Answers

Yesterday, I had my first clinic visit - full interrogation and report. I had two previous interrogations by my cardiologist; but did not recieve a copy of the report.

Thanks to the information and knowledge from all of you, I was armed with all the right questions, and did recieve a copy of the interrogation report. I now know that in addition to having SSS, I also have complete Heart Block. I also know that I am completly pacemaker dependent.

The interrogation report also contained information on the percent of pacing, (i.e, 40% atrium and 74% ventricle) and all the PM settings. Finally, I learned the battery life for the PM is 9.5 years.

I am very grateful that the PM has restored me to normal function. I no longer suffer from the syncopes, fatigue, shortness of breath that I experienced befor the PM.

I am still struggling with the emotional response to the knowledge that I am dependent on the PM to ensure that
my heart's electric/conduction systems function properly.

I want to express my great appreciation to all of you, for your
kindness, wisdom, information and support.

Best of Health.

Beach Boy

3 Comments

Support

by Beach Boy - 2010-11-13 05:11:35

Gellia,

Thank you very much for your kind words of support.
Its comforting to draw from the experience of others.

Best regards,

Beach Boy

good for you!

by Tracey_E - 2010-11-13 07:11:40

It's great that you took charge and asked the questions!

Being dependent doesn't mean if we turned it off we'd die. It just means we use it a lot so don't let that word scare you. If we turned it off, we wouldn't feel too good but just about all of us have some type of underlying rate. We're dependent on computers all the time and never give it a thought- our cars, airplanes. Ours is just a little more personal. :)

Emotional healing can often be harder than the physical. Know that that is perfectly normal and don't be too hard on yourself for not being thrilled with it overnight. Focus on how good you feel. Most find that as they get back to full activity and feel good that they think about it less and less. I'm on my 4th one now and never give it a thought, other than to be grateful that I'm still here and I feel great.

Hey Beach Boy

by Gellia3 - 2010-11-13 09:11:51

Tracey's right on! I've had a PM for 3rd degree block for 35 years now. Actually, I've had 7 replacements since, too Hasn't curtailed me a bit!

As she said, focus on how you feel. Very soon you will forget you even have that little buddy watching over your heart rate.

My very best to you!
Gellia

You know you're wired when...

You have the perfect reason to show off your chest.

Member Quotes

It is just over 10 years since a dual lead device was implanted for complete heart block. It has worked perfectly and I have traveled well near two million miles internationally since then.