cardiac ablation

[Nellieevelyn]

I am just home after being unable to have the proceedure without medications
am scheduled now for Nov 17th with general anesthia
what is the difference?
which is better?
I take metropol XR 50 each night and for the most part this has keep the palpatations under control
reading all the stories of after ablation surgery and pain am I better off with out it?
I am now terrified to have the proceedure any hel[ is greatly appreciated thanks

[LindaTX]

Lisa , it seems as though heated discussions and jyant travel arm- in- arm, from thread to thread ;)  I think he should change his name to jRANT....just sounds so much more appropriate, ha-ha-ha!

[Nellieevelyn]

Way to go!  You will be using them soon take care Nellie

[jyant]

I don't want to take up valuable storage on this blog so let me just say. All good.

I have a new pair of NB 1224's sitting in the corner here I hope to strap up soon.

[littlegreenman1]

Regarding, "did I get the wrong surgery first" or did my training beget my SVT... no and no.

I've been aware of the SVT for years. Prior to breaking my nose (hence need for septoplasty). Prior to a good running routine.  I'm not a hyper guy. I'm not paranoid. I don't get anxiety. There was no cause (by me) and effect here. Bend over/stand up too fast - tachy. Watch TV... tachy.

Could there be contributors?  Oh yeah: mad caffeine intake, non-drowsy cold meds, lack of sleep, alcohol use, EXERCISE... I spent plenty of time adding/eliminating all these factors from my life... bang spontaneous tachy.

So, what I do know: I had "spontaneous" SVT. It was becoming uncontrollable. So, options:

1) drugs
2) ablate
3) quit running and deal w/ mild SVT.
I chose #2. And have had ZERO SVT since. Ablation works. Subject-verb, simple sentence, fact.

Now... that being said are docs-facilities pushing people toward ablation? Youbetcha. It's relatively safe. At a gross billing in the 6 figure ball park, it's a good revenue source. That cath lab has to pay for itself and turn a profit. Docs like Porsches just as much as the next guy. Medicine is a business full of smart, confident, competitive folk with huge egos (not all, of course)... hence the shortage of family docs.

Is ablation cost effective vs. drug therapy vs. "deal with it"?  Depends. Is that considered? Depends. Should expensive options be taken off the table from an insurance actuarial perspective?? Ha! I'm taking the 5th. Probably why, the math, business, science and philosophy departments at most universities are in their own buildings!

[Janpes]

Hi Nellie,

I was so scared as I was walking to the EP lab with the cardiologist, trying to make small talk about the cold weather. I think he thought I was nuts. The procedure itself, Yes I was shaking on the table so much so that the nurse asked me if I was cold.
I am glad I did it without anything though as I hate waking up from a general, that groggy feeling stays with me for days.
Yes I also wonder how they can induce the palpitations while being under especially as they won't give sedatives during the awake procedure.
The procedure is not at all pleasant, but it is tolerable. Rather have an Ep study than swallow the gastroscope tube anyday. I had to do the tube twilight as I just couldn't do it!!

I am almost 4 weeks post ablation and it hasn't been easy but I hope to get back to work next week and start getting back to normal.
Still waiting for the cardio to call as having some blood pressure problems and low pulse. Cardio didn't want me on beta-blockers as they are low as it is.
I hope that your ablation goes well
Take care
Jan

[Nellieevelyn]

How are you feeling now after the ablation without medications you are brave
I was so shakey and scared and the doctor said no medications so between the anesthestist me and MD decided to have general anesthia Nov 17
I wonder haw they can do it under general but not with mild meds or twilight cant seem to figure that one out ?
anyway I hope you are continuing to do well  Nellie