Second Sinus Node Modification

I have been having my symptoms come back. I am blacking out again and having many episodes of Inappropriate Sinus Tech. My doctor is looking at doing a second sinus node modification. I was wondering who had to have a pacemaker due to this procedure. And what I should be aware of going into this a second time. Should I have a pacemaker picked out and have this conversation ahead of time with my doctor? Or is there a good chance that I wont have to have a pacemaker yet. I was just wondering who had this procedure and had to have a pacemaker. Thank you.

2 Comments

Hope this helps!

by scrappy12 - 2013-02-14 09:02:59

I have had several sinus node modifications with the last one resulting in a pacemaker. Obviously since they will probably have to burn or freeze more tissue then there is a higher likelihood you could end up with a pacemaker and I hope your EP has talked to you about that. Typically with a pacemaker you can't raise your elbow above your shoulder for 4-6 weeks. Honestly I haven't had any issues with my site from pain. Just a lot of itching and a tugging feeling which they say is normal. If you have any questions before definitely ask your EP. Mine gave me the choice of what kind of pacemaker I wanted since they use the major three companies also sat down and discussed features I might want like rate response turned on. Basically communication is key. If you have any questions about further experiences please ask, I will answer the best I can although I'm no expert. Best of luck!

Ended up with a pacemaker

by tammy11 - 2013-02-15 11:02:50

I had a sinus node modification in June 2011 and by October 2011 I had to get a pacemaker. The modification stopped my IST symptoms, but every week my pulse was getting lower and lower. I ended up going into junctional rhythm almost immediately after having the modification done. The EP who did the surgery kept telling me to wait it out and see what happens and refused to put in a pacemaker. After 3 months of SUFFERING with a heart rate of 30 and wouldn't go any higher no matter what I did, I went to another EP doctor and within days had to get a pacemaker. Make sure you and your doctor are on the same page where the pacemaker is concerned. I thought I was, but it turned out I wasn't, even after many conversations about it. It's nice not having the IST issues, but pacemakers aren't always issue free. Without a functioning sinus node you will be dependent on the pacemaker rate response to help get your heart rate elevated. It can be a tricky process to find just the right setting for it. I hope everything turns out good for you.

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I've seen many posts about people being concerned about exercise after having a device so thought I would let you know that yesterday I raced my first marathon since having my pacemaker fitted in fall 2004.