2nd opinions are worth it!

[Jude07]

Hi all,

Thought I would give you a little update. After struggling for 8 months with bradycardia post my 4th ablation I finally was able to get a 2nd opinion. My new EP stopped all my medication for 2 weeks took my case back to scratch and ran tests. He discovered that I essentially have developed 2 natural pacemakers which are fighting for control of my heart i.e either making it beat too fast or too slow. He pointed out that I've got an underlying junctional rhythm and showed us and his student this on my ECG from holter monitor and stress test results.

He started me on 2 new medications, one with the intention of raising my BP to stop blackouts and the other to reduce my rate which had been tachycardic again. He is arranging for me to get a loop recorder implant asap so he can determine whether these new meds will make me bradycardic again. (So far they have been hitting high 30s again, along with a jolt every so often if it drops too low which is unsettling) If this happens when implant is in then he feels they will have to put in a pacemaker to work alongside the rate reducing medication which I need.

He has been amazingly proactive and saw things from my point of view, said 2.5 years is too long at my age to still not have it fixed to live a normal life. Glad I took a chance to seek a 2nd opinion as things are moving along again, not saying anything against my previous EP he did a good job and did what he felt was right with what he saw, everyone works differently. Hopefully my heart rate stabilizes the longer I'm on these new meds and that the implant loop recorder gets done soon!

Thanks for hearing my spiel!

[meadfoot]

Pleased you have found an EP of note and that you have been looked at from scratch. I did exactly the same my local teaching hospital said ablation and if that didn't work pace and ablate.

I sought a different opinion in our capital city and had a totally different experience. Amazing professor who also went back to scratch different diagnosis and treatment plan. Needless to say I have stayed with him even though I travel 200 miles each way to see him. Best cardiac decision I ever made. Best wishes.

[Jude07 in reply to meadfoot]

Thank you, Im sure its hard having to go so far to get help but definitely worth it to have assurance and a good EP looking out for you!

[Hidden]

Good to hear from you Jude. Are you feeling any better after the changes to your treatment? Can I ask what the new medication is? Also who your new EP is?

[Jude07 in reply to Hidden]

I'm still feeling a bit out of sorts, fatigued and breathless my rate has been very varied from 37 quite dizzy, mostly in 40s and a few speckled fasts in the evening. I imagine I just need to give it more time to adjust after having been off meds for 2 weeks and being fast again back to slower now. I'm on ivabradine (I had been on this before but my conditions have changed since then so trying it again) and fludrocortisone. He is Dr Lau, very lovely doctor and very willing to get my life back on track.

[Redders in reply to Jude07]

Is dr Lau in Southampton hospital?

[Finvola]

Jude, thank you for the update - I was wondering how you were. I am over the moon for you! I’m so pleased that the path you followed has been so successful and that your consultation has opened new horizons for your quality of life.

Very best wishes.

[Jude07 in reply to Finvola]

Hi Finvola, thank you very much for your messages. He certainly is keen to get things going in the right direction, hope it keeps going up from here!

[wilsond]

Excellent news that you are getting somewhere now! Hope all goes well xx

[Jude07 in reply to wilsond]

Thank you!

[CDreamer]

Excellent result... definitely worth the second opinion. What a great EP you found.

[Jude07 in reply to CDreamer]

Absolutely, glad to have things moving in a positive direction.

[Tapanac]

Glad things are taking an up turn for you. Best wishes

[Jude07 in reply to Tapanac]

Thank you!