5 months post-ablation for WPW/SVT, symptoms keep happening.

[allyphant92]

I had an ablation in May and despite being sedated I remember quite a bit of it. I was told it was a 90% success but it took a while to convert out of my rhythm after being burned 40+ times. I started having severe symptoms again in July and my EP said I could get an echo when I get home from my seasonal job in Maine. (He's at the Cleveland Clinic)

Well today I was alone in the library and had a really bad episode of SVT, palpitations, ringing in my ears, grey vision. I caught it and was able to sit but I was afraid because I was essentially alone with anyone who could've helped downstairs.

I guess I'm just wondering if anyone has any suggestions. I'm considering a medical alert bracelet but I don't know if my condition actually warrants getting one.

[allyphant92]

I've been in contact with him but I'm in Maine for another 3 weeks...thanks for the support everyone...

[tom_h]

40 burns is an awful lot!  I had 17 for a "wide conductive" section for a similar type of AVRT as WPW.  You need to see your electrophysiologist.  It is very possible that some remaining thread of conductive tissue remains or has healed over and is conducting again.  This is not unheard of.  The fact there's syncope associated with your episodes is something that he should know about.

[allyphant92]

I do pass out but I'm usually able to catch if and sit or lie down. I emailed my doctor and I'm expecting a call from him today to see where to go. I'm leaving Maine in 3 weeks but my appointment isn't until November. I'm mostly worried about passing out in a place where no one knows my condition. I can take a while to come to after fainting but I usually don't need to go to the hospital because I'll convert out of svt

[MichelleP_3811]

I wonder if they were in the wrong spot.  Do you pass out?  If you pass out then a bracelet may be warranted but if you don't then you likely don't need one but ask your doctor.  It does however sound like you may need another ablation.  With mine they could not induce my svt anymore that is how they knew they got it.  If they had trouble stopping yours I question it's success.  It is also possible you had a few spots.  that is not unheard of.  When you get back I would focus on getting a monitor to catch what is going on.  If you are concerned for your safety then I would suggest keeping a phone handy so you can call for help if necessary.  Hang in there.  From what I understand a lot of times a second ablation does the trick.  

[Bromley]

I'm very sorry to hear about this. I dont think I know enough about your situation to make suggestions, but having been through something similar, can definitely understand how an experience like this feels.

I frequently tell people on this board that I am a root cause person, but I believe that one has to take action to address immediate needs before problem solving even starts. One thing to give some thought to would be whether you are at risk for falling.  If you heart beats funny sometimes you get dizzy. Falling from high places, or while alone, is something you can take action to prevent.

How far off is your appointment?  If it is going to be a while, I would consider seeing someone sooner to get a heart monitor.  You may have had some form of SVT originally,  but this situation may have changed.  It can take 30 days, longer even, to get monitor data.  It might be better if you got that process started rather than wait. This way, your doctor back home will get the information he is going to  need a little sooner.

I also dont know of any reason that you would need to wait on an echo, if that is what you need.  There are many high quality medical groups that could supply you  and your doctor back home with an echo.

I am just really sorry to hear about your situation.  I hope things improve for you.