WPW Syndrome - extra pathway close to AV node

[rosefr]

I was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-Syndrome in July. I'm 24 and I had no idea I had this condition, but in June I started to experience some extreme episodes of palpitations. During an episode, I experienced palpitations, tachycardia (anywhere between 130-190, >160 when my episode is extreme), chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness and lightheadedness.

I had my EP study last month, which was supposed to be followed by an ablation. Unfortunately, the ablation couldn't be performed due to the proximity of my accessory pathway to my AV node. The cardiologist recommended me to take beta-blockers, but I refused because of the side effects and because I don't want to take medications (I would have had to take beta-blockers for my whole life and I'm young). He then told me that they will do another EP study to confirm SVT and that I can get cryoablation, which I will be getting in two weeks.

I'm feeling extremely anxious, and that's all I can think about. I'm scared I might die. I don't know whether it would be better to stay awake or not during the procedure. I'm scared that if I fall asleep I may never wake up again. This is all I can think about and it's ruining my life.

I just need some reassurance and someone sharing their experience with me

[Deejay62]

Hi sorry to hear what you’re going through. I had 4 radiofrequency ablations in the past for SVT.

You are still very young. I have never heard of cryoablation, that’s a new one for me. I’m sure it’s very safe. They do these procedures all the time. I was always awake for my ablations.

Let us know how you get on. I’m sure others will come along who knows more about these things. Let them know how you’re feeling, your worries etc. We all feel what you’re feeling when having to go through procedures so don’t feel alone with those emotions. All the best Diane.

[rosefr in reply to Deejay62]

Thank you! How long were your EP studies + ablations?

[Deejay62 in reply to rosefr]

I had them years ago some lasted around 3hrs. In the end it was coming out of my AVnode so a decision was made for me to have 3 lead pacemaker and AVnode ablation. My arrhythmia was caused by dilated cardiomyopathy and also heart failure. That last ablation was 13yrs ago.

[july2020]

Hi

My wife had an ablation forty years ago, she was under thirty.

The surgeon said they could only do so much because her pathway was close to the Bundle of His.

She stayed awake and had local anaesthetic at the entry points. She only had some sedation right at the end when the ablation wire was inserted which the surgeon said was thicker than wires they used to find the pathway.

She said the sensation was uncomfortable but not painful.

The result for her were the SVT episodes stopped completely.

We are all different and hopefully they can find a way to deal with yours as my wife was so much better after it was sorted out.

Take care.

BTW although at the time it was referred to as WPW she actually has Lown-Ganong-Levine (LGL) which has a different ECG signature.