**Hi All. Had EP studies. Home now. Dissapointing results...AM I UNGRATEEFUL?!***

How are you all?

I have just got back from being in hospital for 5 days in London.  I was in for 3 days of monitoring and one day of EP studies and Catheterization.

The EP studies and catheters were not very nice.  I was not sedated, just a shot to numb the groin both sides and then the tubes passed up.  I havd one tiube up my left leg and 4 tubes (electrodes) onthe right.  My right leg is the most sore now, but am trying to take it easy.

Anyway.  Prior to this admission to hospital, I was told my the cardiologist that he was 98% sure I needed a pacemaker.  He saw that when I had a 5 day monitor fitted, it showed a time when my heart raced at 157 bpm and times when it was stopping at night! He said my dizziness and collapses were due to the irregular rythm, and with a pacemaker id feel so much better.  I was holding onto that hope!  I have even told my employer that id be ok after this op, etc. 

Anyway, after the EP studies he came to my room and  he said that my heart looked fairly healthy and that he didnt think it was irregular.  He has decided NOT to fit anything.  I asked him "what about the 157 bpm and the stoppages that showed on the monitor before the EP studies?".  He said that these occurences MAY have been due to interferance, or may be one of the electrodes coming lose in the night. 

At first these sound like poor excuses, as things did indeed show up on the graphs.  SO on one hand I am concerned that he has decided not to help me further.

But saying that, he is a very good Dr, and is recognised all over the UK as a leading heart dr.  Is also the chairman of the heart department in 3 hospitals! - So, on the other hand, I feel that he must be right with his diagnosis.  I am confused!

AM I BEING UNGRATEFUL by saying that I am now dissapointed?  The thing is that I have been ill, dizzy and collapsing for over a year now.  I truly thought this was the end of the line and I was now AT LAST going to be made well.  Although I didnt really want a pacemaker, I would have happily had one in exchange for a "dizzy free" life.  I was excited about the future.  Now I feel I am being left AGAIN with all my symptoms.  "Back to the drawing board" - as such.  Back to the Gp, more referrals,  for more testing?  Maybe with another ENT dr, another neurologist?  I am so confused. 

Also, I doubt my employer will not be happy when they hear I will not be made better.  How do I deal with that?  They are already fed up with me cos I have had time off, but what can I do?  Bet GP is tired of me too!  I feel so ill all the time....

I look forward to responses.  Vikki xxxxx

Thanks for reply.  I know how it seems.  That's why I am confused. 

The thing is a) I dont have the money right now for another monitor; and b) I have had 2 already, and they have shown two episodes of an irregular rythm.  But saying that, the normal thing to do after a possible abnormal rythm has been found, is to do these EP studies.  Now I have had them done, the dr feels that I dont have a problem.

It is hard for me to understand what is really going on.  I cant keep paying for monitors at £270 a time, and then getting nowhere.  As far as this excellent professional cardiologist (in the opinion of many) in London is concerned, I am ok.  If he is saying that, and he is well respected, maybe he is right?  Maybe I need to move on a look to another area for testing and anwers?  I am so confused 

:0( 

xxxxxx

Thanks for letting us know what happened - I am so sorry that they were unable to help you!!

Under normal circumstances, I would say that the Dr. could have been right, about the electrodes coming loose, I've actually had that happen and so has my husband during an EKG and it wasn't noticed, til afterwards when something wrong came up and they tightened them back down again and the EKG was ok.

And then the fact that you had the heart cath with EP study done?!  I'd say that was very thorough and to move on...BUT, as my dear friend, Lil, has already mentioned, she's been through the same thing, and I've been there while she's gone through all this, too, so I know that this can happen.  I would like to suggest that you get a 2nd opinion.  I don't know how that works in your country?  Is that possible?

Please let us know how you are doing!

My best wishes to you, Vikki.

Hugs, Teri

i'm with everyone else on the advise for this too - can you get a second

opinion?  even though he might be the best by reputation, getting a second

opinion will at the very least make you feel somewhat better and a little more

in charge of what's happening to you.   don't be disappointed, although you

have a big right to be - just be assertive and keep at the docs 'til you get

some answers that satisfy you and/or at least make you feel more comfortable

with how you're being treated.

libby

Thanks for all your replies.  I do feel so alone and BACK AT SQUARE ONE.

THis SUCKS!!!  xxxx

I do have a GREAT hubby, he puts no pressure on me and is understanding.  I also have a mum, but she is SO critical of me and is always passing sarcastic comments (that I dont need!)

You know the feeling that you are really alone though?  its like, no matter how much people give me a hug (ie. my hubby)  these panic attacks ONLY happen to me, the dizziness ONLY happens to me, etc.  I feel very scared and trapped inside my body.

hi teri

no i havent had any meds for it really.  for the anxiety or panic attacks.  somedays i feel really normal and then other days I feel like im on the edge of a cliff - ya know??  I really cant find any triggers.  Have tried most things.

my gp once gave me Cipralex to try, but i took for 3 days and had ther WORST ATTACK OF MY LIFE!! never want that again!  so i stopped and am now scared of meds!  I do always have some valium in my bag though.  I know they calm me, so somehow just knowing they are in my bag can help mentally......

sometimes (as I am now course mine is not cardiac rhythms) I would absolutely if at all possible obtain a second opinion--just because the doc is very respected and very good doesn't mean he can't be missing something--sometimes it is  "like run of the mill"  doing the same things over and over and looking for something "out of the norm"  I know it gets old seeing your pcp  again and again (in fact I told mine last week "I am tired of seeing you aren't you tired of seeing me?" I have been seeing him  again  back to once a month and my cardio every 2-3 months)  keep after your doctors until a reasonable solution is found and don't ever feel like you are UNGRATEFUL-- remember it is their job to "FIX" you--

Good luck and I am so sorry you have to go through all this--