Fainting

Hello!
Quick re-cap: I had my 3rd ablation about 6 weeks ago. First 2 were sinus node modifications for IST, 3rd was for sinus node re-entry atrial tachycardia.
I was doing better until I fainted night before last. I saw my doctor yesterday, he adjusted my pacemaker and told me to come back in 3 months. 3 months...are you kidding me!!! I can't go on like this for 3 months! Still having issues because of IST.
On the way home I fainted while sitting in the car. I have NEVER fainted while seated. I have always fainted during tachy episodes which are usually brought on by walking or other light activities. I started having a rapid rate, extreme chest pain, and shortness of breath. Before I knew it, I was slumped over in my seat and my husband had to get me up. Everything was just like all of my other episodes except this time I was sitting down.
I don't know what to do. Dr. says to give it more time because I am not fully healed from the ablation. I would think though, that as time progresses, things would be getting better, not worse. I am not able to do much of anything at this point for fear that I will have another episode.
Sorry, I needed to vent today!

Amanda

4 Comments

I don't like your doctor

by Angelie - 2008-10-16 02:10:16

I forget how fortunate I am to have a EP doc who really genuinely cares about me. I have atrial tach as well, and 3 failed ablations one of which was a sinus node modification. They could not do anymore ablations because my phrenic nerve was too close to where they needed to ablate and they already froze it once. I can't imagine how frustrated and physically awful you must feel. Hang in there, but demand to be seen earlier. if not find another doc, I mean, seriously.
I'm surprised that the docs have not recommended that you have a AV node ablation, since it seems like you've tried everything else.
Good luck sweetheart,
Angelie

call again

by Tracey_E - 2008-10-16 02:10:33

Did you call and say you fainted again? I can't think of any reason why fainting should be considered "just healing" after six weeks. I'd insist on coming back again. Be careful!!!!! I would not drive until it's fixed and be careful on steps when you're home alone, etc.

Doctors

by scadnama - 2008-10-16 03:10:49

This Dr. is the 4th EP that I have seen!
My first EP is a wonderful doctor, but insisted that I get a second opinion after 2 sinus node modifications were unsuccessful. Complete sinus node ablation was the last resort and she didn't want to do make me pacemaker dependent at the age of 24.
The second EP that I saw did not think that the ablation was necessary and put me on beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers that all made me feel awful. I was put into his care in an emergency situation and he just thought that I was crazy.
My 3rd EP was a refferal by my first doctor. He also tried the medication route first. After being taken to the ER because of a bad episode of tachy, this doctor decided to hospitalize me and monitor me continually for a few days. I saw he and an associate EP of his while in the hospital. They both worked on my case and came to the conclusion that a sinus node ablation was the final solution. During the procedure, while making his way to the sinus node, he found a reentry tachycardia to ablate instead. He decided not to continue with the sinus node ablation to see if maybe this would solve the problem.
Well, you would think that the sinus node ablation would be the next step, but he is now wanting to play the waiting game because things have improved as far as my heart rate upon exhurstion is concerned. I am happy to report that my rate does not get up as often as it used to, which is definantly an improvement, but when I do have an episode, it is so intense that I just have to stop everything and hope that it passes before losing consciousness. That is just no way to have to live your life!
I just don't know where else to turn.

Amanda

hmmmmmmm..

by Pookie - 2008-10-16 07:10:36

Perhaps you could ask all 4 EPs to communicate and come up with a game plan for you. Would that be possible??

I am so sorry to hear that you have to live your life like you described. I completely understand as I live with hypotension, neurocardiogenic syncope and an inner ear imbalance...talk about being dizzy 24/7!!

It's not fun, but somehow, someway, I get through each and every day with a lot of ups and downs and a few bruises along the way.

To be honest I know how I get through each day: FRIENDS!

Friends that I've met here!!! Thanks everyone.

Pookie

You know you're wired when...

You can finally prove that you have a heart.

Member Quotes

I have had my pacer since 2005. At first it ruled my life. It took some time to calm down and make the mental adjustment. I had trouble sleeping and I worried a lot about pulling wires. Now I just live my life as I wish.