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Hi,

I started having symptoms in Feb..where my heart rate would go down to 30 and stay for about 24 hours. Then I'm back to normal.
This happens about 2-3 times a month. My doc said that I could qualify for a pm. My question-should I put up with these occasional "bad days" or bite the bullet and get the pm?

10 Comments

Uhmmmmm

by pacergirl - 2013-08-03 05:08:11

Occasional "bad days"? My question for you is this....

What happens when it drops below 30 BPM and you pass out while driving, operating equipment, mowing the lawn or any other dangerous activity? Now that my friend, would be a VERY Bad Day.

It's your call, but I would not want to be your passenger when your heart rate drops and you can't think clearly enough to stop your car.

Just my opinion,
Pacergirl

the audience

by sondark - 2013-08-03 05:08:12

Stop questioning and doubting. Bite the bullet and do as
pm is telling you.

bad days

by bill61 - 2013-08-03 05:08:58

The thing is I don't do anything when my hr drops down into the 30s. Like today, I will wait until the hr goes up to do anything. Right now I do not feel like doing anything (tired) and so far I haven't passed out. Back when this first started (Feb) I would get light headed, but I don't experience that now.

Are you sure?

by pacergirl - 2013-08-03 06:08:59

Bill, I'm just saying that; how are you going to know? When your brain doesn't get enough oxygen, you can't think clearly enough to make any decision that is worth a hoot. You seem to feel that you have a warning because you feel so tired.... Let me add this; My heart was dropping in the 30 range when I was asleep and also while I was awake. My dog would wake me up by pushing my arm or staring at me. My dr. explained that eventually I was going to go to sleep and just not wake up if I chose not to get a PM. After the PM my life returned to normal activity and I WAS NO LONGER so TIRED!

I respect your thoughts and don't mean to offend, but Bill, I care enough to tell you the truth. Your heart probably isn't going to heal by itself and start beating correctly, get some help.
Best of luck
Pacergirl

putting up with bad days

by sunny@heart - 2013-08-03 07:08:01

Hi there... guess I'm wondering how it is that we think we have to "put up with bad days?" Especially if the heart rate drops to more than 1/2 of what is normal! Why would we want to put our bodies at risk by being deprived of oxygen for short periods of time? why would we stress our brains, or kidneys or etc by limiting the oxygen they need?
What if we thought we deserve to have good days.... days of feeling good & peppy & happy?
Good questions to ask ourselves....
Sunny

rely on doc

by bill61 - 2013-08-03 07:08:04

My Dr did not say that I should get one. More or less wait and see. I saw him Thursday and he set up an appointment for Feb. Do I need a second opinion? I know if my dr said " I was going to go to sleep and just not wake up" I would have said lets do this and get the PM.

denial

by Hope - 2013-08-04 06:08:57

Hi! Bill, Yes, if it were me, I would want a second opinion, but now, not someday. It is normal to not want a device, but not wise to delay what you know to be true. Some of us had no time for second opinions or time to procrastinate. My ICD, second one now, was an emergency implant due to my heart stopping because of a silent virus. Either find medical care you have confidence in and follow the advice, or accept the advice of your current care. At least, have a discussion with your doctor about this wait and see you described. Is this doctor you speak of a cardiologist? I hope I have given you some food for thought. Take care and keep us posted. Welcome! Please stay with us. Hopeful Heart

denial

by bill61 - 2013-08-04 09:08:51

Yes, he is a cardiologist. Thanks for the help.

2nd Opinion

by Grateful Heart - 2013-08-04 10:08:08

Go for a 2nd opinion to confirm or deny your need for the pm. That's what I did...I couldn't believe I needed one. I was wrong, it was confirmed. It helped me realize I needed to accept it and not fight it. Made a big difference.

BTW, like the others above....no regrets.

Good luck with your decision.

Grateful Heart

more info

by bill61 - 2013-08-05 06:08:10

I neglected to mention that my cardiologist said that I have first-degree heart block and that Pacemakers typically are not used to treat first-degree heart block. bill

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