What Lays Ahead? Heart Condition

[KP the nut]

I'll be with you in spirit. (((HUGS)))

 

[Froggie]

Me likewise ...:hug:

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Thinking of you at this time and you are in my prayers. Big hugs. Take good care of you. I will be with you in spirit too.

 

[Nicolette]

It wont be as bad as what you may be thinking Nicolette.

To be honest Amethist I am not really thinking anything other than what I have been told and presume I have one of two conditions and either will be medicated for the rest of my life or need surgery which is not that intrusive or complicated.

It's just unnerving as it is my heart. I am not scared - just somewhat apprehensive as simple things like walking around for a significant period currently causes heart pain.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Nicolette, I am so sorry that walking around is causing your heart to hurt you. I am so glad that you have a medical team on top of this and you do not have such great suspense hanging on you. They have done a great job keeping you informed about what is going on. I am rooting you on. Big hugs.

 

[BloomInWinter]

Sending wishes for answers and recovery...

 

[Nicolette]

Two cardiologists and the same diagnosis - Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Its now a case of determining whether life long medication or surgery is the best method of treatment. Back to the cardiologist in a week as I'm trying a stronger medication until then- that's if I can tolerate is as I don't do medication real well since last year.

 

[p-no]

I hope coping with the stronger medication will go well and I am glad there is an answer now for you. If you want to say, how are you feeling?

 

[JustBe]

Another step forward Nicolette. Sometimes just knowing helps a little. I hope today is a good day for you and that you do something nice just for you.

 

[Nicolette]

I'm fine thanks.... I don't want to take the medication as I am frightened it will impede on my ability to work when I have a deadline. Due to this I have decided I will not start taking the medication until tomorrow which Anthony agrees with. I am also not keen on taking medication for every day of my life when statistics I have read state that requiring varied medication results in a 50 - 70% long term success rate.

With age the impact of the condition may increase. I was also told it would mean aspirin for the rest of my life as a preventative measure due to the risk of stroke from a blood clot if my heart still was beating fast at times despite medication. Currently leaning towards surgery as it has a 90 - 98% success rate given a good specialist.

Not sure.... will see what I can research over the next week.

 

[amethist]

Do what you feel is best for you Nicolette.

If surgery, even though scary, is the most comfortable way for you to deal with it, then go for it.

{{{{ Mega hugs}}}}

 

[ISupportHer]

I'll have to go back and look at all of this thread. So it's SVT as opposed to atrial fib? Technically a. fib comes under the heading of an SVT but there are other SVT's. I have an idea of what would be prescribed here in the States. Of course, I don't know all the details and am not asking you for personal information. But the way I look at it is that the medication could be a good thing.

When the heart rate is very fast, not allowing for appropriate blood flow to the body, thus the symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue and chest pain among others. It also is quite a strain on the heart itself, meaning that if you don't get it under control with medication, you can have other problems.

Again, I have not read back all the way and don't know what the surgery reference is but if it is ablation, it can be quite helpful. I know life has no guarantees but I have a co-worker that had to have it. Not going to lie. She had to have it done twice I think, but she is back and working in the high stress environment of the ER.

At any rate, I know it's stressful. I also know that it is hard to come to a decision on what to do. I wish you well.

ISH