second opinion

So I finally got a second opinion about whether or not to do a repeat ablation. This doctor said the opposite of what my doctor has been telling me. He said the ablation is not a good choice because they just cause more problems typically. He said exercise and get off the Sotalol because long term it's not good. I explained that I do exercise but it brings on more irregular beats and that without the Sotalol I am hardly ever in normal rhythm. I asked wouldn't that make me at risk of heart failure if my rates were out of control? He said yes but Sotalol is not good to be on long term. He said exercise will help the irregular beats. Then he turned to my husband and shrugged and said but some problems just can't be solved. Well I started crying because I felt like I was just being blown off. My husband just finished appt quickly and we left. Now I am just more confused. I thought a second opinion would help not make things more confusing. Should I get off the Sotalol and rely on exercise alone to help me?

6 Comments

sorry i cant help.....

by Hot Heart - 2012-01-09 05:01:16

......dont know anything about this, but someone will come along who does.

Just wanted to say I'm thinking of you, I do hope that things start to improve soon.

HH

Neither Can I?

by donb - 2012-01-09 07:01:12

Your message sounds familiar. I had my 4th PM put in a couple years ago by the (Other) Cardiologist as I developed A-Fib. This (Other) put me on Sotalol which is doing a good job. BUT, as my regular Cardiologist works together with the (Other) he does not go along with the medication change, tells me it's way stronger than my Atenolol and doesn't recomend it even if it does a good job. So, here we go, kinda goes along with your question also!! Oh well, 80th birthday is this coming Friday the 13th AND I've had a great ride. donb

That dr was an ass!

by kat97 - 2012-01-09 08:01:47

I don't know whats wrong with drs these days. Im sorry he treated you like that. Hang in there. I am thinking about you.

Proper Advice

by EPdoc - 2012-01-09 09:01:35

Sorry to hear of your negative experience. I am a cardiac electrophysiologist, and I deal with these problems on a daily basis. The answer to your question depends upon many factors, including the nature of the arrhythmia, the arrhythmia burden, degree of symptoms etc. For more information please see the following link: http://heartrhythmconsult.com/consultation/

Thanks everyone

by nat36 - 2012-01-10 06:01:05

I am feeling better. I let it get me down for a little bit but I am trying to keep a positive attitude.
I did ask this doctor why he had such a different opinion and he just said that sinus node modifications were controversial and how to deal with sinus node dysfunction is different depending on who you ask. He said that I could have a left atrial ablation for the atrial tachy that is coming from other areas but that wouldn't solve my entire problem either. I just don't understand what is so bad about the Sotalol. My other EP said there are no long term risks to taking it and this doctor talked like it was awful. So I am still struggling with that question.

......

by Pookie - 2012-01-10 12:01:08

I think you need a 3rd opinion.....is there any way you can find out (prior to meeting these doctors) anything about them.....here in Canada we have a website that lists ALL doctors and patients can write in about a particular doctor saying if they had a good or not so good experience with them.

Start asking people around your area as you never know, someone just might have had a really good EP or Cardiologist that you don't even know about and perhaps you could meet with him/her.

Another thing about getting a 2nd or a 3rd or even a 4th opinion is this (in my opinion): the doctors are there to help us and I think you need to meet with them almost like you are interviewing them to hire them to treat you, does that make any sense?.

Did you ask this 2nd doc why his answers or suggestions were so opposite of your first doctor's?

I'll leave you with: Questions are the answers.

I know it's hard and frustrating and overwhelming and emotional, believe me, I've been there, but keep pushing until you find the right doctor for you. You will just know when you find him (or her).

Don't give up hope. Fight.

Pookie

You know you're wired when...

You can finally prove that you have a heart.

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