Ablation

[hall]

I had AVR 7-6-07. I have had an increased heart rate that is now one that I can not stop. I have SVT. I have been in the ER twice in the last month with SVT. Finally, the cardiologist had me go to the EP. I saw him today and he is going to do an ablation next Friday. That doesn't scare me near as bad as not being able to take the tenormin from Wed. evening on. I told him I will go into SVT way before Friday. He told me to meet him at the hospital and he will do the ablation early. Anyone had this done? How did it go w/out your meds to control the irregular heartbeat? Another question???? The nurse said I do not need to pre med for the valve for this procedure???? Any advice??? Thanks in advance.

Deb

 

[Cooker]

Deb....I had a problem with a-fib before my AVR and ended up in the ER several times and one overnight stay....meds did not keep it in check....I had ablation at the time of AVR (2-21-06)....I went in to a-fib about a week after being home...was cardioverted and have not had a problem since....the only med I am on is Toprol 25mg.....mine worked and I hope yours does too.....I'll be pulling for you!!!!

 

[hall]

Thank you for the response. I will let you know..........I have the ablation 7-20, next Friday. I will be thrilled not to take medicine.

Deb

 

[Bina]

I have not had ablation, but have had episodes of SVT.
I'm taking Metoprolol and have since had only very short runs of SVT. Best wishes.

 

[Smiley2000]

I had Ablation to treat SVT in Nov. 2007. I had 3 AV nodes and EP was able to ablate the 1. Post-op I now have permanent sinus Tachycardia, but I don't know if that has anything to do with the extra AV nodes.

Be sure to tell the EP and staff that you are on any blood-thinning meds. This is very important info! EP will do the mapping first by going in through your groin-area. Then, as soon as he is sure of where to do the ablation, he goes in through the other groin and ablate that area. I was asleep for the entire time and it took about 3 hours.

Afterwards you will not be allowed to sit or move for at least 6 hours. They will keep you overnight and maybe even put a 24hour holter ECG on.

Your groin will be sore for a few days, but that is it. Afterwards you might experience funny heartbeats, but nothing serious. If you develop fevers, etc. that can be an indication of infection or pericarditis. Be sure to contact the EP.

Thinking of you... hugs,

 

[hall]

No, I do not take blood thinners. I have a tissue valve. Did any of you pre-med before this procedure?? I sure hope I do not have permanent tachycardia of any kind. I have had it since I can remember. (tachycardia) I am real tired of it and really hoping this ablation will take care of it. Even though it is not surgery, kind of scary!

Deb

 

[hall]

Nevermind..........I had to cancel the ablation. I have a horrible cold. Probably because of the weather here. One day air conditioning and the next day the heat! Anyway, I will call the doc and re-schedule when this goes away. Really wanted to get this over with and stay out of ER w/SVT.

Deb

 

[Dina]

In 07 I had 3 episodes of SVT,which is located in the atrium and not the vent.
I had 2 ablations and 1 cardiversion.With My first SVT,I had a rate of 210,
I was given cardizem in the ER, but it only helped for a short while,so I ended
up with a cardizem drip.
Prior to my Ablation they took me off the cardizem -it seems the EP Doc can find
the arrhythmia easier if its active. If it isnt in arrhythmia that doesnt
necessarily mean that it is gone for good(though some get lucky) usually
given time ,the arrhythmia will return ,sometimes ,even with meds and cardioversion.
But with an ablation the area that is misfiring and causing all the trouble
will not return. Unfortunately this doesnt mean that another area wont begin
to misbehave.When I had my cardioversion , I was sent home in normal sinus
rhythm and on Sotalol, a month later the same SVT returned, and with it
my 2nd ablation, which was successful They are simple procedures in the
hands of an experienced Doc. I didnt have any pain , but like Smiley said
you do need to remain immobile for a few hours , which is to prevent
bleeding. I hope you get to get it over with soon , I know how uncomfortable
it is to remain in SVT for a long time period.Best Wishes-Dina