First check up

Had my AV Node ablated and a CRT implanted last Thursday. Went in today for my follow up check up. Everything is looking really good. And other than the minor aches while healing, I have not felt this good in a very, very long time. I am down to drinking just three cups of coffee per day - down from 10 to 14 required just to function as short a time ago as last Wednesday - with no ill effects.

The only thing I did not like about the interrogation was flat lining while the tech was looking for beats that my heart might do on its own. He tested down to 40 bpm with no response. My wife said it looked weird to see me flat line on the tech's computer. It was just as weird in my shoes. I really thought I was going to pass out and got hot and light headed and short of breath - very similar to the way I felt with the SVTs but those were not in a controlled environment and were even more scary. Fortunately the tech did not let this last long and gratefully he did not go looking for 30 bpm.

2 Comments

Pm tech check

by Mandi - 2013-10-30 04:10:13

I have had my pm for a month now and am doing very well. I am wondering what to expect on my first pm tech check? I don't know what I don't know.

Mandi

by rfassett - 2013-10-30 09:10:52

This was actually my second interrogation having had one before I left the hospital. But for a play by play, this is what transpired today. I checked in at the front desk, verified info and was told to take a seat and that I would be called when a room was available. In short order, Tracey took us (my wife and I) into a room and she asked how I was feeling and then asked my height and weight, took my blood pressure, and said Steve, the cardiac tech, would be in shortly. In short order, Steve came in and asked how I felt, looked at the incision and hooked me up with four patches and leads (two on each arm) and put the PM monitor (a computer mouse looking device) was placed over my implanted device. This was done by placing the lead for that device across the back of my neck and my holding that lead with my right hand to keep the monitor in place over my device. The tech then started watching his screen and explaining what he was doing. He would advice me when he was going to do something that I would feel. I don't think I was quite ready for the feel of the flat line though. But after he finished with his tests of the PM and the leads and my heart, he said the EP Doc wanted to see me and Steve left to retrieve the Doc. In short order, the two of them came back and EP looked at the incision, asked about my two groin assault areas and proceeded to talk to me about the procedure that took place. He reviewed the tech's numbers, asked if I had any questions and after disposing of those, stood up and said he wanted to see me again in two months. We checked out at the front desk where we made the appointment and headed out for something to eat. Whole process took about 30 minutes.

You know you're wired when...

You have rhythm.

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Today I explained everything to my doctor, he set my lower rate back to 80 and I felt an immediate improvement.