Tanta Anna please help me with suggestions

[Tantaanna]

I know you cannot give medical advice. I am at my wits end ! I had my ablation for atrial focal arrhythmia last week. (with Dr Natalie in Texas-my first with him went great, ablated left appendage with watchmen) This one was deemed successful in the report. I Developed this funky arrhythmia in December, Heart rate went up and down, caused headaches. Natalie offered to do an ablation.

Ablation for six spots in right atrium was successful.

I remain in sinus rhythm, heart rate around 83. IF you have read my previous posts, you will remember I had-before and after ablation a headache everyday and get these overwhelming sensations that appear to be like panic attacks-but I know something else is wrong. My heart flutters, my face flushes, my body becomes weak, chest tightens, nausea, headache, dry mouth. Its like in waves and varies from two to three times usually afternoon, but last night it woke me at 5am. BP is high, went to ER got an additional BP med. BP went high during my times of the distress.

I think everyone thinks I crazy! But the feeling is real and the heart rate is spiking again. I went to a Chiropractor and orthopedic massage which helped with muscles in the neck. but as soon as I get this flush feeling and the spikes its right back tightened. I am doing the breathing, meditation and thinking of acupuncture and other relaxation but the fact remains I feel terrible.

Some of you have asked What does Texas say? Take Tylenol for headaches, I said it didn't help Told of my symptoms and received the reply . Your procedure went well and was uneventful. It was not extensive and was shorter than average. No problems were encountered and you tolerated it well. Your rhythm has been good since your procedure and you accomplished what you came here to do

i am frustrated with the medical system right now. I can't get to feeling better with help from the Drs here. Actually I can't get in to see an EP. I have to wait till end of June.

This is a ______ of way to live each day. Forgive my negativity. Please reply, I get great support from this column. Thank you

[SeanJax]

I guessed they did a troponin test to rule out angina or heart attack at the ER. If so then ask your PCP for some anxiolytics in the meantime. Also to be sure book an appointment with an endocrinologist to rule out other diseases which could cause flushing and spike in heart rate and blood pressure. In a nutshell it seems that anxiolytics would be a great help here. You are doing well in my opinion. They did ablation in the right atrium and they did not even make a hole in your septum so no migraine due to it. Best wishes.

[Tantaanna in reply to SeanJax]

my heart rate just spiked to 133.

[Sickofafib in reply to Tantaanna]

There is a rare syndrome called carcinoid syndrome caused by an occult (hidden) neuroendocrine tumor. Can cause all the symptoms you mentioned and shortness of breath and GI problems. Someone else suggested a visit to a neuroendocrine specialist. I second that-- ask the doc to do the blood and urine tests to see if you have this.

[CDreamer]

Hi Tantaanna - last week you were ablated?

It is very early days to recover from ablation and having the sorts of symptoms you describe for some time after ablations, especially the headaches, is not unusual.

The tachycardia with overwhelming sense of doom and panic and the rest of your symptoms sound as though it is your autonomic system responding, could be inappropriately. This is your fight or flight response and there could be a reason for this relating to the ablation. Keeping calm and using breathing exercises consistently and relaxation, as you are doing will help this over time.

If you read up on Autonomic Dysfunction you will see that all your symptoms fit and it is very common with people with arrythmias. The vagus nerve, part of your ANS, runs very close to your heart and it is possible that this has been irritated by the ablation. IF this has happened then things will settle in time when inflammation recedes.

However, of course get checked out to rule out any other more sinister cause and keep returning to your EP to ask for possible explanations, reassurances and possible therapies which may help.

If it is is ANS then things will settle in time and keeping calm, seeking help with breathing and relaxation will help eventually.

Check out this part of the Arrythmia Alliance website STARS which is the section which has the specialities in ANS dysfunction.

heartrhythmalliance.org/sta...

Unfortunately doctors with specialised knowledge of ANS dysfunction are few and far between but it is becoming better known and studied and the Arrythmia Alliance are working very hard to increase knowledge and information so give them a ring to see if they can help.

Very best wishes and hope you feel better soon and know that having been through all of this and come out the other side knowing how to better manage my symptoms and have received treatment life can be good, although patience is required.

[Megams in reply to CDreamer]

~A lovely well worded comforting message for Tanta Anna - I enjoy reading your measured responses CDreamer

[Tantaanna in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you CDreamer! Yes I so think this as well, but Im trying to keep calm, Last night HR spiked. According to my watch my HR was 41-123, eventually 133. Then back to 80. I did take Diltiazam half of 30mg fast acting. and half of a half 25 mg atenolol. (couldn't find my atenolol at first) Did discover Texas wanted me to continue on Atenolol. I'm having a difficult time getting in touch with my EP here where I live (IN conversation with Texas RN, but they seem to brush me off in my opinion. EP nurse says to talk to my GP which I will do shortly virtually. This am I felt good until I started walking around, Then I have this fatigue, dry mouth and can't fathom eating. Again, I know this can be all pscho related but.

[CDreamer in reply to Tantaanna]

Go slow & steady, tiny steps for now.

[BlueINR]

Sorry, but I don't remember your previous posts nor do I know who the people are that you've mentioned. TTBOMK a heart rate under 100 is normal. Contact your cardiologist's office for any concerns you have.

[VeeWat]

how are you doing now?