SVT Ablation

Hi Everyone,

I am new here. I had SVT for the past 11 years. I finally was approved for an ablation procedure which I was told would cure my rapid heartbeat. During the ablation the EP said he got too close to a nerve and I ended up with 3rd degree heartblock and had to get a pacemaker. I got the pacemaker in 2/09, and am still feeling noticeably out of breath. I am 46 years old and could do much more before the pacemaker. The docs keep saying the PM is fine, but I don't feel fine. Does anyone have any idea whats going on? Thanks, Sue

5 Comments

I had the same thing!

by SaraTB - 2009-05-08 04:05:07

Sue, I have my pacemaker for the exact same reason as you: 3rd degree heart block as a result of damage during the ablation for my SVT. I got mine aged 43, and now I'm on my second.

Initially, I felt exactly like you: tired, short of breath, unable to do much. It was definitely the pacemaker settings: it took about 6 months to get it set up the optimum way, but be patient, and keep bugging your doctor. Mine was very patient and understanding and was willing to try a re-programming, let me try it out, and then make further adjustments if needed.

Persevere with your doc. to get the adjustments made - it WILL be worth it!

comment

by Susan - 2009-05-08 09:05:18

I agree with the question, has your pacemaker been fine tuned? Sometimes it takes several, make that many, months to get a pacemaker fine tuned to the individual. Has your ep or pacemaker tech made adjustments to your programming? Are you keeping track of what adjustments were made? Are you taking any meds?
SusanD

Don't give up !

by ppt - 2009-05-08 10:05:09

Keep pushing Drs. I found I really had to be persistent and positive and keep pushing that I did not feel good - I am STILL pushing - good luck !

Sorry

by Angelie - 2009-05-08 10:05:12

Sorry you're having a hard time. I agree with the others, it sounds like you need a pacemaker adjustment. It's amazing how one little adjustment can make a world of difference.
I'm 33, and have had heart rhythm problems all of my life. I thought it was normal and that everyone was that way. The last ten years have been the worst for me since being officially diagnosed with SVT, IST, A-fib, A-flutter, and atrial tach and living with their, at times, disabling symptoms. Drugs never worked for me, and I've had 5 ablations. Since my 5th ablation, I now run slow. I've had so many ablations now, that I have no idea what my natural heart rhythm is anymore, but am glad that the pacer was there already to help support me. Slow rhythms are a lot EASIER to treat than fast ones. After my long history, I would welcome any kind of block and consider it a blessing. It surely beats, (no pun intended) racing away like Speed Racer all of the time.
Get your pacer fine tuned. Sometimes it can take months to get things adjusted for your lifestyle. In fact, I'm still trying to get my straight since my last ablation.
Hope you get to feeling more like yourself real soon. Remember pacers are meant to make you ABLE not disable. If they disable...then clearly something is wrong and you need to stay on your health care professionals until you feel right again. They don't know what you feel like....but you do. You are your best advocate.....always.
Best of luck....."speedy",

Angelie

Comments

by ElectricFrank - 2009-05-08 12:05:15

It is more likely that the botched ablation is causing the problem rather than the pacemaker. However, the pacemaker could need adjustment. Have you been back to the EP yet for a checkup? Be sure and let him know what is happening.

frank

You know you're wired when...

You have a dymo-powered bike.

Member Quotes

I have a well tuned pacer. I hardly know I have it. I am 76 year old, hike and camp alone in the desert. I have more energy than I have had in a long time. The only problem is my wife wants to have a knob installed so she can turn the pacer down.