Question

Hi, It has been a while since I have been on here so I will give a little background. I had heart ablatations for a "tachycardia" in 2007/2008 and ended up with a pacemaker in 2008. I had been doing great with it until the first of this year and I went into a "junctional" rhythm that the dr. was unable to fix. He did more testing and said that this was something I was born with. I had two "patyways" instead of one and my heart rate would originate where it was supposed to but instead of going into the bottom chambers, it would "circle" around thru the two valves (not what it is supposed to do). I had another heart ablation approximately 6 weeks ago. He said he would try to burn out all around the main node but if that wouldn't work, he would have to ablate out the SV and AV nodes completely. That is exactly what happenened and I am now 100% dependent on the pacemaker. I felt great after the surgery until the past few days. I am "feeling my heart rate in my head" again and am beyond exaustion. Today, Sunday is the first time I have been up since Friday. And, I mean exactly that. I woke up twice since Friday to go to the bathroom and get something to drink. I physically could not wake up. I don't have a virus, infection etc that could explain the exhaustion. However, I have been really stressed out. My hb is slightly elevated and my resting heart rate is between 111-117. I am frustrated and concerned. Can this be normal? Or, should I be concerned? If I should be concerned, should I call my cardio tomorrow or go ahead and call tonight?

Thanks

3 Comments

Ah, back again!

by donr - 2012-12-09 05:12:40

Cheree: I'd say welcome back, but I'm not sure you really like the reasons for the return! I remember you well from the beginning of the year - you live close to me & were looking for a Primary care Dr. near your town.

You questions today are out of my league , totally, except to refer you to Our two local experts, Janey L & Snitch.

I just read your post from last Jan where I suggested that you send a PM to Janey in London, UK. Same suggestion - she is now 100% dependent as are you & for the same reasons. She is a good resource for you to contact.

At this point, I'd call your surgeon tonight - since the current problem has been w/ you for several days & I'd say that you have put up w/ enough misery of an unusual sort to warrant the call. The worst he can do is to tell you to come in tomorrow & he'd better be polite about it if that is his response.

Don

Thanks.

by chereescott - 2012-12-09 06:12:41

Thank you for responding quickly. I knew I could count on you. Thanks for sending my post in, I really appreciate it. I also found a really good primary care doctor. So that is good. I will keep you updated.

Call a doctor

by golden_snitch - 2012-12-10 10:12:23

Hi Cheree!

Now, the first question that came into my mind when I read your post was: Why did your EP ablate the SA and AV-node to treat an AV-nodal-reentrant-tachycardia (AVNRT)? Because from what you have described, with the two pathways, an AVNRT is what you had. Junctional rhythm is something different. AVNRT is one of the easiest to ablate arrhythmias - been there, done that (and my Mom, too). So, it really puzzles me that your EP decided to ablate both nodes. Ablating these nodes should always be the very, very last resort.

Regarding your symptoms, I'd definitely call a doctor. Maybe you do have a virus, maybe one that does not cause a flu-like symptoms. Could also be iron deficiency. Another idea is that you are now having atrial fibrillation, and have therefore lost the atrial kick, and so have a slightly reduced heart function. That would explain the tachycardia and the exhaustion. Not unheard of that patients experience new arrhythmias after having had an ablation. Since your heart rate is elevated, I'm pretty sure that you have some type of arrhythmias as the pacer would not pace you at this rate at rest.

Hope you get to see a doctor soon, and find some relief!
Best wishes
Inga

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