ablation to fast for me!

[kbug1013]

I went with my husband to the docotor today for his 1st time visit visit with a cardi/Ep doctor. While in the room we both metioned about my SVT, He ran with it, Go register I am seeing u today as well. bloodwork for both of us and EKG's. Then he told me that I needed Ablation tomorrow that he had an opening. I was like well i need to check somethings out with work and so forth. They called me back with my blood result and I told them to thank him, but i would not be able to do it that soon. So around 8pm He called from his private phone wanting to know if I had scheduled for the ablation tomorrow that his staff didn't let him know, I was like I told them that I couldn't do it that soon. He then said well did u schedule it in the near future? I stated that I would get back with him.  I kinda wondered what kinda of business is going on and felt very pushed.  I am not sure, but I think I need another opinion. What are your thoughts.

thanks

[cindy707]

I didn't mean that you were insane but that THIS is insane...sorry my mind was racing faster then my 14 fingers were LOL

[cindy707]

I just don't know kbug this doc is almost making me laugh...so let me get this straight.....you ran into him at dinner and he sat down in a public place with people surrounding you not really knowing how much the person you were sitting with actually knew of your situation and went on the explain the procedure over your soup and salad?  Oh man this guy should be opening his jacket with a bunch of watches hanging off of the inside of it and saying "Hey wanna buy a watch?  i got some good ones here cheap" Red flags...red flags...red flags.....geez and now all of the people that sat around you know about your medical history?  Aw come on now kbug.....no wonder you are insane...this guy ought to open a Kiosk in a mall like they sell sunglasses at and set up shop to guy shoppers to buy their ablations....this is too bizarre for words....OMG !!!!!

[kbug1013]

Well I didn't do it yet! I have another appointment with an EP doctor.  Although we were at dinner the other day and ran into the 1st doctor,  he was very nice took the time to sit at our table and make sure that I understood the procedure and make me feel comfortable. I will think about it further, however I am getting tired of the anxiety of waiting on an svt spell to happen.  Then I usually cause one. I am scared of both. I love this site. Thanks everyone for ur kindness! !!!

[cindy707]

You're welcome so what happend?

[kbug1013]

Thanks do much for ur answers and experience with this situation! I pray that each and everyone has a great day! And once again

Thanks :)

[tom_h]

Almost my exact timeline too.  I had a stress test, then an echo stress thrown in there prior to the consultation with the EP and the 30 day event recorder.

[littlegreenman1]

My timeline...
SVT - since forever, but worse in 2010 with running again
4/??/2010 - 48 hour holter (see Watched Pot Never Boils) & blood work
5/30/2010 -  ER visit & diagnosis
5/31 - call to the cardiologist  (appointment set @ 7/2 - phew - that mean I *must* not be in immediate danger of dying!)
6/18 - second ER visit - (the ER staff remembered me... "Maybe you should quit that running???")
6/20 - 30 day event holer  (I popped a few good SVT's for them to look at!)
7/2 - EP visit  ( he could have done my ablation the next week, but that was too soon to plan around)
7/xx - pre-op tests (blood, chest xrays, echo, etc...)
7/29 - Ablation.

I also *knew* my diagnosis prior to seeing the EP. He had a mile of tape to look at on me, too.

That being said - after *maxing my out of pocket* on insurance... (paid off now)... NO SVT. It's like a huge weight off my shoulders.

[littlegreenman1]

Hospital  - $74,000
EP - $14,000
Anesthesia - $9,000
Echocardiogram - $1,500
Pre-op blood/ekg's, thyriods, this that and the other...  $2,000
2 Holters (one a 48 hour and the other a *THIRTY DAY* recorder) - $1500

So, had he done all the prework or did he have his eye ona a new Maseratti ??
RUN AWAY FAST.

[ireneo]

That was a bit scary, being rushed into scheduling for an ablation that quickly. I understand when they rush someone in to treat a blockage in a vessel but generally ablations are handled a bit slower. I would get a different opinion and a different doctor if you can.

Funny story: I've had arrhythmias all my life. My newest doctor sent me to a cardiologist to find out more about my heart. Did all the testing, blah, blah, blah. He told me what my problems were, that they weren't life threatening but I could have an ablation done to correct it. He explained what an ablation was. I looked at him like he just grew two heads. I told him why poke around inside of my heart and burn bits to fix something that won't hurt me? It's like getting a nose job just to make me feel better. He was pretty insulted and told me "well, I wouldn't live like that" and walked out.  After some thought and realizing how restricted my life was due to arrhythmias, I did go in for the ablation but I never saw that cardio again. I really stepped on his toes. LOL

[tom_h]

I agree with Cindy.  Ablations are BIG money.  I got the bill for mine..... $77,000 US.  Not bad for an 8hour hospital stay.  Selecting an EP requires some research.  You need to investigate your specialist, as well as checking with your insurance provider to make sure everything is covered.  It took me 8 weeks to get a date for my EP study and ablation.  If I were you, I'd take yourself and your husband and RUN!!  FInd another EP.

[tazgymuk]

I've had 5 episodes of A fib lasting 35 mins with a heart beat of 50-60. I've also been advised i'll be getting an ablation, I think you are correct in saying the doc's need "meat for the butchers knife", lol!

[cindy707]

Wow wayyyy too fast i think.  Sounds like the doc is trying to drum up a little business and no that's not good until you do all of your research and definately get a second opinion.  I cannot believe that thru bloodwork and a simple EKG that this doc has determined that you need a ablation hours later.  Trust me it takes alot more than that to make that decision and you have alot more options open to you like lifestyle changes, possibly medication, etc to keep them at bay.  I am a huge advocate of ablations because i had a pretty severe case of SVT among other things, had one done and it was successful for me anyway but if anyone had done to me what they did to you no way it would happen.  The other thing to check into is to make sure that the doc is not planning on "burning" anyone during the ablation. That is now old school and there are issues with it w. scar tissue.  Docs now use either freezing or radio frequency waves. There is so many other things that need to be done before you take this leap...don't even go there is my advice....and it is a pretty common procedure so no big deal but this has red flags all over it....sounds like he had an open schedule and he was trying to fill it.....really think hard about this kbug...somethings not right.....