Getting a Pacemaker soon

Hi everyone. I just found out on Tuesday from my Cardiologist that I will probably be getting a Pacemaker. My heart rate has been staying in the 40's and he said a pacemaker is the only thing that will fix this. He is going to run some more test and decide then. I am really nervous and scared, but also relieved that I got a doctor to listen to me and my issues. Need someone who has been through this to say it will be better, I will feel better, and I will be able to live a normal life. I am only 42 and a little freaked out about it. I would love to hear about some positive stories and encouragement. Thanks

15 Comments

It will be better!

by Tracey_E - 2014-03-28 02:03:01

Is the low hr giving you symptoms? If it is, then yes, this is the only fix. It's not half as bad as it sounds, I promise!

I got my first one at 27, that was almost 20 years ago. I am healthy and active, no one looks at me and thinks heart patient. I just got back from a ski trip last week for spring break. I was at Crossfit first thing this morning, like I am every morning. If you look at the pictures in the gallery, I make a point of posting one of me doing things people don't think heart patients can do as often as possible.

St Judes has some really terrific animations on their website that show the main reasons why people need pm's, how it's inserted, and how it works. It's really a minor surgery. If you are otherwise healthy, you can expect to be back on your feet in no time and feeling better than ever.

Be careful reading too much here. There are lots of great explanations of the surgery and recovery, lots of support if you find this hits you emotionally harder than you expect, but there are also a lot of stories of complications. Know that for every one person who comes here with a rare complication looking for answers, there are thousands of others out there feeling good and getting on with their lives so no reason to look for answers or support. It can be misleading and sometimes newbies start to worry about the things that can go wrong. Most of us come through this flying colors then get on with our lives.

If you have specific questions about the surgery or recovery or living with a pm, don't be shy! You are probably the youngest at your cardio's office, but here you will find you are about average. We have parents of babies, teens through our age as well as the expected retirees. I have to laugh, it's been 20 years and I'm STILL the youngest in the waiting room on pacer clinic days. I don't want to wish it on someone else, but it gets old with everyone assuming I'm there with a parent. At least they've stopped asking if I'm with a grandparent ;o)

Pacemaker Needed

by melbee - 2014-03-28 02:03:26


Thanks for replying. Yes I am having symptoms. I can always tell when my heart rate drops to the 40’s. I get a (I call it) swimmy head feeling, all energy is gone and I get tightness is my chest. I have had this issue for years and it is getting worse. My family doctor kept telling me it was my Thyroid and I finally had enough of him telling me that and had him send me to a cardiologist. The Cardio Doc said it is not my thyroid and the only fix is a pacemaker.
I agree the internet and even some post on this website scare me. I am a very active person, love to speed walk and do races. I do not want to give this up and racing season is coming up.
We are young and that is what also scares me. This is a life changing thing. I am hoping it will make me feel better and I am sure it will. I keep telling my self not to worry, but you know that it is hard not to.

duh

by Tracey_E - 2014-03-28 02:03:55

fingers kept typing and forgot the SJM link
http://health.sjm.com/arrhythmia-answers/videos-and-animations

Life better with PM

by Theknotguy - 2014-03-28 06:03:38

Have been a heart patient for about 8 years. Was walking down the trail with the two dogs. Woke up six days later from a coma. "You've got a pacemaker!" they said. Surprise!

About 80% of info they gave me from medical people about PM's was wrong. You can lead about a 99% normal life post PM as before. For me it's about 99.999% normal.

We have people with PM's on this site who are skydiving, scuba diving, skiing, weight lifting, running 5K's, training for marathons, running marathons, working in a power plant, working on a diesel-electric locomotive, and running arc-welders. A lot of medical people will tell you that you can't do the above stuff with a PM. (Although why someone would want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane is beyond me.)

Most things you find around the typical USA household won't bother your PM. So you don't have to worry about Microwaves, WiFi, magnets, cell phones, electric motors, computers, heating pads, etc. I've jump started cars and have leaned over running engines with no problems. If you have a shop in your garage you won't have to worry about electrical motors. I've placed the magnet from a name tag directly on my PM - no effect.

Worst case, since you are in Michigan is if you were to go into one of the car plants. I don't know about being around large electric motors but if a guy can work on a diesel-electric locomotive with no problems they shouldn't bother you. But it's something to consider.

Worst case, if you do run into an EMF field is the PM will go into a maintenance or test mode. You back out of the field and your PM will go back to normal. It hasn't happened to me yet so I don't know how it feels.

They also told me I couldn't raise my elbow on the PM side above my shoulder. True for the first 4 to 6 weeks. After that no problem.

Can't lift more than 90 pounds per shoulder. I wasn't doing that anyway so I don't miss it. Was told I'd have to wait 90 days before I could lift the 90 pounds but like I said, I wasn't doing it anyway.

It's suggested I don't do free form rock climbing - wasn't doing it anyway. Probably won't do scuba diving either. And I've given up lifting 90 pound 4x8 3/4" melamine sheets. But I wasn't doing much of that anyway. So I won't miss it.

Moved about 2000 pounds of wood yesterday at the workshop. Was able to keep up with the cut crew. That's after being in a coma and doing four months of cardio rehab. Felt good when done. But was a little sore last night and that's with a PM. I'd consider what I did pretty close to "normal".

Limitations: You can't lift your elbow above the shoulder on the PM side for 4 to 6 weeks. You're not supposed to lift over 10 pounds for the first 4 to 6 weeks. You have to give your body time to grow around the leads. During that time you have to keep your arm moving, but gently. If you pull the leads you'll know it and they will hurt. So, stop.

Everyone forgets and lifts their arm on the PM side. Everyone forgets and lifts more than 10 pounds. Don't get excited. Just don't do it again. If you do something wrong, the leads will hurt - so stop whatever it was you were doing. Chances of pulling out leads are pretty slim.

Hang in there. Life gets better.

Theknotguy

I GOT MY PACEMAKER AT 42

by daynanestor1 - 2014-03-28 07:03:18

All I can say is at least you know you need one. I had a few dizzy spells and thought it was an inner ear infection until I landed in the hospital with 3rd degree heart block. Pretty scary stuff. I had my PM put in this past October 2013.

The best advice I can give you is get moving that arm--I didn't and now I have shoulder issues, but am in physical therapy now and hoping to be pain free soon.

Also the website has been great so use it.

Good luck to you!

symptoms

by Tracey_E - 2014-03-28 07:03:32

Have they checked your thyroid?? I would definitely do that first. Some thyroid problems can cause a slow heart. It's a long shot, if the cardio says you need a pm then likely you do, but just to cover all the bases I'd ask for a thyroid work up first.

Your symptoms are classic! Under 60 is considered too slow but most people get by ok with a hr in the 50's. A few get by ok in the 40's, 30's is not borderline and needs to be treated. If you are in the 40's, can do what you want to do, don't get dizzy or overly tired, then it's an option to keep an eye on it rather than treat. As soon as you are at risk of passing out, when you can't do what you want to do, then it's time to fix it.

Yes, it's life changing... but in a GOOD way! If you are tired, odds are high you'll come out with energy. If you get dizzy when you try to work out or even walk up the stairs, that's going to go away. My problem is congenital so for me working around dizzy spells and not having much energy was a way of life until the day I got my first pm. I cannot begin to describe the feeling of freedom the pm gave me! I know there are plenty of people here who resent it, who don't want it, who have trouble accepting it. I guess I'm the exception, but I think it's the best thing that ever happened to me and I'm thankful for it every day. I'm healthy. I'm safe. I'm very lucky to have a problem with a relatively easy fix. If I'd been born the same year as my mother, I wouldn't have seen my 30th birthday, wouldn't have had kids. It's a blessing.

Symptoms

by melbee - 2014-03-28 08:03:55

Thanks everyone. Reading this posts has put a smile on my face. I know I will make it through this and hopefully will be able in the future give someone positive advice.

I have had my Thyroid checked and been on thyroid medicine for about 6 years. My levels are normal and still having issues. My Cardiologist said my thyroid is not causing all the issues. I can always tell when my heart rate drops to the 40's. I get tightness in my chest, lightheaded. Then get so tired and out of breath. So I will think positive and hope I feel better after. Thanks all.

melbee813

by kmom - 2014-03-28 08:03:58

Melbee813--Sounds like you are getting on the right track. this sounds like it will be the fix for you and so glad they're getting to the bottom of your problems.
I'm also waiting for a possible one as well--not sure what they are going to do because I've got other rhythm issues as well. Good luck to you and keep us informed. As others have said this site has a wealth of information and a lot of support. There are some negative things where people have had problems but again that's the exception. and no you're not too young--rhythm problems can happen to anyone any age as i'm finding out. keep us posted
Tracey: you are NOT an exception and honestly if I find out next week that this is what I need I'm going to welcome it with open arms --

Been There ~ Done That ~

by Carolyn65 - 2014-03-29 01:03:24

After joining the PM Club in May, 2009 and asking for advice on whether to get/or not to get a PM as suggested by a Heart doctor, after finding A-Fib, I had the PM implanted. No, a PM does not take care of A-Fib, but does tell the Heart to 'blip' when the Heart takes a 'pause' or tries to 'blip' too fast.

When I joined the PM Club, many people on this PM Site gave me some very educated comments and all of them had already gone through the same things. Of many people 'taking me under their wing' was TracyE, Smitty and many others. TracyE and Smitty have gone through almost ever procedure there are and gives a more educated, common sense, talks back to you. They all were better than the Heart doctor in knowing 'what, where, when' of PM's & 'stuff'.

The most important advice all the ones who have been on this PM Site the longest gave to me was, 'when reading all the 'posts/comments' on the PM Site, just remember that most of the people who write are having bad complications, had bad Xperiences, etc. and are seeking help from fellow members of PM. Most of the members of PM may never be heard from much, because their health, PM's, etc. are all doing well. Just do not be 'drawn in' by what everyone else is 'posting/commenting', because their symptoms are not yours.

After having a PM placed, listen to your doctor and nurses on what to do/what not to do AND do what they say! THEN, the most important is for YOU to listen to your own body. IF your body tells you that you have 'over done things', listen! Rest! Listen well.

Prayers and thoughts to you and like I said, TraceyE is one of the ones who has helped me more on this Site.

Carolyn in TEXAS ~ ~Have you hugged someone today?

Aviator in a HOLD

by Mywingman - 2014-03-29 02:03:59

Greetings MELBEE813,

Am 57. Never had a heart issue. Been professionally flying for 35 years. I have an ECG every 12 months. I work out and run regularly. Out of the blue 8 days a go I go into the emergency room at a pulse of 35. It turns out to be 2nd Degree Heat Block, Braydacadia. Did not see this coming at all. PM was the only fix. Next day I am running on batteries!!! Pulse is back to normal and I feel fine. Grand Kids are happy their PAPA is still around. So am I! The PM was a blessing to me. Hopefully with approvals I will be back flying again soon. I am back leading a normal active life with regular 6 month check-ups at the PM clinic to look forward to.

Thanks for checking in and reading my story. Hope it helps.

I'm right there with you

by 2219kg - 2014-03-29 05:03:57

I have had a 3rd degree heart block my entire life. 40 bpm during the day and 30 at night. My symptoms have been so gradual I never really noticed until the last several months. I have never passed out, but I have no energy and I can have spells of feeling lethargic, tired and anxious. It can be very scary. I finally came to the realization that I'm ready to start feeling good. I have made the executive decision and I'm scheduled for my pm surgury 4/25. I have found everone on this site most helpful with what questions to ask my cardiologist and what to expect with recovery. I have never been able to run long distances so I'm really excited to train for a 5k. Best wishes to you.

good message

by Kluge - 2014-03-29 07:03:24

This is the best message and response I have read on this site. I also am to receive a PM next month and I also have many concerns. Among much negativity it is good to read positive messages.

I have known several people who live with a PM. I have never heard a complaint from them. Just glad to be alive.

Let's review the bidding...

by donr - 2014-03-31 08:03:16

.....you've been on thyroid meds for 6 yrs & your thyroid now tests NORMAL - correct?

You still have a slow HR down in the 40's.

Your PCP says it's still thyroid problems?

I assume that your symptoms have been documented by an ECG strip. If so, that's all you should need to make it a Cardio problem, FIXABLE by a PM, as Tracey said.

You are authorized to freak out - ONCE - then you let rational thought take over & recognize that what the Cardio is telling you passes the Common Sense Test & you get on w/ the PM and your life. The freak out ends at that point & simple anxiety about the unknown takes over. Knowledge will cure that,

BTW: Let me correct one idea you have: You are NOT young at 42 & requiring a PM. Go look at photos in the Gallery of Abigail Winthrop & UVAGershwin if you want to see young. They beat any "Bear Rug" photos I've ever seen!

Donr

Symptoms

by melbee - 2014-03-31 11:03:25

We are changing PCP. Last November I went in with a very low heart rate (41) and chest pains, dizziness. He did a EKG and my heart rate was 46. He ran blood work to check my Thryroid. My levels were a bit high so he said it was my Thyroid causing my issues. Well in February same thing happened, I went into the doc again and yet again he said lets check your thyroid. It was normal. At this point I decided NO MORE. I told him to send me for more test. So he sent me for a Echo/Stress. My average HR during was 44. He sends me a card in the mail that said all was normal. I was so upset. I said NO, send me to a Cardiologist. And that is when my Cardiologist said, you should not have a heart rate that low, you need a pacemaker. Crazy huh. I have been dealing with these issues for 9 years. It is progressively getting worse. I am glad I finally said no more and got an answer. Angers me so to thing if I just dropped again. So we are firing our family doctor.

You need a Pacer

by HK - 2014-04-01 07:04:58

Many people don't realize there are certain times when your heart rate lowers significantly. This happens when you sleep, when you urinate or just when you relax. The issue of having a heart rate that is 41 is obvious in that when you fall asleep your rate will drop and you can get into trouble. This happened to me when I was being monitored in CCU when I first went into heart block. I refused to sleep and didn't do so for 3 days. I told the nurses I was afraid the sleep and one brave nurse promised she would stay with me throughout the night. Good thing she did cause as soon as I fell asleep my heart rate dropped to 25 and they called a rapid response team to to externally pace me until I could get into the cath lab for a temporary external pacemaker. I almost died that night but I was never afraid because I new the CCU nurses are trained, dedicated and fearless individuals. Well I had to have a perm pacer implanted and I am alive, playing golf, playing with my grand dtr and living. Don't be afraid of having a pacemaker. Get it and get on with your life. I wish you the best of luck and I know you will be fine.
HK

You know you're wired when...

You participate in the Pacer Olympics.

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