cardiac ablation

I am just home after being unable to have the proceedure without medications
am scheduled now for Nov 17th with general anesthia
what is the difference?
which is better?
I take metropol XR 50 each night and for the most part this has keep the palpatations under control
reading all the stories of after ablation surgery and pain am I better off with out it?
I am now terrified to have the proceedure any hel[ is greatly appreciated thanks

[tom_h]

I sorry to hear about your false start,  Can you tell us what hapened?  I'm getting mine done  one day before yours.

[cindy707]

I am a little confused by your post....when you said you are unable to have the procedure without medications...what does that mean exactly?  Were you in the EP Lab and they began the ablation and then stopped and if so what was the issue with what medications?  Were you going to tough it out without anything and then you became to stressed?  Did your heart start acting up?  Did you just go to see the EP doc and they said they want you on general anest, to knock you out during the procedure...or are they talking about a twightlight medication?  I am sorry i am just sort of really confused by what happened here.  We usually stop taking the meds under the doctors order about three days before the procedure for good reasons.  I want to help but i need you to help me out a little here on this one.  Why would you now be terrified to have the ablation when it sounds like you weren;t before.  As far as after your ablation goes it you are just having a simple catheter ablation thru the groin area there really isn;'t any pain after the procedure ....the worst part is just a dull ache in the groin and usually we're told just to put ice on it for a couple of hours and it works.  The anest. won't have anything at all to do with your pain levels after any surgery except to make you a little loopy and tired until it wears off.  Maybe you could re post exactly what happened to you and what was said....

[Nellieevelyn]

I went in tuesday morning was prepped and into the operating room  but
I was shaking and afraid and the doctor said he was not going to give me any medication until the catheter was in my heart and he knew where the defect was located  and I got even more afraid because he kept saying you have to lie straight and not move at all or the catheder could move inside my heart and cause damage.  the anestheiologist and I talked and it was determined that I would do better under general anesthea so they took off the leads etc and sent me back to my room  and I have to say that I was relieved.  He was so adiment about not moving and not medicated until the location was found that I just said I
dont want to have it today and that was fine with all there
as far as the preparation I did stop medication four days before and had one episode last sunday and was told to take the short fast acting metoprolol which stopped the racing  I think I am still scared after my failure yesterday
I am booked for Nov 17 under general anesthia and will have time to talk over with the anesthiologist on Nov10. to go over everything before
It was my decision with the input from the anesthiologist yesterday
I do wonder what the difference is because he wouldn't even give me a valium to calm me down prior to the treatment because it would slow my heart down and now general anesthea doesnt that slow everything down also?

Also reading some of the post surgery problems on the blog makes me think  does anyone have a successful cure from this?

[littlegreenman1]

They did my ablation under general anesthesia.  I had somebody here question that, so I asked my doc.  He said there's +/- to general vs. twilight. The negative of twilight being: the patient can experience pain and flinch wihch moves the catheter or in your case too nervous.

They did me under general... I haven't had an SVT since.  I'm really settling into this new ticker.

Also, if your doc told you it was 90% chance of success, and only a small 1% chance of them nicking your lung or whatever complication (assuming you don't wiggle! ;-) ) then go into that surgery 90% PUMPED THAT THEY'RE GOING TO FIX YOU, 10% Cautious that it could possibly not work and <1% nervous that you're going to be hurt.

I'm not a nervous guy... so I was pretty cool about the whole thing.

[tom_h]

Ok on all that you posted.  WIth all the team assembled there, I wonder why they didn't give you general right then?

At any rate, I hope your second trip in is a success.  I am pretty anxious too.  I spoke with the scheduler today and asked him about whether I'd be under or not.  "General anesthesia" he said.  That's what I wanted to hear!

[Janpes]

I had my ablation with nothing, no meds at all.
I was shaking like mad on the table but when the procedure started and the numbing of the groin was over a calmness came over me. I just wanted the SVT to be gone and would do anything to get it over and done with.
It is not a pleasant experience at all but it is a tolerable one and one that can be done without medication.
I did ask the cardiologist as I was getting on the table if he could give me some sedatives, but he said he didn't want to as it is difficult to find the problem. I just went with the flow and did as they said.
I may end up going again as It was 50/50 for success, will see soon.

[edp1972]

I think that taking the general anesthia is the best way to go.  I have had 3 EPs and Ablations and had a bad experience with the 'twilight' option the first time around (woke up to being de-fibd during the procedure...hurts like nothing else).  The last 2 went smooth, woke up later that day and went home the next morning.  However, the Dr did say that it is not common for the patient to be aware of things at that point in the procedure.  

[jyant]

Why rush it? If your having bad feelings about the procedure put it off. It's not like the statistics show its a guarantee to fix your problem. Many people need additional treatments.

Personally I felt like my Dr. was in a rush to do it to me. Glad I didn't go that route.

[Nellieevelyn]

I have been being in treatment 5 months and the medications cause allergic reactions so I have to take benedryl about 4 x a day and am very itchey drive you nuts itchey so the MD suggested the proceedure
the general anesthia should work better for me as I was shaking too much for them to do it and my MD would not do twighlight so we decided on general anesthia.  I am to talk it over with an anesthiologist 7 days prior to the surgery  I will ask about additional treatments and why
since my MD said 95% success rate and I'll ask what does that mean an end to palptations and ER visits I hope
Thanks for the support it promises to be a long month waiting again.JYANT how are you manageing your symptoms?

[jyant]

Don't be afraid to get 2nd opinions, I think I heard that 2nd opinions change treatment 30% of the time.

I tried a couple different drugs before honing in on verapamil which doesn't get rid of the problem only makes them less intense/frequent. I am very sensitive to any drug but rarely if ever have I gotten itchey. Isn't that a sign of allergic reation to it? I would find a drug that doesn't do that.

My understanding of the 95% success rate is only after multiple attempts, that is NOT a once time only success rate that I have read in any study. I also read that you want a Doctor/Hospital that has done numerous procedures, this ablation does have risks albeit small.

Because mine are benign, unless of course I went to say 225 bpm and couldn't come back down. I just try not to focus on them, knowing they won't kill me. It's hard and teh fear of death is hard to shake. If they get bad, I go lay down and sleep, seems to help. Or I read that if you catch them early in an attack, Ice Cold water on face/neck, I use a rag in bowl of ice will generally stop or slow them to a manageable stat.

I dont think one can actually manage this (if severe)...thus we all head for ablation. I'm just of the opinion, why rush it.

[jyant]

One other thing that I've read, and there may be more current studies out there which I would love to read. Is that the ablation treatment is not an overnight success. It takes time for scar tissue to build up on the outside of the heart to ultimately stop the electrical paths they are trying to destroy. Up to 6 months in waiting for determination.

If futher evidence is available, again I would like to read it.

[jyant]

From my Electrophysiologym Cardio Dr. who being from Los Angeles area has done thousands of Albation procedures, told me he has patients that have waited upwards of 4 years to have the procedure before it drove them back to him.

Again, take a deep breathe and get as much info as you need to feel relaxed in your condition.

[Mom2four85]

how many are you having daily and are you sympotmatic with them? If you're not in the 15%-20% range of pvc's (15,000+ daily in the normal heart which beats approximately 100,000 daily) or not having symtpoms, I'd try meds and lifestyle changes first; that's just my personal opinion and I've lived with some green eyed monsters

Versed (twilight sedation) did well for me and I really didn't feel anything but could talk to them in the OR and knew what was going on - my ablation did not work for me and I was told 90% curative - but there were a few weeks that I was pvc free. I developed PAC's the day after surgery and then PVC's came back and increased again within a few months time.  I do have to have another ablation; which I've put off since December 2009, but I have alot of other problems that I'm going to be forced to do the surgery again

Even with complications for me, the worst part like Cindy said is the place in the groin, mine was more from them holding the area for so long which hurt like heck :P  it does take awhile for your heart to heal from the ablation; I think they say normally 4-6 months

it's a personal decision really, can you live with them and the symptoms? if not, then try the ablation and see if it cures yours; some of us get lucky on the first go round =)

[littlegreenman1]

My ablation was overnight success. My heart did skip beats for a while... little weird flutters... during recovery, as expected... but I've had ZERO POINT ZERO eipsodes of SVT since.  My last SVT can be witnessed here:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/42225659

[tom_h]

Interesting graph.  I see the spike at 201bpm, the low valley, then the return to what appears to be your running pace.  Did this convert on its own, you did you have some intervention? I ask this because never converts on its own.  It would go on unitl it gave out.  If I'm active and at high respiration levels, conversion may take 30 minutes or so until my respiration returns to resting levels, and adrenaline goes down.

[cindy707]

I had my ablation a little over 4 years ago now...i am and have been 100% SVT free since.  It does not take multiple ablations.  For the most part "burning" is an antiquated way to do the procedure and not the option of choice for most docs because of the issues that arise after the procedure because of the scar tissue build up after.  Cryo or freezing or RF waves or radio frequency waves are the way that most docs go now.  There is not scarring when it is done in either way.  Saying that is not an overnite success...you are semi right...we all had to wait for the healing process to be over because we were poked prodded penetrated and zapped so the full recovery with simple random quick runs takes a couple of months...i know with myself i had a total of 4 i think and they only lasted a couple of seconds...except for one of them and i had to be chemically converted on that one and that was my own fault because i thought i was good to go too soon but once i got converted it was done.  My heart raced into the 300's before the procedure was done w. atrial fib and SVT .  I was on Versed or the twighlight med during the procedure and i have to say if i had to do it over again i definately would have gone with a general anesthesia because i woke up 2X during my procedure and the first time tried to crawl off of the table with the cath in my heart (obviously not good).  The doc said it was the true fight or flight response.  If for any reason i ever have to go back and i pray i don't i am def. going w. a general.  The only time that scar tissue builds up on the heart is w. the cauterization or burning and not the way to go. Jyant so did you have an ablation because thats not clear to me...or are you waiting?  I think it depends of what each of our situations are My doc one of the best in the world in the San Francisco area had done over 1500 of them by the time he did mine and i think the bottom line is the bottom line...if you trust your doc go with it because to me to live w. atrial fib and SVT we are simply waiting for a time bomb to go boom...especially with atrial fib because it can get progressive on us.  I think as we all know SVT is nothing to mess around with because of the cause and effect.  If something popped up in the future i would not even hesitate for a New York minutes to go back in for another ablation...it was a no brainer, painless, simple and back to work after 4 days and back to the gym after 2 weeks.  I know that i was not an usual case as long as there is no underlying issues for most people its a done deal.  The earmark is we are supposed to be in the 70% or higher success rate range and if Nellie is in the 95%, had a great doc, trusts him/her and they have a high success rate i would run not walk to the EP lab next month.  I believe she is about to get her life handed back to her on a golden platter.  I was a one time ablater with lots of issues and trust me i drop on my knees almost every day and say thank you for giving me my life back.....Nellie don't be afraid....its normal for all of us to feel that way but pick and chose what you read and concentrate on those of us who have been there done that good bad or indifferent....i think your life is about to change for the better..there is no feeling like we get when we are suddenly free...just remember to pay it forward after you have it done to help others on the site like lots of us have done.....

[tom_h]

"...just remember to pay it forward after you have it done to help others on the site like lots of us have done....."

Exactly.  Good insight for us "about-to-be", cindy.

[jyant]

Cindy

It's great news that you are PVC free. I have had them for a little over a year and have been diagnosed with PSVT currently under 240 mg ER of verapamil (about 3 months now). No doubt I have had in excess of 10,000 per day on a regular basis. I have had my good days and bad days. My wife and I decided ablation was not for us atm and I am glad we made that choice. Today I am 13 days free of any PVC's that I know of and that is just a huge relief. I have started walking again to build to jogging which I have missed for a year. As quickly as the PVC's came on, they have now gone . We know the medical community has few answers as to the origin of these in healthy individuals. My Lord made a perfect body and I am of the opinion that there must be a cause and effect. I have taken my time and not rushed to ablation and look at me! Sure it was just horrible the last year at times, but I'm alive and feel great now.

I just don't like the pushy pushy to ablation, it's not 100% and can cause more troubles than you entered the hospital with. Would be a shame if you were like me and the course changed for the better for what ever reason.

Our buddy at livestrong.com
http://www.livestrong.com/cardiac-ablation-procedures/
Also click the link on page, dangers of Cardiac Ablation

Our buddies at the Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cardiac-ablation/MY00706/DSECTION=risks

Our budies at Emedicine
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1828541-treatment

Shortly I start the process to get holtered up and get off verapamil to see if by small chance it was the drug that stopped the PVC's or it was a miracle, the heart mending itself or some other complex reason that is unknown, just like what got me here.

Srry rolling a 9 out of 10 dice isn't for me. I'm self employed and still have 2 youngens at home. I delt with my bad days.

BTW do we know the long term effects of ablation now that its being done like a tooth extraction?

I came here for an answer to a question I had, not to shove down my opinions.

Patience is a Virtue

[littlegreenman1]

Oh - I've been out here telling people who are all flippant about "Oh go get ablated" no problem.  Well the risks are LOOOOW.  The expense is HIGH. And SVT wasn't invented 8 years ago, so people have dealt (lived) with it for years.

You're waaaaay more risk averse than me... and prlly most people.
I waaaaay more drug averse than you.

If the drugs work for you - cool. I chose not to have a chemical dependency problem for the rest of my life.

[jyant]

I read a few of your posts and while the financial cost for you has been high, I have great insurance and it has cost me little. I like you, just hate drugs. Aspirin is my best friend on occasion. My body is very sensitive to any drug so I hate the feelings most give me, they are foreign objects on my body.

Don't you find it somewhat interesting that alot of these PSVT's are coming from folks in exercise programs? Did it ever occur to you that due to your heavy training your heart might have enlarged slighty in the upper chambers or stretched, thus causing electrical pathways to disconnect? Maybe coupled with a bout of sickness or lack of nutrients? Tooth problems? All in the drive to be super competitive or lacking financial resources to go get checked, put it off. Maybe the stress over the whole colapse of our financial world helped too?

I think thats what happened to me..I think...and it has now taken a year for my heart to mend itself.

But hey, you see little green men, freeze em

[littlegreenman1]

I have a very good job in a huge Fortune 500 corporation that *every* American knows the name, logo and branding.  Our insurance has to be competitive in order to attract and retain the top workforce.

Over the years my costs have been low (factoring premiums).  Again - to anybody reading: what is your MAXIMUM OUT OF POCKET?  Be prepared to pay that if you're Ablated. I'd suggest getting ablated in January, so if you need another... then the second (and all subsequent med expenses) will be free.  For instance, I'm getting septoplasty next month. Free to me, but would have cost a few k... that's why I kept putting it off.  I'll be happy to have the left side of my head back!

Exercise induced SVT is because the heart is getting high revs in the first place and that exacerbates the underlying condition. I'd get SVT in non-exercise situations... just not frequently (once a month or so).  They were mild.  If that were the only frequency, I would not have been ablated or taken meds.  I'd just deal with it once a month.  However, not exercising was making me fat... because I like to eat.  My dad is hypertensive... my grandpa probably paid for his cardiologist's vacation home in Vail on his own.  But all that stuff is from: COUCH-POTATO-ITIS.  So, get ablated and sustain my exercise and 23 BMI or get fat and see the cardiologist on the other end of the hall????

[jyant]

Exercise induced SVT is because the heart is getting high revs in the first place and that exacerbates the "underlying condition".

This is a great point, the point I'm making is there is no "underlying condition" in healthy people having PSVT's. Dr.s rarely can put their finger on the exact cause. Such as you or me I presume.

Maybe you had the wrong surgery first? Maybe your deviated septum was the cause of your pvc's? Not getting enough oxigen under severe exercise then coupled with a sort of apnea on a night or two during the month causing a pvc's bout the next day under normal conditions...who nose's?

Hospitals are for profit as are most Dr.s nowadays. Lemme check that colon, yes we removed a polyp, we'll have it checked for you..wink wink cha ching. Any a-hole will have polyps. I smell this in the ablation industry for normally healthy individuals rushing in for a quick fix and not determining the "underlying condition".

"cyberchondria" doesn't help us, not calling you out, but we know they exist.

[tom_h]

I can tell you this.  I've had SVT since I was 6, years before I was a nationally ranked speed skater. I got it as a kid.  I got it while in supreme physical condition, and I still get .nit today at the age of 60.  In fact, I get it more now just watching television.

[tom_h]

...sorry, I was mobile on my Droid, and could finish this...

".....the point I'm making is there is no "underlying condition" in healthy people having PSVT's. Dr.s rarely can put their finger on the exact cause....."

I have to disagree with you on this point jyant.  I couldn't have been more healthy in my competitive days, and still am today for the most part.  I can't max out a stress test like I use to, but I still can do 14 minutes on the standard test.  Yet, there's an "underlying condition" that switches on whenever it feels like it that literally brings a halt to my life.  I been years on Metoprolol and it continues to break through.  My plan was to try a different drug, the doctors know what it is, and now have a cure that is much safer and more assured than a pharmacological approach FOR MY TYPE of SVT.  jyant, if your curative path does not involve ablation, I hope it works for you.  There's without a doubt, more people taking that route.

[jyant]

Tom

I think we already went over this, I too would have ablation if I was diagnosed with Wolff Parkinson White. You have had a "underlying condition" since you were 6.

I hope your not trying to tell me that just because I have psvt's we know my or others here "underlying condition". We don't, after a year several doctors are clueless as to why I am having mine, but still suggest ablation. That's the point here. Not treating the cause. Your cause is pretty clear, Wolff Parkinson White syndrome. Zap the bundle of kent.

My heart is 99% clean except for a very small enlargement, which is normal for my age of 55, smoker, obese.

I'm talking about people who after a very short episode of palps end up getting ablation without ever finding out what caused them. My doctors would have done mine (ablation) approx. 6 months after the onset of them. IMO that ridiculous. Here you need to buy these shocks, yours are worn out $$$$$$

[jyant]

Tom

Also an electrophysiology study is probably one of the best ways if not only way to really understand whats going on. Most never have this prior to ablation. Some like me have Stress Echocardiogram with contrast but fail to go into tachycardia. I did go into tachy so the Dr.s were very close to a electrophysiology study because they actually captured the attack. Most never do.

Seeing it on an ekg is cool but not the big picture there looking for. And yet most ekg's never capture a tachy. I'm sure you have had one in a Dr.s office where the nurse puts in on for about 5 seconds...ok your done...thank you very much insurance :) You need some shocks?

[Janpes]

I'm sorry but I have to chip my 2 Euros worth in ...lol

almost everyone who has an ablation does has to have an EP study done first.If they don't have an EP study then the doc is being reckless and risking your life.

After 1 year of me not knowing what was happening to me finally I caught my SVT on a ECG. Within 5 weeks I was on the table with the EP study and ablation. I met my Cardiologist for the first time 1½ hours before the procedure.
I am glad I was totally awake the whole time as he explained what he saw, what he wanted to do and I gave him the go ahead.
He told me it was a fault that I have had since birth and that at some point in my life something has triggered it. He also said some people never have an episode their whole lives, some people get it young and some people like me, get it after a major change, (losing 25kg in a short period of time seems to be the trigger for me)

The outcome of my ablation is still unknown, cardio said 50/50 as it was in a difficult spot, but he has done the groundwork and if needed he can go in and zap the loose ends to hopefully give me a cure. The meds for me didn't work always putting my BP and pulse way way down, so really this was the only way to go.
I also have 2 young kids and am self employed but for me this was a no brainer, cure or medication??? at some point the meds stop working, so sooner or later the ablation is gonna be your only choice. The years of taking meds will more than likely do more harm to the heart than an ablation.

Even though the outcome of my ablation is still wide open, I will gladly go back and forth for others until the problem is solved. Then when all else fails they can stick me with a pacemaker. At least I have a shot at a normal life without living in fear of an attack happening while giving a seminar to top bankers about globalisation (although sometimes lol....an attack at the right time could be worth it)

Anyway that is my 2 Euros worth, don't mean to offend or get on anyones nerves.

[jyant]

Oh your talking about the EP study that is done when your on the table sedated for an ablation...

heh heh

I would bet you anything you could take a healthy individual and induce tachycardia during an EP study and then justify the ablation.

Remember everyone has irregular heart beats at some time in their life, lets find the cause. Most are not life threatening and require no ablation....

I'm going to take your car, drain the oil, rev the engine till it stops working then rebuild it for you. Here's your sign !

[Janpes]

Sorry mate but I wasn't sedated so I knew everything that was going on, plus I could stop the procedure at any time I wanted.

It is people like you that put other people off having the procedure done, and those people spend the rest their lives living in fear of SVT and drugged up on medication instead of taking the opportunity to cure themselves.
Yes SVT is not life threatening but it is a quality of life issue and I for one am not gonna spend my days living in fear!

Most people are cured of SVT through an ablation.

"Don't knock it until you've tried it"

[tom_h]

".......Yes SVT is not life threatening but it is a quality of life issue and I for one am not gonna spend my days living in fear!......."

How true that is.  Also, it seems that most folks on here are fairly young (60 is still pretty young, right?!!). There's concern of how a 75 or 85 year old heart will withstand a screamng pulse rate of 225bpm.  I've taken impeccable care of myself, and hope to see those years.  It make sense for me to have it done now as the risk factor increases with age.

[Janpes]

I hope 60 is still young as my husband is 61 years young, I myself am at spring chicken at 36 years.

I don't want to live in fear and neither should anyone, be them young or old, when there is a possibility of a cure.
I would rather take the risk instead of thinking "what if"
If worse comes to worse and a pacemaker is needed then so be it, one way or another I will get my life back!!!!

[Mom2four85]

I'm sorry I really don't think this is the place for a "heated" discussion and it disheartens me to see this happen in someone else's thread where they asked a legitmate question pertaining to their ablation experience, which has veered off the subject.

please respect others for their views & experiences even if you don't agree with it

can we please go back to the original question? thank you kindly =)

[Janpes]

I'm sorry Lisa, but I don't think it is right to delete/report peoples posts. It was a general discussion about ablation or not.
Two people expressing two different opinions about ablation and if you didn't notice the last comments from me were ones made in fun.

I don't think it is right if people report you for expressing an opinion especially when the person starting the thread was clearly commenting on ablation.

I'm sorry if I offended anyone but freedom of speech an all...

[Mom2four85]

I read your PM, sorry I didn't delete any posts :P I don't have the power to do that hehehe

I was just asking nicely to get back to the original poster's comments and to respect other's views - this was not meant to any one particular person; we all have our own views, opinions and personal experiences and definitely going to disagree on things

nothing I said was directed at one person - sorry if anyone took it that way, it just seemed the topic was getting way off base and "heated"

if I want to use the freedom of speech thing an' all - I'd say hey jyant you're WAY off base dude, get back in line - but I tried to be nice about it - figured it would really get heated then lol [add laughter here]

[jyant]

If you look at the topic its "cardiac ablation" and then a person terrified asking for "any" help. I take offense to your opinions much more than I ever would janpes.

I'm not off base, this is heart surgery and one should feel comfort before entering the octagon. It could just be a battle for their lives, whether you want to admit it or not.

In no way am I against cardiac ablation, I am however VERY against a rush to judgement.

Your attempt at censorship is off base.

[Mom2four85]

Can you please PM me instead of taking over someone else's thread?

All I did was ask for the thread to stay on topic and not get "heated" - offense noted; we'll agree to disagree I assume :P  I'm not going anywhere anytime soon.

[Nellieevelyn]

I thank you all for your experiences will help me
I am scheduled to have the proceedure under general because I was unable to stay completly still with no medications. very fearful in that room
I did choose to have an ablation for quality of life issues I work full time love my job and do not want to be afraid all the time and the medications I have tried at first did not stop the racing episodes and metropolol while it works have very difficulty side effects
the doctor suggested the proceedure as I do not have diabetes, never smoked or drank and in general good health  I have gained weight on these medications also which doesnt help/
I do plan to have the proceedure nov17th under general (which will be better for me) the tow doctors seem to know what type and why and they believe it will cure it 95%  I dont think going to the ER and having to have that shot that stops and starts your heart can be too good for the whole picture and lately even with medication I was having breakthrough episodes and had to take extra fast acting med.  I am afraid but I also want to have my life back  to work, pay my bills and enjoy times with my children and grandchildren Blessings to all of you trying to make these choices but you know my doctor told me ID be better if he removed something like a gall bladder Id be right there so I think it is the fears surrounding the heart the scares me.  My mother died young with heart disease and I dont want to I hope they can fix this seems like science fiction to me going inside your heart to burn it
maybe it will work?  Blessing to all of you with these coices as well and thanks for all the encouragement and information.

[Nellieevelyn]

How are you feeling now after the ablation without medications you are brave
I was so shakey (shaky) and scared and the doctor said no medications so between the anesthestist me and MD decided to have general anesthia Nov 17
I wonder haw they can do it under general but not with mild meds or twilight cant seem to figure that one out ?
anyway I hope you are continuing to do well  Nellie

[Janpes]

Hi Nellie,

I was so scared as I was walking to the EP lab with the cardiologist, trying to make small talk about the cold weather. I think he thought I was nuts. The procedure itself, Yes I was shaking on the table so much so that the nurse asked me if I was cold.
I am glad I did it without anything though as I hate waking up from a general, that groggy feeling stays with me for days.
Yes I also wonder how they can induce the palpitations while being under especially as they won't give sedatives during the awake procedure.
The procedure is not at all pleasant, but it is tolerable. Rather have an Ep study than swallow the gastroscope tube anyday. I had to do the tube twilight as I just couldn't do it!!

I am almost 4 weeks post ablation and it hasn't been easy but I hope to get back to work next week and start getting back to normal.
Still waiting for the cardio to call as having some blood pressure problems and low pulse. Cardio didn't want me on beta-blockers as they are low as it is.
I hope that your ablation goes well
Take care
Jan

[littlegreenman1]

Regarding, "did I get the wrong surgery first" or did my training beget my SVT... no and no.

I've been aware of the SVT for years. Prior to breaking my nose (hence need for septoplasty). Prior to a good running routine.  I'm not a hyper guy. I'm not paranoid. I don't get anxiety. There was no cause (by me) and effect here. Bend over/stand up too fast - tachy. Watch TV... tachy.

Could there be contributors?  Oh yeah: mad caffeine intake, non-drowsy cold meds, lack of sleep, alcohol use, EXERCISE... I spent plenty of time adding/eliminating all these factors from my life... bang spontaneous tachy.

So, what I do know: I had "spontaneous" SVT. It was becoming uncontrollable. So, options:

1) drugs
2) ablate
3) quit running and deal w/ mild SVT.
I chose #2. And have had ZERO SVT since. Ablation works. Subject-verb, simple sentence, fact.

Now... that being said are docs-facilities pushing people toward ablation? Youbetcha. It's relatively safe. At a gross billing in the 6 figure ball park, it's a good revenue source. That cath lab has to pay for itself and turn a profit. Docs like Porsches just as much as the next guy. Medicine is a business full of smart, confident, competitive folk with huge egos (not all, of course)... hence the shortage of family docs.

Is ablation cost effective vs. drug therapy vs. "deal with it"?  Depends. Is that considered? Depends. Should expensive options be taken off the table from an insurance actuarial perspective?? Ha! I'm taking the 5th. Probably why, the math, business, science and philosophy departments at most universities are in their own buildings!

[jyant]

I don't want to take up valuable storage on this blog so let me just say. All good.

I have a new pair of NB 1224's sitting in the corner here I hope to strap up soon.

[Nellieevelyn]

Way to go!  You will be using them soon take care Nellie

[LindaTX]

Lisa , it seems as though heated discussions and jyant travel arm- in- arm, from thread to thread ;)  I think he should change his name to jRANT....just sounds so much more appropriate, ha-ha-ha!

[jyant]

Go tAKE Your meds...your like a stalker now...tisk tisk

[LindaTX]

Yeah, jRANT....be afraid, be very afraid ;)

[Nellieevelyn]

I am scheduled for nov 17 at 8 am please say prayers for safety and healing and thanks to all for your good words Nellie

[Janpes]

Good Luck Nellieevelyn

Hope everything goes well for you! Fingers crossed xxxx

[tom_h]

Nellie! How did you do today?

[tom_h]

I just spoke via messaging with Nellieevelyn, and she had a successful burn on Wednesday!  Woowoo!!!  Way to go, Nellie!  She's been pretty sore and rsting for the past few days.  I'll let her tell you the details when she's feeling better, but like mine, it was an accessory pathway.  Congrats, Nellie!!

[Nellieevelyn]

Hi to all on the blog
I am into 6th day past the proceedure which did take 6.5 hours to locate the problem but MD said it was an extra neural pathway and tom called it Wolff ParkinsonWhite syndrome (thanks Tom) I looked it up and yep that's what it was or is? dont know if it will come back but for now I am free of palpatations and fears around racing again
The stay at Baystate Hospital went very well they were great to me (wondered with it being my second attempt) Nurses Doctors all very caring and responsive that first night when I was uncomfortable  had tostay a little extra time to stop the bleeding in left groin but went home late day Thursday just slept for two days grateful that is over now what I wonder? did set up follow up appointments for december.
Tom how was going back to work?  Are youextremely tired?

I took off until next Monday but then have afull week scheduled
still taking 25MG Metoprolol XL as blood pressure has been up
seems to be working fine and no itching this time very low dose
This forum has been so very helpful as no one I know has this problem and I was so afraid of anything to do with my heart
I am good thank God and the Doctors and grateful
Thanks again for everyones encouragement and prayers
Tom take care of yourself dont overdo rest relax enjoy Turkey Day
Did you start a healthy heart diet or anything I am considering it plus I would like to walk on my treadmill  dont know when to start?
Nellie

[tom_h]

It's great to hear your story, Nellie.  Hopefully, ours and other's stories will be helpful to those compemplating ablation.

I went back to work yesterday and feel fine.  I do have a gigantic purple area on my leg though that continues to spread southward.  If you look up "Hematoma" on Wikipedia, the picture they show there is similar to mine except mine on the inner thigh and wraps aroudn to the back of the leg.

I saw the cardiologist yesterday and he said the before and after EKG's look remarkably different.  I could even see the difference.

Glad to hear you're up and at 'em again Nellie, and I hope your recovery continues without problems.

[tom_h]

.. I forgot to comment.... I take pretty good care of myself already, Nellie.  I'd like to drive this old body until the wheels fall off, but like Janpes, I'd like to keep them on long enough to go sliding sideways into the pearly gates.  I do enjoy life!

[Janpes]

LOL ...don't forget the chocolate and chardonnay ;)

[Janpes]

So glad to hear that you are doing fine Nellie. I am now 7 weeks post ablation I think. The first 4 were the worse and I couldn't take anything for it either as BP was too low.
Around the 4 week mark they started easing up and suddenly I was 7 days with nothing, then ended up on antibiotics for a Strep B infection and had some paps. Then they went away when the meds stopped. Started another lots of antibiotics today as the last lot didn't clear it up...still no paps though as of yet. Sometimes I feel a short run of SVT, not as strong as before but still it is worrying me that it may have grown back. I will discuss this with my cardiologist at the weekend when he calls.
I am now very active, aqua jogging 3 times a week and walks with hubby in between. Was minus 5 today and 2 walks in the evening with hubby and dog. Have to say though do get out of breath easily when doing hills though, has anyone else had that?

[joshuamom]

I get out of breath easily too on my walks.  I am now 5 weeks post ablation, and had a scare just yesterday morning, very short and quick run of something!  I honestly think it may have been my very first, actual panic attack!!  I am not usually terrified with my SVT, and with this I was.  It was so quick too, just minutes, where as my SVT used to go on for hours!  All those years they were telling me I was having panic attacks, and I think I actually had one! lol.  
I feel very out of shape, so maybe if I keep the walks up, my shortness of breath will go away!  
Take care everyone, it is good to see everyone doing so well!!!

Michelle

[LindaTX]

I'm 8 weeks out from my PVI ablation and am having constant a-fib episodes.  I'm fine when I'm in NSR, just tired from being in the a-fib which comes with chest tightness and breathlessness.  I can only hope this goes away soon.  I don't know how much more I can take it.  They said up to 3 months can be normal but this is getting hard to tolerate.

[Nellieevelyn]

Hi all
had my first outing today driving climbing stairs and of course the hairdressers for a cut and uplifting
some pain after sharp had been told it would happen from the heart being inflamed from the inside out  took two motrin to reduce inflamation (inflammation) and it stopped
My doctor did tell me it is a one to three month healing processes
I do have to take 25 mg long acting metoprolol daily to keep blood pressure down
so have not had any episodes of racing do get winded with any exercersion but I am in wretched shape esp since all of this started havent done any exercise will see my cardiologist dec 3rd and will talk to him about that and dieting (oh no not again)
actually I am feeling much better will be cooking turkey tomorrow and back to work Monday hopefully we all keep on recovering speedily.  Nellie

[tom_h]

That's great to hear!  I drove to New Jersey this morning with my wife to spend the long weekend with our kid's families.  Feeling great except for an occasional PVC or a very short run of tach. My heart literally aches at times.  I'm trying Advil for the pain.

[Nellieevelyn]

Hope your thanksgiving trip was fun for you
we cooked and stayed at home but had a very good day felt much better
when I get to busy moving about I notice I get winded and my heart hurts  I guess it is still inflamed by the burn that is what my doctor told me would happen
if I take two motrin and rest for awhile it stops
I really dont feel like doing a lor anyway
so take it easy we have one to three months for healing
taking the low dose of metoprolol is keeping me steady I think
well have a restful weekend Nellie