It was hard to find the right meds as I have very low blood pressure. My SVT attacks were quite frequent and lasting around 3 hours so I was put on the waiting list for an ablation.
In the meantime I started Flecanide and it's been a game changer. I no longer have SVT runs, it really helps with my arrhythmias. I feel energised again.
My appointment has just come through for ablation next month & I don't know what to do. The thought of long term meds worries me but I do feel great right now.
My cardiologist says it's up to me and if I don't have one he doesn't believe there's a long term risk with Flecainide. I might still need meds afterwards anyway as my other arrhythmias are so frequent & tiring but I could be med free.
The thought of an ablation terrifies me. The procedure as well as recovery. You literally lie there awake for hours waiting while they do it?!
I've just spoken to my GP and she thinks SVT will always find a way to come back after ablation eventually.
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Addyanna
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I have SVT and I take Flecainide to control it. I have been taking it since 2021. An attempt at ablation was done but the EP could not get my heart to go into SVT long enough to find out exactly where the problem was to do the ablation, after a few attempts he had to give up so I was put onto medication instead. It really is not that terrifying. You will be given some sedation so you will feel nice and relaxed and the staff will look after you really well and they will do everything they can to keep you comfortable. You will have a local anaesthetic in the groin so you won't feel anything. Its actually interesting with what they do. I had to take things easy for a week, long term I can't say because the ablation could not be done. I would much rather have ablation done than take medication long term, so if I get another chance to have the problem ablated then I would jump at the chance.
My advice is to go for the ablation as you really do not want to be on meds full time. Ablations have a high success rate and in my opinion are a better option than permanent meds. Like being scared of a dentist you can not keep taking paracetamol all the time and have to take the plunge. You are lucky to be offered an ablation so its just my opinion.
I fully understand what your saying and I have a horrific fear of dentists from some childhood experiences, and I know that its irrational though I still have it and when I lie in the chair all the fear comes back to haunt me. I know I have to go now and I do, and have never been subjected to any pain or discomfort in the last 10yrs but still the fear is there. You will probably find the whole progress a breeze once you get your mindset right although whatever you choose I wish you all the luck in the world.
I’m on the waiting list and am nervous too but SVT is affecting my quality of life and I would love to not to have to worry about an episode ever again. I’m on Bisoprolol but it has become less effective and my episodes are increasing year on year. I was diagnosed six years ago but had symptoms a lot longer. Episodes tend to increase as you age and I’ve definitely noticed this. My EP said ablation is about 90% effective for the type of SVT I have. If it’s not successful he would look at changing my medication as I can’t increase the beta blockers I’m on because my blood pressure is naturally low. Ultimately an ablation is the only way of getting rid of SVT for good - I’m really hoping it will give me my life back because at the moment I’m too scared to do many things in case I have an episode.
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