When to have ablation?

[marcb]

I have had three SVT episodes over the past couple of years that required conversion at the ER. From the first to the second, it was 13 months, from the second to the third it was 3 months. So far I've gone four months without another episode.

Since then I've really been watching what I eat and exercising regulary. Also cut out the coffee which appears to have been the trigger.

My doctor wants me to consider the ablation, as he feels that more than one episode to too much as it can happen at the most inopertune time.

Question, when did you guys say enough is enough and go for the ablation?

Thank you,....marc

[pablonl]

Last 14 days had 10 episodes of svt, lasting from min of 30 seconds (quit by themselves) upto 40 mins...heaetbeat between 220 and 237.

been put on thermogyn (maybe spelt that wrong) and then after on corderone (my arm is still aching after being taken off ivf 1 week ago)

In and out of hospital (discharged) 3 times.

Thursday 12th had the "Ablation" op, am constantly tired.

Male, healthy lifestyle and sports, 40 years old.

[Momto3]

My ablation was for nsvt.  After 20+ years of pvcs, they finally took their toll and led to a cardiomyopathy.  I had the choice to stay on anti-arrythmics for the rest of my life (getting pretty close to 50, female...lol) or try an ablation.  I tried the medication for 7 months and ultimately decided on ablaitons.  It took 2 procedures (2003), but the cardiomyopathy resolved and the frequency of pvcs is significantly reduced.  

[ireneo]

That's a tough decision. I've had arrhythmias for as long as I can remember (I'm 54, female). In 2000 my doc decided I could be fixed. My cardio said my arrhy's wouldn't kill me but they could do the ablation to fix it. It didn't make sense to me to go poking around in my heart to fix something that was uncomfortable but benign. I struggled with the decision. My cardio got a bit impatient with me and said, "If it was me I'd do it. I wouldn't live like that!" I would have tachy a few times a week at 180-190 bpm, lasting maybe 30-40 minutes tops. Not bad. But when the doc said he'd do it, I went for it. Problem is that ablations are not 100%. I've had 3 now. I'm improved ( not as often, not as long). But today I was walking on the treadmill and my heart popped up to 191. Had to do valsalva twice to turn it off. Oops. But considering that you've had to go in for conversion, that sounds pretty miserable. What type of arrhythmia do you have? That also makes a difference in the success rate.                                                                                                                        

[CollegeGirl143]

What type of svt do you have?? depending on the type, ablation may be a very good option for you.. Certain svt's have a success rate of 98%, with risk of complications at less than 1%.. If this is something thats interfering with your day to day life ( through daily episodes, or episode anticipation) ablation might be a good option for you..

I didnt decide ablation for myself, my doctors decided for me, LOL.. i could have refused, but i was having multiple very easily triggered episodes a day (usually around 3 or 4 a day, with a heart rate of over 200 lasting anywhere between 10 minutes to hours).. i was losing weight and was scared to eat because eating triggered the episodes, so my doctors stepped in and told me enough was enough... If you arent already, you should be seeing an EP about the ablation, and go from there.

[Sweetwaterguy]

    I had ablation for a-fib in December.  Because I was reasonably well controlled with medication,  I was not advised that ablation was necessary.  It was my decision, and after consulting four cardiologists (two of them friends) I opted for ablation.  I simply did not want another espisode at some inopportune moment and certainly did not want to spend any more time in the emergency room or ICU when my heart would not convert on its own.  
    My ablation appears at this point to have been successful.  I am enjoying good workouts in the gym and looking forward to hiking and fishing in my Wyoming mountains this summer.  At this point, I believe it was the right decision for me.  (I am a male, age 63)