New Member Needing Your Advice

Hi all,
So glad that I found this group. I have found reading the posts very helpful.

I was diagnosed with arrhythmias a year ago at age 60--no problems before that. I have had one aflutter ablation and then three ablations for afib and atach. The last three were performed by one of the most well-known EPs in the country.

Unfortunately the atach episodes continue. I have been on a wide variety of meds and none have helped more than a few months. So a pacemaker has been suggested. My fear--I guess everyone has at least one--is that something will go wrong or that I won't have any more energy that I have now which would be terrible. I'm a runner/golfer but have no zest for doing any exercise but walking.

Any words of wisdom about how the pacemaker has made you feel better would be much appreciated. Thank you.

Runner956

3 Comments

Still improving is right...

by MelodyMarch - 2014-10-05 02:10:36

I'm almost a year out from getting my best friend sparky. before sparky I was dragging myself through life, everything especially the last month or so was and still is a haze.

Post sparky, I am more active than I have been in years, because my HR can actually respond appropriately to my activity level. I've lost weight even while being on Beta Blockers and I feel like the energizer bunny most days.

That said there was a solid 8 week adjustment period where I had good and bad days, while I and my heart and sparky got adjusted to one another.

You will feel like doing more since your entire body will be getting oxygen more efficiently. If not quite up to your level then the reps and the docs can and should help you get your settings right for the activities you want to do.

I don't deny that it is a big decision. Most of us on the site aren't given the choice really or time to mull over the decision. Most are like mine where after an emergent weekend 48-hr holter monitor, results were expedited. Doc read the results immediately, and said "you are going across the street to be admitted, and you have to be monitored until we put a pacemaker in you on Wednesday." My holster test recorded several HR in the 30's or less plus pauses of up to 20 seconds.

Sparky has changed my life for the better, in all ways.

Thank You

by Runner956 - 2014-10-05 04:10:24

Hi all,
Thank you for your comments. Ginger and Melody, it's helpful to hear your positive stories of your PM journeys. And I love how you named yours Sparky, Melody!

Don, thanks for pointing me to your post for newbies and the Afib article. Very useful and I get it. I have persistent atach unresolved by meds and ablations. My MD is advising an AV Node ablation and pacemaker. I am seeking another consultation but this could be more when than if. My goal is to improve my quality of life and get my energy back.

Runner

Facing Reality Pre-OP

by donr - 2014-10-05 09:10:34

Hi there, Runner!

First off, go to the top right corner of the home page & find the SEARCH button. Enter "Some Tough Love for newbies" & click on it & a new post will show up w/ that title. I wrote it months ago for Newbies just like you. It's a long one, so open it up & read it.

OK, so now you know what to expect from the surgery part.

Here's a link to a site explaining A-Fib: http://lifeinthefastlane.com/ecg-library/atrial-fibrillation/

Now the last link may be over your head, but it will give you an idea of the complexity of treating A-Fib. At least th early sections are understandable w/ a bit of further use of Google.

Now let's consider the ablations. You are only a Newbie for being cut open - you are an old hand at the procedures through major arteries to get into the heart & do something unnatural - they do not always work. Should be no surprise to you.

There is uncertainty when you get out of bed in the AM; when you take a shower or bath; when you cross the street (HEY!!!!! Watch out for that bus - or that speeding concrete mixer!).

You have to have very special conditions for a PM to help you w/ A-Fib. The PM only speeds things up, it cannot predict the future & slow your heart down.

So a warning before hand - there are always uncertainties. The second ref I gave you says it all - A-Fib is the most common arrhythmia of all - also it can be the most difficult to correct.

I'd say to ask your EP WHY he/she thinks a PM will help you w/ A-Fib. It is a fair question. What is the character of YOUR A-Fib that makes it possible to use a PM on it.

Does he mean a PM or an ICD (Implantable Cardiac defibrillator)? There's a major difference. Has he talked about Cardio Conversion yet? (Or Cardioversion).

From the little bit you have told us, you need to read my second ref & ask some questions. If possible, read it, come back & ask us FIRST so you can go in prepared for an intelligent discussion of your cituation.

Donr

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