Complete Heart Block after Cardiac Ablasion

[TRL28]

I had my ablasion done 5 days ago and have had some complications. The procedure went well from my stand point, I was in and out of it and really didn't have any pain. I did develop some anxiety when he popped me into SVT but I expected this and the docotor apoligized and gave me some more sedative. The doctor said the spot he had to burn was close to the SA node but he was confident it wasn't too close however when he was burning I went into a "bad rythym" and he puledl off in 0.4 seconds and I recovered within 30 seconds. Status post ablation I was in Regular Sinus however when I became fully awake and being a nurse, I noted that I was in Complete Heart Block. I stayed in CHB for approximately 36 hrs and then went into 2:1 conduction block. The doctor feels it's very possibly due to the swelling of the node and that its not actually damaged but will definately take some time to heal and tell for sure. I was going in and out of Regular Sinus Rhythm, 2:1 and  CHB at discharge on day 4.  My HR maintained in the 50's and the highest mid 60's with activity regardless of the rhythm (prior to procedure my resting HR was 80-90). I still have this constant heaviness/tightness in my chest with the sensation of frequent palpitations and very tired and get worn out easily. I'm presuming this is all due to the healing process but I'm getting a little anxious that feeling the same if not worse on day 5 may mean the need for a pacemaker. Has anyone out there have had this done and had complications as explained above and came out of it without any problems long term? I get EKG's every other day next week and follow up with my physician in 8 days!

[TRL28]

I'm sorry it is the AV Node, my mind is a little bit of every where right now.  That is reassuring that the palpitations will slow down with the healing process, I just have to remember it'll take time. You just hear some people's stories where they felt great 2-3 days after the procedure and I guess I'm just a little envious :) I think the fatigue is due to the block not allowing for my heart rate to go above 60-65 with activity so my heart can't keep up with the rest of me, at least that's what i'm speculating. Hopefully time will cure all and I need to quit being so impatient. This site is really nice, it really makes me feel better talking with and reading others experiences. Thanks!

[MichelleP_3811]

What type of svt did you have ablated?  I had avnrt and the threat was to the avnode where the beat is distributed not the sa node where the beat is generated so I don't really have any experience that involves the sa node.  What I will say is after my ablation I developed a bad case of ectopics beats, pacs and pvcs in the thousands and at one point for about a week probably close to 15,000 a day.  That was really making me sicker than I ever felt with my svt.  But all in all I would mostly feel weird pings and pangs and some sharp pains every so often.  I would not necessarily get tired but the ectopics beats were very distressing and like I said making me feel physically sick and it caused my heart to hurt a bit but it always felt better in the morning.  Your heart has been through a lot with the trauma of an ablation and it generally takes a good 3 months before things really settle down so I would give yourself some time to heal before making any definitive decisions on your results.  I would say the palpitations should clear up at some point but I can't say for certain your heart block issues will.  I send prayers your way that is does clear up.