What Lays Ahead? Heart Condition

[CraftyCath]

Just popped in to say 'hi' and to send hugs Nicolette!

:hug:

 

[piratelady]

Definitely research it and make the decision that is best for you. I am sure everything is going to turn out ok :)

 

[KP the nut]

(((Nicolette))). Now, you have some answers.

As Amethist said, it is time to do what is best for you.

Thinking of you.

 

[Nicolette]

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.

As I understand it ISH, AF is when the heart is firing electrical signals from various parts of the atrium where SVT is one signal being sent but it looping and misfiring at the part where it sends the 'message' to the ventricles. Here is a pretty simplistic good page [DLMURL]http://www.patient.co.uk/health/Supraventricular-Tachycardia-%28SVT%29.htm[/DLMURL]

I have been on Metoprolol, Verapamil and now Flecatab.

I understand treating SVT with ablation is more successful than AF due to one signal versus various.

I know someone who has had multiple surgeries to no avail and prefers medication to trying again with medical advancement however, at times when having to go off the medication for surgery etc, she has had a hard time and over years has had to change medications as one which worked no longer becomes effective. I believe she has atrial tachycardia which involves multiple signals and not just one which they believe I have.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Nicolette here is a big bear hug for you. I am hoping for the best possible outcome for you. You are doing amazing going through this scary experience. I am really proud and inspired by you.

 

[HëllaBubz]

Hey Nic,

As I'm sure many of the nurses (or ex-nurses:notworthy:) will tell you, we are all EXTREMELY pleased that it isn't something more serious, and at least somewhat manageable......at least you'll be around to enforce Anthony's diet for a while to come!!

On a more serious note, I'm sorry that this has happened to you, but at the same time a little glad, because you seem to give so much outwards, but don't take enough time to rejuvenate yourself, so I'm glad you have to slow down and learn to love yourself a little more.....

besides, my partner will tell you its very hard to cuddle a partner who's buzzing around like a shaken up bee!!!!:blackeye::sour::wacky:

lots of love and hugs:hug:

Bubzie

 

[ISupportHer]

You do have good information in that article Nicolette. I guess I was being too technical. The term supraventricular does mean the tachycardia originates above the lower chambers, the ventricles. And atrial fibrillation originates above the ventricles but is not always fast. A. Fib with RVR is what's used here. (rapid ventricular response) It looks like you have been put on most of the same medications that would be tried here. Usually the beta blocker classification (metoprolol being one) is the first line of defense.

I am not a specialist, of course, but if the SVT is a re-entrant type as opposed to originating from one foci (one site on the atria firing fast) then it can be a hard nut to crack, so to speak. I don't want to give bad information but I was thinking that sometimes ablation can help block that re-entrant pathway. So that the electrical signal goes on down to the AV node, which acts to slow it, rather than the signal being kind of flipped back up. The term re-entrant, as I'm sure you know, means that the signal is kind of in a vicious circle and keeps the atria firing fast. True, that's the goal of the beta blockers, etc also. To slow that process down.

It must be very frustrating. Well, I know it is. I had to have a stress test earlier this year due to a rhythm irregularity. Mine is a slow rate with "escape" premature beats. Stress test was normal so there is no treatment. I could do an ablation if I were having problems but it is just an annoyance really. My heart rate is 50, so metoprolol would slow it too much. Not intending this as a "show me yours and I'll show you mine" LOL, just saying I think I understand a little of how you feel.

 

[Trembling]

(((((Nicolette))))))

Just to let you know - thinking of you.

Took beta blockers for years, was suggested a surgery to get the "Rythmpack" as I called it - but escaped.
You will know what to do, and you have your support!

 

[CraftyCath]

(or ex-nurses)

Another ex-nurse here! It isn't easy to have to choose between surgery and meds Nicolette but I'm sure you will make the right decision for you.

Flecatab.

Drug companies choose some funny names for their meds. Flecatab sounds like a pill to kill fleas in cats! :roflmao:

Big Hugs,

CC

 

[Nicolette]

I am not a specialist, of course, but if the SVT is a re-entrant type as opposed to originating from one foci (one site on the atria firing fast) then it can be a hard nut to crack, so to speak.

Rushing out the door.... I think I have one signal looping which would be the one foci thing (I think) and the results from ablation for that are 90 - 98% success. I don't so much think the atria is firing fast - my understanding is when it fires a signal and it gets to the central part to send a message to the ventricle it is looping there in an extra nerve which is what they burn away. Link Removed

 

[Icon Nikon]

No ex-nurse here, Nicolette!

However if you need a professional mechanical and electrical engineer to remodel your "internal pump" and "electrical circuits", I work cheap! I will sterilize any "catheters and instruments" with ethylene oxide gas and then aerate them completely as 3 parts per million of that gas kills you.

I would even use my professional photography skills and my creative computer skills to set you up with a picture slideshow to your most relaxing playlist. And, although some might disagree, I think my social work experience would make for ok bedside manner, if you decide to go that route.

There is but one problem, and it is not that I am not a doctor, since what you really need is a "versatile contractor". The issue, of course, is that you would have to be awake for all of it, as my brain tumor and abscess in my head may forget "what thing-a-ma-gig" to use when and in what order. Unless of course, you do not mind seeing your after x-rays and all the "extra widgets" I I had left over when done. In that case, I would be much obliged to assist you in this rather routine, these days, procedure.

And if that does not work out in your favor, I am an organ donor, and quite frankly my heart might work much better in your body than in mine, as my autoimmune system disorders seem only to label my own skin, organs, tissues, bones, etc as foreign bodies which need to be destroyed. Likely my heart would get a charge out of finding a new home. ;) :P :oops:

I bet you were not expecting that when you open this thread up! :) :hugs: i just hope it brought you a chuckle or two.

All kidding aside (though I hope it was ok with you), I think you just need to sit quietly with the information you have and then decide what you feel is best for you.

And I wish you much peace with whatever decision you make. Mostly, I just wanted you to know that that I was thinking about you as you ponder your choices.

Anyway, here is the (((hug))) I popped in to give you!

Heart-Pumping Regards,
Alex

 

[Froggie]

You will feel an inner peace when the time comes to make that decision ((((Nicolette)))), it will be the best decision.