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709431 tn?1239927520

Need reassurance about some post symptoms from ablation

I recently posted another question on here and got a really good response,So I thought I would try one more. My poor husband just really is not sypathetic to my problem. I think he is just fed up with the whole process of this ablation.
Today has not been one of my best days. 5 days ago I had an EP and Ablation done in Austin. They said they had no problem inducing the arrythmia and burning it. Today tho my heartrate will not go below 90 and if I move around it has gotten into the 100-120's. I do not feel like it is SVT. It isn't beating so hard I feel it against my chest, But I have a horid headache. Has anyone else had these problems?
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Avatar universal
We have our own support group right here on the forum!  Isn't it wonderful we can share our fears and concerns with people who truly understand? I had no one  to talk to before I had my ablation done.  If it wasn't for this forum, I'm not sure I would have found the courage to have gone through it.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
use a combination of medication and psychological techniques to manage the episodes. toprol xl (use brand name) and xanax ( dissolve under tongue) will help slow heart and relieve anxiety.  also use self-talk to tell yourslf feeling arent facts and its distressing but not dangerous ( as your cardiologist apparently thinks so).  use breathwork,  breathe slow and deep through your belly- feel the air coming in through your nose- say the word relax as you exhale--also count your breaths-make sure they are slow.  relax your arms and legs----the relaxation stuff works much better after the xanax. has kicked in.  practice this youll get good at it.  distract yourself from the frustrating and scared thoughts
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709431 tn?1239927520
I think I am going to call my local hospitals and see if they have some support groups or classes on how to deal with post op heart problems. If I find one I will let you know.
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Avatar universal
You know, I have a new found nervousness around the defibrillator.  I have done at least hundreds of codes as a nurse.  Now that I am back on a cardiac floor and have to mess with the thing all the time.. I have what may be likened to the PTSD problem with the thing.  I wasn't even conscious when they were using it on me, but the whole zap unnerves me now.  I have to test it most every day and I STAND BACK.  My cowqorkers think I'm nuts... maybe I am.  You can let me know when and where this support group meets..
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709431 tn?1239927520
I love that  PTSD. I am so going to have to rememeber that and tell my cardiologist..LOL. I wonder if there are actual support groups for people like us who have been through this traumatic life experience. If not maybe I can organize one in my area. It could be a good idea.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,
I had an ablation in Aug. and I also have a tough time worrying that the SVT won't come back. Everytime I feel anything wierd, I immediately check my pulse to make sure I'm not having an SVT episode. I really think it's difficult once you've had SVT to not be sensitized to your heartbeat.

I also think it's not unusual to have a faster heart rate post ablation whether it's  due to anxiety or just the heart being irritated because of the ablation. It's hard to not be focused on your heart because of all the time pre-ablation you spend worrying about it!

Things do settle down-it takes a little time for the anxiety to wear off.  I know I was pretty anxious for awhile during the initial recovery being very aware of my pulse.
.
I still have to keep telling myself to ignore the thumps and bumps and not keep checking my pulse everytime I feel something. I guess I still have  PTSD  (Post Traumatic SVT Disorder!!!)

Good luck and keep us posted!
Betty
Helpful - 0
569980 tn?1228329485
Hi - I had my ablation done at the end of August so its been 3.5 months now.  I think I still have a tough time worrying that the SVT will come back.  I do get an occasional thump but the SVT doesn't start up.  I wonder if I will always psychologically worry about it.  

Congrats on the ablation.  I hope everything turns out ok for you!
Helpful - 0
251395 tn?1434494286
Hello...

Thanks for sharing your update...See, I told you all you needed was rest, hydration and the palps were all to be expected:)

Now you've spoken to your EP and I'm sure that your worry has been subdued. So now it is up to you to listen to what your body is telling you in needs.:)))
Helpful - 0
709431 tn?1239927520
Just an update. I called my EP doctor this morning and he reassured me that any PAC's or PVC's are very normal and not to panic. He explained that the heart is like any other muscle. If I had pulled the muscle in my leg or back he would have perscribed for me to stay off of it and rest. However, with the heart you can't just take it out and let it rest so the best thing to do is keep the heart rate as low and unexcited as possible till it heals.

I was not aware that the average healing time is going to be between 8 to 12 weeks...WOW.. last time was so easy, this time is not so easy. He also reassured me that each time is different and to not get discouraged. I will feel better,just to be patient and get used to the new heartbeat. Rest when I feel I need it and DO NOT OVER DO IT!!.If it doesn't feel good..Stop ..Keep hydrated,and eat healthy.

He did perscribe a half of my toprol xl to keep my heartrate below 100 just till I am further along in the healing process.. I took it this morning and I have to say I do feel alot better this afternoon. Maybe it is all in my head because I feel better getting answers, but I will take it..

I hope this will help anyone else who is anxious and uncertain about ablation. I know we are all going to be different in our healing process and our ablation experiences. But, I feel that any information is better than no information.
Helpful - 0
251395 tn?1434494286
Hello...

You are very welcome:) You are not a big baby. It is hard to become anxious when you are worried. It is also worse on the weekend when Dr's are not easily reached, at least the one's familiar to your case.

It may benefit you getting something to take the edge off you anxiety. I hope you are able to sleep well tonight. Tomorrow will be here before you know it :D
Helpful - 0
709431 tn?1239927520
Thanks so much for the encouragement. I really feel like such a big baby right now.I am sure I am also a little anxious. It's hard to not be waiting for my heart to start beating wrong again when you get so used to it working wrong.

I think I will call my doc tomorrow just to ask a few questions and maybe see about getting something for anxiety.

Once again, Thanks to everyone for all the good advice
Helpful - 0
489725 tn?1280052553
hey
it can be difficult for those who have not felt the impact svt has on a person and some people get really scared with anything to do with the heart and dont like taking about it ,
i know after my ablation for svt it took a few weeks to settle down i mean just think of those wires invading your heart i 'm sure it is going to give out to u for that ,,your heart that is ,,,u will get a few flip flops along the way it is normal just the old rhythm trying to break back into rhythm {svt} but seeing as that is closed now u just get a little increase in rate ,,,,plus if u were on meds before the ablation and are off these now u may just feel the increase more ...i am sure u will be fine but if in doubt dont be afraid to give your  doc a call .it take's time to heal after an ablation and if your husband does not understand just explain to him how u feel it is a big process for anybody .

keep posted on how u are doing
Helpful - 0
251395 tn?1434494286
Hello...

There is no limit here to the amount of questions that you can post. If you have a question, post away and we'll see what we can do to help you out...

I'm sorry that you feel that your husband has not been sympathetic during your recovery. It is difficult enough to go through this but when you feel that your spouce is indifferent to your situation, I think that just compunds your problem.

Your heart rate could be related to anxiousness worrying that something just isn't right. It could be from you feeling discouraged from how your husband is feeling about the whole process. You mentioned that you now have a headache, are you keeping yourself hydrated? Becoming dehydrated can cause headache as well as increase your heart rate.

Tomorrow is Monday, I'm sure that you will be ok, but you may feel alot better calling your Dr and just getting reassured by him that everything is fine.

I hope that you are feeling better in no time!:)
Helpful - 0
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