av node ablation

Thanks for all the response. I will try to answer some of the questions. My ejection fraction is in the 50's. I also have severe cardiomyopathy with some obstruction along with afib and aflutter. Given those diagnosis, I have always had some difficulty climbing stairs and walking even 1/4 of a mile, I would get a heaviness in my chest, chest pain and heaviness in my legs and fast heart rate. Since I had the AV node block I can't walk any distance without these symptoms. I did have them to adjust the pace maker two weeks ago and I go see the EP this Friday to see what he says.

Do you guys think there is any hope for improvement?

Thanks
Cindi

2 Comments

from my experience/ cardiomyopathy

by sam78 - 2014-02-06 03:02:22

I apologize to start with as this is probably something you dont necessarily want to hear. But I will tell you from my experience with AV node block, cardiomyopathy, fast heart rates I am not quite sure you will see a signficant improvement. The symptoms you describe sounds more like symptoms of cardiomyopathy than problems with rhythm/pacemaker. I have been struggling with the same issues accept I was in heart failure. My ejection fraction was 40%. I had a third lead put in and a CRT pacemaker. It significantly increased my EF to 65% They have gotten my pacemaker settings to the best that I think they can get them to (it has taken several years but we got there). However, I still struggle with any sort of physical activity. My cardiologist and my EP doctor tell me this is all likely related to my cardiomyopathy. Now I dont have obstruction, so I would be inclined to think that it is probably worse for you. Like I said, it has taken a long time to get to the right settings on my pacemaker, but I can tell you I suffer from the same thing you do as well. I hope things improve for you. Keep working with your doctor on your settings, maybe a change in something will be the answer for you. But remember, pacemakers do nothing for cardiomyopathy.

Cindi

by jeanlancour - 2014-02-06 12:02:10

I think they can do better, The tech I had walked the halls and stairs with me to see what was going on. Tweaked the PM, told me to go home and see how that was and come back in a week, He tweaked it 3 times before I felt good enough to take the dog for a good long walk up hill and dell. Now I'm out there every day. Good luck Jean

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So, my advice is to go about your daily routine and forget that you have a pacemaker implanted in your body.