SVT - Is RFA worth the risks?
Posted , 6 users are following.
Hello everyone.
I'm a 25 year old female who has recently moved to Singapore with her partner.
I began attending a specialist in Glasgow in 2010 after minor palpitations that would always disappear on their own or with a forced cough. The longest lasted 10 minutes. They never caused me too much concern and after lots of tests and ECG monitors, which returned nothing, I put it at the back of my mind. My Dr. suggested it was a minor AV Node SVT and that we would just monitor it over time.
Last Sunday morning I woke out of my sleep at 0630 with a severe attack. Nothing would stop it at home. After 15 minutes I made my way to the nearest A&E where I was injected with Adenosine (not pleasent) and was kept under observation for the rest of the day before being sent home being doing that I had SVT. I had no caffeine or alcohol that night and made sure that I rested well.
The following morning I was woke out of my sleep at 0530 (an hour apart - strange) with another severe attack and followed the same process at A&E. Again, I was kept in for observation for the rest of the day before being sent home with Verapamil, to be taken as and when required.
The following day I was tired, extremely anxious and now afraid to be on my own or fall asleep but I had no palpitations. I followed my no caffeine and no alcohol diet hoping for the best but by Wednesday evening, after leaning over, another attack presented itself.
I have an appointment with a specialist here in Singapore on the Thursday the 22nd and it can't come quick enough, this whole thing has flipped my world and has put everything on hold. Even with a supportive partner, not having my family here has been an upsetting experience. My Dr. in the UK has suggested that I have RFA done to cure the condition once and for all. I'm terrified of the risks but don't want to have to take medication for the rest of my life either. My other problem is, do I get RFA done here or back in the UK when i'm home on leave in July? Should I wait or could I be making my condition worse?
A very tired and anxious Deborah.
0 likes, 35 replies
deborah1989
Posted
Sorry for the delayed response, back at work now.
My op on Friday went ahead as planned and wasn't as traumatic as most of the stories that I read beforehand. My Doctor was amazing and had me in and out of theatre within an hour and a half. I had no concept of time but I was awake during the whole procedure and felt the little burn as they got rid of my AVNRT. My groin was a little tender as was my head after the valium and other medication that were used to sedate me. A highly recommend that you find an experienced Doctor, that you're comfortable with, and get this done as soon as you can.
I have my follow-up appointment with my Doctor on Friday and will let you all know how I get on.
Deborah.
jay7196 deborah1989
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deborah1989 jay7196
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Just back from my follow-up and (touch wood) all appears to be well. The Dr. did say that my SVT was pretty easy to trigger during the surgery which was made spotting the problem easier for the team. I was only in hospital for one night, the surgery over with in an hour and a half apparently (not that I remember much). My groin is still a little tender and I often get a little pinch in my chest but after questioning these today, i've been assured that they're perfectly normal. The heart is now just repairing and recovering from the stress of the procedure. Thankfully I finish my blood thinning tablets tomorrow too.
I had my first slice of chocolate cake with lunch yesterday and had no flutters or palpitations which was a good sign. I haven't got up the courage yet for a cup of tea or a coffee but i'll get there.
My Cardiologist in Glasgow recommended that I get the surgery done at the Edinburgh Royal, had I been home. Supposedly there is a great private Dr. there and it would be cheaper than a trip to Singapore. Possibly worth looking into.
Let me know how you get on.
Deborah
Merryl deborah1989
Posted
Glad your op went well. I just came home from hospital today, after having an attack of ectopics. I was in hospital for 10 days having tests. The consultant said I have ectopic beats and not abnormal rhythm. She was hoping to catch them. I had my heart monitored for 8 days. I also had an Echocardiogram and my heart was sound, 24 hour monitor which did'nt show much, and blood tests. I am now on Beta-Blockers with side effects. The consultant said she don't need to do anymore tests at the moment. I am going to have a lung function test for the breathlessness in out patients. I am still geting palpitations and flutters but not so often. Just wondered if anyone had the ablation op for Ectopics.
Merryl
Merryl deborah1989
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I noticed you said you ate a slice of chocolate cake and had no flutters or palpitations, do you have problems after eating other foods too?
Merryl
jay7196 Merryl
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Merryl jay7196
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Perhaps I should try cutting out Tea which I like. I don't drink cofee or eat much chocolate.
Thanks
jay7196 Merryl
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deborah1989 Merryl
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I was told that the RFA would cure the palpitations/SVT but not the ectopic beats as these are present in everyone's heart. Even after my operation, I still show a couple on my ECG.
Chocolate, alcohol and caffeine were my main triggers but i've had some of each since my procedure and (touch wood) haven't had any side effects.
I hope they book you in for the op soon as it sounds like you're having a terrible time of it.
Deborah x
Susanne_Mary deborah1989
Posted
Sorry to hear your plight. I suffered from SVT's from the age of seven, I am now 67. I was told by the doctor, (as a child) that I was hyperactive and to slow down, they had no idea what it was. It took forty years to discover what was wrong with me! I was on verapamil, but fortunately had a couple of angio-plasties in the mid 1990's when it was very early days for the above op. (I think you call them RFA's now.) Anyway way back then, it was marvellous and for the first time in my life I wasn't afraid to have a drink ... ie. alcohol or coffee, or work out at the gym. I was in show-business for 40 years and even performed whilst having an SVT. That was then, and I'm sure that prodedures are far better now. I had my operations in Liverpool at Broadgreen Hospital (one was exploratory and the other an oblation) and have never looked back. Good luck in the future and hope you feel better soon. Light and Love
Susanne_Mary deborah1989
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deborah1989 Susanne_Mary
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Thank you so much for getting in touch, it's always near to hear of a story with a positive ending.
Fingers crossed, all appears to have gone well with my op on the 6th and I haven't had too much to report of since. A few ectopic beats and the odd feeling that something my start off but I think a lot of it is down to paranoia. Every little pain in my chest has me worried but i'm hoping that it'll pass in time time.
Deborah x