Surgery tomorrow

I am going in tomorrow to have my battery changed for the third time. My initial placement was in 1998 when I was only 46. I really notice the difference this time, no energy, very tired, legs feel very heavy and stairs or hills are almost impossible, out of breat easily. I am hoping all of these symptoms go away after I get my new battery in. I do not have a cadiologists. Would anyone on the forum suggest that I see one on a regular basis. My mother suffered from angina and my father died from a heart attack at 83 years of age.

3 Comments

EP

by BillH - 2015-11-24 03:11:28

" I do not have a cadiologists."

Who is doing the PM?

An EP is a cardiologist who has sub-specialized in electrophyology.

An EP would know your condition the best. Ask him if he thinks that you should see a "regular" cardiologist.

batteries, etc

by Tracey_E - 2015-11-24 05:11:29

If you aren't seeing a cardiologist, you should be seeing an ep. No need for most of us to have both, but we should have one or the other for follow up care. Given that you are paced and your family history, you should have a cardiac check up at least once a year in addition to pacer checks.

Ask them if your device switched modes at the end. When the battery gets low, it cuts back on function and your symptoms are typical. It'll pace enough to keep us safe, but not necessarily to feel good. If you have not switched modes, then you'll want to ask to be checked out more thoroughly to see what's going on.

Cardiologist necessary?

by Melanie_Kowalczyk@yahoo.ca - 2015-11-24 06:11:00

My surgery is being done at St. Joseph's Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario by a vascular surgeon who has done pacemakers for over 30 years. TracyE, yes, I was told that my PM switched modes and is keeping my pulse at 64BPM even when I try to do more activity...hence the fatique. At least that is what I am hoping that it is from as so many other heart issues can present these symptoms. Thanks for the extra advice.

Melanie

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