Heart Arrhythmia's and PVC's

I have suffered from an arrhythmia for over 5 years now and have had 3 ablations done.  Two for the atriums and recently for the ventricals for PVC's.  Not only did I almost bleed to death from the procedure but now the operation didn't work and now the pvc's are more frequent and lasting longer now.  Last weekend my heart was "jumping" irratically for over 3 hours straight, both arms felt as if they were caught in a vice and went up in my throat.  Most of the pvc's that got worse that night I felt sharp pains in the left lower breast bone area.  If ablations don't help or cure rapid heart rates, pvc's, pac's and medications of beta blockers during the past 5 years have also failed, what else is there for me to?  I can't perform my duties as a Security Officer for work much anymore and I'm too tired all the time.  I did some research and want someone's opinion.  I read that if all of these procedures and medications don't work for this condition a possible pace maker or diffibrillator could help.  Not that I would really want it at 42 years of age, but I have to do something.  Everything else has failed.

[Momto3]

I'm sorry that your ablations have been so unsuccessful.  Did you have them all at the same facility?  Have you ever gotten another opinion?

Generally, physicians are reluctant to perform ablations for PVCs.  Do you know why the doctor decided to proceed?

When I asked about a pacemaker, I was told that they were primarily for treating bradycardia.  

Have you worn a monitor recently?

[kent3]

Thanks for writing.  Yes, I had all 3 ablations performed at the same hospital.  Last year I traveled to Boston to get a second opinion and that doctor also wanted to perform the procedure, however, my insurance company would not cover it for out of state even though they are nationwide.  Go figure.  Before my last ablation was done which was July 1st, I wore 4 event monitors, each for one month and each time showing PVC's, PAC's, and tachycardia and the duration of each symptom.  

Apparently, here in NY doctor's are reluctantly shoving people like me on a back shelf.  
Their sense of healing is determined by your age.  Most doctor's around here won't do anything for you because "I'm too young".  Sorry, but 42 years old with this problem is not too young.  I'm mad as **** and almost gotten to the point of giving up and just live and wait for something to happen.

[upbeat633]

I'm sorry to hear of your situation, your frustration and your pain.

Was your doctor performing the ablations for the tachycardia? Was it severe or long lasting?

I don't have tachycardia but I have pvcs at and above 20,000/day, but all the cardiologists and recently an electrophysiologist I saw said no, no, no to ablation for pvcs because my heart is otherwise "structurally normal".

Is there something different in your situation? Have you had an echocardiogram before to show whether you have any structural changes from the tachy or pvcs/pacs?

I know that Momto3 also had high frequency pvcs and until she developed a cardiomyopathy, her doctors advised against an ablation too. But with the cardiomyopathy, that changed everything. (Momto3 I hope I have that right?!).

[kim62]

You mentioned all of these PVCs you have and the heart "jumping"... have you ever went into V-tach? I myself have PVCs like crazy.  I also have what they call Idiopathic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia. Since my VT cannot be controlled with meds alone, which are not that effective, I now have an ICD. My ICD has became one of my best friends! I feel much better knowing that it is there to back me up. I pretty much have learned that when the PVCs come more frequent and/or stronger.... this is when I more than likely will go into VT.

[Momto3]

Yep, that's exactly right!

I was having over 20,000 PVCs daily, for who knows how long....no ablation, no anti-arrythmics....BENIGN!

Then, I developed PVC-induced cardiomyopathy, a rare occurrence in the setting of very frequent PVCs (those of you with high frequency, keep an eye out for changes).  Suddenly, I was on anti-arrythmics and scheduled for an ablation.  I am extremely fortunate in that I have a doctor who would not give up and who went the extra mile for me.  

And.....I was 46, so 42 seems plenty "mature" to me.  Is there another group that is in your insurance plan?  It might be worth a fresh look-see.

[manny777]

Oh my gosh! I had PVCs last month for 4 consecutive days about 6-10 a minute on the 5th day I got up in the morning and they were gone until this morning, I woke up and the PVCs were back at about one every 4 heart beats, I went jogging 1 1/2 miles (I jog every day 1.5 miles) and my heart was fine for about 3 hours but then the PVCs came back with a vengeance and right now I can feel them alot. I have learned to live with it because all of your testimonies, I try not to pay attension to them and I am trying not to let them rule my life.  I haven't gone to a doctor to get it checked out, I haven't been to a doctor in about 17 years (i don't like hospital or clinics) I do have insurance but don't like to bother with my time, I guess I don't want to take the time to go and wait. Please advise, am I just being silly or am I frightened since I am new at this. I am 48.

[Momto3]

No, you're not being silly. You are probably just fine. The important thing to know is whether you have a structurally normal heart.  I'd probably touch base with the doctor just to be certain all is well (most likely).  

At the time of my procedures, I had had PVCs for about 25 years, and probably had in the tens of thousands for years.  I was so used to them that it was if they were "normal" for me.  After the ablations, it actually took some time to adjust the NSR...that felts very weird to me.  

When I say to watch for changes, I mean things like shortness of breath, swelling, increased episodes, chest discomfort, increasing fatigue (unknown causes), etc.  My doctor told me since my case, she has seen 2 additional patients with PVC-induced cardiomyopathy.  It is not common, so I don't think you have anything to worry about.  Nonetheless, it's a good idea to visit the doc for a physical now and again.

Awesome on the jogging!!

[manny777]

Thank you so much for the reply, this morning I got up and the PVC's were gone and my heart rate was about 70 beats per minute, well let me also tell you that I went to church last night and I asked God to heal me or to give me strength to live with this if/when it comes back.

Thanks again for your posts, they make me feel better.

[BionicBabe]

I can comment on the consideration of an ICD. If it makes you feel any better about the possibility of getting an ICD, I am only 34 and I have an ICD. I'm also a member of an online ICD support group and I've been noticing lately, that we seem to be getting more and more members in the 30s and 40s age group. We even have some ICD members who are in their twenties and even younger! One thing about the ICD that I really like is that it takes a lot of the worrying about PVCs and possible deadly VT away!

[julesluvsdrew]

When you say watch out for swelling,you mean ankles right?It is always hard for me to tell because I was born with Kankles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:)

[Momto3]

Jules,
Yep, ankle swelling.  Though, I would contact my doctor if I noticed abdominal swelling, ankle or leg swelling.

Manny,
GREAT news!!  Amen!!