PVC's and unnecessary tests?

[MegD]

I am a 48 year old healthy female and I

[Momto3]

Even though I have had 2 successful ablations, I agree with Gaspipe. I have had pvcs for 25 years, and prior to my first ablation I was having 22,000 pvcs/24 hours (including over 4000 couplets, some triplets, etc). Despite those high numbers, the doctor still preferred to treat the pvcs with medicine. It wasn't until my ejection fraction dropped that she gave seriousl consideration to ablation(s). Like Gaspipe said, BE SURE the doctor is experienced and pretty sure he/she can get to the irritable foci.

As for me, I'm nearly pvc-free.  However, I know that if my EF had not dropped I'd still be having very frequent pvcs and would still be "living with them."  Be sure you have carefully considered your options.  Many times they will just disappear for awhile on their own.  Good luck!

[Gaspipe]

Where did you get your abalations done and by whom? If you wish to keep it private no problem. Thanx

[Momto3]

My ablations were done in Cleveland. Because I am (was) multifocal, the EP told me ahead of time they were going to ablate very conservatively and I might need more than one procedure. The first ablation was for RVOT, and I had a marked decrease in pvcs (down to 6000/24 hours). During the second ablation, the doctor "tested" the area she ablated the first time around and was not able to activate an arrythmia. YEAH! During the second ablation, there identified four areas of "activity" and they ablated the most predominant foci (LVOT).

Although I have had 2 successful pvc ablations, I think it is really important for others to know that had my ejection fraction not dropped (40%), I'd still be walking around with thousands/day. I'm told that what happened in my case is extremely rare.  I think people should know that pvc ablations can be very successful, but they are NOT the treatment of choice in the general population of pvc'ers. I was fortunate in that I did not develop new arrythmias.

[Gaspipe]

Thanx for the info!A recent echo this past Dec showed my EF to be 60%.thanx again for your informative posts.

[RALLY]

I WAS JUST CURIOUS WHY YOU HAD 3 ABLATIONS,AND WHAT SPECIFICALLY FOR? DOES ANYONE KNOW OF ANY OTHER CARDIAC MESSAGE BOARDS OR PLACES TO TALK TO OTHERS THAT HAVE HAD PVC ABLATIONS?THANKS FOR ALL THE SUPPORT.I'LL KEEP YOU POSTED.

[Clenn Camp]

I also would like to know if there are other message boards with references to pvc ablations.  I have suffered with pvc's for almost forty years and they have become so debilitating I am dependent on someone all the time to take me places or run errands for me.
On March 9th of this year I had ablations for afib and have had none since then but the pvc's are still eating my lunch.  The dastardly things have run me nearly crazy and cause too much anxiety and panic it's ridiculous.
My dr. and me are hoping the pvc's will subside as my heart heals from the ablation scars.  Maybe I am not having enough patients.  I can't enjoy being free of afib for having so many forceful pvc's.

Glenn