Ongoing Heart Problems

I had a triple CABG in Sept. 2008, followed by some complications: Atrial fibrillation (1 week after), pleural effusion (1 month after), a graft close of because of scar tissue (3 months after); pericarditis (4 months after); and chronic inflammation of the chest area (lungs and heart) that occurs once a month. I treat this with a regiment of prednisone.   The cardiologist does not know why and referred me to a rheumatologist. The rheumatologist said I had the wrong type of doctor and sent me to my family physician.  The family physician said that he was not going to touch it, and referred me back to my cardiologist, who says that this is outside of his expertise.  Then in September 2009 my inflammation came back with a vengenace, which I shortly experienced painful PVC's. As soon as the inflammation cleared up, the PVC's went away.  In November of 2009, my heart was going in and out of SVTachycarida, until it would not go out one night (paid a visit to the ER).  It seems that at the onset of the SVTs, inflammation was lurking around. The cardiologist prescribed metoprolol. In December and January, my heart had four,  brief episodes of SVT. Oh by the way, my angina had become more frequent and intense (nitrogylercin helps).     Two weeks ago, I underweant a cathetar ablation at the recommendation of my cardiologist (arrythmia specialist).  After the the procedure, my heart had a coronary episode.  The doctors thought I had a heart attack, since they found a significant level of troponin.  Two days later, I underwent a heart cathetar, which showed no major artieries blocked, other than some less significant arteries that are diseased.Last night, 10 days after the cathetar ablation, my heart went out of rhythmm.  This time, after going to the E/R, I was diagnosed with PAC. I was released after my metoprolol was increased from 25 mg to 50 mg a day.  Questions: Should I ignore the PACs, which are considered benign and could this inflammation have anything to do with these arrythmia problems?  And what kinds of doctor should I seek?  The prednisone gets rid of the inflammation (Advil doesn't) after 10 days, but it seems to come back anywhere from 3 to 4 weeks later.  It is quite painful when I breathe and when I lay on my back.

[joanincarolina]

You reside close enough to be seen by Cardiology at Emory in Gerogia, as a first step. When you get referred around and symptoms still present, and angina is worse, then it's time to get to an excellent Heart Center. Gather your records and make an appointment. Joan.