May get a pacemaker. Scared to DEATH!

one step at a time

by Tracey_E - 2016-11-29 19:12:44

Take a deep breath! So far you haven't mentioned anything that's reason to think you'd need a pacer, and in fact, three doctors just told you you don't need it. Two short pauses are not reason to get a pacer. Long pauses (more than 7-8 seconds), frequent pauses, a low rate are all reasons, not two short pauses.

The pacer won't do anything for ectopics, they are extra beats the heart does on its own. The pacer can only add beats, not stop them when the heart beats on its own.

If it turns out you do need it, it's reallly not that bad. I've had one since my 20's, I just turned 50. I'm healthy and active, it's no big deal. But it really doesn't sound like it's the answer for you. 

May get a pacemaker. Scared to DEATH!

by ScardyDog - 2016-11-29 19:21:13

Thank you so much for the reply, TraceyE. So sweet of you to bother to take time to reassure me. Yeah, three docs did say that. . . Still that one doc though, you know?
In Norway, so must go to bed. Ill check in to see if there are more replies tomorrow. Just so you know, that Im not just ignoring any.

surgery

by Alma Annie - 2016-11-29 20:00:56

If you need your appendix removing, have it done asap.  That can be nasty, even life threatening if it ruptures.   Don't worry about your heart as the anaesthetist will be able to look after you if anything happens which I am sure it won't.  All the best. 

Alma Annie

Agree

by Cajun Girl - 2016-11-29 23:47:06

Agree with the previous post.

I have had ectopic beats like crazy since the late 70's.  Found out that I have a mild mitral valve prolapse that I was born with.  No one ever suggested a PM.  8 weeks ago I had a pacemaker put in due to pulse dropping in the 30's and syncope.

I had major surgery with no problems.  The anesthesiologist will be certain to clear you cardiac wise.  You don't want your appendix to rupture and possibly end up with infected abdominal cavity - you would be putting your life on the line.

2 out of 3 docs said no PM, 2 abnormal beats ..... I would say move on 2 the appendectomy, recover and get on with enjoying life!

May get a pacemaker. Scared to DEATH!

by ScardyDog - 2016-11-30 08:09:06

Thanks for all the kind words people!
I hope today turns out good. 
I may have been a little unclear on the appendix. I was hospitalized for five days with IV antiobiotics, so the inflamation went down under control, and the said well we got it with antibiotics. Then another five days of pills back home. So thats three years ago. But was just an example of how intensly scared I am of surgery, beeing aware that it might be very dangerous to not operate that, and still refusing.
I am so anxious for the phonecall from the cardiologist that first told me we could do a PM implant, he is the one reading the results from this week registration. Am however making sure to get the results to give to the other three cardiologists that gave me second opinions as well. 

Pretty decent surgery experience

by Ncrespo3 - 2016-12-01 13:10:21

The fear is understandable; felt quite a bit of fear when a doctor told me I needed one. I received my pacemaker about 4 months after having a heart valve replacement. There were concerns about functionality issues since the wire needed to pass through the new valve, and the new valve was significantly smaller than what a normal valve would be.

They kept me awake for the surgery to implant the pacemaker. Sedatives were used to calm me down and numbing agents for my chest. They also had what I think are pacing patches hooked up in case my heart did decide to stop beating while they were operating. The actual surgery took them less than an hour and I was able to eat 20 minutes after I got into my recovery room. 

You want to have multiple cardiologists confirm this would be necessary and it's great that you are getting more than one opinion on it. Try to breath and do something either relaxing or that you really enjoy so you can try and forget the fear for a little while. If you do not need it then great and I hope you can find a resolution to your most pressing health issues. If you do, then remember that your doctors are professionals and will make sure to address your other health issues for the procedure. (Also vocalize any concerns you have beforehand). 

Pacemaker is not as bad as it sounds

by Madamski - 2016-12-01 15:51:40

Hej hej! First of all, in case you do get a pacemaker - it is not as bad as it sounds! I got mine a year ago when I just had turned 30 and I really didn´t see it coming, so I understand what you´re going through. From what I´ve heard it really depends on how long the pauses are. I was told a PM is nececarry starting from Pauses around 3 -4 seconds (mine was 7,5, so there was no arguing) and I did feel the shorter ones during the days (felt like a rush that came with a warning sensation in the chest) so I didn´t drive a car anymore for excample.

Anyway, I got my PM 2 days after the diagnose, and just like the member above I was awake during the surgery. It was not a pretty experience, but it wasn´t too bad either, so if you do need one and you are scared of the anesthetics.  After the surgery I was home for 1 week, had to be carefull for 6 weeks and then I started going back to my live. I have been on mountains, continued with Kung Fu practice, went on holidays ba plane and really went back to my normal live. I do feel the PM kicking in which still is weird sometimes but I really got used to it and it hardly bothers me. I hope this Info helps to calm you down!

Take Care!