[Squirelyheart]

I have had PSVT for about 10 years now with the highest bpm being approximately 220 0r maybe even a bit higher along with insane palpitations. I was just diagnosed with gallstones and am going in for surgery to have it removed--my issue is not so much with the actual surgery as it is with going under general anesthesia, especially because there is a chance of developing arrhythmia/tachycardia from the anesthesia--I'm actually scared out of my wits to put it bluntly. Has anyone in this forum gone under general anesthesia, if so, what has your experience been? Thanks in advance,
Rachel

[Jeff]

Hi Rachel -

I've never gone under general, but I have had...shoot, I can't recall the name of it... It's given through an IV and technically you're awake but you feel like you're asleep and you really don't remember anything. Anyway, before they put you under they'll ask you about your heart, so they can be aware of anything that might be a surprise for them while you're under.

But that is the extent of my knowledge. I had no issues, but that's only one person's experience.

[Katie]

People with heart disease are put under quite under and their palpitations are more dangerous than ours. You'll be in the best place to have palpitations, surrounded by amazing doctors who practice probably daily. There will also be a heart surgeon somewhere in that hospital because there usually is at least one in a hospital at any given time with our heart disease issues here. But if I were you id ask straight up how high risk I am and what would happen if I were to have palpitations? I'm sure they would reassure you that you'd be in really good hands! When is ur surgery? I'm terrified to go under too, but so many people go under with even worse conditions and come out ok. My step- dad is on all sorts of meds for his heart and actually had to go in for it to be reset ( crazy right) and he had knee and shoulder surgery without any problem.

[jkfrench]

That is also one of my biggest fears. I remember reading on another forum that there isn't any problem as long as your heart is structurally normal. Doctors are very familiar with PVCs and SVT. My SVT also reaches 220 with PVCs along with it. My mom has been put under many times with A-fib. Doctors don't seem to be bothered by it.
Oh, Jeff, that was Versed that they gave you. People love that drug. That actually is supposed to supress palps.
Our friend Julie on this forum had surgery just a few months ago and was afraid as well. She posted about it on here. I'll see if I can find the post. She did fine.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Jodie

[Jeff]

Yes! Versed! Best drug ever!

[Amanda]

I recently had an ablation done and I wasnt put under general but under that Verse stuff through the iv as Jeff was talking about. I was terrified about it. I had more anxiety about that then surgery as well so what you are feeling is sooo normal. Lets just say you do go into PSVT mode just know you will be in the the best place for anything like that to happen. I wish you the best of luck my friend!!

[Squirelyheart]

Thank you everyone so much for the advice and encouragement, I'm so glad I found this forum! I'm probably going in for surgery by the end of this month....the whole thing is scary and having PSVT just adds to the fear. Docters have always told me that I would just learn to live with it ....yea right! Each episode is just as scary as the last one...they don't get any easier...at least not for me lol

[DaniRae]

They tend to not get easier, maybe we just become more accepting? I am sure your surgery will go great and you will be just fine!

[dr461]

I think that surgery with PVCs is not an issue, as long as the heart is structurally sound. So many people have PVCs (90% of the population at one time or another) that doctors are very familiar with the procedure for using anesthesia in that milieu. Worry not!!

[Susie]

Originally Posted by dr461

I think that surgery with PVCs is not an issue, as long as the heart is structurally sound. So many people have PVCs (90% of the population at one time or another) that doctors are very familiar with the procedure for using anesthesia in that milieu. Worry not!!

I agree, those horrid things are so common, it is probably second nature for the doctors.

Please keep us posted.