Liz/ checkmatedrive

[checkmatedrive]

My son is 22 and no longer living at home, thus no insurance.  He had 3 cardiac ablations, the last performed by Dr. Jackman (8 years ago),  His heart beat is now pretty slow, gets down in the 40's and he struggles to breath.  He also has spontaneous pneumothorax and his lungs rupture on occassion so I guess he is a mess.  My question is, "can ablations cause your heart to beat wrong and if so could treatment be covered retroactive?"  Maybe there is a post-ablation study group he could join and get care for this for free?  It just feels pretty serious to a mom.  Thanks  LIz

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

Liz,
I am unaware of way to reactively cover someone.  Some ablations can affect heart rate, it depends on the type of ablation that was performed and the reason for the ablation.  I am also unaware of a post ablation study group that enrolls years after the ablation.  That is usually done on study enrollment pre ablation, not 8 years post.

If he is not feeling well and has the history you described above, it is probably best that he sees a doctor.  The insurance issues are tough and it may be difficult/expensive to ensure him because of his history.

I hope this helps.

[checkmatedrive]

Thanks.  We will try to make an appointment with his pediatric cardiologist that saw him here in Anchorage.  Perhaps he could charge less to do an ecg and just check on him everyonce in a while.  Thank you again.  Dr. Jackman said we might have trouble because it was such a strong center and they ended up doing the procedure 3 times.  But I thought that meant his fast PSVTs would be back.  This slow thready stuff that doesn't have any rhythm at all is scary (to me anyway).  Liz