86..Pacemaker for Afib? Help

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86 yr old -AFIB. Pacemaker?? What to consider?Help
Posted by RoseNa on 2012-09-06 23:20

Hello,
My 86 yr old mom had a TIA (ministroke7/6/12). Weak on right side but fully functional. During hospital stay hospital did stress test. When doc injected die/chemical her heart went into AFIB and they had to stop the test and monitor her closely.
(She had AFIB once before briely in 2007 (approx a week and was taken off medication, then heart went back to normal rythm.

NOW > on Flecanide 50mg. Heart monitor indicates some AFIB and also normal sinus rythm. however, they say she had a few 9 second 'pauses' in her heart & now has doc appointment to consider pace maker.

>QUESTION: 1 time the battery light was flashing on the monitor. Doc said heart paused 9 seconds approx near that time (have to check to see if times match up..). Could the battery of the heart monitor cause the 'pauses'?? I would think they could determine between battery dieing out and'pauses' - just checking?? Also, my mom is on coumdin since stroke. She is petite (under 5 ft and 110 lbs) and never been much of a drug taker and rarely uses tylenol etc. easily affected by medication. I am concerned she won't be able to handle the anesthia for a pacemaker procedure. She has rolling fine veins also. She has been dizzy when taking 100mg of Flecanide, but cut to 50mg..not as dizzy.. Doc said dizzyness could be from 'pauses' also. Anyway, would love to hear your experience?? Complications?? (your age too if you don't mind:)
What brand pacemaker? Anything we should definately check or watch out for?? Any feed back at all please. Any infections after procedure? Any doc recommendations in NJ ?? We want the best of the best and not someone who just uses 'factory line' methods, if you will..
Thanks all!! :) Appreciate any thoughts or your experience that may help!! Rose :)

4 Comments

general health

by Hope - 2012-09-07 05:09:45

Hi! This has to be a difficult decision you are trying to make. Another thing to consider is the status of your Mother's health in general. As much as she is able, what is her outlook at this stage in her life. Will she be able to accept and cope with a device? I believe there are several members on this site around your Mother's age. I hope they see your post and respond, as they can tell you about their ongoing experiences. Wish there were an easy answer for you. Hopeful Heart

THANK U FOR RESPONSES!!

by RoseNa - 2012-09-07 10:09:00

To answer question.. Found out 9 sec pause was on 9/5 at 11:11pm. She was laying/sitting on couch watching tv. She doesnt remember feeling dizzy then or passing out. Doc insistent pattern would look different if battery failed.. But will keep monitor on 1 more week.. My mom does not want to have procedure.. We will c how this wk goes. Tx! Welcome any more thoughts:) Rose

Did she black out?

by PacerRep - 2012-09-07 12:09:14

A 9 second pause would cause anybody to lose consciousness (6.5bpm). If she at the very least did not get really bad tunnel vison and feel like she was about to pass out I would be suspicious of the machine. If she went lights out....I would consider what your doctors are reccomending

PM not for afib

by ILoominatedEKG - 2012-09-08 10:09:54

Pacemakers sometimes pace out the afib if it's not too bad, but the PM will be implanted primarily for the 9 second puase she had. They will brobably medicate for the afib if it doesn't go away. The meds frequently increase the likelyhood of slow heart rate - another plus for having the PM.

Every procedure has risks. The older the patient, the higher the risk. I've heard of people dying having their tonsils taken out. But a PM procedure is not all that intrusive. I had a mishap, so my case is not typical. But once the error was repaired, it has been pretty easy on me (I'm 57 - no spring chicken but not ancient either).

In the end, I would respect her decision. It's her life. She has the sacro sanct (in my opinion) right to live and die as she pleases. But there's nothing wrong with a little influence. If she's intending to live for a while, the PM will most likely increase her quality of life. I would rather live well for a short while than live forever debillitated personally.

Best of luck. Dave

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