Hi, I asked for a second opinion with another cardiologist following ongoing symptoms since my ablation carried out a year ago which ended up with me having a pacemaker fitted due to AV node ablation.
When I made my concerns known to the cardiologist who carried out the surgery he wrote back and said I had anxiety which was causing my symptoms that I still have a year post surgery.
I have been attending sessions with a long term physical clinic covering CBT and I am not convinced this is the root cause of the problem.
Asked for a second opinion and now I have been sent a referral but it's with the same cardiologist!
I'm not sure if I'm going round in circles but certainly feels like it.
I don't have anxiety triggers, don't worry anymore than anyone else, not paranoid about my symptoms and I definitely don't panic to the point of causing myself additional distress.
The cardiologist said my symptoms are anxiety related during my last consultation which lasted just 40 mins, just feel there is other investigations he could be doing other than anxiety.
Ongoing symptoms: chest discomfort/pain, high heart rate on exertion, breathlessness, wheezing, feeling like my heart is over working when carrying out everyday tasks, erratic beats, lightheaded, tiredness, cough, feeling of pressure in my head.
Just hoped I could get another opinion from anothe EP but looks like I will be seeing the same, the same EP that said to me that if I had any ongoing symptoms I should seek help through my GP as he has successfully done what was expected, kind of felt he has washed his hands!
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Nomis21
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At least one study showed that once a doctor makes a diagnosis, they are resistant to changing it, even if presented with facts that contradict the original diagnosis. This is reason enough to get a second opinion, but from a different doctor. Is there any way you can petition to get someone else?
Not a medic, nor can I make a diagnosis, but after looking over your list of symptoms -- if they are caused by anxiety alone -- then most here on the forum have anxiety and nothing else LOL. Anxiety aside, those symptoms are consistent with many of the conditions most of us have here, as well as the drugs we use to treat them. You really need a fresh look and workup and not solely an opinion from someone who did the procedure which may have caused some of these side effects.
I have some of your symptoms too, pressure in the head then sweats is all the time now, chest pain/discomfort which could be back releated but also in the sternum, severe fatigue and cant do much physically.
I am post ablation 7 weeks but had these symptoms before. Its so depressing I really know where you are.
Thanks Ian, it's been a difficult 12 months in my case.Just not sure what's causing my symptoms which I never had pre surgery, I was more outgoing, felt heathier, didn't struggle walking or catching my breath, didn't have chest discomfort, was more active and certainly didn't have the feeling that my heart is working a lot harder with pressure in my head causing dizziness, sweats and lightheaded just walking on slight inclines.
I also get these symptoms when at ease and relaxing.
I'm not sure if this normal or not following pace n ablate and whether I just have to accept it, just doesn't feel normal to suffer with the symptoms I feel on a daily basis.
Why did the pace and ablate in the first place if you were only in for an ablation (sorry if I missed this first time round)
My Mother had pace and ablate in 2007 - she had 2 heart attacks and was experiencing palpations, and had heart failure. She was OK at 70bpm when they first did it but they then shifted it to 60BPM and she was never the same. She had angina symptoms thereafter.
I wonder if they set the HR too low as lookin back it seemed her body couldnt cope with it that low
Hi Ian,My procedure wasn't straight forward, had years of bad palpatations due to a condition called Wolff parkinson white syndrome which is an extra electrical pathway that I was born with, it only got spotted when I was about 38 (52 now) following that I was investigated and it was found that the extra electrical pathway that needed to be ablated was to close to my AV node, they tried unsuccessfully on two separate occasions to ablate the pathway without damaging my AV node but both attempts were aborted as there was a high risk of AV node damage and I think they considered me to young to have a pacemaker. As the years went by and the palpatations were still as severe they decided to go all in and do a third attempt when I was 51yrs old, I knew the risks of AV node damage and I accepted I may need a pacemaker which I thought at the time would be better than living with a 5 times more chance of having a stroke or blood clot if nothing was done.
Had the procedure in June 22 pathway and AV node ablated and pacemaker fitted.
As previously said it's been a tough 12 month and I still feel discomfort.
If I had to be honest I feel more at risk now than I was previously but 12 month on I'm just accepting it and not worrying.
Support as been non existent but I'm actively seeking help as I know what I feel just isn't Normal.
What you say is true about "resistance to change" .
I have had Heart Rhythm problems since I was a young man - First SVT for which I was given Verapamil which helped with my angina also.
When I got COPD I had to stop and could not have beta blockers either, because of breathing.
Then I had a close call will ventricular tachycardia and I was put on 200mg of Amiodarone which did help but, It all but destroyed my thyroid so I was stopped taking Amiodarone - I developed AF and really things stood still. I then got valve problems and my AF got worse, panic I was put back on 100mg of Amiodarone and Rivaroxaban a blood thinner to avoid clots.
I suppose Anxiety can trigger AF but can't cause it. It's a fault with the electronics. Things do move slow,
Amiodarone is a life saving drug but needs to be monitored as it can and does cause problems,
I do know where you’re coming from, when I was having AF attacks at the very beginning , I was told it is anxiety by my GPs and to stop worrying. Not until I wore an holter monitor a couple of years down the line was I diagnosed with AF, a condition caused by lots of things but certainly not just anxiety alone. As I have said on previous posts I was once handed a leaflet on Hyperchondriasis, I felt like a sham and I felt very much degraded. Too easy to push off AF on to anxiety. Keep fighting your corner and see if you can be referred to another EP.
Similar situation for me. I had AFlutter - which felt like a flutter - just like the old “butterflies”. I suspected anxiety as things going on in my life (this may have influenced GPs) and even got to the stage of being prescribed, but didn’t take, Valium. Only when I presented at A&E with suspected broken ribs did they note the high HR and via a short stay in the resuscitation unit, followed by cardiology was Paroxysmal A Flutter finally diagnosed.
just had to reply to say how appalled I am at you being labelled as a ‘hypochondriac ‘ and issued with a leaflet !!!! Didn’t know that one , but I am relatively new to the forum !
Sad time for me as I knew there was something wrong of course, the 1 minute ecg never caught anything because I was paroxysmal, so I was labelled a worrier with anxiety.
hard as it is try to look to what you can do now to help your situation , which is to push on with challenging that second opinion being same cardiologist . Sending you a virtual hug and lots of internal strength
Blaming anxiety happens far too often. Many years ago I had a b reakdown and since then anxiety is blamed for everything. 5 years ago I became terribly breathless- yes anxiety, muscle spasms from my damaged spine, more anxiety until I had a heart attack and profuse apologies from my GP who was utterly shocked and promised he would never just assume anxiety again. Luckily the heart attack was mild and caused no damage . I hoped no one else would have to go through that again but I've just had several days in hospital where begging to have my painkiller ON TIME was again treated as anxiety or a druggy needing her fix of opiates. No, I have 5 different degenerative spinal conditions and extreme pain for 30 years. The hospital will be receiving a complaint as should any doctor who dismisses symptoms.
I'm sorry you are having these distressing symptoms Nomis.
I cannot understand how a second opinion can come from the same consultant and I would certainly query this with the source of your referral and say you want a second opinion from a second consultant.
A GP is not qualified or competent to diagnose your symptoms but he/she might be helpful in getting a referral to a different EP. Best wishes in getting a good outcome.
Hi stoney, appreciate the reply.I don't feel I have anxiety, I have been attending sessions and I dont think my therapist is convinced that it's anxiety thats causing the problem.
Since joing the forum I have read that ablations aren't always successful and I struggle most days but getting support for further investigation post pace n ablate surgery is proving hard but anxiety seems to be the easy route.
Sometimes we know our bodies a lot better than the doctors who examine us. That doesn't mean we have the knowledge and capacity to make a diagnosis, however if a diagnosis doesn't feel right like in your case, it's a sign that things have to be investigated further. Multiple sources state that close to 20% of all initial diagnosis are wrong. And I've seen higher numbers than that.
That’s ridiculous, how can it be a second opinion if it’s the same EP? Could you possibly pay to see a cardiologist - if you’ve got a pacemaker and an AV node ablation there really isn’t anything left for an EP to do so a cardiologist seems to be the more suitable option. It does sound very strange that you are having erratic beats if you’ve had a successful AV node ablation because the whole point of an AV node ablation is that you can’t have ‘erratic beats’ - in your ventricles anyway. Are you sure your AV node has been ablated?
I have to say, ‘only 40 minutes’? That is a very long appointment for and NHS consultation!
I had an AVnode ablation and I’m still getting tachycardias. A few years now my device as showed VTs, recently they’ve been coming a lot, but non sustained. Hence now they have arranged for me to see my EP from early 2000. I also have dilated cardiomyopathy and stage 3 heart failure. I was told the reason is because the heart isn’t functioning properly. Originally I was told the various arrhythmias was causing my heart failure. I had the AVnode ablation because Atrial Tachycardia was coming out of it after it ran out of places apparently. I don’t understand any of it and I feel I never will, I’m not a medic. Now I just find it all too much. It started as a child for me now I’m elderly and it’s still going on.
I had a second opinion about my arrhythmia at a different hospital and the diagnosis and treatment was very different. I stayed with the consultant at the hospital who gave me the second opinion.
I have to travel a long distance, however it's been the best decision ever. Dont be pushed around with the anxiety suggestion. Anxiety may play a part, who wouldnt be anxious in such circumstances but that doesn't negate your symptoms from being cardiac related. Fight your corner no one else will. Best wishes.
I’m wondering if you need your pacemaker adjusting. Mine needed adjustment many times to find the best combination of beats and strengths to make my heart happy.
Can you ring your pacer department and get an assessment check up to try another tuning?
Hi Dinamite, I'm booked into the pacing clinic early August, this appointment came through the post last week, the second opinion appointment I requested is scheduled in September but the appointment letter that I received 10 days ago states it's with the same cardiologist that I have been seeing previously!
Generally I find Consultants are not a happy bunch when you ask for a second opinion. They tend to group together. I suspect this is what's happening here..... Being given an appointment with the same consultant when seeking a second opinion is NOT a second opinion at all. (, you may have rattled him more than you think!) Therefore you are best off getting your GP to refer elsewhere.... Another hospital. You will have to travel.I did this once. And never regretted it. My second. Consultant was excellent and did a grand job.. It wasn't my heart but something equally specialist. Just bare in mind that in all specialist circles it's a small world and it's likely they all know each other. So be professional and say nothing negative but simply you want a second opinion
Your guts are telling you that something isn't right. If your current consultant has done such a great job as he alleges he really shouldn't have a problem with you seeing some one else!!
It's never pleasant standing up for yourself in such a situation but stay calm but polite and stick to your guns.
The original consultant insisted on seeing me again was furious and lost his rag, shouting & yelling at me. Meanwhile the nurse behind him had tears of laughter rolling down her face. He was particularly annoyed when I told him I already had an appointment with someone elsewhere, referred by my GP. I had a feeling me standing politely up to him would be the talk of the staff room.
I've sought a second opinion twice for different health consitions and never regretted it.
At the end of the day it's your body so is totally your right. Research carefully who you want to see. Good luck.
I have concerns following my procedure twelve months ago and been try since to find support, reassurance and a diagnosis but it's not easy.
I feel the underdog and I wouldn't be raising the issues unessacarily.
I'm no medical expert and my knowledge of heart procedures is not great but as you have stated, it is my body and only I know when something isn't right.
I'm going along with the anxiety route although I'm not convinced, I don't believe I suffer from anxiety and depression anymore than than anyone else, I don't have mental issues and I'm probably the most laid back person around and that's why I'd like a second opinion.
Before my surgery I was an active person who just got on with everyday life, never had issues with anxiety or mental illness.
Just a bit of background.
Was a normal guy enjoying life, always suffered bad palpatations but still managed to live an active life but eventually diagnosed with Wolff parkinson white syndrome, was told I was 5 times more likely to have a stroke or blood clot so on that basis I was offered an ablation however the extra pathway that needed ablated was close to the AV node so caused a risk of AV node damage. Had the ablation knowing the risks of AV node damage, the procedure was carried out and the AV node was ablated and pacemaker fitted during the procedure.
Struggled most days since, I'm not as active, get chest pain, discomfort a feeling my heart is working hard on exertion, breathlessness, I wheeze, struggle walking up hills, I feel my chest thumping which causes lightheadedness, dizzyness, carrying out daily routine activities can floor me.
My other half used to tell me to slow down when we were walking together and now it's me telling her to slow down, I literally have to walk at snails pace at times.
Anyhow iam being told it's all anxiety related and if it is il may be eating hay with a horse but at present I'm just not convinced hence the second opinion.
hi again, to get a good second opinion you need to research who is best for your problem in U.K. I did this through the website Dr. Foster where it gave all consultants expertise, achievements and specialities. This website may now be called something else but I’m sure many on here can give you recommendations.
You have a right to get a second opinion through the GP with the NHS with whoever you chose. Make your choice and ask. It may be a long wait but you should feel you’ve done your own research and are getting who YOU want.
It worked excellently for me and I’m still with my chosen consultant many years on.
If you were really suffering from Anxiety, you would have no doubt about it. I have suffered from GAD since childhood and it was only 15 years ago that it was recognised and treated. Sessions with a psychologist did not help, only medication does. I know in the UK GPs are reluctant or limited to what they may prescribe, but here in South Africa it is prescribed as needed. There is always a fear of addition, but I think any chronic medication is addictive!My dosage has not increased over the years, and I'm pretty sure that without it I would not have PAF, with few symptomless events, but permanent AF. and other Anxiety mitigated conditions. I certainly do not scorn its use. My Cardiologist is happy for me to take it.
Good morning. Sorry to hear you're having on going problems post ablation. I'm having similar problems.
Re the second opinion. A consultant friend of mine (not a cardiologist) told me any consultant who's any good will happily agree to a second opinion. When I asked my GP to refer me to the Royal Brompton I had a very nice letter from my St George's consultant wishing me well and he finished the letter saying he would be happy to see me again in the future if I so wished.
I went on to have my 4th ablation at the Brompton and ended up with a pace maker - not planned! I suspect he had been a little over zealous during the ablation and was forced to implant the pacemaker.
So please ask your GP to refer you to a different hospital. I know if you live outside London that may require some extra travelling but I'm sure it will be worth it.
You make some very valid points Blossuminspring. My understanding is that the outcomes for ablation are much improved if they are done sooner rather than later. You are likely to be healthier if you are younger and the AF has less time to cause further fibrosis. There may be exceptions to this generalityI do however have the impression that in many cases the consideration of ablation is put off until the patients condition worsens
I am sure that the procedure is expensive, waiting lists are growing and there are staff shortages within the NHS. I guess that the majority of people cannot afford private treatment.
The politics of health care may be apparent in the case of Nomis21.
That said anxiety will inevitably influence a health condition, it can both mimic and exacerbate the symptoms of that condition.
Being told that symptoms are anxiety, and therefore harmless, is deeply frustrating but I can only suppose that doctors don't purposefully or knowingly make it all up. It's hard to think of a constructive way out of this predicament except to present yourself with concrete evidence of a physical issue. You could perhaps ask for a stress ECG test, such as a treadmill test, to be carried out beforehand? Alternatively, you could take in your own 24-hour home ECG and mark on that where chest symptoms occurred and see if that reveals anything?
Thanks Steve, I've asked for a stress test on more than one occasion but no one seems to be interested in making me an appointment.I'm phoning the GP tomorrow again and will ask again for a stress test as I believe it may be useful in helping finding the cause of the issues.
Our health care system is creaking badly these days. I read also that covid has apparently caused an increase in cardiac problems so that has added to the NHS's burdens. It's a devil of a bad time to be unwell, not that there's ever a good time.
so sorry to hear about your ongoing issues Nomis , especially as the ‘pace and ablate ‘ is supposed to give you back your quality of life . Not knowing your full history not sure why you ended up with a ‘last resort ‘ procedure at such a young age . However , I agree with other posters on here that a ‘second ‘ option should be just that …. from a second person . I once had a potentially awful prognosis from a consultant in ENT and I was very distraught and asked for a second opinion and got referred to the best hospital dealing with head and neck surgery in the UK , in London . It was totally inconvenient as I live in Nottingham but it was the best option and I got a great result . So , as others have said , keep pushing for a referral to an EP with a great reputation in a different hospital . Wishing you all the best with your ongoing issues Nomis . Amanda
what a difficult situation, you are well within your rights to seek a second opinion. When I requested my EP referred me for a second opinion he refused and stated it would be a waste of money. I choose who I wanted to see and paid privately to see them, they then added me to their nhs list for treatment. I did email my original EP of 10 years stating I would like to discuss with him, guess what he didn’t bother to reply. Try pals as a first step, I had reason to use them recently and found them supportive and effective. Good luck, sometimes we need to be our own advocate and fight for what we believe to be right for us. Generally it doesn’t sit comfortably as we’re conditioned to just agree with folk we consider to be more knowledgeable, but if it was someone you cared about you’d fight tooth and nail for them, so transfer that fighting spirit to yourself.
You can get another opinion.Hopefully , there was just a mistake in the allocation of the Cardiologist they sent to you for it, but if not , you can contact the Cardiology Department and let them know that there may have been an error , that you have requested a second opinion from a different Cardiologist than the one you originally saw but you seem to have been sent an appointment with the same Cardiologist by mistake.
Ask them if they can please rearrange this so that you get the soonest appointment with another Cardiologist as is your right to request.
Even if they try to fob you off and say that is all that is available at that Department. Politely but firmly point out that if no one is available there except for the original Cardiologist then they need to organise an appointment with a Senior Consultant at another hospital within the Trust , and you hope that they can do this without any further cause of distress to yourself as you would prefer not to have to make a complaint to the Chief Executives Office.
By the way , this is the complaint they fear , not complaints to PACE, as the Chief Exec gets very annoyed by having to deal with complaints and usually give the whole Department a once over if they have been forced to get involved.
Hope you get it resolved with as little stress to you as possible.
Whenever I get accused of having Anxiety by a Consultant ( which is not something I think is something to be ashamed or stigmatized for , I just don't have it ) I usually brightly state,
" I am not ill because I have Anxiety , but I am occasionally frustrated or anxious because I am ill and it has not been fully diagnosed or treated yet , there is a big difference between the two."
You are so right re the CEO Bee. I once did this when my op was cancelled last minute and the results was they put me at the bottom of the list to wait all over again!! The CEO does work. Be prepared for a quick response and ruffled feathers. However wouldn't you rather research who you want to see rather than be ay the mercy of a system and insist on that person.I've also use chicken likens approach and that's worked extremely well.... No ruffling of feathers involved either... It's worth a one off payment to see who you truly thinks knows their oats from chaff.... And ask to go in their NHS list.
And yes NHS is in dire straits.... A friend of mine is paying for her knee replacement, £15000, it's the same surgeon as shed have on NHS, but no four year queue and she gets importantly proper physio follow up for a year, rather than a paper guide on what to do and the odd physio appointment. Lol....
It does feel like we are moving into private care via the backdoor... or even front door.....
Yes, the one off private payment to a Specialist whom you have researched is the best in your area that also has an NHS list which you request them to add you to is a strategy I have recommended so many times before.I know some people either think it's unfair to do , as though you are jumping the queue , or think it's unaffordable but it really isn't. Yes you get seen quicker but you also don't waste your own time and many appointments on the NHS which could benefit others before you finally get to see the right person. The cost of one initial consultation is worth every penny because not only does it reduce the wait and anxiety but it also saves you money in the long run instead of spending money on temporary things to get you through or losing earnings if you are still at work.
My next door neighbour has been waiting for two years so far for a knee replacement and has gone from a pretty agile retiree to hardly being able to walk from the front door to the car, he's spent so much money on assistance devices for the house and his car that he could have funded a private operation by now and saved himself the pain , and possible loss of flexibility in the joint that often happens if the op is delayed too long.
Yes that's exactly what she's been told. People are waiting so long for the op that by the time they have it the muscles have deteriorated due to poor mobility so leads to much poorer outcomes. It's all wrong...Surgeons must find it very frustrating....
I asked for a second opinion to my GP a few years ago. He agreed but said I would have to go out of area, i.e to a different NHS trust. Thats why you have got the same one if you are still in the same trust
This would have probably meant Newcastle or possibly South Tees. I didnt in the end as my current cardio at the time discharged me and I was given another the next time I had a holter test, who was more proactive
Thanks Ian, I'm going to ask for a different NHS trust, just feel a second opinion would be important, who knows, may come to the same conclusion but will give me reassurance that I have tried to resolve the issues rather than just sitting back with the potential of making things worse.
I think if you keep in the same trust they just send you to your existing consultant. I have had 3 cardios and an EP as well recently who is excellent.
The first one said it would get worse and go to bed when I had an attack.
The second wanted me on Amiodarone even though I was getting one episode a year at the time
The third was OK and referred me to the EP.
Its frustrating when you know are not right but all the tests come back normal.
I now have a physio appointment for the pain, even though I have been through this cycle 10 years ago without any joy
My cardiologist said he had done what was expected and if I had any ongoing issues I had to go see my GP, kind of felt he had washed his hands of me.Another time I was out on amiodrone which I took for 8 months then was told by another cardiologist that I shouldn't have been prescribed it due to the side effects and it's classed as a last resort drug.
Post surgery my GP questioned why I was taking bisoporol that had been prescribed by the cardiologist who carried out my surgery, my GP couldn't figure out why I had been prescribed bisoporol when the procedure was supposed to correct the problem and said I shouldn't need beta blockers?
Now they have referred me to cognitive behaviour therapy! Which I feel isn't the root cause of the problem however I will attend and support the sessions but I can say that I don't feel there adding any benefit to resolving my ongoing issues.
Also being investigated at the asthma clinic, again (I may be wrong) but don't feel I have a problem with asthma.
That’s good news though ruling other things out isn’t actually helping you. CBT…what can I say?! It has its benefits when it’s used appropriately, but it doesn’t seem the right thing for what you are describing.
I agree, although a bit miffed i have been referred to CBT for issues that I'm physically feeling in my chest and issues with getting out of breath that I've only experienced from since surgery 12 month ago.Feels like it's a easy option, I don't see how things in my life that happened 30 yrs ago has an impact on my pain discomfort in my chest now since I had a complicated pace n ablate.
I don't believe anxiety is the root cause, I don't believe iam no more stressed or have anxiety than the next person.
During the last session (3days ago) my therapist asked me to fill out a questionnaire, each question had a score of 1-5 and at the end of the questionnaire the score would be added up and this would give a idea of how much anxiety was an impact on your life, I said to her I would fill it out and answer honestly but only if she did the same, she agreed.
Both our scores were added up and there was only a difference of 2 points, therapists score was higher than mine but showed that anxiety wasn't impacting our lives.
I did say to her jokingly that's it looks like she needs that glass of wine on a Friday night after work more than me!
I can't help but think it's not the cause of my problem and there barking up the wrong tree.
I can only go in the evidence I'm feeling, it my body, I know it best and if I thought I had anxiety I'd be 100% supportive of these sessions but my issues happened a few days coming out of surgery so the evidence points that.
I have read not all ablations are successful and that may be the case in my situation.
And you may find the cognitive behaviour therapist says the same thing!! Which will support your case.... Honestly try to research who you want to see and be prepared to travel.
Funny I was sent to the asthma clinic although I have slight asthma due to years of bronchitis as a child. Glad they have ruled this out. You have to go through the system, NICE says they have to follow
What are your meds and what range of levels for BP and Heart Rate. At rest.
I've come a long way to find that:
Metoprolol causes me pauses at night, and not good controlling BP. I was breathless on exertion and fatigued.
A BB change to Bisoprolol at night 2.5 keeps me in check and helps my Essential Tremor left hand.
It was a private h/Specialist who introduced me to CCB Calcium Channel Blocker. Brought down H/R Day to 51. We decided reducing Diltiazem to 120mg from 180mg and at first brought down H/R to 88 - 95 but a year later 62-69!
Completely and well controlled with:
120-123/69. BP. 62-69 H/R Day. Always remained at 47 H/R regardless of med.
You should be able to put your concerns. I would go private.
I have had the same problems in Canada because we don't get to pick our ep . I have to travel way further now because since I ruffled some feathers they don't want to deal with me . It took me 4 years to get back into the system to see another ep and now he admitted that the last ep didn't do his job. So , now more tests ..Good luck and keep pushing.
this is exactly what male doctors love to say. It is also why I have very little use for doctors, but they are a necessary evil. Been through all this myself, not with AF per se but with over all general well being. I suffered for almost 1.5 years with low grade fever yet was told nothing was wrong it was all in my head and was given tranquilizers. I came home from all my tests, threw the pills in the garbage and started on a holistic path. So glad I did. It is so annoying that health care is so less than helpful. In fact my last visit to my dr I asked if they could do a homeostasis blood test as well, since I was having blood work anyway. Dr said on no that is functional medicine we don’t do that here. So what they do is dysfunctional medicine? Good question huh?
You may be better off seeing a straightforward cardiologist rather than an EP as the EP will most likely concentrate on arrhythmias and your symptoms could be caused by another factor that the EP could be overlooking.
As a retired nurse I feel you are correct in wanting a new opinion. You may even have a secondary concern that is pulmonary contributing to cardiac symptoms. Even hormonal, ie epinephrine, catacholamines, thyroid, etc can cause cardiac symptoms. I truly encourage a NEW opinion. The physicians I have worked with never discouraged second opinion s if they were secure in their abilities.
Update, spoke to a GP and explained that I requested a second opinion and when the appointment came through its with the same cardiologist that I have been seeing, the GP was sympathetic and understanding and is now going to request another cardiologist possibly from another hospital.Sticking to my guns, I don't feel supported by the cardiologist I was under and after his comments I have lost faith.
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This is reason enough to get a second opinion, but from a different doctor. Is there any way you can petition to get someone else?
2nd opinions are worth it!
Failed second ablation
Question concerning a second ablation
Going in For Second Ablation 
Six weeks after second ablation
