PROBLEMS AFTER CARDIAC ABLATION

[RHYTHMRN]

Hi,
I am a 39 year old female with hx of MVP with mild regurgitation, thyroid nodule, polycystic ovarian syndrome.  I have had AVVRT since I was 14 and was on Inderal for 25 years.  I had an ablation on 4/19/06, was ok for 4 weeks then SVT came back worse than ever (daily).  Had second ablation (RF this time, first time was cryo). The very next day after ablation notice my heart rate was increasing for no reason (was taken off of Inderal) and I became short of breath just walking.  My Ep told me it would go away my heart had to "readjust".  I put up with this for 4 weeks and couldn't stand it anymore.  I was short of breath from the slightest exertion, my heartrate would go into the 150's from just walking slowly.  Put back in Hospital and back on Inderal and told I had "Inappropriate Sinus Tach".  Inderal slowed the rate down but then developed constant skipped beats.  Wore monitor again and it showed many Premature junctional contractions, some PACs and occ. PVC. I still am having them 2-3 times a minute 24 hours a day.  I have trouble sleeping - have to prop myself up and am still short of breath with exertion.  Cardiac cath on 8/29/06 negative,CXR and VQ scan negative.  Thyroid functions normal, pulmonary functions normal.
1.  Is it normal to still have premature beats 3 months post ablation? I only had occ. Pacs pre-ablation.
2.  How often are PJCs seen - is there something else to consider?
3. Could the Inappropriate sinus tach. be something permanent - can ablation be done for it??
4.  Are you aware of other patients having these symptoms after ablation??

[RHYTHMRN]

WOW,
I entered the wrong forum - I thought I finally got to post!!!!
Oh well - have to keep on trying!! SORRY..................

[Yuen]

Hi Rhythmrn,

I have similar situation like you.  I had the 1st ablation 1 and a half year ago, before the 1st ablation, I only had occasional irregular fast heartbeat, I would say, once in 6 months.  After, the 1st ablation, my SVT situation was getting worse, 2 times in a month.  My doctor said the reason maybe the pathway was not burnt hard enough or there was another extra pathway or circuit.  I did the 2nd ablation 4 months ago.  The SVT seems to go away but I developed the skipped heart beats.  Also, I feel the tightness on my chest and short of breathe.  Could anyone tell me if this is the side effect of ablation?  Is there a way to reduce or eliminate this?   Thanks!

[cobbler5]

I am two weeks post ablation and continue to have shortness of breath, weakness and chest pain. I notice your ablation was in October or September. Have you recovered?

[Yuen]

Hi, I still have the PAC (skipped heart beat) everyday after the second ablation in June.  It has been almost 6 months.  I hope it will go away in the future.  I think the shortness of breathe I have is coming from the skipped heart beat.

It may take some time before you recover from the ablation.  If you have concern, you should have a follow-up with your EP.  

Take Care and let keep each other post on the progress.