42 VT's in 3 days

[Jillejam]

Is there anyone else out there that has VT problems?  I recently had a defibrillator put into my shoulder July 6th from VT and weak heart down to 15% extraction rate.  I am now up to 45% but I am still having VTs, I am going to have a TEE test on Monday.  Anyone out there have this done?  Is it bad?  Anyway, I am 37 years old female who is new to all these rhythm problems.  I would love to hear back from anyone with similar problems.

Thanks
Jill

[gurju]

Hi degrassi,how are u now? Could you please mail about your detail problems history ?
My brother is also suggested to implant ICD but we are in doubt so please selp posting your data .His lvef is 20% now.Hope see you soon.

[Jillejam]

Well, looks like I might finally have a diagnosis.  My doctor thinks that I might have ARVD (Arrythmitic Right Ventricle Dysplasia).  I am thrilled that I might finally have a clue to my current problems but this disorder is going to be with me for the rest of my days. :(  Oh well!  Reading about it I find that it might perhaps be genetic and I am concerned with the thought that my boys could possibly have it too.  I am trying to remain positive, don't need any more shocks.  LOL  Thanks to all for the posts, it is greatly appreciated.  It looks as though more testing is in my future, I go for a CT heart scan sometime this week and also need to be fitted for a CPAP, I have sleep apnea too.  For someone who hates hospitals and doctors I am sure becoming quite a regular.  Take care all!

Jill

[gurju]

Hi, Very sorry to know that your problem is similar with my brother problem. His ef is 20% and first Vt was seen before 6months ago when he is implanted the pacemaker VVi only.CRT implanted in Apr 07 ,after that VT strated frequently wtih few days duration.He is shocked but last time medicine reverted his VT140 to 60.
Anyway all the best and keep comments as I am eagerly waiting all concerned patients.

Gurju

[Jillejam]

Thanks a lot.  I checked it out and it is interesting, funny to see how many of us are out there.  I never in a million years expected any heart problems, except perhaps when I was well into 60 70s.  My family has a heart history but nothing like what I have, all blockages from cholesterol and such.  I don't have high anything....never took meds before July 3rd 2007.  Now I feel like a walking pharmacy, I hate pills.  Keeping my fingers crossed that TEE shows something, some reason for my problems.  
Take care!
Jill

[anacyde]

Jill, go see this blog:

http://twinsplus1.livejournal.com/

It's about a mom with cardiomyopathy, and ICD, and VT problems.

[degrassi]

my ef went from 20-55 but I have a bi v pacemaker...a medtronic sentryII.........it was most likely from a virus too.  I don't think they will do a biopsy, the nurse practioner is being over zealous.........I went to Johns Hopkins for a second opinion, and saw the head of the cardiomyopathy/transplant unit........he said a biopsy is a low risk, low yield test.........you, like me, probably dont even have the virus any more anyway.  It came, it did its damage, and it left.   I am sorry about all your v tach.  The tireness should go away.it takes time.  You are doing GREAT, so dont give up home.   sotolol..........dont know much about it.  I hope it is just temporary.  Good luck with your TEE..............keep me posted.  Seems like we have a lot in common.

[Momto3]

Hi Jill and welcome!

I've had a TEE and I must tell you that prior to the procedure I was pretty scared!  I was taken into a treatment room and was wired up to the monitor, given an IV and then prepped for the TEE.  I was able to stay in most of my street clothes, so I could bolt when I was done : )

They spray some yukky stuff in your throat to numb the area.  Then, they ask you to swallow a couple of ounces of this really thick and gross tasting stuff.  I think it is like a liquid novocaine; it is supposed to numb your throat more.  They told me that I would FEEL like I couldn't swallow, but that in reality I could.  They said to remember that if I started to feel like I wasn't swallowing.  That helped and I did fine.  Oh, if you have to gulp the stuff twice (cuz it's too gross), you don't really taste the second gulp (like when you get a second shot at the DDS).  I was asked to lay on my left side and I remember asking "When will you start?"  They chuckled and the next thing I knew I'm sitting up, awake and alert, EKG off and I'm ready to go...Not too shabby!  Once you get past the gross tasting stuff, you'll be relaxed from the meds and you should be quite comfortable.

Congrats on the improved EF!!  Good luck on Monday!  Keep us posted!
Connie

[Jillejam]

My shock was a small one but I definitely felt it and then it was over.  It was like a light bulb going off, very strange.  They think I caught a virus, testing me for all sorts of stuff.  Last weekend at the hospital my nurse practitioner asked me if the doctors suggested a biopsy.  I have to admit this did not please me at all.  So on Monday I go for the TEE and then go from there, if I need a biopsy to try and figure my problems out then so be it.  I have a Medtronic Virtuoso with two leads.  Do you know anything about Sotolol, this is the drug they just put me on in the hospital to help with the VTs.  I haven't been having many problems this week but I haven't been doing very much around the house.  My mom and dad are up and taking care of my two boys for me, I get very physically tired quickly and it seems to just kick me in the butt.  My ef had my doctor very happy with the exceptions of my ep study not going so well.  After my ep I just was going into VT like I said over and over for days then the shock.  Do they know why you go into VT?  Do you have a diagnosis?  How did all of your problems start?  Sorry so my questions, just trying to see if we are similar.  What is your ef at?  I hope you are well!  Thanks for your words, it is nice to have someone to talk to with similar issues.
Jill

[finetilthree]

JillieJam,
I am very sorry to hear about your problems at such a young age. Any idea what led up to you having such issues with your heart at 37?  I don't have any knowledge of these issues but I wish you the best of luck.  

[degrassi]

I have had my ICD about 3 years....I too could easily go into v fib, but they could not induce VT.........although I have VT several times a day, but no more than 14 in a row......then normal beats, then again........this can go on for 5 minutes then stop.  It is just short of a shock.  Tell me, was it really as bad as they say?   Oh , I have had VT for up to 5 minutes, but was paced out, and the ICD turned off........(temporarily)......as long as my rate is under 188 I can deal with it by being paced.  What kind of device do you have?  Congratulations on your improved ef. !!!!!!!!!!!  Good luck. Keep me posted, OK?   PS..the TEE is an echo, but they go down your throat.  You are in la la land for most of it.  I have never had one, but my 23 year old daughter has, and she is the biggest chicken on earth,, and she said is was OK, the hardest part was the anticpation.

[Jillejam]

Actually I did have a shock last week with the 42 VTs.  The doctors are having a difficult time figuring out my case.  I had an EP test last week and he was easily able to put me into VF.  How long have you had an ICD?  Thanks for your comments.
Jill

[degrassi]

i have an icd and vt also.............it is  called an ejection fraction..........I am happy to hear yours responded so well.........as long as you have the ICD, and no shocks, just ignore the VT.  With an ef of 45% it is pretty harmless anyway.