post-ablation issues... or panic disorder?

Hi.  I had an ablation done on 2/27, and I'm still having issues.  Frankly, I don't know whether I'm experiencing panic attacks or continued SVTs.  Today, for example, my rate has been at 160+ for two hours.  Nothing like the 200+ I had prior to the ablation, but it's unnerving and - at times - debilitating, because it also get light-headed.  I went to the ER about a week ago, because I felt on the verge of passing out for several hours.... couldn't shake it.  I took a Xanax to see if it were merely a panic attack.  I've never had an history of panic attacks, but the symptoms are similar.... pain in my chest, shortness of breath, palpitations, rapid heart rate, etc.  The Xanax did nothing.  At the ER, my tests were all fine.  The only thing interesting (to me - but not to them) was that my resting rate would fluctuate between 68 and 135 without any change in position, activity, stress, thoughts, etc.  My blood pressure ranged from 90/50 to 128/82.  Up and down.  Maybe that's normal.  I don't know.  Went for a follow up with the doc... now wearing a monitor, but - the thing is - those are a PITA.  I work full time, and I can't afford for the darned thing to go off when I am with a client... and it's so sensitive to touch that it does start at the most inopportune times.  Anyway, the doc also suggested that I start taking Xanax (.5 mg) 3 times per day.  Well, I started doing that last week, and I've had fewer attacks, but I'm feeling morbidly depressed.... like a chemical imbalance.  I have always had a lot of stress in my life, but - I have to admit - it's really peaking now.... and I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place.  The doc can't see anything wrong with my heart... other than the rapid rate.  But I can't help but feel that 150+ at least every other day isn't normal.  But is it SVT or is it panic disorder?  If I take Xanax, it helps a bit with the attacks but I can't stand feeling this overwhelming sense of hopelessness.  And the Xanax doesn't completely control it, so maybe it isn't panic disorder.  The doc said I could double the dosage to two pills three times per day, but I'm scared to death of the effect that will have on me mentally.  I've had depression in my life, but nothing like this.... and if it gets worse - if the Xanax is causing this - I can't handle it.  I'm getting so frustrated, worried and depressed because I have to be healthy and productive - especially at this time of my life.... and here I am feeling as if nothing is working.  I can't live like this.  I've always been healthy, energetic and productive... and very good at dealing with stress.  Hell, I don't know what's wrong with me; I need to fix it, though.  I feel as if I'm at a breaking point and don't know where to turn.

[upbeat633]

I can relate to your feelings, although I am not going through exactly what you are.

I have experienced free floating panic attacks and think it was due to high frequency pvcs. If I could just get rid of the pvcs, I wouldn't be anxious. But it's a catch 22. The anxiety makes the pvcs worse, and increased pvcs makes me more anxious!.

When I had panic attacks though, I felt quite hopeless, like there was impending doom. I also often felt sick, like I was getting the flu, not myself at all. I found that xanax did help, but I had to take it at sufficient amounts to override the panic attack. I didn't like to take it, didn't want to get hooked on it, but I had a good doctor who assurred me it was for the short course. I took what I needed and relaxed about the amount, I think it was .50mg 3x/day, for about 30 days. I did ok. I also let up on myself about needing to carry the world on my shoulders. I got past the panic attacks, but I still have high anxiety from time to time and I still like to have xanax on hand to take if I feel really bad. But now it's as a last resort.

I have confidence you will get through this. Take it one day at a time, trust that everything will be ok.

[krue]

Man can I relate to you, I had an ablation 3/5 and it actually made things worse, a prettty hard pill to swallow, I don't have to work so that helps. Doesn't sound like panic attacks to me and they can tell SVT on the EKG, might of messed something up during ablation, that's what happened to me I'm sure, my PVC's are even more sensitive than before! I would'nt take to much Xanax, it can cause you to lose short term memory at times, it happens to me. Ask the doctor on the expert forum and see what he thinks. I''ve been between the rock and the hard place for so long I'm really sick of it! But hang in there, I just live from hour to hour and cope somehow. You people that work and deal with this stuff everyday amaze me!

[artskip]

Are you taking a beta blocker? When my heart rate gets going they help me. Try different BB's, they all affected me differently, I tried most of them. I can only tolerate a low dosage of Inderal.That way I can take more if I need to,(or less if I don't need it) BB's and xanax can get you down at first but you have to keep taking them. I had to take xanax for awhile cause the PVC's kept me up at night.
Last time I saw my EP I told him I would not be able to tolerate it if an ablation made my problem worse. He also said and ablation doesn't mean I wouldn't have to take meds.He said there are risks. Sometimes you have to take a chance, give it time. I decided I wasn't ready yet.  I understand your position.

[sueinns]

Hmmm.  I'm thinking about what you had to say.  When I had my ablation two months ago (for SVT as well), I was told to expect my heart to race on occasion but it would not be anything like before the procedure.  It sounds like either they may not have ablated the correct area or may not have ablated it completely.  If you had PVC's prior to the ablation and these were not ablated as well, you will still get them.  Mine got a little worse post-ablation but have settled down a little since.  However, I have not had any symptoms of SVT since.

Any chance you could get back to see your cardiologist or, better yet, the EP who did your procedure?  It doesn't seem right for you to feel as you do at this point.

[babyturtle]

I am seeing the EP next month.  PVCs happen occasionally, but I can live with that and knew they would not improve.  Artskip asked about BBs, and - no - I'm not taking any.  They didn't agree with me at all.... hence my having the ablation.  Either they made my blood pressure crash - even on a very low dosage - or they made me feel completely fatigued 24/7.  Neither was an option for me.  The concern about the Xanax is that I was taking them prior to my ablation anywhere from once to twice per day... but only .25mg per dose.  I'm not on .5mg three times a day.... which is still a low dosage, but - in total - I've been on this stuff for two months now.  It's very strange how my attacks normally happen in the morning, and there is an overwhelming fear and loss of control that takes place when I feel it coming on.  But I've never felt more depressed than I do now that I'm on the present dose of Xanax.  Perhaps it's just stress.  I just don't know.  But the stresses are going to get far worse before they get better, so I'm trying to get myself sorted out before they escalate even more.  That's why I'm desperate to figure out what's going on and deal with it.  Today, I'm taking my Xanax down to a pill to .25mg twice daily... keep it there for a few days.... then stop.  

[maggiemag]

Gee, doesn't sound like panic attacks to me either.  Doesn't sound like SVT either as SVT starts and stops very suddenly.  What did the ER people diagnose the rhythm as?  They would be able to tell, so it must   have been a sinus tach.  I think it is the frequent post ablation stuff and that it will slowly go away.  Of course, you're thinking, what do I do in the meantime?  I would try to post on the expert heart rhythm forum.  Personally, I would not increase the Xanax as it is HIGHLY addictive and you don't want to add another problem.  From what I understand, it can be very difficult to come off.