1st check up

Hi all

Had my 1st check up today after having an Ablation for SVT in June 2012 causing a complete heart block, resulting in a pacemaker.
Having made a list of questions to ask, my 1st was "how often has my pacemaker been used" with the technician saying "it's in use 24/7 as your lower part of your heart doesn't function anymore"
This came as a huge shock because the doctor/consultant hadn't explained all this to me.
I still feel short of breath, the hospital has altered afew settings allowing my heart rate to achieve 160, I'm an active 34yr male with 2 young boys.
Im an Air Conditioning Engineer, which is quite physical, been off now for 5wks, still very sore/tender when I lift my arm.

Just wondering if there's any other Air Con Engineers who can offer any advice on recovery time and returning back to work.

Finding this site a massive help in coming to terms with the whole thing!!!

Thanks

Tom

4 Comments

Scary words for a cardiac patient

by plebeyo - 2012-07-17 05:07:01

For a health professional to tell a cardiac patient in those exact words that the lower portion of his heart does no longer function because of a damaged AV node is very unprofessional, IMHO.

Thanks for the help

by Woodside30 - 2012-07-17 05:07:34

Hi guys, a big thankyou for your help and advice, I've noticed a big difference today after having some changes made yesterday, I haven't been out of breath. I've read loads of interesting stories on here which is making life a lot easier!!!
Big thanks

Rate Response

by ebfox - 2012-07-17 09:07:02

Tom,

You need to get the Rate Response setting adjusted properly for the physical nature of your job. Not all pacer techs know how to do this, so you may have to get another technician.

Probably the best way is to get them to adjust it with you on a treadmill (to simulate your physical work). It may take more than one shot- if they make it too sensitive your pulse will race when you roll over in bed.

Getting this set right will speed your recovery; good luck and let us know how it goes.

EB

Your lower chambers DO work

by SaraTB - 2012-07-17 10:07:38

I too have a pacemaker after the ablation for SVT damaged my AV node resulting in total heart block. I am 100% paced (i.e. all the time).

But, the lower part of your heart does work: it just isn't working in synch. with the upper chambers, because that's what the AV node did: keep it all in time properly. So, now your brain tells the upper chambers what to do, based on your activity, and the pacemaker passes the message on to the lower chambers, doing the job of the AV node.

In theory, those of us with heart block for this reason shouldn't need rate response to be on, because our own brains still control the initial message. I had RR turned off on my PM: some people notice improvement, some don't: I didn't see much difference.

You should know however, that it may take several visits back to the tech to get it set up correctly for your level of activity. It took 6 months for my first PM to be configured properly: you have to be persistent in going back and telling them you're still having difficulties.

Incidentally, don't be afraid about pacing 100% - I look on it as an opportunity to get the latest technology every 6 years or so. If you are concerned about "what if it stops" (it won't) though, you could ask your tech. or doctor whether you have an 'escape rhythm" - for example, without mine, my pulse beats around 30bpm. Not much, but plenty to keep me alive until I can get to a hospital, for example. I found this very reassuring to know, so I recommend you find out. It may also reassure your family too, as they learn about your new gadget along with you.

Welcome to the PM club - and keep asking questions: we're a friendly and supportive lot!

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The experience of having a couple of lengths of wire fed into your heart muscle and an electronic 'box' tucked under the skin is not an insignificant event, but you will survive.