Pacemaker advice

During a pre-medical, 8 years ago, I was diagnosed with a low heart rate (mid 30 bpm). My heart also paused for 4.9 seconds. I was not aware I had a problem as I was quite active and the consensus at the time was to leave any treatment until I felt symptoms, and then to have a pacemaker fitted.
Fast forward to present time, and again during a yearly medical, the doctor became concerned about how low my heart rate was, and said I must be in denial if I wasn't experiencing any symptoms. I was then 'bluelighted' to hospital.
I have read some of the posts and have noted that lots of pacemaker patients have said "how do you know what symptoms to look for if you are used to how you feel" - hope this makes sense.
I then started to look out for symptoms, and yes I do get tired, and sometimes feel lightheaded, as if not quite 'with it' and have noted I do drift to the side when walking. All my life I have always fainted if I was physically sick??
Anyway, my consultant advised that I should have a pacemaker fitted to alleviate these symptoms.
I enquired about the wire free pacemakers currently on trial at Southampton Hospital and 3 weeks ago my GP has sent a referral to them to see me. (I will add that my consultant says I am not suitable for the wire free device because I need pacing in two chambers of my heart and therefore require dual lead pacemaker).
It may seem that I am ignoring advice from my consultant, but I am scared about the procedure and wanted another opinion.
My consultant has also said that although a pacemaker is advised, I am of no greater danger of having a heart attack as any other person, but that I should not delay my decision longer than necessary.
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I also would like feedback from other pacemaker recipients how soon you are fit to return to work. All booklets supplied seem to say 6 weeks, and I know all patients are different and would appreciate your experiences.
My job as a Police Civilian involves working in an office with air wave radio, and involves using hands free phone headset to take incoming telephone calls.
Literature provided says it is safe for pacemaker patients, but if anyone has experience or reactions to the contrary please advise.
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As I have said I am very apprehensive and scared, but acknowledge I have to be sensible and abide with medical advice. I'm sure I am not alone in having these feelings so any feedback much welcomed.

7 Comments

Welcome

by Gotrhythm - 2014-09-25 01:09:48

You've definitely come to the right place.Except when getting a pacemaker is an emergency (what happened to me) I think everyone probably experiences anxiety.
You're doing the right thing to try to assemble the facts. Like you with hindsight I know I had symptoms for years but they were always transitory and easy to deny. I wish I'd known some of what I have since learned.
For instance, a problem with the electrical system of your heart is entirely different from problems with the plumbing--arteries and veins. The two problems can occur together, but you can also have either without having the other at all.
That's what you Dr is saying about the danger of a heart attack. The danger you could be in is fainting or becoming confused and out of it when driving. At the very least you could bump your head. But if you were driving, you could do serious harm to others as well as yourself.
Recovery is individual. Some people can return to their jobs after two or three weeks. I healed easily and I had no pain that ibuprofen wouldn't take care of. I was back to my routine in two weeks. Others take longer.
Nothing about having a pacemaker should interfere with your job performance. Pacemakers today are well shielded from electromagnetic interference. Phones and radios are not a problem. Really.
Hope this helps. If you have more questions please ask them. Someone here has the answer.

Hi Angela D

by bcates - 2014-09-25 01:09:52

Your story sounds very similar to mine. I have had a very slow heart rate with skipped heartbeats for at least the last 15 years but I have always felt good so I did nothing about it. About a month ago my cardiologist had me wear a holter monitor for 24 hours. The results came back saying bradycardia with 3rd degree heart block. He said I could drop dead at any time so I reconsidered after much deliberation and decided to get the pacemaker. Eight days ago I had a two lead St Jude pacemaker installed. I had minimum problems and very little pain. I started walking on the third day and am now up to about 2.5 mile per day. I feel good and I can breath better although I felt good before. I can take a deep breath and feel it all the way down like I could many years ago ( I am 76). I started trying to jog this morning but I could feel my shoulder bouncing up and down so I quit because I thought I might pull a lead loose. I do not know if I will be able to run better than before or not. I am retired but if I was still working I would already be back at work unless heavy lifting was involved in my work. Hope this helps. Good luck.
Bill C

Sincere Thanks

by AngelaD - 2014-09-25 02:09:46

Thanks to everyone who has responded, I do appreciate your comments and sharing your own personal experiences with me.
It does feel better to know you can call on others who know what I'm feeling.
I had surgery scheduled for me at Stafford Hospital, but delayed the procedure to allow me to consider all my options, and to be honest, I was also apprehensive about having the procedure done there - I do have my reasons, but I'm sure others would have a different view which I respect.
As I said in my initial correspondence I have asked for a referral to Southampton Hospital, (which is a considerable distance from where I live), because of new trials they are currently undertaking but as yet have had no response from them.
As I also said, they may after reviewing my case decide I am not a suitable candidate for their trials.
That being the case and after reading your experiences and advice offered, I now feel more reassured that pacemaker surgery is the right decision to make to 'feel better', and the sooner the better.
I shall now be seeing my doctor to schedule this surgery at Birmingham or New Cross Wolverhampton Hospital, so wish me luck, as I do to all others who have or are going to have pacemaker surgery.
Thank you

As far as work goes....

by Lurch - 2014-09-25 03:09:07

I am very familiar with the job duties you are talking about and am confident you would be able to return relatively quickly. I would have felt comfortable returning within 7-10 days after having my ICD implanted.

If you are left handed, you might have a little more problem, but so much is done via computer now, that really shouldn't be a problem. My concern is that your left arm is going to be a little stiff. As Sparrow said, you do need to use it to keep it from "locking up," but generally they tell you not to lift more then 8-10 pounds above shoulder level.

Good luck, please ask any questions you have, and keep us posted on what is happening.

Emergency Communications

by Grateful Heart - 2014-09-25 04:09:18

Are you in the UK? If so, I don't know how your communication system works, but I was a 911 dispatcher in NYC for many years....before my implant.

If you have an enhanced system with many monitors in front of you, just keep in mind you don't want to be jumping and reaching for the monitors (if they are touch screen) for the first few weeks until the leads are embedded.

Speak to your Doctor about that and follow his instructions and take the time off as he suggests. Even if you think you will be careful with your arm, it is very easy to forget about yourself during emergency situations. The time will go by fast and you will be back to work before you know it.

I'm glad you decided to go for it. It sounds like you really need it and will feel the difference (much better). It's normal to be scared...surgery is always scary but we've all been through it....you will be fine.

Grateful Heart

Reply to Grateful Heart

by AngelaD - 2014-09-26 09:09:25

I live in the U.K, but would think our communication systems work much the same, although I don't work with touch screens (more radio and telephone).
Thanks for your comments and advice....its nice to know you can share experiences with others and know what you are feeling.

Had it 4 days ago

by joelcr3 - 2014-09-26 10:09:03

Angela,
Here is my story:
I'm 71. I had a Biotronik Evia DE-T 2 lead PM put in 4 days ago. 11 years ago I took a stress test and ended up with 1 stent. 6 years ago I had heart failure ( filled with water swollen and gained alot of weight) I got over everything pretty fast. Retired 15 years ago but have a pretty active life. 8 days ago. I got dizzy a few times but it went away. The next morning I took my BP and found it was ok 120/60 but my HR was just 32. did it again and then anoher machine but it was still 32. Called my cardiologist at 6:30 in the morning and he called back fast and said go to ER he wold meet me there. They almost immediately connected me to an external pacemaker but didn't turn it on and sent me to the ICU. The cardiologist thought it was a reaction to a beta blocker I was taking. BTW I had a complete block. afte 3 days later without the beta blocker it was the same and they put in the PM.
The surgery/proceedure wasn't bad I felt fine afterwards. They sent me home the next morning and except no shower for 4 days and no MRI s no restrictions. I drove the next day do everything. I saw the cardiologist 2 days later in his office and he gave me a cardiogram and checked everythin including a test of the PM all ok swill see him in a month.
You said 6 weeks to return to work. I was told I could do everthing including work a week later.
ng different and each PM is different, The PM company has a hot line and they told me intrnationally I could even do an MRI but the FDA did not yet approve it for USA. If I did do it it would void the warrantee. They even gave me a users manual .
Angela don't be afraid of it.
Good Luck
JOEL

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