Ventricular tachycardia???

[Smeltzy]

In July of 1999 I had back surgery,, and in preop they called in a Cardiologist and they did an echo and this is what my records said preop "sinus rhythm with bigeminal pattern of sinus beat and paired premature ventricular contractions"
  Then when I was waking up from surgery I heard them yell for the crash cart, and I remember asking if it was for me, they said yes,, the cardiologist gave me a shot or put it in my iv,, but I remember it made me feel like my chest was crushing,, in my records it said postop "sustained ventricular tachycardia, mildly diminished left ventricular function"
  They mentioned doing an ablation when I recouperated, but I refused because I was terrified.  Im on Lopressor 50mg twice a day,,
  My question is, should I have the ablation done,, or will I be okay just taking the lopressor.  I havent seen a cardiologist in about a year,, Ive been seeing an internalist,, buy my insurance is about to run out and I wont have any doctor not even to get my meds,,,   Thanks,,,

[CCF-M.D.-DLB]

Yes, you should see a cardiologist again and an he can determine if you need to have further work-up of you arrhythmia - in your case this may consist of an EP study to see if an ablation is indicated.

[Mary Linda]

Hi:  I just wanted to comment about your V-tach.  My husband had chest pains several years ago and spent a few days in the cardiac unit for tests and observation.  Everything came back normal except for one day when he was talking away on the phone, feeling fine, when three nurses can rushing in ready to revive him because of a so-called v-tach occurrence.  He felt absolutely fine, without any symptoms, but they were visibly upset and said that when he left the hospital, he should follow up with a doctor who specialized in the electrical workings of the hears (can't remember the name).  In any event, that was 5 years ago, and he hasn't had another problem, except that he was worried about being told that he could drop dead suddenly from such a v-tach.

Since then, I have read that there have been several instances where v-tach was diagnosed when it was nothing more than the electrodes being loose or incorrectly attached to the skin.  It was very interesting, considering what he might have gone through.  I'm not saying that your doctors were wrong, but its worth considering when you are told to undergo invasive procedures.  Good luck!

[Smeltzy]

Hi,, thank you for comment,,, when I was waking up from surgery I started crying uncontrolably,, the nurse asked what was wrong and I just couldnt stop crying,, thats when I heard them yelling for the crash cart,, I'm not sure if I went unconsious or not,, but I was even curious if it could of been a mixture of me coming out of anistesia (sorry can't spell it)and me crying.  I know I have had palpitations for many years,, all I know is it scared me very much,, and the more I read about v-tach the more scared I get,,   Amy

[Mary Linda]

Hi Smeltzy - I read your post today and remembered that you were concerned because your insurance was going to run out, etc.  If you do have a heart condition that needs attention, and you can't pay, bring up "Deborah Heart and Lung Center" on the internet.  They may be able to help you regardless of your ability to pay.  Hopefully your v-tach was in error, but if it wasn't, you may be able to get the help you need through Deborah.  In any event - Good luck! - ML

[Smeltzy]

Thanks for the info,, I will go and check that site out,, Amy

[JohnDoe]

Hankstar,  I would be interested to know the source where you found this info on v-tach.  I have nonsustained v-tach, normal echos but a history of pericarditis.

Thanks

[Smeltzy]

I read what you said about non sustained v-tach,, what I had was sustained v-tach,,and it was very scary,,and it still scares me,, but I take one day at a time,,

[Smeltzy]

  I just looked in my records and it doesnt say how long it was sustained for.  They called in the cardiologist before my surgery and did an echo and they cleared me for surgery,,
I was supposed to have an ablation done,, but I had been through so much at the time I was to affraid to have it done,, now of course I wish that I had it done,,
Thanks for writing back to me