Pacemaker after Ablation Failed

[cheri135red1]

Hi,

I am a 30 year old mom of 2 little boys and I just got a pacemaker after I had an ablation and then a week following ablation I had third degree heart block as a result.

prior to the ablation I had all sorts of tests done on my heart cardiac cath, echo, ep study, tilt table, ekgs etc they also inserted a reveal monitor I was having SVTS on and off for five years.

my doc had thought that the ablation was successful until I wasn't getting over my shortness of breath, and I realized that my heart rate was in the low 40s.

so now, I have a pacemaker, brusies in my groin, an infection in my chest where the reveal was, and I feel horrible.

I know, I am depressed...but I just need to talk to someone who has been through this. Anyone have a similar experience post ablation?

[Mom2four85]

Sorry to hear you're going through this, your body has been through an enormous event and stressed to it's limit.  

I went through a similar thing and had to have a pm/icd implanted, but my ablation was successful.  I have malignant pvc's and vfib episodes so I had the icd part installed in case it does it again.  I had episodes of Vtach and Bradycardia, so they installed the PM part to pace if my HR goes in the 40's.

Are you on any meds? I noticed when they doubled my zebeta, my HR went from 60-65 and stays at around 50 now, which makes me very tired.

I still get some SOB and other symptoms I had before, but it's only been 2 months since my implant.  You're not giving yourself enough time to heal, my dr told me at least 3 months healing process.

I also have a disorder of my nervous system which makes recovery a bit harder.  I told my cardiologist about depression symptoms I was having and she told me to talk to my PCP/GP about them.  I told him and he put me on Lexapro - which has helped tremendously and almost made me feel "normal" again.   I still have no energy and tire easily, but they told me to give it time and see how I feel after a month on Lexapro.

Give yourself time and if you think you're suffereing depression related issues, talk to your pcp/gp and don't be afraid to try a SSRI - it may really help.

Hope you feel better soon.

[Jerry_NJ]

I can't respond directly to your request, and hope someone with the right experience can help you.

I am very sorry you have had to go through such hard times with your heart.  I know your family depends on you and your condition makes it difficult to do all the right/needed things.

The most important thing right now is that you keep your spirits up, somehow keep a positive attitude and belief you will get better, I'm believe you will.

Work with your doctors and keep seeking help here and where ever you find someone with a helping hand, or word, or thought.