2:1 Induced block follow-up

• by Spin
• 2013-12-09 09:12:47
• General Posting
• 1048 views
• 3 comments

Hi All (especially Pam, rnff2 and Tracey),

Posted a follow up to my original post rather late (I was working then....off now), so copied it below & so hopefully you can read this one now:

It is rather good news to hear that I am not alone with this rather unusual issue, as you all seem to know exactly what I am talking about. (If any talk of needing extraneous electrical equipment stuck inside you to keep you alive can be quoted as "good news"....but you know what I mean)!

It becomes frustrating when every time one explains a particular pathology to numerous medical professionals the first thing you hear back is "I've never seen that before". I started to think I was a one off. I've had loads of tests: 48 hr Holter, Coronary CT, MRI and nuclear medicine scans and Treadmill VO2, to try and isolate what was going on.

I've read through all the various posts that relate to Pams' situation and I can certainly see that "something" could possibly done in my case too. Rnff2 I think you are correct in stating that pacing the ventricle long term is not the best option....that is the reason my cardiologist was rather off the idea of a PM for me. To give him his due, I suspect he was also waiting to see how much the situation affected me both physically and mentally, again, rather like Pam. If I went and banged on his door after a couple of months shouting "FIX ME", I'd probably already have a PM now. One other factor that might be leaning him against a PM is that during all my tests, they found that I had a myocardial bridge (one of my coronary arteries goes into and out of my heart, rather than just remaining outside the muscle). This thins my artery, but I have never had any problems with it. Plus, I've had it since birth and I've hung around this far, so it can't be too bad!

I've been attempting to fix myself, firstly by doing as little as possible, to see if everything settled down and just returned to normal - rather optimistic I know, but it had to be worth a try. When that didn't work I "started from scratch" gradually staging up my exercise intensity and length, but trying to keep my heart rate in its normal rhythm. The more insightful readership of these posts will no doubt already be aware that both these plans failed completely, hence the need for me to search out this forum and seek advice on the next step forward! So I already feel a little more positive as this little step has at least been successful, so thank you for taking the time to read and comment, Pam, rnff2 and Tracey.

I'm continuing to try and search for as much information as I can on the subject, but these 2:1 exercise induced blocks seem to be quite rare, in terms of studies. I am certain the HB itself is not rare at all, it’s just that most people who had them would never know they had anything wrong with them unless they are wearing a HRM or actually taking their pulse. Telling a Dr that you "do some exercise and then get really out of breath" just sounds like you are unfit! My other half is a Radiographer and even when I told her what was happening, she initially said that this could not happen and I just needed to train a bit harder and I'd be fine! This is part of the dilemma I'm in: I do appear to be fine for the majority of the time. It is just that all the stuff I did that kept me fit, I did for fun and because I really enjoyed it - not because I felt I needed to keep fit. Windsurfing is the big one for me. Not long ago I was very SOB, in the sea, in a Force 6. It was a bit scary to be that breathless and have to get it together to get back to shore. In this situation prior to having my HB you just need to calm down if you are getting pounded, take some deep breaths and all is well. When you try that and you just end up very, very, breathless instead, it’s no fun. Pam - the lead legs/arms thing is unreal! I have never experienced anything close to it (used to race bikes too, 100 miles + was not that unusual when training - never had anything like this, they literally feel HEAVY). Result......I just have not been out on the water, because I know I really can't do that without a fairly strong chance of either A: needing help to get in, or B: drowning. Neither option is currently on my "must do" list. Outside of exercise though, I honestly have no problems at all, no dizzy spells, no SOB, nothing.

A PM would make work somewhat more complicated (and without being too specific, I have to take medicals and I fly a lot - don't panic - I'm not a Pilot)! So as this decision could potentially affect my career, it is not an easy call to make as to what to do next. I really want to do the things I enjoy, but right now I can't do that to any extent of my previous ability and therefore it is not much fun. I have always been active and I think my recent glum state is down to this is down to this inactivity. With every respect to the bowling/fishing community, I can't see that I would find these more fitting pastimes quite so enjoyable.

What to do?

Spin

Pam - I'm down on the South Coast but at least in the same country (although, not right now, hence the delay in response).