Ablation vs. Medication

[pg1949]

I've had SVT for several years, but ended up in the ER this week and had to be converted.  My doctor has offered the choice of medication or the ablation procedure.  I'm 58, active and don't want to take medicine the rest of my life.  I am going to the Cleveland Clinic for a consultation regarding catheter ablation.  My family is against this.  I've been having an SVT episode about once a month now for 2 years.  I'm always able to convert, until now.  I just want to be rid of it, but I don't want to do anything foolish either.  I'm just confused and would like to hear anyone who also had to make this choice and how it turned out for them.

[rosetoes]

First let me say thank you so much for sharing your experiences with me.  This disorder weighs heavy on my mind and it's so nice to talk to people who actually can relate to AVNRT.

When you would have an episode, how fast would your heart rate go and for how long before you could stop it?  Also, what manuver worked best for you?  If this should occur again, I'd like to try to stop it myself, if possible. Boy I just can't imagine experiencing an episode monthly.  I sincerely hope that the ablation works for you.

It is hard to say if the beta blocker is working.  Since I have only had two episodes in the last 21 months, I will have to wait and see.  I am going to visit an EP specialist and ask about the pill in the pocket.  I will keep posting to update and hopefully learn more about your progress as well as others.  Thanks again

[js33710]

My heart rate was between 160 and 200, maybe higher...but its hard to count when you're in that condition.  During the first episodes, it would stop on its own, just as suddenly as it started.  I read about the valsalva maneuver, and found that by laying on the floor, holding my breath and bearing down, the heart rhythm would convert.  I often had to try it more than once.  The quicker I caught it, the easier it was to stop. I once had an episode that lasted for two days, it converted spontaneously.  My GP said it was nerves (and my husband was in NICU at the time so I believed him).

When I realized this wasn't life threatening, I learned to live with it.  That said, there's something about turning fifty that makes this kind of thing a little more frightening.  You mentioned that you enjoy travelling.  I have never let this keep me from travelling, and never had an episode during a flight.  I admit to a overdoing the cafe con leche in Madrid last year and paying for it...but, it was worth it!  Wait and see, and try not to worry too much.

Thanks for your concern.  I'm pretty optimistic that the ablation will work and all will be well.   I'll check back and see how you're doing!

[myjeepbeepbeep]

HI PG,
I just had an ablation done two days ago and it wasnt that bad...feel free to email me if you want to chat about it!  ***@****

[rosetoes]

Hi,
Glad to hear that you are doing well.  What made you have the ablation?  Please tell me about your condition and how long you lived with it before having the ablation.  I recently had a second episode with AVNRT after 20 months of freedom and now it has hit me hard.  I'm on beta blockers now, but am giving some thought to ablation.  Like many, I worry about the procedure and results.  Please share...Thank you.
Rose

[rosetoes]

I surely understand how one can't count their bpm when experiencing an episode, we can only count so fast....You sharing your experience really helps. I am 51 and very healthy outside of AVNRT.  I will take my beta blocker now and continue to explore my options.  If and when I have another episode, i will try to convert myself.  It hard to keep your head when you have a heart rate of 225, but I did better this last time  then the first time  I experienced an episode.  Thanks you and best wishes!

[pg1949]

I have my appt. for the Cleveland Clinic this Thursday.  You asked who my appt. was with and they say it's with Dr. Dressing.  I tried looking him up on the CC list of docs and they say there's no such Dr.  This makes me nervous.  He's too new to list??  That's a scary thought for me.  At any rate, I plan on listening to all the information provided and making an informed decision.  Thanks to you and all who have listened.  PG1949