedness I feel okay. I have not felt too many palpitations and when I do then feel lighter than before. I actually drove to the store today which was not too bad. I have my follow up next week I hope the surgery went well.

[miamibeacher]

I have been diagnosed with period atrial flutter, along with occasional heart palpitations.  Has anyone here had atrial flutter (as opposed to atrial fibrillation) and had an ablation?  My cardiologist and electrophysiologist are basically saying that I am headed toward an
ablation.  I have been using Magnesium. CoQ10 and fish oil, which seems to help a bit, plus changed my diet.  If you have had atrial flutter and had an ablation, how has it been for you? Any recommendations? I am 55 yrs old, and the doctors, after many tests, cannot find anything else wrong with my heart, blood, etc.

[Fran534]

Am considering have ablation done for well controlled psvt.  Have had this for nearly 30 years, and am now 57.  Was wondering if anyone can tell me how long it takes for the body to adjust to not taking the medication for it anymore.  Am currently taking cardizem and digoxin for it.

[waring_10]

I had Cardiac ablation for SVT on June 25, 2009.  Before going into surgery my doctor said" How do you feel and you are going to be cured" I am now post ablation over 1-month and I am still having some episodes.  I can't drink anything cold without feeling light headed and having palpitations. I went back to the doctor's office and was told that all was fine and it may take up to 3-months for me to completely heal.  From whatI am reading, I don't expect too much.  I feel as though I have a cold most of the time and I have to be very careful with my movements so as not to cause palpitations.  I hope this gets easier but I won't have another ablation.  Instead of spending research money on procedures, it would be better to know WHY so many of us are having this problem from every age group.

[Lisa33167]

I would like to know the WHY also, I am set for ablation soon due to pvc's 24/7 - been this way for 6 mths - 1 year but I just recently found out what I was feeling.

I asked why am I have these and they cannot find any answer from all my tests so far - they said they may find out during surgery or I may never know.

I have no choice I have to have ablation and I had a terrible reaction/side effect of taking my first dose of Toprol 25 mg [ugh] ended up in the ER so I'm really leery of any meds.

[Waitingforablation]

I am 35 years old...I have atrial fibrillation which started in Feb 09....I have been to the ER 2 times a week.  I have been cardioverted 8 times and chemically cardioverted 20 plus times.  I have chest pain, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, dizzy, faint.  I am waiting for 4 more weeks for ablation surgery.  My heart rate while in afib ranges from 29 to 220 and it not controlled well with medication.  I can't work, can't take care of my family....I am getting depressed and worried about the surgery and wondering how to cope for 4 more weeks of ER visits and cardioversions.  I wish there was more hope for atrial fibrillation patients.  


Sincerely,

Waitingforablation

[mattex810]

I just wanted to share my PVC ablation experince since I've been visiting these forums forever now but have nver contributed anything.  I've read numerous posts with people who had complications and terrrible ablation experiences and aImost backed out of having the procedure done because I was pretty scared and questioning whether it was really worth it.

Anyway I'm a 30yr old male and HAD unifocal PVC's originating from the RVOT..between 5,000 to 20,000 a day! So incredibly annoying and I just couldn't bring myself to believe that these things weren't going to slowly erode my heart function over the next 50 years.

Yesterday 7/31/2009 I had my ablation with Dr. Rinkenberger at Medical City Dallas hospital. I'm home today and feel fine except the right groin area is just slightly sore. I don't remember anything from the procedure but when I woke he came and told me how it went. When they started I was having a PVC about ever third beat and they were able to accurately map the area responsible about 4mmx4mm. He ablated that one site 2 times and that the PVC's immediately stopped.  They waited 30 minutes and I never had another one so they ended the procedure and took me to recovery. I was monitored overnight and never had one single PVC! I realize that there's always the chance that they could come back but for now it seems I'm cured. I've had these stupid things for almost 15 years and I have to tell you its almost unbelievable to me right now that they're gone.

The worst part of the procedure was the pre-surgery nervousness and the IV insertion...really no big deal!

Good luck to you all out there. I promise to post if they recur or I have some kind of complication.

[JR10014]

It's been a day and one-half since my ablation on Friday afternoon for A-Fib.  Was told that it was very successful. My rate was steady in the 60s following procedure. Started Tykeson that night, switching from Sotalol which produced rates in mid to upper 40s. Yesterday morning I went back into AF and experienced chest pains -- felt throbbing pain with each heart beat and same senation upon inhaling. Today, Sunday morning, chest pain has lessenend but I ams still in and out of A-fib.  I asked my Dr. this morning if he still considers the procedure successful. He said not to be discouraged, that patients frequently go back into A-Fib. Says we won't know for sure for about three to four months. Appreciate feedback from anyone who experienced similar results. Like many of you I had ablation to correct arrythmia, and to elimiate need for beta blockers and blood thinners.  Thanks.  JR10014  

[KMMCA]

I am 31 yrs old. Female and this is my 4th ablation for something totally different. PVC's I also experience PAC's which sometimes I think are the same things...(are they who knows) I went in July 29th and am 8days post ablation and my chest hurts so much. When i breath in it hurts, if i lift anything or bend over it hurts. I feel exhausted also, having to nap during the day. I was told that they couldn't map the exact area but burned a general area where they could see some of the PVC's coming from. I was in surgery for about 4hrs and was put to sleep. I woke up with the burning feeling and a horrid headache. The headache went away but the chest pain/burning stayed. I have been on Motrin per the nurse for the pain. It helps but i can definitely feel when i am coming off of hte motrin and have to take another one. I have read so many posts and some say it could take up to 3 or 4months for the heart to actual heal completely. I really hope i heal soon, this pain is for the birds. I too have a hard time walking without being exhausted. ***** but it's life i guess im glad I do not feel the PVC's anymore. Yay!

Good luck to you all that are having ablations.

[Waitingforablation]

I had my ablation proceedure for atrial fib on Aug 19th/09.  I was called "waitingforablation" but now I have made it though this nightmare.  I was shocked 10 times and chemically cardioverted ???? times.  I was soooo tired of my heart beating from 228 - 29.  My last electric cardioverson... did not go well and I was screaming as I was getting shocked....my husband was outside the room and jumped up and came racing in to see me hallucinating for about an hour and half....the medications were ketamine and propofol....I had a horrible reaction and was not quite under sedation.  I had afib attacks 12 hours after that shock and everyday until my surgery.  I was extremely nervous to have the surgery but the Lord helped me and gave me courage and strength.  My surgery was successful and my surgeon was smiling after the proceedure Pulmonary Vein Ablation on the L side of the atrium.   I am afib free!!!!!  Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers and posts for encouragement and advice.  It has now been one week since my ablation and have experience no afib and very little chest pain.  Went for a walk today with my children.  Still healing and taking time to relax and enjoy life again.  At 35... I am very happy to have my life back.  Thoughts and prayers for everyone who is dealing with SVT and other heart problems.  Best wishes.....No longer waitingforablation.

[fshnski]

I had my Afib ablation two weeks ago and have not had an irregular beat since the surgery.  Keeping my fingers crossed.  I went to the U of Michigan for the procedure and was on the table for a total of ten hours.  It was quite complicated because of many procedures in the groin area before, including a flutter ablation, angiograms and angioplastys, prostate cancer surgery and bi lateral hernias.  I had a great deal of scarring.  I had no surgical pain what so ever and have only had discomfort, ok a lot of pain, following the surgery because of the bruising in the groin and legs.  They had to go in thorough both groins in order to get to the areas that needed attention.  

In addition, because of the preablation scarring they had to use both high frequency heat and cryo or freezing techniques which made the surgery last longer than it was supposed to.  But the post surgical results have been spectacular with not a single PAC or irregular beat of any kind at all.   I was thrilled that I went to see Dr. Chugh at the U of Michigan who had come highly recommended and felt a high level of both care and caring.  Both his sugical manner and bedside manner were spectacular and felt that the high number of procedures he performs certainly added to the probablility of success.   I figure I have about another two weeks of sore legs and groin to go before I am feeling totally human again, but its been well worth the wait and I can't wait to go off of Coumadin and Solotol.... both drugs that I would love to live without.   Besides the ski season is coming pretty soon here in the mountains of Colorado.   j jaffe

[jrizzuto]

I'll be meeting with a doctor at Baylor on thursday to discuss options. I have Accelerated Junctional Rythmn, some Brady at night, lots of PVCs during the day, overal miserable way of living. I was hoping that I might be a candidate for RF Ablation and finally be normal....but after reading the horror stories here, I'm scared out of my mind to do this. I am consumed by the "what if".

My quality of life pretty much ***** the way it is right now, and at 52 I'm not ready to throw in the towel. But most of my symptoms sound pretty much like what you folks got AFTER the so called fix. So what is the gain for me?

[twig179]

I just wanted to post my SVT ablation story and see if anyone else has experienced this and found out anything to do for this.  I had an SVT ablation in Jan. 2009.  I did well for about 2-3 weeks then started having chest pain and right shoulder pain, getting worse with activity.  I have had many tests, heart tests, MRI, x-rays, and they can't find any reason for my pain.  My cardiologist didn't help me much after the procedure and now I have gone for a second opinion and hope and pray that he can help me!  I just want to be able to do normal things without pain.  I know this is not normal and it didn't start until after the ablation.

[Bdream]

I am a  55 year old female and I had ablation surgery on 7-29-09.  I went in early that morning and was ready to get it over with.  About 6 hours later the doctor told my family that the surgery had gone well and that they could see me in about an hour.  He said that I had gone into afib during surgery and it helped to know exactly where to burn.  Well an hour later they came back and told my family that I was bleeding somewhere they did not know and that I would have to have emergency surgery.  They found out that the doctor had cut a nerve on his way in and I had been bleeding for hours into my abdomen.  They called in a vascular surgeon to do the emergency surgery and I was given 8 units of blood.  WHAT A BAD DREAM.  However, the ablation surgery itself seems to have worked.  I am having some chest pain and an occasional afib but it does not last but for a few seconds at a time.  However, the vascular surgeon had to put in a stint into my abdomen and I am still having pain from that.  I am tired all the time and I guess it is all going to have to run its course.  I dont think I would ever go through this again.  I almost died and I think I would just stay on medication the rest of my life and not risk a mess up.  Make sure you have a very, very experienced doctor doing your surgery.

[TachyAfraidy]

omg! That is horrid. I was on the table in the cath lab for 11 hours and my family never got an update. They thought I had coded or was dead.I had a reasonably easy recovery and thought that I certainly would do it again...until I read your post! Jeeezee. Now I am not so sure. :(

I hope you feel better everyday. It took me about 4 months and a few medication changes by my cardiologist. Hang int there!

[YamaBlonde]

hi from England!  I had an aortic valve replacement nearly 3 years ago (quite successful, by the way!), so I don't have the pericardium to deal with -- someone mentioned the heart swelling up against this sac.  Makes sense of course, as any part of the body being poked and prodded will probably swell, especially an internal organ!

I have had AF ( Atrial Fibrillation) episodes for nearly 7 years now.  (I was first diagnosed with AF in Nov 2002 - in the US -- at which time they found my faulty valve.  Obviously, the deteriorating valve necessitated its replacment.  But please note: doctors both in the US and the UK said the AF was not related in any way to the valve problem. And no one can tell me why I have this either!

My AFib episodes had suddenly increased in severity and duration this past May (2009). So I have seen my cardiologist and an electrocardiologist as well. And ablation seems the way forward for me.  I am tired of not knowing if and when I might go into AF -- I want a "real" life again, if that is possible.

I have tried 2 different beta blockers, and I got worse.  Stupidly, I stayed on them for a long time (years), all the while suspecting that was why my episodes were worsening.  

Now on Amiodarione for a tad over 3 weeks (they say it takes 4+ weeks to get to the therapeutic level where this med stops the AF altogether) -- and I can say, that although I am not AF-free (yet), the episodes are MUCH milder, and only lasting up to 3 hrs. Whereas before, about 2 months ago, I had an episode that lasted 5 days.  Scary to say the least!

Amiodarone is not a long term solution, as it can be toxic to the liver, kidneys. thyroid and/or lungs. And they say I am too young for it (I am nearly 58, mind you!), so I have to laugh -- feel free to "guffaw" along with me!  :)

I always thought doctors HAD to tell you the whole story for ANY procedure.. not just the good possibilities/probabilities, but the risks as well.  And you bet I am frightened, but I keep reminding myself I have gone through (major) open-heart surgery ansd survived that, so hopefully, this will be a "piece of cake" in comparision.

Through research (I am one of those who wants to know absolutely everything about a condition and procedure), it seems best to have an ablation by an electrocarsdiologist who performs AT LEAST 40-60 a year.  And where it is routinely done at the hospital one will be visiting.  Obviously, more experience equals better results, no? I am "lucky"  the hospital where I am having the ablation is a heart specialty university hospital, and the team of docs I will have attending me do over 300 ablations each year.

By the way, all I have heard and read indicates that recuperation time for ablation procedures can be up to 3 months for most folks.  Some recover (much) more quickly, and other take a bit longer.  All about the averages, I guess.

And I figure, if the docs at the hospital could help me control my post-op heart surgery pain -- which was VERY controlled! -- then they can help me with this too.  In my opinion, it's about knowing my options, doing research, and being proactive.  But again, that is MY opinion.

God willing, we'll all heal and go on to better, more fulfilled lives.  FINGERS CROSSED!

hugs to all,
Debb  :)

[TachyAfraidy]

You and I sound very much alike! The ablation was a piece of cake to recover from. Just a side note: My EP Dr. is a senior fellow and teaches this procedure at a highly esteemed University here, so I firmly agree with you about having the experienced hand to do such delicate work inside your heart...but an "irrigated" catheter was used which put about 18 lbs (approx 9 kilos?) of fluid into my body which gave me the worst post surgical symptome of dyspnea and fatigue until I got the water off of me with diuretics. You may want to clarify this with the Dr. so he can prescribe a diuretic post procedure.Just something that I had to deal with, but once my body expelled the excess fluid, I felt much better and went back to work in 4 days after. Best of luck to you, and after going thru having your sternum cracked and a valve replacement, you can do this with your eyes closed! It is not bad at all. I had discomfort for the night after the surgery only. You can do this! Take good care and please post after your ablation and let me know how you feel. :0)

[Glitterar]

Hi to all! Interesting reading everyone's experience with ablation.  I just had my ablation last Wednesday, 10/21, and am doing well.  Slight chest pain but no other problems.  Still worried they will come back but I guess that is normal.  If they do, I will not wait the 9 months I waited to have this done.  I was totally awake while they ablated 3 parts of my right heart wall.  Worst part was having my heart rate go up to over 215 (they gave me medicine to get it there).  I was able to go home that night and tomorrow I go back to work.  They key is to have very skilled team (my Dr. was the first in the USA to do them for PVC's) and has done more than 4000 himself.  After trying 4 different medicines that didn't work...ablation was the answer for me!  Complications are rare and the relief was well worth it for me.

[notaro]

wow!! what a great thread. I have learned so much from all of your experiences. I have recently been diagnosed with PVC's. I feel them . it feels like my heart is going to gallop right out of my chest. I also have dizziness, and chest pain with them. Is this what you who have PVC's feel like? I dont think I am having all that many,and the norvasc they put me on is helping, but the biggest problem is with exertion. that is when I feel it the most. I am told that if they are bothersome enough for me, I would go thru an EPS and then ablation. I am not so sure I will be quick to go thru ablation after reading all of your posts. I am going to try to get the most out of meds if possible.
did you all stay over night after your ablations, it sounds like after several hours in the cath lab, they shouldnt just send you home, which some of you did it sou nds like.

I need more infor on the PVC's. what do people feel like who have them and is the ablationworth it? it sounds like most people have ablation for svt, rather than PVC. thanks for all of your help.
kathy notaro

[Glitterar]

Hello Notaro...I had my ablation for PVC's.  My last Holter Monitor showed 32,651 in 48 hours.  I had pain in my chest and was out of breath.  Exertion was worse.  The PVC's totally disrupted my life.  They tried 4 different medications on me that didn't work...some made them worse.  So I had no other option really.  I had a very good EP and my internist felt that ablation would help me get my life back AND so far it has.  I didn't have to stay overnight as they used a vein and not an artery.  My palps were from the right side of my heart and that's why they didn't have to use an artery.   I was awake the whole time with the only discomfort when they used medication to increase my palps and to check to see if they got them all.  That's it!  Recovery was fast and by the next day I was making banana bread and enjoying my life again.  I had some slight chest discomfort and back soreness near my heart.  I am praying that my palps don't come back.  If I ever get them (perhaps in another area) I would have an ablation again without question.  Good luck to you!

[CandyinSC]

I had "The Lesser" ablation done in Seattle, WA in 2004. Just a month ago I had the "Big Kahuna" one done in Augusta, GA. Both femorals & the neck involved this time. They had to punch through the center wall of my heart and ablate the left atrium. I am doing pretty well, in and out of AF, and very much the same after-effects as all of you. On lots of meds until the first of the year (coumadin is the worst!). EP told me it takes the heart roughly 90 days to heal, and the AF is expected during this period, as well as discomfort, flutters, etc. I, too, would just like to feel human again - but am starting to rule out that possibility.

[Lisa33167]

I had my ablation 2 mths ago and had Versed during the procedure, it really makes you relax and not worry about what they're doing.

I had to have one due to over 54,000 pvc's daily (24 hrs) I had long runs of polymorphic sustained VT even during surgery.  This caused me to develope non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, and I had to have a pacemaker/icd implanted after testing and a cardiac cath test.

The ablation was relatively easy; even with all of my compliactions during surgery and I felt better a couple of hours after; better than I had in a long while.  The 2 days until I had to have my PM/ICD implanted I was pvc free and felt wonderful even being confined to the hospital.

Since surgery, I've been having PAC's off & on, and makes me wonder how long before the pvc's come back and I need another ablation.

[Glitterar]

Two weeks ago today had my ablation and I'm still feeling great!  Little heart stresses have stopped and feel normal.  Have started walking again (for exercise) and that makes me feel better.  I have not been able to do that since February when this session of palps began and nothing else worked to stop them. Ablation changed my life!

[Lisa33167]

That is wonderful news! congratulations and I wish you the best.

It's always great to hear that others had successful ablations and are cured.  I know for me, I will always wonder in the back of my mind if pvc's will come back.  If they do, I won't hesitate for a sec to have another ablation.

when it's cool here in FL, we walk as much as I can, I think that's one of the things I miss the most - being able to exercise when I want

[lawyer2b2011]

I had an ablation in February, 2009, for AVRNT.  My issues started in the Fall of 2008, when I would have this strange feeling that would shoot from my head to my toes (later learned it was party of the electrical problem).  I was also having pains in my chest.  I'm in law school and just assumed it was stress from studying.  Then, after finals in December, I woke up during a Saturday afternoon nap to what felt like my heart justs flip-flopped from one side to the other.  I also had that heaviness feeling in my chest and my breathing was a bit labored.  Called my brother-in-law who is a doctor, and happened to be on call at the hospital, and he told me to come to the ER.  Got there and they hooked me up to all the monitors, and my hr was 210.  I was 36 at the time, and a healthy female, who never had any problems before this.  After 2 days in the hospital and many tests, they diagnosed me with AVRNT and said I've had it since birth.  The docs suggested an ablation, but I opted against it.  After getting out of the hospital, I had a second opinion at another hospital, and that cardiologist also suggested having the ablation.  I agreed because I had done lots of research on the procedure, and he came highly recommended.  He said the ablation would "cure" this problem.  Well, I had the ablation in February 2009, and they burned two spots on my heart.  I had the severe pain after my ablation that lasted several weeks.  I called the cardiologist and they said it was normal and I shouldn't worry.  It did finally seem to go away.

However, for the last few months, I've been having the pains in my chest again.  I called the cardiologist and they told me I need to see my Primary Care Physician because they don't believe it's related to my ablation or my AVRNT problem.  I was shocked!  I know my body, and it is the same kind of pain I had prior to the ablation.  I'm also having the "dizzy" spells where I feel a little faint and I get that weird feeling from my head to my toes.  I don't pass out, but it's like a strange dizziness.  Anybody else have this problem????  

[Lisa33167]

dizzy spells can be dangerous, I believe your GP can ask for a tilt table test (ttt) or some call it a head up tilt test (hutt) to rule out certain things like NCS, OI and POTS

you may want to go to him/her and ask and see who he recommends doing one

it's relatively easy - you lay on a table with monitors on, they stand you up a certain degree and then check your vitals at certain intervals and if you don't faint, they give you nitro to see if that makes your problem worse - I think it opens the vessels and makes the blood pool in your legs quickly

I had mine at the hospital;  I went out cold when they gave me nitro, no pulse no bp but if that happens, they just drop the table back and put your legs up and you recover.

[G221]

Hello,
Just had an ablation 2 weeks ago.  Have had lightheadedness all the time, worse when laying down or resting.  I looked for info. on the web and "found" that "hemodynamic instability", which I think is changes in blood pressure, is associated with inflammation.  I just had my heart manipulated.  There is an "in heart" blood pressure sensor which provides feedback to the brain about what to do to maintain optimal blood pressure.  I think it can get screwed up from the inflammation, a false reading. That is my unmedical understanding.  Ask your doc about the bar___  reflex.  I am hoping it gets better as time passes.
The other thing is I still experience the pre excitation phase of my tachy, although not my tachy, after ablation.  The former has been decreasing in intensity, but is definitely annoying and disturbing. I found relief by doing vv manouvers, just like pre ablation.  Just my experience.  Talk to your doc.
Maybe this helps,
G    

[chris7377]

I had my ablation one week ago today for svt where my heart would race between 200-300 beats per minute.  Other than some chest pain and tiredness,  I seem to be fine after the procedure. The dr. said we would have to wait and see if it worked.  The ablation had to occur very close to the AV node, so he thinks he corrected the problem.  If not, he said I would have to have a cryoablation which would be safer in this case, so they would not damage the AV node.  So far, I haven't had any episodes, so here is hoping that all is well now!!

[coffeen]

I had my ablation 11/2/09 (last week).  Like you, I was dubious of this procedure but I have to tell you it was a breeze.  My worrying was for nothing.  IThe only thing I remeber was when they got my heart rate up, which they have to do to locate the problem.  I stayed overnight in the heart hospital (good place to have this done) and have felt fine since except for some feelings in indigestion in my chest.  If this continues I will call the Dr. to discuss.  I have never taken meds for my PSVT and don't think I ever will with all of the bad side effects and my Dr. did not push them either.  Would be glad to fill you in on more detail if you would like.  

SallyG

[coffeen]

Read your posting and like you my ablation went just fine.  The only think I notice is that I feel like I have indigestion in my chest area and this happened right after the ablation.  Did you experience this?  It also feels as if the chest area is full.  But all in all everything went very well.  I think the most important consideration is to have this done by a very experienced capable Dr.  Mine has been doing ablations for 15 years and works at the Austin Heart Hospital.  Hope all is still well with you.....SallyG

[Glitterar]

Hello!  Glad your ablation went well.  No, I did not have indigestion feelings.  I did have a feeling in my chest and in my back area of my heart.  I am sure it's because they actually burn areas of your heart so it has to heal.  I am wearing a 24 hour holter monitor as a check up (3 weeks post ablation).  I really don't have any palps just once or twice a blip so it will be interesting to find out what it says.  Yes, I agree everyone should seek out the best EP they can.  My particular EP here in St. Paul, MN was the first Dr. to do them for PVC's (which I had)  and has done thousands of them.  In fact, they are building him a new Cath lab just for his work.  My experience is that everyday the full feeling in my chest and back got better and better.  Good luck to all!

[RC1982]

Hello,
   I am a 27 year old male who just had my 3rd ablation done on 11-10-09. My second ablation was on 9-01-09 and my first was 11 years ago. My first one went very well but the last two haven't been that great. After the second ablation I felt fine for about a week then here we go again. I know my last ablation was only 3 days ago but I was feeling great until today and guess what my heart rate hasn't been below 100 all day. My resting heart rate is staying around 110 and going up around 130 when I get up and just walk around. Anyone else have these same problems or is it likely that my fast heart rate is back?

[OLCPASTOR]

I'm 72, and have had frequent episodes of a-fib for about 15 years. I usually convert in 12-18 hours, but recently had one lasting 44 hours.
Have been on heart-rate meds (Benicar & Tiazac) for several years, but it seems the meds are less effective now. (Besides, just got word from insurance company that only 1/2 of the Benicar dosage will be paid for beginning Jan 2010!) I am on warfarin as well.

I, as are most posting on this thread, am very symptomatic to the a-fib. When I go into a-fib it wakes me (if I am asleep) and when I convert to SR, it wakes me as well. An episode leaves me extremely fatigued.

Cardiologist gave me two options--Tikosyn or Multaq--and ablation.

From what I've read on this thread and what research I've been able to do regarding Tikosyn, I am not eager for that drug therapy. Multaq is a relatively new drug that is contraindicated for just about everything, but supposedly is receiving rave reviews for those things not contraindicated. ???

Just beginning the research relative to where to have the ablation done, with the choices being Duke University, Wake Forest Baptist, or locally where the procedure has only been done for the past two or three weeks. I am not as concerned about the local Dr. (a recent transplant from Birmingham) as I am about the local hospital facility's capability. It is a good hospital, but not a "teaching facility."

Of course, as with lawyers, all doctors are "practicing" anyway !

Comments from each of you that is farther down the road on the ablation issue will be appreciated.

OLCPastor

[ccic]

I am on Tikosyn and just to let you know Multaq is NOT new on the drug field.  It has been out for 10 plus years and has been pulled from use at least once.  In clinicals the trial was haulted because the patients with a history of heart attack, heart failure and a fes other things drop died.  Tikosyn is guarded by the pharm. that makes it for safety reasons.  It does have bad sideeffects like kidney and liver failure but Multaq has the same.  Only certain cardiologist can give Tikosyn, and only certain pharmacies can dispense it.  
I have had 2 ablation, my 2nd 6 weeks ago lasted 12 and a half hours, and left me with a irregular heart beat and tachycardia, but no where near the 225 that I had with my atrial fib. and flutter.  I will stay on Tikosyn for 4 months or until it no longer works, we are trying to let my heart heal enough to put a defib. in, in January or Feb.  
I am 45, and have only had atrial fib since last January.  This has been a very long year, I miss work, and I miss my life.

[OLCPASTOR]

Thanks for the info about your experience. Present meds are doing a relatively good job of controlling my heart rate, but the a-fib definitely impacts my life and work. At this point, I'm leaning toward the ablation. It it is a fix, I prefer that over more drugs for the rest of my life.

I have found it difficult to find any info on Multaq. I appreciate your info on that. It would seem not (to be) a viable option if I am to keep preaching and pastoring. I will accept Divine Healing, but the surgeon may be His Hand Extended to effect that.

It's Monday and I look forward to converting to SR sometime today.

[Nateyz2000]

I am a 27 year old male and just had eps/abilation done on November 6th. I have been feeling really weak the last 3 days, chest discomfort, and just feel lazy. I Have been a very active person all my life, and am in great health and shape. I used to get dizzy and lightheaded when working out, pounding heart, chest pains, and so on. I feel too lazy to take a deep breath now! My heart went from 68bpm to almost 260bpm in a split second, and then returned to normal just as fast as it started. I am now a bit worried to even get my heart rate up. This constant lingering chest pain, heaviness is getting to me. Anyone else have similiar problems? Any advice?
Nate

[Nateyz2000]

I am a 27 year old male and just had eps/abilation done on November 6th. I have been feeling really weak the last 3 days, chest discomfort, and just feel lazy. I Have been a very active person all my life, and am in great health and shape. I used to get dizzy and lightheaded when working out, pounding heart, chest pains, and so on. I feel too lazy to take a deep breath now! My heart went from 68bpm to almost 260bpm in a split second, and then returned to normal just as fast as it started. I am now a bit worried to even get my heart rate up. This constant lingering chest pain, heaviness is getting to me. Anyone else have similiar problems? Any advice?
Nate