A-Fib and SVT

[stormwatchtoo]

Hi everyone,

I am a 55 yr. old female, I am new to this forum and recently had an episode of A-Fib.  I ended up in the ER, and after they unseccesfully tried chemical conversion was electroverted.

Since than, I have had several Electrocardiograms, an Echo, 24 hr Holter and a lot of bloodwork. I still have to go for a stress test and am being referred to an Cardiologist.

So far, the results show a Left Anterior Hemiblock, Supraventricular Tachicardia and of course the A-Fib which started the investigation.

I am not sure what to think of it all and have a lot of questions such as...

My lungs felt horribly congested after the conversion, is that usually the case or a side-effect of the A-Fib or the  chemicals that they pumped into me in an effort to convert?

Why does my heart always start beating weird after a meal?  Could all this be caused by my esophagus after all?

Anyone with the same symptoms who had ablation done and is fine now?

I refused to go on Coumadin and am taking 325 mg Aspirin a day...Am I stupid not to take blood thinners?  
Anyone else with A-Fib not taking Coumadin?  

I rather have ablation done then take anti-rhythm pills the rest of my life...Am I ignorant?  

Why does my stomach feel bloated all the time...Even anti-diuretics don't help much...Does fluid collect there?

What is a tress test like?  Do they push you untill you're ready to drop?

Well, I can think of a lot more but enough for now.

I am glad to have found this forum and forgive me for asking so many questions.

[stormwatchtoo]

Thank you all for your responses and especially Brooke who's story is so similar to mine.
Is AVNRT the same as SVT?

[7js]

I would, at your age, consider coumadin. The risk of stroke when you have A  fib is great. I had a stroke when I was 58. My doctor could not believe it, said I was too young. Luckily it was mild, but it still puts me in a risk situation. Previous to the stroke I had a history of SVT.  Otherwise no heart disease. I just think you should have a talk with your cardiologist about all of the risks.    Lots of luck.

[gwanda]

I HAD A ABLATION AND DID GOOD FOR A WHILE BUT THEY KEPT ME ON THE MEDICINE EVEN AFTER ABLATION AND NOW IM HAVING ATTACKS AGAIN I CANT FIGURE OUT IF THE ABLATION DIDNT WORK OR IF MY HEART IS JUST ADDICTED TO THE MEDICINE I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY INFO YOU HAVE DID YOU NOT HAVE TO TAKE ANY MEDICINE AFTER ABALATION I HAD TO GO ON CUMMIN AND STAY ON THE BETAPACE IF THEYD FIXED THE PROBLEM WHY DID I HAVE TO DO THAT THANKS GWANDA

[Sweetwaterguy]

I can address some of your issues, particularly the a fib.  Like you, I did not want to take beta blockers the rest of my life, even though I got along fairly well with sotolol.     Many people respond quite well to medication, but when I had a weeks worth of a fib following a reaction to a flu shot and two visits to the ER and one in ICU, I decided enough of that stuff and opted for ablation, which was successful first try.  
   With regard to coumadin, I had the same thoughts as you.  Fortunately, I never had to take it, and my successful ablation made it unnecessary.   However, I have a different from Brooke_38.  Since the primary risk of a fib is stroke--obviously pretty serious--then I would follow doctor's advice, especially if you are currently in a fib.  If you are not currently in a fib, then I would think a daily aspirin would be fine.  But I am not a physician, and most certainly discuss this with your doctor.  
  Like you, I started with primary care physicians and my nuclear stress test interpreted by a radiologist.   I found the cardiologists tend to look at things differently, and I found myself having much confidence in the information provided.  Don't be surprised when you do see a cardiologist that you will get a different interpretation of the issues facing you.  
   With regard to ablation, it worked for me and I heartily (pun intended) recommend it.  

[Brooke_38]

Your story sounds very familiar. I too was in the ER with Afib. Hours  of IV push Lopressor, Digoxin, and Diltiazem were unsuccessful in converting the rhythm. I was sedated and electrically cardioverted. I can't say for sure that this was the reason for my lung congestion. I attributed that to the massive amounts of IV fuid that were run in due to critically low BP. Afibbers can go into CHF which will result in fluid buildup in the lungs.

There are many people that during a meal or shortly there after, have rhythm issues. Not too sure what the relation is there. That doesn't seem to be problamatic for me. As for your refusal to take Coumadin. As long as you are taking ASA 325mg, and have no other risk factors for clot formation or past history of stroke, you should be fine. I was given the choice between the 2 and chose to take ASA (less to worry about)

You are not ignorant by seeking a cure and not a band-aid. I have had 4 ablations for SVT (AVNRT) but not ablation for Afib, yet.

I also had nuclear stress test. It is fine, just brisk walking on the treadmill, they definitely do not push you and if you say that you can't do anymore than the test is done. Don't feel the need to apologize to the forum for all your questions. That is what we are all here for...needing answers, support and sometimes just a place to vent. We're all here, we try to do the best we can to be helpful. Ask away!:)