av ablation should i have it

on 3/18 i had a demand pm inserted "TO MAKE ME FEEL 100% BETTER" that lasted one week . i am now in afib and a flutter with rvr. the dr now suggests an av node ablation and to be 100% paced. i am really afraid of this just the thought of having to be 100% dependent on a pacer scrares the crap out of me. has anyone had this done.

4 Comments

Av Node ablation

by kcruz - 2009-04-01 07:04:04

I have been pacer dependant since 2003( i am 42) I would strongly recommend that you exhaust all other options prior to an av node ablation

I agree

by ElectricFrank - 2009-04-01 10:04:48

An ablation is serious business that involves permanently destroying heart tissue. There is no doubt that there are cases where an ablation is the only option, but it is not to be taken lightly. Keep in mind if it does improve things or even makes them worse, it isn't reversible.

From your description and the time since your implant the doc doesn't inspire much confidence in me. As an RN I'm sure you see plenty of shotgun procedures that don't make sense. Use that knowledge to decide on this one.

frank

AV Ablation

by sweetkozy - 2009-04-02 12:04:31

Just a quick side note.....

I have had 2 SA node ablations for tachycardia and the symptoms came back about a year after each surgery Same symptoms that I was having before the ablations. They have made my symptoms less, but they are still there. It also depends on how much your doctor alters the AV node too on how much you'll depend on your PM. Good Luck! Tough choices for you to make!

Cheers:)
Jenny

sorry if i mislead you

by pattycake1111 - 2009-04-02 12:04:42

in might have mislead you regarding the need for av ablation and 100% pacer. i have been tx with beta blockers to no availl my afib with rvr cannot be controlled with meds nor with the demand pacer. i have been on several different meds since dec 2008. i was started on tikosyn 500 mcq with caused me to have a lot of arrthymias. i was told by my dr that i would be taken off the tikosyn after the pacer was inserted but he has continued the tikosyn after the pacer i am also on digoxin and cardizem. but nothing has worked so far i just dont feel like he has given these meds a chance except for the tikosyn which did not work before and still isnt. i think he should try another beta blocker and take me off tikosyn because it is not working. sorry if i implied that i had not been on meds. i am just so frustrated i cant think straight.

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