had 3 defibs passing out each time 1 my partner driving and i went down after a few secs the icd went off i woke up got to er and it happened 2 more times... these events are the 9th time since the icd on may 28...
im on amiodarone, quinidine, toprol, and nacl 1 gram...
im 54...
now my bp has been spiking, im im icu and they are pumping me with morphine, and xanax, also diovan 320mg... the iv drips have stopped and they are limiting fluids and collecting all my urine!
at least they stopped the low salt and cholesterol diet!
but after the recent catheterization yesterday, they want me to go to the U of P in Philly 4 ablation.... should I !? this is gonna kill me or my partner or both...
he saved me after the initial sca on may 14, but he has high b p and rapid pulse....
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ablation at u of p on monday?
- By fabu
- Posted September 11, 2008 at 11:26 pm · 11 replies
- In Surviving SCA
- Shared with the public
11 replies
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- Newest first
- By Johnie
- Posted September 12, 2008 at 2:07 pm
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Fabu,
I don't know all the particulars of your situation, but I can tell you that ablations can work. I had three within a short time of each other. First one didn't work because I was on too much medication (given me to prevent the 100's -- REALLY-- of heart stoppages I was having). Second one was not completely successful, couldn't really pinpoint the right spot. But, on the third one they found the area where the electrical charge was "misfiring" and causing my heart to stop. All they do is "burn" a little tissue so that the charge can't go that "bad" direction any more. At least, this is my understanding. It is a very "high tech" procedure, done with computer monitoring, etc. I had an amazing electrocardiologist at a great hospital. He was persistent and experienced. The procedure itself is uncomfortable (not painful). You have to be awake and lie still for a long time. They "map" your heart first (kind of explore), then start testing certain areas where they think the problem might be. When they find a "likely suspect" they "zap" it. The best advice I can give you is to have someone check out your doctor and hospital. Make sure they are very experienced in this procedure. Make sure you feel comfortable with him/her. I can tell you the results can be terrific. Saved me. More than a year has passed, no more stoppages. 100% normal and back to living a complete life.
- By fabu
- Posted September 12, 2008 at 5:51 pm
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thanks Johnnie, im at riverview hosp right now and they are telling me that the insurance co is refusing to pay
for it so im being kept here till monday, at least to give them time to chew it out! UI personally dont have the $
and already have over 1/2 mil in bills piling up since this started... they seem to be blaming it on electrolyte imbalance, the kidney man is monitoring my urine?
I dont think they are ready for this proceedure at Jersey Shore Medical Ctr,but if im desaignated as charity care maybe they will do it... Blue cross BS horizon Im still paying,b ut they are useless!
confused here!
- By Johnie
- Posted September 13, 2008 at 1:41 pm
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You need to get somebody in your family there with you to advocate for you. With all the drugs and all that is happening, you're not in any condition to be making big decisions. If no one from your family is available, you can ask for someone from the hospital to do that. I forget what they are called, but there should be someone there who will step in and help you wade through all the ins and outs. You have my prayers, Fabu.
- By janee
- Posted September 13, 2008 at 9:18 pm
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Hi,
Sorry you are going thru the old insurance thing we all have to deal with but, definetly you need a patient advocate or family member to do the fighting with your insurance company for you. There should be a nurse patient advocate available to you or can you give your partner a power of attorney to fight for you. Ablations are a good thing--just make sure you have an electrophysiologist and not just a cardiologist do it. Also, just after a SCA your potassium levels are going to be off for a while so it is expected.
Good luck. A good nurse advocate and electrophysiologist and you will be raring to go.
Janee
- By fabu
- Posted September 14, 2008 at 11:11 am
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looks like there sending me now!
the mexiline has my bp down to 90/40
im tired
- By Johnie
- Posted September 15, 2008 at 9:17 am
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Let us know how things are when you can. Prayers.
- By fabu
- Posted September 17, 2008 at 5:23 pm
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Well they couldnt find anything to ablate!
so since miy pulse rate is between 40-52
they took out the defib and added an extra wire
to the lower chamber added a St. Jude, dual pacemaker defib, now they will reduce my meds to one and a blood pressure pill and I should be out tomorrow?
Thursday if they can figure out why my body spills all the salt that i take in as fast as i take it in!
They are (the Endocrinologists) doing a water overload test tonight!
I feel beaten up all black and blue and inscised...
I HOPE THIS WORKS! I wanna be normal again!
My pulse is now 74!!!!! BP 136/72
- By VMP
- Posted September 18, 2008 at 11:39 am
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Hi ! Will be in the neighborhood on Monday 9/22/ for ablation procedure at Thomas Jefferson Hospital in Phila. Recent history includes; replacement of pacemaker (03) with ICD 9/17/07, SAC while on a trip in Utah 10-23-07 with 22 sec. flatline w/ newly implanted ICD shocking me back. (Some timing). This was followed by CHF in early Nov. The next CHF in April 08. Most recent incident, and continuing, aterial flutter. Decision to try ablation made this week. Good luck to all of us. Try to get back to you in a couple of weeks, or sooner.
- By fabu
- Posted September 18, 2008 at 12:10 pm
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Let me know I may stay the weekend and do museums with my partner...
They are sending me out this afternoon
Pete! I have new energy!
- By VMP
- Posted September 19, 2008 at 11:03 am
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Received call this morning postponing the ablation procedure until 9/29/08, (see last VMP blog), at Jeff.
Obviously won't be able to advise results for a few weeks. Thanks for your response(s).
VMP
- By fabu
- Posted October 3, 2008 at 2:09 am
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this is fred, petes other half i found him and started cpr in may....
now and for the past 3 months he has been sneeking booze and pills....
he swears he doesnt remember... but , the xanax bottle he got today at 7pm is missing 3 and the vodka bottles
are going down real fast!
id swear that he has the episodes after he gets drunk!
he never has a hangover... and says its my imagination!
but he has tachardial events, the day after the booze DISSAPPEARS!... im ready to push him out the door
cause its killing me, i got chest pains and rapid hb...
im the one driving him to the e r everytime, and i cant take it anymore!
he is passed out in the bedroom right now.....
i smacked him hard when i found the 3 xanax missing and he denied it! not to mention the bottle of chardonnay? sick of this!
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