Complete Heart Block Post Ablation

Help! I went through an ablation on Nov 12 for SVT - I now have complete heart block. I'm being told that this will probably not resolve on its own...has anyone ever heard of Complete Heart Block resoloving on it's own?

I'm almost 6 weeks post-ablation - and I've seen 5 Drs - telling me that a pacemaker is the best option for me. I have no symptoms- no dizziness, etc - my resting heart rate fluctuates between 45-58bpm....and the highest I've reached during exercise is 105bpm -I am currently not exercising because I'm under a lot stress already going through this - and I don't want to push it..

I have the option of doing the PM THIS MONDAY the 22nd or JAN 12th -and I'm in such disbelief that this is happening...do I take more time to absorb and process - or do I just do it to guarantee that I am safe...

My Dr's feel that I am stable and have left it up to me - I'm having anxiety either way - doing it Monday -thinking - maybe if I wait a few more weeks it will resolve - not doing it Monday - thinking what if something happens and I don't get to choose the Dr I want, etc...as my Dr will literally not be available until the 12th...

PLEASE HELP!

7 Comments

P.S..

by lisabfit - 2014-12-20 11:12:39

I'm 42 - a personal trainer with an almost 4 yr old...this outcome has completely turned my world upside down..

Easiest Operation So Far!

by terrymac12345 - 2014-12-21 01:12:50

You will probably be in and out the same day if not the following morning.
Meanwhile if you google complete heart block it is generally considered an emergency unless the doctor discovers medicines that are causing it.
I can gamble with my automobile by waiting to fix something and if it dies I can still revive it. Not so with us humans! Best Of luck!



Tough call

by Grateful Heart - 2014-12-21 02:12:45


But I will say this: I had to wait more than a month for my implant. It is the waiting that is the worst. Sometimes I think if it was done as an emergency, I wouldn't have had all that time to think and worry. Others who were an emergency seem to feel the opposite. The grass is always greener I guess.

I didn't know about this site at the time, in fact, not until more than 2 years later. I think it would have helped a great deal since I did not know anyone with a PM.

If nothing else, read more here and ask questions to help ease your anxiety. You will be ok.

Sorry I haven't helped much. Good luck on your date decision.

Grateful Heart

Same thing happened to me

by SaraTB - 2014-12-21 11:12:08

I had an ablation for SVT when I was 42 as well which also damaged my AV node, putting me into complete heart block. There was no discussion about delaying the implant: it was done the next day. I'm on my second one now and in all other respects lead a completely normal life.
It was a horrible shock at the time and I sympathise with how you must be feeling right now. It's hard to accept especially with no apparent symptoms. Mine has never resolved itself and I'm now grateful for the PM as now I don't have to worry about "what if" my heart goes out of sync as it were.
I can't advise you either way, but I wanted you to know you're not alone and whenever you decide to do it, you will eventually get used to it and, indeed, forget about it!

Further info on 2 vs 3 leads

by lisabfit - 2014-12-24 02:12:18

I literally have had 3 Dr's tell me that they would put in the 3 lead pacemaker to prevent possible heart failure long term- and it was not until Dr #4 did I even know a 2 lead would be an option for me - Dr #4 REFUSES to put a 3 lead in me & says ABSOLUTELY NOT...the risks outweigh the benefits at this point..

this came as a complete shock to me - as none of the other Dr's ever considered/or told me that a 2 lead would be an option...

So now - I'm eager to hear from some younger people with pacemakers who've been faced with this decision..and if you know of any documented studies or resources -please send them my way..

Thank you again for your responses...

Thank you!

by lisabfit - 2014-12-24 02:12:50

Thank you all for your comments...it is becoming clear to me that there is no way out of complete heart block without a pacemaker...I am focusing on acceptance and being grateful that there is a way out at all...my life can be back to normal -
Now I'm faced with making sure I get the Dr who I feel most comfortable with and who truly has my best interest at heart - literally.
I also posted about 2 leads vs. 3 leads - so if any of you have any advice - please chime in...the timeline for my procedure has changed due to DR's conflicting advice on the number of leads to put in...I'm seeing there is more research to be done on my part...
Again - I'm a very healthy 42 year old personal trainer with an ejection fraction of 70-73%....(can't remember exactly - but it was high)

Thank you so much!

It happened to me

by john6775 - 2014-12-25 11:12:07

Went in for ablation to correct an SVT. It went wrong complete heart block we waited a few days to see if it would come back never did and had pm. I had no choice but to have a pm. It was a year ago and I am 44 yo with zero history of heart issues. I wish you the best and reach out if you need to talk. John

You know you're wired when...

You fondly named your implanted buddy.

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