Vision changes and back numbness after ablation

[tripleablated]

I am a 35 year old female.  So far I have been through 3 separate RF ablations within the last 18 months.  The first, ablated points on Crista Terminalis and AV modification.   Second, targeted “backside” of Crista and third, done on May 6, modified AV node again.  The last doctor stated that my heart has a high sensitivity to adrenaline and put me on atenolol, which I take as needed.  I have still been experiencing tachycardia and since the second procedure, bradycardia.  Sometimes at night when I lay down, it takes hours to fall asleep because I feel like the heart is beating so slow but very hard and “erratic”.  

After my first procedure, I developed a stabbing pain under my left breast.  The doc ruled out pulmonary embolism.  I still to this day get the pain.  After the last procedure, I immediately had an unexplained change in my vision.  I went to my regular eye doctor and a retina specialist.  They say something from the procedure changed my focusing mechanism but can’t offer any explanation. They raised the prescription two strengths, which seemed to help, but now even with the higher strength my eyesight is lousy again.  I do not have diabetes.  I also experience a burning numbness in the upper part of my left back, which the doctor attributed to laying on the metal table!  I notice it most when standing up in the morning, but have it happen also throughout the day.  It usually lasts about 10 minutes.   My family doc did an x-ray that didn’t show anything.  He thinks it is definitely heart related.  I don’t know what to do or where to turn.  I have been to so many different doctors.  I haven’t worked in over two years because of this.  I just want my life back.

My questions are:  What could be causing the vision change? Is it from the procedure or is it just coincidence?  What could be causing the sensation in my back?  Should I just accept everything for what it is or should I keep pushing the issue?  Thanks.

[tsco]

I have had several ablations and one experience I had the padding on the table wasn't what it should have been the procedure was around 7 hours.  It did something to my nerves in my lower back and I had more problems and pain from my legs and lower back than the heart.  I suspect if it was a long procedure laying flat has pinched a nerve or something.  

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

1.  I do not have an explantation for visual changes from a right sided ablation procedure.  Strokes would be very rare in this setting.
2.  I also do not know what would cause the back pain.  Soreness from lying flat on a table should not be a lasting problem.  

If it were me, I would keep asking the questions. I do not think your cardiologist can answer or explain either symptom and I am not sure that a complication from an ablation can explain them either.

Have  you seen a neurologist?  It might be worth an MRI of your spine.  These issues do not sound heart related to me and I do not have a satisfying answer but I agree with continuing to ask the questions.

[Bromley]

You are right to tell your doctors about these symptoms. If necessary, keep a list of questions and things you want to tell your doctor at your next visit. This helps to avoid the situation where you get distracted and forget to ask.

Keep working on your list.  If needed, schedule another visit in the near future, and take your list with you!!!