Questions!!!

Hello Everyone!

I have a few questions to ask today.... Pacemaker iimplanted May16th 2016, emergency surgery as I was diagnosed with total heart block.  Had tests done, the Drs don't really have an explanation for my condition, though one hinted on Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure.  Because this was an Emergency, I was not given a choice of model or brand, or told that much about a Pacemaker in general.  Thank God for internet.    After operation, I did good, was discharged on 17th. given a book, a temp card, and Discharge papers.   Had 1st checkup on the 23rd of June, was interrogated and told I was doing well.  No mention of remote monitoring, and the only thing the Tech told me was Battery Percentage and how many years till replacement (we know that can change) and how much the Atrial and Ventricle percents were.  She was not the regular tech either, the regular one was on vacation.  I go back in December.  Tell me what I am missing and what should I be asking?  I feel slighted.  Thanks.  Laura  

3 Comments

Thank You AngrySparrow

by Cutestuff@snet.net - 2016-09-15 10:57:36

Thank you for your helpful advice.  I am happy that the replacement Technician was more professional than the previous one. To them if maybe "just a job" for us it's Our Life that is dependant on their service.   I am going to ask for a copy of my report and call the office to see if I am getting a remote monitor.  It could be an oversight.  The office was crowded the day I went.   Next to the OB/GYN office I would expect the Cardiologist's office to be packed.  I'm going to have to be my best Advocate.  Have a Great Day...Sincerely, Laura

Complete Heart Block

by FaithGrace - 2016-09-15 15:56:01

Hi Laura...

I was also told I have Complete Heart Block this year and found myself getting a PaceMaker.  Mine wasn't an emergency, but urgent I take it because it was scheduled & implanted within a week.  They also don't know what caused my Heart Block.  It's so strange, isn't it??  You think you're fine, and then BAM....Complete Heart Block & PM implant.  It still doesn't seem real sometimes.  I joke that I skipped right over Stage 1 & Stage 2, and jumped right to Stage 3!!!

I had my first interrogation 1 week post op and go back for a 2 month device check/interrogation in 3 weeks.  I'm glad you posted because I was wondering the same thing.  What am I missing or supossed to be asking at the appointment -  if anything. 

Also, I wasn't given a choice of devices either, however I trusted my EP to make that choice for me!! He is way way more knowledgeable in that area! 

Glad to hear you are doing well, I guess we just need to be really thankful that the CHB was discovered and that we were able to receive a PM before our conditions deteriorated even more.  Heres to a Long Healthy Happy Life!!!

Also, AngrySparrow - You are so helpful with all of your responses to everyone's posts!  I enjoy reading them and have learned a lot!!

 

 

Hi PaceGirl

by Cutestuff@snet.net - 2016-09-16 20:39:27

Thanks for your words of encouragement, positive thoughts.  I'm trying to be positive, I see questions now in retrospect that I should have asked, but if you never experienced them before or know someone who's been a Pacer, how would you know?  Monday I'm going to called the Cardiologists office and find out about that remote device, and see if I can another interrogation.  I keep reading about lead fracture/breakage, and heart failure due to overpacing, but with Complete Heart Block it comes with the territory.  I want to be like Ron Popeil, "Set it and Forget it"....though we both know we can't forget, but what I  mean is not to become obsessed over having a pacer. 

Wishing you a great weekend.

Laura

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