Surgery in 4 day...help

Hi everyone, I just joined the pacemaker club a couple of days ago. I have been reading a lot of evey one's comments but have not found what I am lookig for. In four days I am going for surgery AVN Ablation with pacemaker. If anyone has had this particular surgery done, do you know if you still feel the epsiodes i.e. the fluttering of the chest? Is this a reasonably safe surgery? Are there any known side affects? What is the longevity of the pacemaker? Any information is greatly appreciated because I am deathly afraid of hospitals/surgery and would feel more comfortable blogging with someone about this procedure before going through with it on Friday. Thanks a bunch, DTM...

10 Comments

Hi

by brokenheart - 2010-05-25 01:05:15

I had an ablation about 4 years ago for a fast heart rate. They were supposed to burn off a loop around mu av node but accidentally burned off my av node giving me complete heart block. After this I was then back to surgery for a pacemaker implant I was not expecting. I have heard that sometimes they burn off the av node on purpose and put pacemaker at the same time. It was not my case as it was a mistake. What kind of heart rhythm problem dovu have? With any surgery there are always risk of complications, bleeding, infection, etc. If u have doubts u should ask your doctor. Recovery after pacemaker implant takes a while and u must be patient. U will have a sore arm and incision for weeks and must not lift heavy objects or elevate your arm for a long time. If u have any more questions please ask. Hope this helps.

Comments

by ElectricFrank - 2010-05-25 02:05:11

Welcome to the forum. As you probably have notices you will find a lot of difference in experiences and suggestions of various members. Be sure to pick the approach that fits you.

I haven't had an ablation so I can't speak from experience. From following others here on the forum, the results can vary. The idea behind the procedure is to find and destroy the heart tissue that is causing the problem. If they hit the right spot it can be very successful. If you mean an AV Node Ablation (AVN) then you will be dependent on a pacemaker as it will create complete AV block. The pacemaker then takes over in its place.

I have complete AV Block myself although not due to an ablation. I've had a pacer for 5 years and it does an excellent job for me. I just had my first replacement due to depletion of the batteries. Typically the batteries last in the 5-7 yr range.

The others who posted comments here experienced quite a bit more discomfort than me. Within a week I was pretty much back to normal activity other than avoiding raising my left arm above shoulder level. As an example I was out driving on rough desert roads in my 4wd sometime in the 1-2 weeks time frame.

My approach was to keep my left arm active, but not overdo it, letting my body tell me what was enough. One suggestion for immediately after the implant is to sleep on the side opposite the pacemaker and put a pillow in front of you to support your upper arm. This is really helpful in getting a good nites sleep.

frank

I had an AV abalation

by janetinak - 2010-05-25 02:05:17

in late 2000 & insertion of PM. I had Afib that didn't respond to anything for all of 1999 & most of 2000. I just could not handle the constant SOB & fatigue. I could not believe how good I felt when it was done. My 1st PM lasted 3 yrs but there was a lead problem. Am on my 2nd since 2003 & doing great. Having it checked at office end of June to see if still has another year on it or less. As above, takes awhile to get over the initial surgery-soreness & can't use arm on the PM side much for a month or so but tolerable. I am still in Afib & don't feel the PM working nor the Afib so great as far as I am concerned. I believe there are newer techniques available now than what I had but not an option (too rsky) in 2000. You probably will get some more info tomorrow from other folks on here. Oh & on 1st one usually have to stay over night but on second if no leads added etc. get to go home same day

Hope that helps,

Janet

Welcome to the PM Club ~ ~

by Carolyn65 - 2010-05-25 02:05:43

So glad you found the PM Club and have made your 'post'. You will get good 'comments'.

I had my ablation/implant on 10/09. I still have my A-fib, but do not fill any 'flutter' anymore. I had my implant on an afternoon, was kept over nite for observation and sent home the next morn. This was just because I live alone and do not live near medical facilities.

Listen to your Dr., nurses, and PM implant rep. They will be your main info. You can always get on your PM Club and ask questions/comments/etc. after you leave the hospital. This PM Club is good if you have a question during the nite or can't get thru to your Dr.

I was told to not lift over 5 lbs. for several weeks. Do not lift the arm/shoulder on the implant side above heart area. Do not wear arm sling to hold arm in place ~ it could cause the shoulder to 'freeze' & require re-hab. Not to sleep on the side of your body the implant is on.

The first 2-3 nites at home, I used a prescribed pain medicine to sleep at night while the stitches of the implant healed better.

Each person is sooooo different in healing and reacting.
If you have any questions or just want to chat, get on your PM Club website and there is always someone who has knowledge of all situations. There are some very smart, educated, very experienced individuals on this site who has gone thru many, many years of implants, challenges, etc. Just ask them ~ they help.

I was told my Boston Scientific PM will last 5-7 years.
I feel my 'energizer 'bunny' might just keep on beating.

Every day you will feel better. You just need to stay hydrated, excercise when you feel better and the most important thing for me is to "listen to my own body" ~ it talks to me and tells me when I am tired or whether I just need to talk to somone on the PM Club or call the Dr.

Keep posting,
Carolyn G. in TEXAS ~ Bear Hugs to All ~

Addition

by janetinak - 2010-05-25 03:05:09

After reading Frank's comments I realize I failed to mention that my Ablation was an AV node ablation & I am 100% dependent on the PM. And as to pain, I was somewhat uncomfortable but learned I was allergic to codeine & had a bad reaction (vomiting) to Percocette so just used Tylenol. As mentioned tho we are all different. Some doc's limit driving & work but mine did not say anything (& I didn't ask) so took a couple of days off & then drove & went back to work (sitting down job/clerical) after a long week end. That was a mistake take at least a week off or more as needed.

Thanks,

Janet

???

by pete - 2010-05-25 03:05:18

Your biggest worry is not getting the treatment you need. All surgery carries a risk. I have had an AV node ablation as well , dont worry its not painful- almost pleasant. You may still feel fluttering - every patient is a bit different. Good luck . Peter

AV node ablation & pacemaker

by aldeer - 2010-05-25 12:05:28

My a-fib had been going on for many years with meds not solving my problem. One ablation failed and I had many cardioversions, but a-fib continued. Because of drops in blood pressure and fainting, I went in for a pacemaker. It resulted in a single lead to ventricle and complete heart block (AVNode ablation). The only reason I was kept overnite was because I lived a distance away. It was reallly quite simple. I went in with a smile and out with an even bigger smile. Tylenol was my choice for pain because pain meds make me sick. Do as the others have said about not reaching up with the arm and sleeping with a pillow. Do realize that it will not solve a-fib. You just won't feel it. You will feel much better and don't hesitate to ask what you think may be dumb questions. They are not dumb to us, and will leave you less worried. Lots of good luck and you will be just fine.... you will be in my thoughts and prayers.... aldeer

Hello and good luck Fri!

by Hot Heart - 2010-05-26 10:05:37

Let us know how you get on, we will all be thinking of you, but remember loads and loads of people go through this and are fine.

HH

Surgery in 2 days

by DTM - 2010-05-27 01:05:06

Thank you everyone for answering back so fast. It
really helped me decide to go though with it on Friday.
Before reading all of your responses, I had made up my mind that I was going to chicken out again. But you have all given me the confidence to proceed. I will take your advise and keep my fingers crossed that the doctor knows what he is doing. :) I will post a blog as soon as I return from surgery. Someone had mentioned a dual pace maker, so I tried finding more information about it but coulnd't find what I needed. If anybody could enlighten me on this particular procedure, I would greatly appreciate it.
Truley Yours DTM...I hope that we will continue our conversations this weekend if all goes right.

Watch your legs afterwards :)

by Bongo - 2010-05-27 02:05:54

Hope all goes well for you.

I have had 2 AV ablations, one in 2003 which resulted in accidental AVN total ablation and heart block, hence the pacemaker. The second was 2008.
I no longer have palpitations all the time and my pacemaker has helped me continue my activities normally. Many people don't know about it until I tell them. (Im 31, so they don't expect it).
The only thing I would advise is to keep your legs moving as much as possible following your procedure and keep an eye on the temperature of your feet. I got a DVT following my first procedure. It is very rare and as far as my Doctor tells me I am the only patient of his that it has every happened to in all his years of practice. The second time went without a hitch.
It changes everything - I'm climbing a mountain in June!
Good luck with everything!

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