Anybody else with V tach?

[julesluvsdrew]

Hey there,I am a 28 year old female with ventricular tachycardia.I had an ablation for it 3 years ago.Unfortunatly it seems the areas (there were 8)have came back.This was always a possibility they told me could happen.Although I still wasnt ready when it did:) Its been almost 3 months of episodes daily and its started to make me unravel!!!!I went to the e.r almost 3 weeks ago..I had a bad episode of V tach.I didnt pass out but it took longer then "normal"to go back in to regular rhythm.The doc put me on atenolol 50 in the morning and 50 at night.I previously was on 25 mill.I have high blood pressure so that is why I was initally put on it.I do not have insurence right now(i will in a month).So im at a very scary place..not having medical right when my V Tach comes back!:(I should tell you though,I have a had a lot of tests done..and my doctor had said my heart is healthy and my V tach is idiopathic..no known cause.I have never passed out.The atenolol isnt doing much for my problems though,yes my heart is beating somewhat slower but im still having episodes.I know I should be on some sort of rhythm drug but since I dont have insurence and wont for a month,it seems only a cardio can give me that?So now is the waiting game..I just hope i can make it untill then!

[Momto3]

Hahahahaha!!  Yep, the kids are all grown up, it's a great ride and I'm still enjoying it!

My Dad had a pacemaker for about 7 years, but about 2 years ago, they replaced it with an ICD/pacemaker (3 leads).  He doesn't even really notice it.  What's really cool is that he has the machine at home that transmits reports to the doctor's office.  He only has to visit the doctor once a year to have the ICD checked.

Yeah!  One more day down with no VT!!  HOORAY!!  Getting closer : )

[julesluvsdrew]

Hello,has your dads ICD ever shocked him?Thats good your children are in their 20s!That means you are done raising them lol (yea right huh)Yea I was thinking about making my doctors appointment tomorrow,so it will allready be a done deal:)Oh and so far no V tach today!!!!!!!!

[Momto3]

My dad has an ICD and he does not take any rhythm medications. Of course, his ICD was primarily implanted because of a low EF.  All indications point toward improvement since the implant!!  HOORAY!!  

My kids are all in their 20's.....YIKES!!

Thanks for the kind remarks : )

One day closer to the appointment.....YEAH!

[julesluvsdrew]

WOO HOO!Yea im addicted :0 San Diego area,so gorgeous..im in the valley though:( An hour away from Sacramento.So you have 3 children?What are thier ages?

[julesluvsdrew]

Thanks for the advice!Yes Momto3 is awesome!!!!!!!!You all are great!I admit it im terrified of the whole device!!!!But when you think about it the other alternative is a whole lot worse:)My main concern is it malfunctioning.What is yours set at?Does it give you a low shock or high?Or are you paced?I know everyones is set at something diff..I would just wonder what mine would be considering I have never passed out and my eppisodes are less then a min..I would hate for me to have to get shocked when I could cough(what I normally do to get it back in rhythm)..Heres another question thats been weighing heavily on my mind...do these shocks damage your heart at all?Also you mentioned about drugs being a less better option,but I thought the majority of people with ICDS are on rhythm meds too!!!!!!!Sorry I have a lot of concerns:)

[Momto3]

julesluvdrew,

Good news:  If you don't notice that the cola bothers you, it probably isn't a problem : )  If you start to notice flareups after drinking the cola, you'll have to put on the brakes until you talk with the doctor.

Sorry you can't see the same doctor.....It's so difficult trying to follow all the insurance rules...UGH!!

Glad to hear your supervisors are understanding....whew!  One month to go....baby steps in the meantime.

We moved to NC from Ohio about 3 years ago.....I haven't had to shovel any snow for 3 years!!  I'm even learning a little bit of the southernisms....I was to California many years ago (SanDiego area)....loved it!!!  Balboa Park, Knots Berry Farm, 2nd Street, Coronado....Hmmmm....maybe it's time for a trip west...LOL

[julesluvsdrew]

Thank you for your support!Unfortuantly I cant see the same one (i wish) Since that doc was through blue cross.I have Kaiser insurance,so I will have to see a Kaiser cardio.Im in housekeeping so some days its hard to keep going when I have a episode.I have missed a lot of work because of this,so that in itself is stressfull.Luckily I have understanding supervisors who know my situation!My only hurdle is getting past my coca cola addiction!I dont drink or smoke so I convince myself my cokes are ok...honestly though,I have experimented to see if not drinking it would do..and I swear there wasnt a difference for me:)I see where you live!I have relatives that live there!We dont really talk but its my moms step brother.Its gorgeous there.Around 15 years ago she went to visit and the pictures were breathtaking!

[Momto3]

Thanks for such nice comments!!  I needed that today....it's been one of those days.  So thank you, thank you, thank you.  

LOL....I asked about changing my screen name to something else (since my kids are all grown up) but I'd have to start all over.  So, Momto3 it is : )

Julesluvsdrew, don't forget....we're just a click away.  Keep us posted!

[acjviolin]

Bless you!  Thank you for the clarification- I wish it were not so!  Isn't Momto3 the best?  We are all so fortunate to have her leadership and comfort!  Hey, Connie:  maybe you should change your username to "MomtoALL"!!!  Anyway, Momto3 is right:  we'll keep you company in the meanwhile.  God must have mighty plans for you!... Rest well and know that you are not alone!

[BionicBabe]

I know you must be stressed out. A month isn't too far off; I hope once you're insurance kicks in you'll be able to get treatment ASAP. You may not want to hear this, but an ICD may be your doctor's recommendation. The anti-arrythmia drugs can have bad side effects and my understanding is that now days ICDs are considered to be more effective and beneficial. I'm just telling you this to prepare you in case that is what your doctor tells you. I have an ICD. I got mine in March. I was terrified, depressed, anxious, thought for sure it meant I was on death's door. It takes time to adjust (mosty psychologically). But, I have to tell you that it's really not that bad. If you want to talk about it more, I'm happy to talk to you. You might also check out http://www.****.org/.  

[Momto3]

Yes, yes, yes...thank the Lord!  LOL.  In the meantime, no heavy lifting (not sure it actually matters, but nonetheless...take it easy), try to stay relaxed, get plenty of rest and eat well.  If there is any way to ward off an episode, you might as well give it a shot.  If it doesn't work, you'll know you have at least tried your best.  

I'm thinking by making the appointment, you'll be READY!!  Can you see the same doctor that did your ablation?  That would be great since they have your records?  

Will your insurance cover you despite a pre-existing condition?  Usually if you transfer groups there is coverage.  

Remember, easy does it....We'll do our best to keep you company while you wait.

[julesluvsdrew]

Sorry about that,yes I have been diagnosed with V Tac, not SVT..I wish it was SVT.Not to make light of that for people who do have SVT..its just that having VT,sometimes you feel you have one foot in the grave!Its just a scary thing to have to endure,especially daily or every other day!I think once I get insurence I will feel a lot better:)They can maybe put me on something for the rhythm!Im just worried I may need an IUD.I know that can save my life,its just an life altering thing.

[julesluvsdrew]

Yes I have sustained VT.Though luckily havent passed out (thank the lord).Since I dont have insurance I am without even a regular doctor!So its a tough situation right now.One month to go and I should have it.I havent made a appointment yet since i dont have it but that is a good idea.There really isnt a reason I shouldnt be able to..Now finding a good cardio will be a challenge!!!!!!!

[acjviolin]

Hi!  I'm sorry that you're feeling so badly.  This forum, however, is the great "medicine"!  Would you mind clarifying that you have been diagnosed with Ventricular Tachacardia and NOT SupraVentricular Tachacardia (SVT)?  I'm still new to all of this stuff and didn't realize that even in a structurally normal heart such as yours, that VT is not a "death sentence".  Thanks!  Amy

[Momto3]

Hello and welcome to the community!

Do you have episodes of sustained VT?  If so, I can certainly understand why you're concerned.  I'm glad you have not passed out and that the atenolol is somewhat helpful.  Have you scheduled an appointment (for when you have insurance)?  Maybe you could call your physician's office and explain your situation..maybe they can take a quick listen and suggest a different medication and/or dosage while you wait.  

[julesluvsdrew]

Thank you :)

[nicolette36]

im sorry you are having such a rough time of it hun but you have deffo come to the right place,everyone here is very supportive.