Not Sure

Hi All

I live in the UK am 65 years old and enjoy running just want your opinion as I am a little un -sure what to do.

My problem started in 2012 during which I spent the whole summer marathon training. In a six month period had 3 near syncope episodes was told I had mild afib and sinus node.

Only get a problem 12-24 hours after exercise, since October after reducing my running have just had a spaced out feeling no falling on my back side my cardiologist says I need a pace maker.

my tests include ECG 24 hour holter monitor which showed 4 sec pause and echo cardiagram which showed a normal heart.

I asked for more tests but they refused saying there is enough evidence already.

8 Comments

Thank You

by Geoffnewman - 2013-07-27 04:07:28

Hi Ian,

Thank you for sharing your experience as you say can't keep making excuses for not going down the pacemaker route.I will have to get it done, the only other test which I asked for was a loop recorder left in place for a couple of months but the doctors said that will only show the same results and waste N.H.S resources.

Geoff

Why not accept what they say ?

by IAN MC - 2013-07-27 04:07:33

Hi Geoff. I live in the UK , was a marathon runner and had cardiac pauses so we have a few things in common !

An unfortunate fact of life is that near syncope episodes are likely to worsen , 4 second pauses are likely to lengthen and , if it is a sinus node problem, you are likely to need a pacemaker eventually, possibly as a matter of some urgency when things get worse.

The ECG is usually all that is needed as a diagnostic so what other tests do you want ?

Sorry to sound so pessimistic but having a PM is far better
than the alternative

Best of luck

Ian



pauses

by Tracey_E - 2013-07-27 06:07:36

4 sec pauses in itself isn't that awful, but if you feel like you are going to pass out, then odds are pretty high the next step will be passing out. Problem is, without a crystal ball you can't predict when or where you will be. Short pauses with no symptoms you can wait and see, but if there are symptoms, the choice is pretty obvious.

If the holter had been inconclusive then a loop recorder may have been useful to figure out what causes your episodes, but you already know what causes it.

It's great that your echo was normal, that means your heart is structurally normal. Pauses are electrical, a short circuit unrelated to our fitness level or how we take care of ourselves. They're also the easiest thing to fix. The pm watches every beat we take, if we miss a beat it kicks in. Simple.

confidence is so important

by Hope - 2013-07-27 11:07:57

Hi! Trying to decide if you really are just having a hard time accepting you need a pacemaker, or if there is actually an unspoken, underlying lack of confidence in your current medical care. If it is the latter, please go for a second opinion. Confidence and communication are both so important for your health and peace of mind. Please keep us posted. I will be thinking of you. Hopeful Heart

Running

by Bostonstrong - 2013-07-28 06:07:45

Hi, I had similar issues prior to getting my pacemaker 4 weeks ago. I started running again the same night after the surgery-found a long deserted hallway in the hospital. I did 8 hilly miles today, working my way back to 13.1. Kudos in being a full marathoner, much respect ! The morning after the surgery my doctor asked me to wait one week to start light jogging and 2 weeks before resuming running. Unless there are other issues that will stop you from running you should be able to run with a pacemaker. I have had my settings adjusted 3 times as my dr seldom works with distance runners. But eventually they will find the sweet spot on parameters. Until then I will just keep on moving forward the best I can. So it may take some adjustment of your parameters but keep running unless your dr asks you to stop. Please keep us posted on how you do with running after the pm. And if you have any running tips please share them.! In training now for the Maine Marathon (1/2) and Disney Wine and Dine 1/2 for my first two post pm races. Dead last beats did not finish. Did not finish beats did not start! Happy running,

Getting There

by Geoffnewman - 2013-07-28 11:07:16

Hi All, Your comments have helped me come to terms with the fact I need to accept having a pacemaker is the best option.

I feel well 95% of the time but that will probably not last, had a second opinion from the same hospital but a different team they agreed with the first consultant. A friend from the running club also died a few months ago from a heart attack so maybe better to be safe than sorry.
Thank you all again Geoff

Bostonstrong

by Geoffnewman - 2013-07-29 12:07:08

Hi, You have got back to running very quick my consultant says no running for six weeks may be I can bring that time down a little. Not sure if I will be able to run a marathon again will have to see,as for running tips joining a club helps also tempo runs are good fun hope to get back under 1.40 for a half.

Geoff

Running

by Bostonstrong - 2013-08-02 10:08:00

I would do whatever your doctor recommends as far as starting running again. If s/he wants you to wait six weeks there is probably a reason for that. My dr admitted they don't see other patients who run and I think he just guessed at when I should start again. Taking advantage of my time off work and just returned from a trip to Florida where I spends hours swimming every day. This definitely put more strain on the incision site than running. Feeling it today.

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