1. < Heart Rhythm Conditions

Is it worth it to come to Mayo for second opinion?

Posted by peach0201 @peach0201, Nov 1, 2023

I’m a 43 y/o female who is in perimenopause. Tons of symptoms but worst is heart palpitations! Having a bad “flare up” of pvcs/pacs. Had loads of tests over the years. Have had one every 3-4 beats and even couplets, etc. for about 6 hours today. Think could be GERD/HH/Vagus nerve as it seems it can be positional. Another theory is hormonal. So I had a huge cry and guess what? They stopped. How weird? Praying they stay at bay cus usually gets worse when tryin to sleep. Anyway today was prob one of the scariest days I’ve ever had. Went to ER. Said nothing they could do for me. Only thing I’ve done differently is tried Metrolopol the last few days… some say that can make things worse. Praying this flare up ends soon. Really affecting my life. Wanting to make appt with Mayo. Hopefully won’t be a long wait. Will they even see me with this “benign” condition? Had six holters past year! Never can catch the “scary runs”. Thanks!

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bobmidwest86791 | @bobmidwest86791 | Nov 6, 2023
In reply to @kelwel58 "How was your experience surrounding the ablation? In and out the same day? Did you have..." + (show)
@kelwel58

How was your experience surrounding the ablation? In and out the same day? Did you have far to travel from your home? Do you have to travel back and forth for many follow ups? I need to make a decision about whether to have my EP back home or new Dr at Mayo to perform the ablation. They both agree that I need it and both are highly qualified. My Dr has been in my heart twice now but the new Dr. would be a fresh pair of eyes. How did you make your decision?

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Sorry, I didn’t read this part till now. Well my home town clinic was having trouble retaining an electrophysiologist and my Fl doctor strongly suggested an ablation. After contacting Mayo they asked me to visit on my way home from Fl. I was offered options varying from drug dosing to an ablation to av node ablation and pacemaker. I chose door number two and quite satisfied. That being said, AFIB is devil that seems to revisit apparently after long episodes and older age. I suspect you know all of this already.
All I can say is the facility has been so special right down to the council and hand holding I’ve received from Doctors to nurses (Nurse Teresa) for one who who told me just what to expect with such professionalism.
Afraid I’m rambling a bit but certainly ask me whatever you may wish. Best regards, Bob

REPLY
bobmidwest86791 | @bobmidwest86791 | Nov 6, 2023
In reply to @kelwel58 "How was your experience surrounding the ablation? In and out the same day? Did you have..." + (show)
@kelwel58

How was your experience surrounding the ablation? In and out the same day? Did you have far to travel from your home? Do you have to travel back and forth for many follow ups? I need to make a decision about whether to have my EP back home or new Dr at Mayo to perform the ablation. They both agree that I need it and both are highly qualified. My Dr has been in my heart twice now but the new Dr. would be a fresh pair of eyes. How did you make your decision?

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I’m so glad for you to have a physician you have your comfort level with. I can’t say that I shared that comfort at my home town of Duluth. Perhaps that’s why I’m so jaded by Mayo but everyone you talk to, and many are more than willing to share their experience will testify that coming to Rochester was one of the best decisions they have made and some stories will make you emotional. My decision was easy because of the care I had received prior and the genuine “tenderness “ I feel there.
Interestingly enough when I was in pre opp the small talk by the prep nurse asked the peeps to my right and left where they were from and one was from Abilene Tx and the next from Amerillo do I asked why they were in Minnesota and both replied because their cardiologist suggested Mayo.
So glad you have the option but glad you have a good doc to help you at home

REPLY
peach0201 | @peach0201 | Nov 7, 2023
In reply to @bobmidwest86791 "I’m so fortunate to only be 4 hours away from Rochester. Post ablation was a stay..." + (show)
@bobmidwest86791

I’m so fortunate to only be 4 hours away from Rochester. Post ablation was a stay in St Mary’s from Tuesday (ablation day) thru Friday morning to monitor rhythm do to an addition of a rhythm drug called sotolol which requires observation . ( The staff at St Mary’s is incredible). The sotolol regiment was not a great experience but effective. I believe it was administered due to the fact I had been in AFIB for such a long period that muscle memory was the concern. I was on sotolol for 90 days and petitioned Dr Kappa’s staff to end that drug. I then felt very good but still experienced PVC’s and Dr Kappa preformed another type of Ablation, different than the first. I can truly say I hadn’t felt this good for a verrry long time.
Three years later I have had encountered another bout of arrhythmia but treated locally with another drug labeled dofetelide which I have tolerated very well and currently in sinus. Unfortunately I think it took a trip to Mayo to gain the attention of my local doctor’s and the severity of my symptoms. Additionally, a cardiologist in Fl insisted I either have an ablation in Fl but strongly suggest Mayo.
I have had a couple other cardiovascular experiences (stents) at Rochester and I simply cannot say enough about the quality of care I have received there. Let me also say the scheduling departments are absolutely out of this world. They truly understand the distances the patients need to travel and so try to accommodate.
I know I probably sound like an ambassador for the Clinic but they have genuinely changed my life and so many others that have shared their stories and experiences. I certainly hope you are able to become a patient there and wish you the very best.

Jump to this post

Curious about Afib. So how long were you in Afib? Are you still able to function normally while in Afib m? How long can one be in Afib and it be ok? Thank you.

REPLY
1 reply
jrhamp | @jrhamp | Nov 7, 2023
In reply to @bobmidwest86791 "I’m so fortunate to only be 4 hours away from Rochester. Post ablation was a stay..." + (show)
@bobmidwest86791

I’m so fortunate to only be 4 hours away from Rochester. Post ablation was a stay in St Mary’s from Tuesday (ablation day) thru Friday morning to monitor rhythm do to an addition of a rhythm drug called sotolol which requires observation . ( The staff at St Mary’s is incredible). The sotolol regiment was not a great experience but effective. I believe it was administered due to the fact I had been in AFIB for such a long period that muscle memory was the concern. I was on sotolol for 90 days and petitioned Dr Kappa’s staff to end that drug. I then felt very good but still experienced PVC’s and Dr Kappa preformed another type of Ablation, different than the first. I can truly say I hadn’t felt this good for a verrry long time.
Three years later I have had encountered another bout of arrhythmia but treated locally with another drug labeled dofetelide which I have tolerated very well and currently in sinus. Unfortunately I think it took a trip to Mayo to gain the attention of my local doctor’s and the severity of my symptoms. Additionally, a cardiologist in Fl insisted I either have an ablation in Fl but strongly suggest Mayo.
I have had a couple other cardiovascular experiences (stents) at Rochester and I simply cannot say enough about the quality of care I have received there. Let me also say the scheduling departments are absolutely out of this world. They truly understand the distances the patients need to travel and so try to accommodate.
I know I probably sound like an ambassador for the Clinic but they have genuinely changed my life and so many others that have shared their stories and experiences. I certainly hope you are able to become a patient there and wish you the very best.

Jump to this post

I have a modest case of AFib..I say modest because diagnosed in 2015..full echo resulted in normal status and has been the same with a new"full checkup last month". The only issue was
an enlarged atrium which is an offshoot of Afib. Enlarged atrium is common, but can also be a result of activities, weight, strength, exercise etc. As a former US Army Infantry officer, I suspect perhaps the enlargement could be a result of several causes.

I use the VA clinic in Viera/Melbourne, Florida as a second opinion to my normal doc who I see
just once per year. Frankly, the VA is absolutely outstanding..But, here is the point of this rambling...the nurse I spoke with yesterday worked at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. She could not find the words to say how excellent the facility was in every way. She moved south to be with extended family as she is about 6 months pregnant. This comment reinforces
the comment before mine. The lesson is: If available, make every effort to go to the best there is in terms of health care; seek second opinion; use the net and forums like this to inform yourself of options. (I do take Padaxa as blood thinner and atenolol as beta blocker and also lowers blood pressure. Cheers All/RH

REPLY
2 replies
peach0201 | @peach0201 | Nov 7, 2023
In reply to @jrhamp "I have a modest case of AFib..I say modest because diagnosed in 2015..full echo resulted in..." + (show)
@jrhamp

I have a modest case of AFib..I say modest because diagnosed in 2015..full echo resulted in normal status and has been the same with a new"full checkup last month". The only issue was
an enlarged atrium which is an offshoot of Afib. Enlarged atrium is common, but can also be a result of activities, weight, strength, exercise etc. As a former US Army Infantry officer, I suspect perhaps the enlargement could be a result of several causes.

I use the VA clinic in Viera/Melbourne, Florida as a second opinion to my normal doc who I see
just once per year. Frankly, the VA is absolutely outstanding..But, here is the point of this rambling...the nurse I spoke with yesterday worked at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. She could not find the words to say how excellent the facility was in every way. She moved south to be with extended family as she is about 6 months pregnant. This comment reinforces
the comment before mine. The lesson is: If available, make every effort to go to the best there is in terms of health care; seek second opinion; use the net and forums like this to inform yourself of options. (I do take Padaxa as blood thinner and atenolol as beta blocker and also lowers blood pressure. Cheers All/RH

Jump to this post

That is so good to hear. Thanks so much for your response and best of luck to you.

REPLY
kelwel58 | @kelwel58 | Nov 7, 2023
In reply to @bobmidwest86791 "I’m so fortunate to only be 4 hours away from Rochester. Post ablation was a stay..." + (show)
@bobmidwest86791

I’m so fortunate to only be 4 hours away from Rochester. Post ablation was a stay in St Mary’s from Tuesday (ablation day) thru Friday morning to monitor rhythm do to an addition of a rhythm drug called sotolol which requires observation . ( The staff at St Mary’s is incredible). The sotolol regiment was not a great experience but effective. I believe it was administered due to the fact I had been in AFIB for such a long period that muscle memory was the concern. I was on sotolol for 90 days and petitioned Dr Kappa’s staff to end that drug. I then felt very good but still experienced PVC’s and Dr Kappa preformed another type of Ablation, different than the first. I can truly say I hadn’t felt this good for a verrry long time.
Three years later I have had encountered another bout of arrhythmia but treated locally with another drug labeled dofetelide which I have tolerated very well and currently in sinus. Unfortunately I think it took a trip to Mayo to gain the attention of my local doctor’s and the severity of my symptoms. Additionally, a cardiologist in Fl insisted I either have an ablation in Fl but strongly suggest Mayo.
I have had a couple other cardiovascular experiences (stents) at Rochester and I simply cannot say enough about the quality of care I have received there. Let me also say the scheduling departments are absolutely out of this world. They truly understand the distances the patients need to travel and so try to accommodate.
I know I probably sound like an ambassador for the Clinic but they have genuinely changed my life and so many others that have shared their stories and experiences. I certainly hope you are able to become a patient there and wish you the very best.

Jump to this post

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply! I believe what I have just read from you solidified my decision to go to the Mayo Clinic for my ablation. I was waffling back and forth because both doctors basically agree on my treatment plan, but I wanted a fresh pair of eyes this time. My Dr. in Milwaukee has been working with me for 15 years and maybe it's time I shook things up since my 2nd ablation didn't work and caused me to have a stroke the day after! (no residual affects!) Your description of St. Mary's (that is where I first met Dr. Tan) sounds wonderful and very reassuring. As it turns out, I am going back next week to meet with a vascular specialist and also a genetics counselor because of my clot history and the very high prevalence of afib in mine and my mom's family. No other Dr. has ever been concerned enough with those things to take it that step further as Dr. Tan is doing. Another reason I like him because he is being very thorough and he said he likes to treat the whole person, not just the heart. Thanks again, a I wish you the best as well!

REPLY
bobmidwest86791 | @bobmidwest86791 | Nov 7, 2023
In reply to @jrhamp "I have a modest case of AFib..I say modest because diagnosed in 2015..full echo resulted in..." + (show)
@jrhamp

I have a modest case of AFib..I say modest because diagnosed in 2015..full echo resulted in normal status and has been the same with a new"full checkup last month". The only issue was
an enlarged atrium which is an offshoot of Afib. Enlarged atrium is common, but can also be a result of activities, weight, strength, exercise etc. As a former US Army Infantry officer, I suspect perhaps the enlargement could be a result of several causes.

I use the VA clinic in Viera/Melbourne, Florida as a second opinion to my normal doc who I see
just once per year. Frankly, the VA is absolutely outstanding..But, here is the point of this rambling...the nurse I spoke with yesterday worked at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. She could not find the words to say how excellent the facility was in every way. She moved south to be with extended family as she is about 6 months pregnant. This comment reinforces
the comment before mine. The lesson is: If available, make every effort to go to the best there is in terms of health care; seek second opinion; use the net and forums like this to inform yourself of options. (I do take Padaxa as blood thinner and atenolol as beta blocker and also lowers blood pressure. Cheers All/RH

Jump to this post

Such interesting information on here. We winter in Stuart and have a good relationship with cardiologist there. Not so much with the Martin co heath but glad of your connection with the VA . I was under the impression that Jacksonville didn’t take Medicare folks and would be glad to be misinformed if so.
Isn’t it fun to have the enthusiasms from the Nurses and staff? I am 110% onboard with the entire staff from schedulers to nurses to doctors.
Just a side note, a friend of a friend just had a balloon placed in his atrium to take up space as his was too large also. That is what I believe I heard and it was via an artery in his forearm. Wish I knew more but I firmly believe you’re going to be in great hands. Very best of luck and fortune to you.

REPLY
jrhamp | @jrhamp | Nov 7, 2023

Hi and thanks..I have TriCare for Life..All retired military have it. I also asked about those with Medicare and when I registered some months ago..they indicated Medicare was accepted.

Enlarged atriums are common. But, as a result of Afib and high blood pressure, the heart is stressed to some degree. There are many degrees of enlarged atrium. I had the sonogram echo done at the VA in Viera just about two weeks ago. The cardio guy could actually measure the size of the atrium watching on the computer from the sonogram..amazing. This brings the actual size to see, measure and review. There is nothing left to speculate about. Then comes the remedies based on size of atrium, problematic issues with Afib or high blood pressure.
So it goes for today's medicine. RH

REPLY
bobmidwest86791 | @bobmidwest86791 | Nov 7, 2023
In reply to @peach0201 "Curious about Afib. So how long were you in Afib? Are you still able to function..." + (show)
@peach0201

Curious about Afib. So how long were you in Afib? Are you still able to function normally while in Afib m? How long can one be in Afib and it be ok? Thank you.

Jump to this post

Gosh , I can’t say how long I was in AFIB . I had symptoms for a long time but didn’t understand what I felt. I had a left side heart stent in 2013 and while being quite astute in recovery I could feel things in my heart and chest I suddenly became aware of. As a self employed I just kept plodding along till I couldn’t really function without being exhausted. Finally went to Mayo and the jumped on it and did an ablation in 2020. The doctor in Fl told me to address it as soon as I went home to Mn. He told me that the longer you’re in AFIB the more difficult it is to manage.
I’m told lots of people are in AFIB and don’t know it but I would really encourage you to contact Mayo with your questions and I think you’ll be surprised at their welcoming of your questions and care for your well-being . Best wishes to you.

REPLY
peach0201 | @peach0201 | Nov 7, 2023

Wow. Yes that’s what I’ve heard too! Gee I don’t know how one couldn’t feel it, I have flair ups of PVCs/pacs and feel every single one. Would love to not be able to feel them. Yes I intend to get an appointment. Thank you.

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