Verapamil

After my last visit to the consultant we discussed my ongoing problem with AVNRT. Had an ablation 16 years ago for the original problem which left me with a modified fast pathway.
For a few years things were fine then slowly I became more and more in tolerant to exercise then started getting arrhythmias. 2008 got the first of many treadmill tests and monitors etc...etc...
Finally end of last year got diagnosed with2:1 HB PM implanted in Feb 2015. 6 months of adjustments then one visit in August turned everything around. Was difficult because of my arrhythmias and damaged pathway.
Feeling so much better but still having the arrhythmia issues so have started on Verapamil SR240mg/day.
It has made the palpitations less frequent but now back to getting the tightness in the neck again( win some loose some)
We also discussed AV node ablation and as in the past I have had mixed success with meds wondering if this would be the best long term solution.
Any one with similar experience, most seem to be for AF/SSS
BUT I am still really enjoying life again just have this on the back burner till Dec. All info is good.
Cheers Jane

2 Comments

AVNRT

by golden_snitch - 2015-10-03 02:10:23

Theknotguy, an AV-node ablation is a last resort therapy usually used in Afib patients with persistent or permanent Afib in whom all other therapies have failed. You haven't even had a pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), yet, which today is the first kind of ablation one does for Afib, because this type can actually cure Afib, if successful; AV-node ablation doesn't. And of those PVIs you usually do at least two or three procedures, before you even start to think about AV-node ablation. So, you are far away from an AV-node ablation at this point.

Jane, usually an AVNRT ablation is very easy to do. I don't understand why they don't just give it another try. My Mom needed two AVNRT ablations, and ever since she's been free from episodes. I had one AVNRT ablation, it worked right away.

I had eight ablations for different types of atrial tachycardia. In the end, I did have the AV-node ablation, but only because the junctional tachy was in the AV-node then and all antiarrhythmic drugs and an attempt to modify the AV-node failed. The ablation stopped that junctional tachycardia. I'm now paced 97% atria (due to a damaged sinus node) and 100% ventricles, and I'm doing very well. But this really was last, last, last resort after eight seven ablations and having given all antiarrhythmic drugs a try.

Best wishes!

AVNRT

by Jane S - 2015-10-03 05:10:14

Thanks for in put, one question I forgot to ask is - I presume they do an EP study 1st before a final zap, Also the Dr did mention junctional re entry and I wonder if I am getting mixed up with the terminology. Still all the info is very useful and I have the time to get my head sorted.
I know the PM isn't for arrhythmias but when you get one in, there is that hope that's you sorted. Have tried quite a few different drugs in the past both before the ablation and PM but they only worked for a short period. However most were contra indicated if you had heart block so maybe that was a limiting factor.
Cheers Jane

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Member Quotes

At age 20, I will be getting a pacemaker in few weeks along with an SA node ablation. This opportunity may change a five year prognosis into a normal life span! I look forward to being a little old lady with a wicked cane!