Do I take the risk?

Hello, My name is Miranda and I am currently 26. I have an irregular heart beat that is called PCA's. PCA's are not life threatening, but they do make me feel lightheaded, out of breath, and VERY tired. I have been dealing with this since I was about 20 years old, and have had 2 EP Studies with ablations. After my second EP study failed and the PAC's returned I was placed on Metoprolol to take as needed. Long story short the medication is no longer working and my electrophysiologist believes that another EP study with ablation is needed, but this time there is a risk of ablating the node, and needing a pace maker. My question for you all is do i just put up with the PAC's because they are not life threatening, but do ruin my days. Or do i take the risk to feel better which may mean I end up with a Pacemaker.

5 Comments

Risk/Reward

by BillH - 2016-02-01 11:02:09

Doing anything, not doing it, has a risk and reward.

In some case the Risk is so low and the reward is so high there is no question.

Likewise in some cases the risk is so high and reward low that there is no question.

But in too many questions in the life the balance is a lot closer.

And only YOU can define the risk and rewards as you see them.

One question to ask the doctor is the long term affect of high levels of PAC's. I know that too high levels of PVC's can lead to heart failure over time.

I have no idea about PAC's. So that might be another item to consider.

But the question is what kind of life you are leading now vs what might happen with the ablation and what is the probability of ablating the node.

And if the node is ablated what is the problem with needing a pacemaker.

Also you might want to see another EP to get their opinion. One question I would have was is the option of other meds that might control the PAC's.

pacing

by Tracey_E - 2016-02-02 02:02:43

If you've lost quality of life, then do what it takes to get it back. JMHO. Life threatening has little to do with the decision, you're too young to live like an old person when you have a problem that can be fixed. Imo, the risk of pacing is a small price to pay if it gets you back to feeling good.

I got my first pacer at 27, different problem than you but I was rapidly getting to the point I struggled to get through the day. That was more than 20 years ago. I'm healthy and active, and I never looked back. Pacing isn't as scary as it sounds, it's a simple tool that can give us our lives back.

PAC's

by Roys - 2016-02-02 12:02:10

Why not give Mineral supplements like Magnesium and Potassium a try. you have got nothing to lose, they stopped my PVC's
Cheers Roy

PACs and Pvcs

by Lisalac - 2016-02-03 02:02:33

I had bradycardia with sick sinus which was the main reason for my pacemaker. But I was also getting so many PACs and PVcs and was miserable. We have adjusted quite s few things on my dual Medtronic pacemaker and tried many Meds. Now I'm takin magnesium once a date, tons of natural potassium, they raised my minimum heart rate up to 60 and I can say I might get them once a day. I feel so freed now because they really affected my life. I also take hot mineral baths after every run to replenish lots nutrients.

Holistic Medicine

by oldearthworm - 2016-02-16 05:02:25

Every GP must be well versed in "holistic" , by law, if necessary ..
I strongly favor this and the pacemaker, but this is only opinion , I am not a GP , nor a S, nor a EP , etcetera . .
Please do seek a second opinion .. also, the minerals are good in a great many cases ..hence "holistic" .
I'd, in the same position , try the minerals for 90 days and see what the results are ..Minerals .. $50 . Pacemaker .. $50,000 and more ...

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