fatigue and chest pain post cardiac ablation

[christi1960]

My 52 year old spouse has experienced atrial fibrillation for many years and chose to undergo ablation in August of 2012.  While his sinus rhythm has been normal, subsequent chest pain and extreme fatigue have plagued him for the last three months.  A single flight of stairs, taking out the trash and other simple tasks will require a rest.  One other symptom is a marked increase in burping. This is a 6'3" 215 pound otherwise healthy male who has always been energetic and fit. The ablation procedure itself took longer than expected and required a catheter pass down his right jugular vein as well as the bilateral femoral insertions.  A CT yesterday revealed no PE's or apparent PV stenosis.  Additionally, while he had a normal glucose levels as recently as 3 weeks prior to the ablation, three weeks after the procedure he was admitted to the ICU secondary to a blood glucose level of 711.  Now a type 1 insulin dependent diabetic on an insulin pump, our healthy and fit lifestyle has obviously taken a blow!  I have been married to this man over half of my life and this fatigue and lethargy is so unlike him.  Any ideas on what could be going on?  Thank you for any ideas.

[christi1960]

Dear Midijane,
  Thank you for your input!  We have not had an endocrine referral and that is a wonderful suggestion.  I still think it odd that he has had such a late onset of type 1 diabetes...maybe there is some etiology to be found.  The electrophysiologist has not seen him since his ablation ( 4 month follow up is their standard of care time frame ).  His internal medicine doctor  admitted him to the ICU for an IV insulin drip due to hid elevated glucose.  He is doing well with regulating his blood sugar since being diagnosed.  His insulin pump and sensor are our new best friends!

  Prior to the ablation, he had a complete cardiac work up including a cardiac MRI.  All seemed well with the exception of his atrial fibrillation. I like the Holter monitor idea, as well. He is scheduled for an EKG next week.  Thank you for your quick response and I look forward to your input.

x

[Midijane]

Hello Christi,

With so much going on, what has his doctor said about possible causes of the chest pain, shortness of breath, and really really high glucose level? Im guessing they have already checked an Ekg, echocardiogram, and blood work. Any talk about Holter monitoring or stress testing?

Thankfully a blood clot in the lung was ruled out. Not sure what PV stenosis is.

Let us know what direction the doc is going with this as far as more testing or referrals. Has your hubby had an endocrine referral for the glucose level yet? If not, may be worth just asking his doc about having one.

Sorry to answer your question with more questions. Im just guessing the doc is on this since he has already done a Ct scan of the chest to rule out a blood clot in the lung.

Ill check back later...