100% PM Dependent

Three and a half months after surgery and I am still going into atrial Fib when I climb stair, or exert myself. I went to an arena for a concert and after climbing about 20 average stairs at a slow pace I couldn't breath. Will this get better? Doctors keep telling me the PM is doing just what it is suppose to do. I am scheduled to return to work in mid August and don't feel as if there is any way I can do my job. Do I just need to get myself into better condition with more strenuous exercise.

Help !
Ty

8 Comments

AF and AV node ablation

by Selwyn - 2013-07-25 06:07:00

Hi Ty,
My understanding is that you had an AV node ablation.
This will not prevent AF, it does stop ventricular rate excess problems.
The AF makes your exercise capacity a bit reduced, however you really should be able to tackle 20 stairs.
Of course there may be other caused for shortness of breath on exercise, other than the heart ( eg. lung problems, anaemia etc).

You really need further medical discussion as to the cause of your breathlessness- I think understanding should precede trying to get yourself fit, as many a person has been made worse by exercising and ignoring the cause of their breathlessness.
Wishing you well.

Get the a fib sorted out

by IAN MC - 2013-07-25 06:07:45

Hi Ty ..the Drs are probably right that the PM IS doing what it's meant to do. You didn't say why you had a PM fitted ???

PMs don't do much to help a fib; you need anti-arrythmia drugs or cardioversion or an ablation to treat a fib ; there are situations where none of these work and you're stuck with a fib but has your Dr considered all the options ?

Best of luck

Ian

It's about the setting...

by Duke999 - 2013-07-25 06:07:52

Hi Ty, if you read my today's earlier posting "We can solve many problems IF...", you would then know what we are going through. I think it's about the settings of your PM (may not always be true, but I think most likely that's the case). I recommend you start learning or try to understand about this little machine setting parameters function, so that you can communicate your problem to your PM tech and EP to solve the problem. If you don't know what you're talking about to them, then they will do trial and error on you which can be very frustrating. I wish you well and please hang in there.

Duke999

by Brend - 2013-07-25 07:07:50

Hi Ty,
I have a post down below titled "fatigue". I am in the same boat with tiredness and questioning myself about fitness.
Duke999 suggests learning more about te little machine. Can I ask how do we go about educating ourselves, in order that we have sufficient knowledge to talk to the professionals.
Brend

hang in there

by Hope - 2013-07-26 07:07:40

Hi! Ty, If you fail to receive relief from your present medical care, please get a second opinion. You say you are 100% paced. It is important to get your settings and medication(s) right for you so you can get on with your life. Do your part, also, which includes a healthy diet and exercise. Have you had a general checkup with blood work recently? If your current medical care is incapable or indifferent, find care that is responsive.to your needs. Please do not delay doing this for yourself.

Hello Ty,

by sue uk - 2013-07-26 07:07:44

l also "struggle" with Afib, unfortunately l have it 100% of the time & the reason l had my PM was to stop my heart rate dropping to low (due to Afib) which it has done.
But l still have a very irregular heart beat,missed beats etc. This affects my ability to exercise as much as l would like to & l find stairs & walking up inclines the worst as its hard to cope with my heart going completely "Barmy" which then affects my breathing and sometimes it feels that they seem to work "against" each other !!!
Its easy for doctors to tell you to exercise but it is hard when you feel as though you are fighting to breath sometimes. l keep as active as l can,it would be easier to stay at home BUT l still work 4days a week & l may not do actual "Exercises" but l keep active by doing my job & keeping the house & garden, family & pets in order. So do what you feel comfortable with, l know how bad you can feel with Afib & l think the best thing to do is "listen" to your body & it will let you know when you are doing too much.
Take care Ty, & good luck,
Sue X

100% PM

by Ty - 2013-07-26 09:07:45

Thank you all for your input. After three ablations and the second pacemaker and the third lead I would think these doctors could get it right. The cardiologist passes the problem to EP doctor and the EP says he doesn't know why the cardiologist is sending me to him when there is nothing wrong. I can't seem to do anything where I exert myself. My husband is so frustrated!! Going to a simple movie or shop where I may have to walk a bit further leads to a problem. I think you maybe right with the second opinion. These two dos don't work well together. Thanks very one stay well.

how frustrating

by Tracey_E - 2013-07-26 09:07:47

It's so frustrating when they pass you back and forth! I agree with the advice to get another opinion. Just because the pm is functioning correctly does not mean the settings are where you need them to be.

I have had good luck getting on a treadmill at the cardio's office while on the pm computer so they can watch what happens, adjust the settings and test it out again immediately. Saved a lot of trips back and guesswork.

good luck!

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