ventricular fibrillation

Posted by star16 @star16, Dec 6, 2023

Hello! i was diagnosed with ventricular fibrillation in 2019, my doctor and parents are not really the sharing type so i would like someone to walk me through it and if anyone has personal experience or know anyone who has it and recovered write back to me, it would much appreciated!
currently i'm on meds and suggested a heart transplant to my doctor but he wasn't keen of it so i was wondering what is the next step for me

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jc76 | @jc76 | Dec 7, 2023

star16, Are you seeing a EP (Electrophysiologist) who are experts in electrical issues of the heart.

What medications are you on? Are they to help with conduction? Have your doctors mentioned the need for a AICD/pacemaker. This device monitors your heat and if you go into VFIB it will try to pace you out first and if that does not work you will get an electrical shock. I am told that the AICD device is about 99% effective in restoring electrical function. Does not mean it won't go back in VFIB like mine did a couple of times.

I have had a AICD/Pacemaker since 2006 and have episodes for many years now. I am not medication to reduce PVCs, improve EF, and I am doing fine now.

What you posted does not address what they told you was the cause of your VFIB was. Heart transplants are usually not appropriate unless your heart is not functioning enough to live or failing fast. Did you have a heart attack? Did you have a serious flu or virus (cardiomyopathy) prior to your diagnosis?

My suggestion to you is seek out an experience EP and get the treatment options. A EP will refer you to others that you will need to see like mine did to a heart failure specialist. I have been under care at Mayo Clinic since 2006.

I do not know where you live but if you can do consultations at providers like Mayo Clinic and/or Cleveland Clinic who are excellent in heart care. They can advise you on what to expect, treatments, etc. You can always sent your medical information to them and asked for a consultation if you can't go directly there.

timely | @timely | Dec 9, 2023

@star16

Are you new to arrhythmias?

Are they only occasionally?
What meds are you taking?

Have you had a cardioversion to reset your heart and stop arrhythmias?

Has your doctor suggested cardioablation?

What is the long term plan that he has suggested for you?

Has he suggested that you get tested for sleep apnea???

Dana, Volunteer Mentor | @danab | Dec 12, 2023

@star16 Welcome and as @jc76 posted I too had Ventricular Tacacardio and for a long time about 10 years a pacemaker with difibulator was what kept things running pretty smooth. My heart did progress to the need of a heart Transplant but that's not necessarily a need for everyone. I know of many who live long lives just on medication or with a pacemaker. The important thing is like @jc76 said are you seeing a EP Cardiologist who specializes in the electrical areas of the heart. Also, I got most of my care at a top notch cardiac Hospital like mayo. In my case during my pacemaker days I went to a EP Doctor who used another great cardiac hospital here in Arizona. so, if you're in this area near Phoenix I can suggest some. Lets us know some more about your particularly issues and many of us have had similar experiences. Hope that helps an have a Blessed Day.