It's official: My heart's a brat!

[debster913]

Hi, all--

My heart must have really missed my electrophysiologist because my heart rhythm went all screwy the other day.

To make a long story short--it looks like I'm headed for another EP study/possible ablation in the next few weeks.

My doctor presented it to me like this: I'm "young," do I want to play with beta blockers and other anti-arrythmics for the rest of my life, or do I want to have an EP doctor take another look around and try to zap anything that is still going on in my heart? Her main concern is that I have another episode while driving, teaching, someplace where it's inappropriate/dangerous.

We'll see. Just thought I'd share.

Love,

 

[Nancy]

I have a friend who had an ablation done several years ago and she has been fine ever since.

It's worth careful consideration.

 

[debster913]

I've already had one ablation in December. This will be my third EP study and second ablation (if there is anything to zap). I'd rather have the ablation and get things fixed than not do it and continue to play around with meds.

The EP doctor said that Betapace (sotalol) could be causing a new arrhythmia.

My cardio's nurse says sometimes multiple ablations are needed for some patients to zap everything.

 

[Karlynn]

Sorry it's still a stinker. I think I agree with your doctor, if the EP doc thinks it's worth the try.

 

[Nancy]

Well, my friend did have to have two of them. Her area was very deep and the EP couldn't get it with conventional equipment, so had to get some kind of permission to use special equipment to get to it. That one worked like a charm.

 

[hall]

I think if I were you, I would give the EP another chance. I hope this time he can find it and get rid of it for good!

 

[Tbone]

It's true sometimes you need another one for the simple fact that the doctors are not going to "cut" everything the first time. Why cut what you don't have to? Alot of people are ok after the first ablation, but some people do need more. Case in point me. I have had two ablations and will have the cox - maze procedure done next week to my right & left Atrium s.

I hope everything works out well for you. Good luck, and keep us posted.

 

[ottagal]

Good luck with the ablation! Perhaps, this one will be 'the charm'. Sending positive thoughts.

 

[njean]

Ottawagal took the words right out of my mouth! I pray that the 3rd time is the charm for you Deb & the ablation holds & you can go on to enjoying your life the way it's meant to be enjoyed.

You're in my prayers!

 

[Bridgette]

Hi Deb,
What sort of irregular rhythm do you have? Do you get A Fib/Flutter?

Bridgette

 

[kfay]

Deb, I'm right there with you. I'm having ablation #2 for my latest rhythm problem next month. My Dr. said basically the same thing about the meds. I think that they are thinking that I'll be on some heart meds before long anyway and if they can postpone it they would prefer that. Here's hoping that we both get relief from these pesky things.


Kim

 

[ryen0]

I like the title of your thread. It reminds me of a comedian i saw on tv. He was making fun of the term "lazy eye". "yeah there is nothing really wrong with your eye, except it has a crappy work ethic" you'd never hear another doctor use that term. It would be like going to the cardiologist and him saying "yeah we found the problem, it seems your heart is an idiot"

whenever my heart was jumping around i thought that my heart must be especially stupid

 

[Bina]

There must be something in the air....just had a terrible night of pvc/pac troubles, along with a bit of gastro issues.
(or maybe hubby is out to poison me? ha ha)
Deb, keep on keeping on.

 

[debster913]

Hi Deb,
What sort of irregular rhythm do you have? Do you get A Fib/Flutter?

Bridgette

Hi, Bridgette!

I had slow sustained V-Tach and weird PVCs. The EP doxtor is confident that they got all, if not most, of the VT, but the PVCs have been hard to manage despite the ablation. My doctor says she wouldn't be surprised if another arrhythmia popped up. The guy she's sending me to is an expert at ablating hard-to-get ventricular arrhythmias. Hope he can get whatever's in there.

Everyone else: Thanks for your replies! My heart, as my cardio put it a cuple years ago after my surgery, is bizarre.

 

[Gnusgal]

I'm in the same boat. Only no one's offering ablation. I have to go into the hospital for 72 hours to get started on Sotalol/Betapace. Why couldn't this have happened BEFORE the twins were born??? I don't want to be away from them that long! I feel like doing what they do when they don't get what they want-- scream at the top of my lungs until I get it.

I scheduled it for Sept. 1-3. Maybe a miracle will happen between now and then.

Good luck, Debi! Sorry you're dealing with a bratty heart. Can't we just send them to their rooms and ground them for a week?

 

[AgilityDog]

Hey Niki, see if you can get/reserve a mobile monitor. When I checked in for defibrillator and sotalol, Heart Hospital didn't have enough, and I was stuck in my room the first day and a half tied to the equipment until a mobile unit became available.

AAAAGGGHHHH, stir crazy.

Don't forget your milk pump 'cause I doubt the twins will be able to visit.

 

[Gnusgal]

DeVille said they could visit. But Nathan said he'd only bring them for short visits. They're on formula now, so it won't be a problem there at least.