PVC's

After seeing 3 EP docs, 2 say no to ablation, I am playing the 66% ofds and going with No,

I have had a pm for 5 months due to sic sinus syndrome.  I have been having asymptomatic PVC's which are occuring more frequently.

Had to go to a new cardiologist 2 weeks ago and he put me on metropolol 12.5 mg daily.  Of course I experienced side effects so he discontinued the med.

I am going to see him on Thurs.  Both my PCP and Endo feel he should put me on a calcium channel blocker, but he is the one calling the shots.

Anyone with a similar situation or experience?

3 Comments

medication

by alicia6650 - 2017-03-27 18:03:17

I have had TONS of varying issues with all different kinds of arrythmia. For a long time I had ZERO response to any medications, so I have now racked up 9 cardiac ablations. 

Since I have had so many ablations (and pacemaker surgeries and open heart surgeries) my doctors and all decided to try some medicines again after some arrhythmia started again after my most recent ablation. So, we have been working with sotalol. It is a combo anti-arrhythmic and beta-blocker. I will tell you that I have taken probably almost every beta-blocker (like motoprolol) in the world in my 11 years of being a heart patient, and I have found that while they slow down my heart rate, that does not control my arrhythmia. Other stronger anti-arrhythmics are really awful and should be reserved for untreatable, life threatening arrhythmia, i think.

Sotalol is a combo. Now, when I first take this medication, the first 2-3 weeks are filled with side effects. The last time I tried this, I was still working so I literally could not function while I let my body get used to it. (Also, I had a pacemaker lead that was not working correctly, so I simply could not tolerate it) Last year my heart failure got really bad, so my doctors made me stop working. So this time, I was able to give the medication more a chance. After a while, the side effects went away completely. Now, it is not helping with my arrhythmia yet, but when I see my doc in a few weeks we will up the dosage and monitor my EKG. 

My EP doc explained that the most bothersome side effects with these meds are those that come with the low BP and heart rate...dizziness, headaches, tiredness, etc. I totally agree that those are the worse. But the longer you stay on this medicine, the less it acts like a beta blocker and the more it acts like an anti-arrhythmic. So maybe you should talk to your doctor about that medicine? Anti-arrhythmics are no joke and not for everyone. But if you are willing/able to REALLY give the medicine a try, and spend some time uncomfortable in hopes that it will eventually get better, you may find a medicine that works for you.

But I would say that beta blockers stink! And ablations are no laughing matter, and anti-arrhythmics are tough and PVC's can be THE WORST! Its the magic of heart disease, no? To treat any one issue may create new issues or worsen existing issues...all part of the magic. Message me directly if you have anymore arrhythmia or ablation related questions. I have been knee deep in the trenches with it for YEARS. My case is annoyingly complicated so I have surprised my doctors enough to have them try A LOT of different things.

EDIT: You could also ask them about starting a medication and maybe adjusting your PM settings to account for any changes in your hearts response to activity, etc. That could close the gap...really utilize the pacemaker, you know?

 

Best of luck!!! 

Meds for PVC's

by donr - 2017-03-27 23:10:53

I'm the PVC king - thousands per day sometimes.

I had my PM BEFORE I started getting a significant number of PVC's.  My EP started me on Flecainide Acetate about ten yrs ago. It reads like a scary med befrore you start taking it, but - but after ten yrs, I've come to accept it as the wonder drug for me.  I take it alog w/ a beta blocker - Acebutolol (Also called Sectral).  Together, they work just fine at keepimg the PVC's at bay.Now Acebutolol has all the nasty side effects as other BB's, but I adapted to them quite nicely.  I take 400 mg per day of trhe Acebutolol - going up to 600 per day was the pits.  Turned me into a zombie - BUT - a level-headed Zombie.  I drooled out of both corners of my mouth simultaneously.  I take 100 mg of Flecainide daily.  Going up to 150 mg helps make the Zombie worse.

Careful when you read what the various meds do to people - we all react differently - VERY differently!

Donr

SSS

by Dbedwell - 2017-03-28 11:48:44

I too have SSS with bradycardia in the low 30's prior to getting my pacemaker on 3/8/17. I take Amlodipine and Losarton. I am getting palpitations with shortness of breath and dizziness. Seeing Surgeon today for the first time post op. I will discuss with him and keep you posted. Best Wishes. Denise 

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