Ablation for chronic PVCs. Worth the risk?

[mzak69]

I've been dealing with the darn PVCs on a daily basis for 8 months now. It seems like they are becoming more frequent. I'm taking potassium and angstrom mg for 2-3 weeks with no improvement. Every time I have an active or stressful day I am punished at night with a string of PVCs that can last for hours. They appear to be adrenaline related. It has made my life miserable.

My EP gave me a special script for an EKG for when I got a bad episode, so last night I went to the ER and they hooked me up. They saw PVCs coming every few seconds, and the technician said they all looked identical, so it appears that they are unifocal.

I'm not sure what to do here. I don't have PVCs ALL day, but I do get them EVERY day. Some days are manageable, other days are very frustating. I am living right now for the moments when I am PVC free. Not a good way to live your life.

So my question to all you fellow sufferers is, is the ablation worth the possible risks? And what are they?

Thanks for your responses.    

[mzak69]

I tried metaprolol. It only made me feel really tired, and I still got PVCs. I'm hoping there is a better, more permanent solution.

[kane3]

Hey saw something about a BB being written, and wondering if you have been on this type of medication before? If not, you should talk to your physician about it. In your case with the adrenaline rushes, it could help cut that down alot possibly leading you to a better night. I hear you about the life part being turned upside down. Pvc's are such a battle, such a mind battle, and pretty much a life battle. I wish there was an easier way to deal with these things!! Everyone has there triggers, some knowing, some not. I hope you can try and find the right path in dealing with yours, good luck!!

[mzak69]

I was under the impression that the insurance company has maximums or allowed amounts that a dr or hospital can charge for a specific procedure. I would assume that can vary depending on the part of the country you are in or the type of plan you have.

I may be wrong though.

[curmudgen]

I really don't think the doctors try to get the maximum payment...most of them bill by codes and there is a price list you can ask for at their office/hospital.  How many of us shop around for a more reasonable price for lab tests or outpatient services?  Not easy to do comparison shopping when you are in need of medical care.  That said, the system is broken - costs are way to high and we the consumer get the shaft.  I count my blessings that I have medical insurance and don't mind paying a small co-pay now and then.

[littlegreenman1]

I think the cost is what it costs...

The cath lab is expensive...
The catheters themselves, I'm told are $5,000 each - disposable.
Docs have airplanes to fly and malpractice insurance to buy...

I have good insurance, and I like the way its structured. Cheap premiums. High deductible. It forces the patient to be a consumer and consider cost. How much would your health care habits change if your deductible was $5k?

[mzak69]

I would bet that the costs vary depending on what type of insurance you have. Also the area you live in can be a factor. The docs and hospitals will milk everything they can out of the plan. The better your insurance, the higher the cost. Would you agree?