Alot scared!!!!!!!!!!!

I have recently discovered that i have second degree heart block, i am seeing the cardiologist this Wednesday, I am 35 years old, i have been feeling increasingly more unwell since i discovered i heve heart block in september, i work as a senior theatre practitioner in my local district general, and felt like i had a few palpitations whilst on duty one evening, when i felt my pulse i could feel a beat missing, i had my self checked out by my pal a coronary care practitioner, and she looked at ecg and told me i had heart block. Recently i feel like i am a little drunk, very dizzy sometimes especiall an night, and i feel like i am not in the room if you know what i mean. i just dont feel myself. i am struggling to concentrate i am scared stiff, and not ashamed to say so, and i came across the pacmaker club in the early hours of the morning and spent a lot of time reading other messages, this is my first post. i had a 24 hr tape and it showed that my heart rate was dropping to 30 beats at night whilst sleeping. i had untill recently been excersising, and took part in a half marathon in october, but in the last 3 months i feel unwell and i fear something is seriously wrong, will i need a pacemaker, what are the risks, will it effect how long i live, and how i lead my life, i have a two year old daughter, and i really want to be around to see her grow up, sounds a bit sad maybe, but am feeling very low about the whole thing and want to feel better, or i might just be spending too much time thinking about it, i cant sleep, am very aggitated, and moody recently could this be down to the Heart block?? sorry have gone on a bit, anybody with any ideas advice anything would be greatly appreciated at this time..... dont really want Wednesday to come but hopefully i can get some answers!!! Thanks in anticipation. Dan.

8 Comments

Hang in there ...

by admin - 2007-04-01 09:04:18

Dan,

Your feelings if anxiety are normal. My wish is that your doctors find the cause of your dizziness. The vast majority of recipients report that their device improved their quality of life. If you need and get one, the chances are good it will help you feel better.

I've lived almost 30 years with a pacemaker and have not read anything that says a pacemaker shortens a persons life. In fact, it has only helped me enjoy mine more.I have a young family and can bike and play sports with them like any other dad.

All the best,

Blake

Its okay to be scared

by Vai - 2007-04-01 11:04:44

It is natural to be concern and scared in this type of situation. Your cardiologist is the best person who can help you. However I suggest that, if you need to implant a pacemaker, then also consult a EP as well. Your varying slow & dropping heartbeats makes you a candidate for a pacemaker.

Once diagnosed properly, the pacemaker can make tremendous improvement of the quality of life from what you are experiencing now. I had mine implanted since Aug 2006 and life is now resumed to normal. I can do all the things that I have done before (except contact sports) and mostly hardley ever notice the pacemaker. It just does itw work silently. I was diagnosed with all these symptons (dizziness, fainting spells, breathlessness, fatigue, etc) when my heart rate registered in the low 40s. I can't imagine what its doing to you when your heart rate is in the 30s.

Best of luck.

Your Daughter

by Christmmpace - 2007-04-02 01:04:30

Dan,

I know what your going through and I'm going to tell you something right now. You most do whatever it takes to raise your Daughter. If a pacemaker is what you need to better your future then that's what you'll have to do. The next time you look at your daughter think about how important it is for her Daddy's heart to keep beating. I know I might sound a bit tough and trust me I normally don't respond like this, but when I hear about a daughter and a father I get a bit emotional. My daughter loves her daddy and she gives me thrive to keep on fighting for another day. Do what ever it takes to keep your health and heart in good standings. Do it for yourself and your daughter who loves you. Take care and I'm going to pray for you tonight okay. God bless you and keep us informed.

Christmmpace

you'll be ok

by rosep - 2007-04-02 01:04:51

Hi,

I am into my fourth week following my first pacemaker being fitted- also have heart block but did not realise until I was admitted to hospital following routine ecg. Since Xmas I had experienced breathlessness, one or two episodes of dizziness and and pins and needles in limbs but had no idea my symptoms were heart related. Now I feel really well and it has made me realise how poor I had been feeling - like you - poor concentration and focus, part.at work, disrupted sleep, low moods, no energy - now I feel I have come out of a thick fog!!! My husband says he now looks forward to coming home again after work!!!
I am sure you will have the same benefits once your pacemaker is fitted - hope all goes well for you. Rose

Keep looking for support

by swilson10 - 2007-04-02 05:04:58

Dan,
When I initially diagnosed and fitted in April 2005 my pulse was dropping to as low as 26 while I slept and around 35/40 when awake. Initially, the doctors thought I was overtraining for a marathon I was planning to run, but after a strict ban on cardio it was clear that I had Sick Sinus Syndrome. I have since been through a very long and unusual process with this pacemaker business, but as I am facing my 4th surgery (which will now include extracting 2 leads that became displaced and upgrading my unit) I realize that I do need the help of this machine and I owe it myself and those who love me to pursue wellness, both physically and emotionally. When you say that you might be spending too much time thinking about it, I would just say that I don't know how you couldn't.......these our are hearts, not a toe or even an eye, without a pulse you don't live. So anxiety seems like a given. I wish you the very best and will offer up prayers on your behalf. Shanna

It is a shock at first

by PaulR - 2007-04-02 06:04:39

Hi, I'm 41 now, I was 39 when I had my pm fitted.

I had not noticed any symptomss then suddenly nearly lost consciousnes whilst driving.

Being told I needed a pm was a real shock - leading to disbelief and a worry that I would die soon. At first, you feel like this - but then you realise how lucky you are to have survived without the pm and how from now on that little box will look after you ! Believe me I am a naturally nervous person but that thing inside me keeps me ticking - once you realise that you will not fear a pacemaker, but realise that it really helps you,

Hope all goes well.

Better to know than not to!

by ela-girl - 2007-04-03 01:04:02

I'm glad that your doctor actually could catch your episodes on tape. Doctors tried to diagnosis my problem for YEARS to no avail before it almost killed me and I was fitted with a pm via emergency surgery last October. My spells were all the time when they happened but also very sporadic. My heartbeat was 6 beats a minute--the nurses in the ER said that they don't even consider that alive! So I can imagine how bad you feel having rates in the 30's and 40's. Most of us can relate, so keep asking us all your questions. We will do our best to calm your fears and outfit you with you information to fight another day! I'm young like you--29--and although I don't have children of my own yet, I'd like to be around to try that out some day.

Knowledge is power. Especially when it comes to your health. Many doctors don't share as much as they should.

Keep those questions coming and keep us updated!
ela-girl

Fond thoughts

by slarnerd - 2007-04-05 02:04:24

I am at the other end of this. My 2 year old daughter has second degree heart block and my 9 month old son has third degree heart block. He has a pacemaker. She has no symptoms and was not diagnosed until just before my son was diagnosed in utero. It is my understanding that many well trained athletes (such as yourself) have hearts that function this way as it can be more efficient. I know that is little comfort to you. But you should know that if you receive a pacemaker and have no other problems, there is no reason at all why you shouldn't live and lead a totally normal and long life. You should not play contact sports or be a mechanic over a running engine and you may set off retail security devices and get to skip ahead at airport security. Otherwise, you can do everything with your daughter as she grows. I have felt the things that you describe and I do not have heart block -- so I hope these are symptoms of anxiety that can be controlled as you learn more about your condition and its management. Just wanted to give you a different perspective as another parent and to offer my support to you. Best wishes.

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