2nd degree av block mobitz I

[Ernee]

I had wpw and had an ablation in 2000.  I was told the pathway was not completely gone but that I should not have anymore problems.  In 2005 I went into a-fib and had to be cardioverted.  After that I have several episodes of afib that finally convinced me to have the ablation again in January of this year. After the ablation I had some chest pain and occasional arrhythmia's but for 2 days seemed to be doing great.  On the third day I went into a 2nd degree av block Mobitz 1.   I was told by my EP that it could be inflammation, or it could be that the scar tissue from the first ablation had altered normal pathways and the WPW was compensating.  I have been either in a 1st degree block (tolerable) or a 2nd degree block (intolerable) ever since.  The tightness in my throat and what feels like my head is beating is exhausting at times.  I am an extremly active person, business owner.  How long is this rhythm ok, is there anything that would make it tolerable, any coping suggestions.  I do not want a pacemaker and I have read that one would not make the skipped beats go away completly anyway. I have also read that this can stop on its own in time, 3-5 years.  Is this true? Also, I have been taking motrin 800 mg every 6 hours for 8 days now hoping to get rid of the inflammation, any other suggestions there.  

Thank You.  

[cindy707]

Oh you are funny......i had to think for a moment....did i miss it cause i was so busy then i dawned on me you are from New Jersey......lets not be greedy Jerry you guys just won two years ago....lets give a couple of underdogs a chance!!!!

[Jerry_NJ]

First, Cindy, I think the Superbowl was last Sunday, and I know that New York won :)

Anyway, as you (Ernee) converted from AFib once on medications (that's how I read your post) I think a try with one of the strong medications seems like a reasonable idea, what you used last time or one of the more powerful like Flecanide (spellling?).  

Ablation for AFib is one of (or the) most complex ablation procedures and that may mean it needs more time to heal, so try to be positive and optimistic as you work toward a full recovery.

I have no experience with ablation or pacemakers, but I am a long time AFib sufferer.  I get by with "rate control" (a beta blocker) and clot reduction (anticoagulant).  Are you anticoagulant when not on Motrin?

[cindy707]

Alot has changed w. ablations since 2000.  They tend to stay away from ablating with heat because of the scarring issue and now use cryo in most cases.  I've had a fib and been converted as well...as you know that is really no biggie.and usually does its job and for alot of people will do the trick indefinately.  To me a pacemaker seems a little extreme inthis.  I have also heard from some friends with the same situation that theirs did correct after a period of time but i don't know if i would trust that because everyones body is so different.  Common sense tells me that you need to let the docs tell you what to do and if you aren't getting an acceptable response or answer find someone who will give it to you.  As far as how long this rhythm is okay it sounds to me like it depends on the sructure of your heart.  I think eight days is a little long here altho sometimes people actually go months with it but if it is effecting your everyday life being uncomfortable and worried make an appt. with the doc and tell them that you are sick of this and feel like you are waiting for the ax to fall on you becuse it has gone on too long.  They do have meds now that can help you convert your rhythm at home like Multaq and a few others and maybe that is all you need....ask the doc if it could work for you so that you could get back to life.....ask him/her what they  would do for their wife/husband/partner whatever if this was going on with them and it will put the doc on the spot to do something....time to step up and get this taken care of.......the superbowl is coming up and you want to enjoy it don;t you without putting your hand to your neck and chest every 5 minutes........thinking what a pain this is.....make the call i'll bet you'll be glad you did....let us know how it works out for you........................