question weather to have an ablation or not.

I am a 50 yo female. SVT off and on. Echo normal 4 years ago, holter worn multiple time. Is it worth having an ablation to cure this? I am on atenenol and hate it. Makes me very tired all the time.  This has really affected my life though. I am afraid to swim in the lake or to be too far from home in case it happens. My Dr. tells me it is not life threatning just annoying. He also told me if I came out with a pacemaker. So what? A little cavlier for me. I am very athletic, have to boys, we are very active.
Also, one Dr. told me when I reach menopause it may stop. Another told me it would probably get worse. Which is the correct answer? Are the risks really as low as they say?

[Jerry_NJ]

I believe health risks (including death) due to ablation are very low.  However, they are not zero as suggested by my EP who says given my minimal discomfort from AFib he doesn't recommend I take the risk of an ablation.  I also understand that ablation isn't the method of choice for AFib bit is for ventricle problems, mabye SVT.

[mabebesc]

Hi,  
I had an ablation done for SVT in Aug and have been SVT free since.  I'd be happy to answer any questions  you may have regarding an ablation.  I totally understand your concerns because I had them too but I am so glad I decided to have the ablation done. It really was the best thing I could have done for myself.
Betty

[sue49]

Betty,
  Thanks for your input. It's good to hear something positive. Where did you have yours done? The Dr. I spoke with in my community hospital does them. But, he has only done 20. Not enough for me. I would prefere not to have it done in a community hospital anyway.
Thanks,
Sue

[Brooke_38]

Hello...

20 would not be enough for me either. I have had 3 of my procedures done at the Brigham&Woman's Hospital. Given your location, would you be willing to go into Boston? There is BWH Dr's W.Stevenson &Lawrence Epstein are the EP's there, at the Beth Isreal Dr Mark Josephson has a very good rep, MGH Dr. Mansour is pretty good. There are others, but those are the one's I know about.

Good luck in your pursuit:)

[mabebesc]

Hi Sue,
I had my ablation done at Boston Medical Center in Boston by DR. Kevin Monahan who was very good. I would not have a DR do the ablation who has only done 20. Let me know if you have any more questions -Good luck.
Betty

[Sweetwaterguy]

   I feel like Johnny Appleseed in the way I promote ablation.  I had ablation for a fib because, like you, the medications slowed my heart rate down to the point I felt tired nearly all the time.  
   I am a male, age 65, and live a physically active lifestyle.  Even though I could continue with all my outdoor activities. I still felt unenergetic.  
  Ablation gives the opportunity to cure the problem.  And I would also strongly suggest if you have the procedure done, do it at a center where they have a lot of experience.
  Now I am a fib and medication free--and life is good!