atrial tach

[donna4140]

Has anybody had a cryoablation done for atrial tach?The doctor I spoke with on the phone today said it is rare.He is 3.5hours away and Im not sure what to do.He is the second doctor I have spoken to about a cryoablation. The first one I didnt like.He said maybe just leave it the way it is  because there is a risk of heart block.Which then I would need a pacemaker.I dont know if I want to risk it.I would then need to have the ep study done again to see how close it was to the av node.Dont know what to do .I could use some advice.I would like to fix this!!

[donna4140]

What is a avj ablation.Is that the same as a cryoablation?Was your heart rate always high?Or just on occasion.Yes the doctor said he would not have to see me if I decided to do the procedure.I would just go there and have it done.If it can be.No boston is farther away about 4.5 hours.My regular cardiologist wanted me to go there first for a couple of days.They were going to do blood work and other tests the first day, and do the cryoablation the next.He just knows the doctors there, and obviously knows what they are capable of doing.Hes not sure  if it can be fixed there ,but seemed more confident with those doctors.The insurance company doesnt give a crap about anybody.I should be able to go where I want to.We certainly pay enough for it!  My doctor can only appeal it with the insurance company if he finds that the other places are not capable of doing the job.So Im kinda stuck about a decision.I hate to be a pain about it with my cardiologist.

[ksig]

I had the AVJ ablation 16 mo ago because the atrial rate was so high and could not control the rate.  It was the best move for me.  The pacer does the controlling... Life is good.  

As far as the visit to the doc so far away... I would be surprised if the doc agreed to do a surgery without seeing you first and going over your options.  I am sorry that your insurance limits you to staying in state when your local cardiologist refers you to Boston.  Have you called the insurance company?  Is Boston closer to you than the doc 3.5 hrs away?  If it is, maybe the insurance co will take that into consideration.  Good luck to you as you explore your options.
ksig

[donna4140]

Hi ,why would they purposely ablate the av node.Is that why you needed a pacemaker?No,I havent seen him in person I just spoke to him yesterday on the phone for the 1st time.He is 3.5 hours away so We werent going to waste a trip if he  couldnt do something like that.We did that once already,and it was a total waste of a trip.The doctor I went to see was almost3.5  hours away too,and I didnt like him.He said if he went in for the cryoablation he would ablate it even if it was close to the av node even if it meant me having a pacemaker.Just so I wouldnt have to do another procedure.I thought was very unprofessional.My husband is going to talk to him friday to see what he thinks.If this doesnt work I dont know what to do.I cant leave the state for a different hospital because insurance wont allow it. My regular cardiologist wanted me to go to boston,but couldnt.Do you have atrial tach?I have atrial tach and sometimes afib.

[ksig]

I did not have the cryoblation but I did have the RF ablation.  I have had five and the last one did purposely ablate the AV node.  I was happy with all five of the procedures. I also have a pacer.  Have you seen the second doc in person or only spoken to him on the phone?  I think it is important to find the right doc for you.  Mine is 2 hours away and worth every mile of the trip.  I know that AFib, PACs SVT etc  are miserable so I hope you find a peaceful solution soon.  
ksig