Frustrated!

Quick re-cap: I have had my pacemaker for about 9 months. I was diagnosed with IST about 6 months ago. I have had 2 sinus node modifications. Still struggling with tachycardia.

I went to see my Dr. yesterday to discuss whether or not a final sinus node ablation would be the next step in my treatment. I had a sinus node modification about 3 months ago, and she wanted to give my heart plenty of time to heal, so she decided to wait until now to discuss this option.
Our last discussion was only 3 weeks ago...now she wants to put me on Paxil because she thinks that anxiety may be playing a part in my tachycardia. She had me take Paxil between ablations 1 and 2, and she also had me see a psychologist to rule out anxiety or any other issues. I saw the psychologist just as she asked, and everything checked out perfect...in fact he was surprised at how clam and easy going I was for being young and having a heart condition and pacemaker!
There is evidence that shows that my heart rate gets out of control for no reason...I have worn event monitors, and my pacemaker records any episodes where my heart rate is over 140. I just don't see how she could go from one extreme to the other. One week we are talking about an ablation and the next, I am taking anti-depressants! I just don't get it!
She wants me to call her with an up-date in 2 weeks, and then see me in 2 months...are you kidding me....I am still having tachy episodes on a regular basis and I can't drive!
I have scheduled an appointment with another EP, but I can't get in to see him for another 2 months either. They have put me on a cancellation list, so I am keeping my fingers crossed.
Sorry this turned out to be so long, but I really needed to vent!

Amanda

4 Comments

Your symptoms and stress

by maryanne - 2008-08-26 09:08:55

I can appreciate your sense of frustration. I am sure your doctor has looked at many causes for your tachycardia. It's funny when the medical field can't figure something out they tend to want to push more meds and lean towards it all being in our heads.

Now it is true that stress can cause tachycardia and excerabate an underlying condition. So as individuals we need to take responsibility for attempting to control our stress. Meditation, yoga, nice calming walking....listening to relaxation music or soft music.....recognizing when we are becoming stressed and try to react in a different manner to the stressful situation.

But with that being said again there are many things that can cause rapid heart rates. Here are just a few;
If you are prone to respiratory ailements that can trigger increased heart rate, electrolyte imbalances effect heart rate, drugs of course have an effect, but such things systemic conditions like extreme temperature changes....so for example if you have come out from an air conditioned environment and into hot weather you may cause your heart rate to increase, dehydration, endocrine or neurological dysfunction can all increase your heart rate.

So if your doctor has ruled all of those out....then yes your guess is as good as mine as to why you continue to have the rapid rate. But remember you to can play a role.... try not to get to stressed about this as it can cause your heart to react....make sure you stay hydrated....but most of all try to relax...do what you can.....and just make sure they have investigated everything before giving you another drug....

All the best.....I hope this helps a bit.....

Frustration

by angeldk - 2008-08-27 04:08:11

I'm so sorry for your frustration and understand how difficult it can be when they automatically deem everything as pyschosomatic....coming from working in the cardiologist's office,they do that VERY often. Our doctors would get to work when someone would get in their face and remind them that it IS their responsibility to fix the physical problem and not get an easy out or fix by anti anxiety medication or the like. I have a question for you though, if you don't mind....did you have the pacemaker put in for the Inappropriate Sinus Tach?
Good luck with everything!!

Jenn

Pacemaker

by scadnama - 2008-08-27 09:08:33

Thanks for the replies!

Jenn, my pacemaker was placed because of bradycardia that was causing me to faint. I have a condition called autonomic dysfunction which can cause both extermes. I am still fainting, but now it is due to the fast rate which is causing me to skip beats.

Amanda

Pacemaker

by angeldk - 2008-08-27 10:08:36

Thanks for the response. I just found that interesting in your post because it stood out to me with things going on with me at the moment. Taching and then dropping bradycardic...and that whole scenario. Pacemaker is a possibility I was told but no one seems to know whats going on! We're too young for this!

You know you're wired when...

You play MP3 files on your pacer.

Member Quotes

A properly implanted and adjusted pacemaker will not even be noticeable after you get over the surgery.