AV Node Ablation

I have had irregular heart rhythms for 8 years now. Flutter, a-fib, SVT, atrial tach, v. bigeminy...you name it. All meds I've tried over the years have failed to manage my symptoms, and I've had 3 failed ablations with the last one resulting in phrenic nerve damage. My EP doc and I are running out of options, and I fear a AV Node ablation with pacemaker implant looms in my future. This will either be the best or worst thing for me. I wish there was a sure way of telling, but I know I can't continue living the way it is now. I'm 33 years old. My dream is to run a 5K

4 Comments

PROBABLY THE BEST

by peter - 2008-06-19 02:06:48

I had chronic A-fib on and off for 10 years before I got a pacemaker and AV node ablation. Phew what a difference it made to me. I hope it does the same for you. I had a number of cardioversions before the pacemaker and ablation. It was very nearly curtains for me until I got the right treatment. Good luck, you have age on your side. Cheers Peter

AV Node Ablation

by trlam21 - 2008-06-19 03:06:05

I just wanted to post my complications following my Node ablations, to give you both sides to the treatment. I am only 24 and I had the node ablation when there was no other treatment. My EP atempted to find the location of trouble twice before the node ablation.I was told I had Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia and the only way to fix it was a AV Node Ablation or sinus node modification. With the modification they ablated 90% of the sinus node and I felt great. Shortly after the sinus node stopped working and I had a cardiac arrest, and received a pacemaker. Following the implant I had runs of SVT and V-Fib. To make this a short story I now have an ICD. If I could start over I would say no to the Node ablation and live with the Tachycardia.

Every situation is different and I wish you the best. with what every option you find to treat your symptomes.

AV node ablation

by JohnS - 2008-06-19 06:06:50

Hi there. I had similar symptoms to yours and have to say the the node ablation and pacemaker implant was the best thing I have every done.
I felt 100 % better, and wish I had had the Node ablation and pacemaker implnar done years ago.
best of luck
John S

AV node ablation

by Susan - 2008-06-19 11:06:17

Do remember that an AV node ablation does not cure afib. While it might make you less symtomatic, the afib continues. If you seek symptom treatment, maybe an AV node ablation will work.
If you want to stop the afib, do check out other possibilities than meds and ablations. You will find some interesting reading at health.groups.yahoo.com/group/A-fibcures
This BB discusses different procedures to stop the afib. There was a recent discussion on the BB about AV node ablations and whether they were a good idea or not.
I had an AV node ablation and it did make me less symptomatic however the afib continues. I do not feel it is in my best interest to have my heart beating at a high rate so I am pursuing a non-pharmceutical course to stop the afib.
Susan

You know you're wired when...

Your device acts like a police scanner.

Member Quotes

So, my advice is to go about your daily routine and forget that you have a pacemaker implanted in your body.