Last Wednesday, I went to Duke to see the cardiac electrophysiologist about my SVT. I wish I had some actual news, but they didn’t have my medical records yet. With no records – there wasn’t much to discuss. So this whole thing is off like a herd of turtles.
As slow as this process seems to be moving, I’m feeling good. I adore my new doctor – he put me at ease and calmed my fears. Apparently, supraventricular tachycardia feels more dangerous than it really is. Other than the electrical defect, my broken heart is in excellent health. Praise Jesus!
When my medical records come in, the doctor will look them over. From there, I could be ordered to wear another heart monitor or scheduled for surgery. There’s just no way to know until he gets a look at the results from the last monitor.
The idea of heart surgery had me a little upset – but the doc says this is a simple operation. It takes about an hour and a half, and it will cure my SVT. I’m still not loving the idea of having catheters run up through my veins, but I am more comfortable with it than I was before my appointment.
Since I couldn’t handle the beta-blockers, the doc switched me to a calcium blocker that I’m supposed to take when my SVT hits. Luckily, I haven’t needed it yet. So far, creating the diving reflex works to bring my heart rate back down. The doctor warned me that this method may not always work, so I need to have my new meds on hand just in case.
At this point, I’m kind of stuck in limbo. Which, honestly, isn’t so bad. My attacks aren’t as menacing now that I know what’s going on and have a game plan ready for when they strike. That alone has lowered my stress levels, which decreases my incidence of attack.
