Should I bother continuing care?

[Dodiad71]

I apologize for this loaded question. I'm 31 year old female,complex arrhythmia hist primarily atrial tachys SVT,WPW?, including atrial fib. I've had 4 EP studies, 3 with ablation. Tachys persist. AV node ablated, given unipolar pacemaker with single lead; later upgraded to bipolar with two leads, but original lead was left in. Have 3 wires. Echo last year was determined abnormal due to mild pulmonary hypertension with right vent and right atrial enlargement. Had moderate tricuspid regurg. Cardiologist here suggested I see a pulm hyperten specialist, but also suggested my pacemaker system could be contributing to my problem. I have become progressively worse with shortness of breath. With exertion I get jaw pain, nausea and dizziness. Cardiologist here says he isn't sure what to do. I recently went to another "Best Hospital" for evaluation and opinion (not yours). Had myoview stress test, showed some decrease in bloodflow in an area of my heart that resolved with rest. I went through cardiac cath. Early into procedure I had vent fibrillation. They said my arteries looked fine, but I had dyskinesia of my right vent. They planned to test for coronary art spasm, but abandoned it. They mentioned med Coreg, but abandoned it. Though they wanted to help me at first, after the cath they dumped me as patient with no further care. No pacer check for over 6 hours since defib, unmonitored. Discharged that afternoon completely alone. Devastated. I am a patient that medical centers just don't want. I feel I should just stop pursuing this. Comments, suggestions most appreciated. Thanks

[CCF-M.D.-KE]

Dear Dodiad71,

I think the doctors do enjoy treating you as a patient. In certain cercumstances  doctors may feel that the risk of  treating a condition may outweigh the benefit of the treatment.
Also, the field of cardiology is very specialized, there are doctors who focus on just doing heart catheterizations or placing pacemakers. Thus, the doctor performing the catheterization may not have been fully aware of other issues.
You should not feel discouraged.

I would recommend scheduling another appointment with your doctors where you are able to discuss your questions and concerns. If you still have questions, I would recommend obtaining a second opinion at an institution such as the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. I would recommend being evaluated by an electrophysiologist (EP) such as Dr. Tchou here at the Cleveland Clinic. You may visit our website at www.ccf.org or call for an appointment at 1-800-CCF-CARE. Hope you feel better.  


Thanks for your question,

CCF-MD-KE

[Dodiad71]

An addendum to my letter...I have been taking atenolol for about 5 years with no change in med plan. My pacer has been adjusted numerous times but I am still not able to tolerate much exertion. I am also a week out from my cath procedure an experiencing pain in my leg from my hip to my knee. Thanks

[Shroom]

keep fighting for better health. I'm going through much the same shabang with doctors. I have seen a couple great doctors so I know there are some out there somewhere. It get's frustrating, I know. I'm in the ER every three days, but the doctors just pass me around and no one ever does anything. I recommend you keep nagging about what you think should be done. Look stuff up, especially primary literaure (scientific publications) and then when you go to the doctor tell him what you've read and what your opinions are on your health. Best of luck.