Kate's Guestbook

So nice to hear from you again, Petey. She really was a special person. I hope you are doing well and are healthy. I'm coming along pretty well in my recovery- just have some issues I'm working through with chronic rib pain, and palpitations, some tachycardia, these kinds of things. But I'm still doing my best to get out and enjoy life. Be well :)

Hi Kim, I think about you often and hope you are doing somewhat better? I'm not on here much but popped on a few times this week. I'm doing pretty good for the most part. Just issues I'm still struggling with- chronic rib and back pain that flares up and I am currently wearing yet another Zio patch to see what's going on my heart rhythms. All in all, not too bad given what my body has been through though! hugs- email me anytime if you wish.

I just sent a zio a few days ago . Wore it for two weeks this time . Was on Metoprolol 12.5mg tried on e, then twice a day, gave me extreme palpitations, ectopic beats and was horrible. Got me into sinus rhythm, but was horrible. Had to stop it now and just waiting to see electrophysiologists again on March 3rd. She just keeps saying I have 3 choices; Metoprolol, Metoprolol plus Flaicenide, only Flecainide and ablation. Has anyone here or you, Kate, have taken Flaicenide? I know you struggled with pericarditis, but not recurrent correct? I'm on weekly injection now if Rilonacept (Arcalyst). It's only three mg that stopped my body from attacking my pericardium and keeping my inflammation (CRP) down in normal range now for past 8 weeks. I'm grateful for that , but my heart did not automatically go back to sinus rhythm afterwards, do I'm just stuck in this back and forth rhythm. I'm still hopeful it me resolve. Anyone had an ablation, it doesn't sound like it's very effective and I do not need yet another problem.

Coincidentally I just finished another Zio patch yesterday and am currently switching back from propranolol to metoprolol. I was on metoprolol years ago and I don't think it caused me any issues, but I don't know if it will work for my situation. I'm sorry it didn't work for you and was so horrible. I've never taken Flaicdenide myself. I would be higher risk for an ablation because of having two mechanical valves and a pacemaker but it has been brought up to me also. However we'll see what my latest Zio says. So they don't think an ablation would be effective for yours? I don't know anything about the kind of arrhythmia you have and never heard of it til you told me actually! I'm so sorry for everything you've been through and I wonder how you are managing it all.

I have been offered an ablation and will discuss it when I go see electrophysiologist on the 3rd next week. It's just scary to me, to have them messing around in my heart again. 85% chance of it even working and 5% chance it'll cause other problems and complications. Then if that would t work, she's talking pacemaker . It's just more complicated because of my tricuspid repair to place a pacemaker , not to mention my metal allergies. Nickel is in everything, which is so frustrating. I still think it may have something to do with the pericarditis and my complications, but would need a sample of the ring and titanium clips that were put in me for the allergist to test. I just now found out even the 4 titanium clips he put in my try I clip an artery he accidentally cut have trace nickel in them. Supposedly it's a very small amount and no one has trouble with them but how would you know ? My allergist asked for samples of the Medtronic contour ring from my surgeon before my surgery when I went in for the metal patch testing, but they would not get it for her which made me a bit angry, but what could I do? He'd already said my case was difficult. My allergist old me she's had patients who's Dr had sent her samples of actual implanted devices before, so not sure why it couldn't be done . I'm just dealing with the back and forth from sinus to accelerated junctional right now on no medications for it. I've just been doing my Rilonacept injections every week to control the pericarditis and that's worked. I'm trying to learn to live in my new reality and be ok with it, as I'm sure you and so many others here have had to do. I have an abundance of respect and admiration for you Kate and hope you'll keep me posted with what you decide and what your zio found. I don't have my results from mine yet, just turned it in on Friday morning to the post office . Hope to talk again soon. One day at a time , one foot in front of the other and ride the waves when they come . Sending you love and hugs 🫶🤗🫂 From your heart sister❤️‍🩹