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pacing for av block

by Tracey_E - 2017-02-27 22:49:17

I, too, have av block. Mine is congenital and also has no known cause, it just is. I like that your doctor doesn't get hung up on the why's. because usually there is no answer but a lot of people spend a lot of time going through tests to come to that conclusion. The important thing is it's an easy fix. Your symptoms are classic and should all go away with pacing.

Know that sometimes it takes a few tries to fine tune the settings, so don't be discouraged if that happens. They send us home with a good guess, but we are all different so it can take some trial and error to get it just right. That's normal!

Mine is buried under the pectoral and I highly recommend it. It's not obvious at all and it never bothers me when I left weights, kayak, hike with a heavy pack. Yes, healing takes a little longer, but I didn't think it was that bad. After the first couple of days, I didn't take anything stronger than tylenol, maybe something at night to sleep. Well worth it in the end to have it out of the way. That said, depending on your build, you may not have a bulge wherever they put it. Have they shown you one yet? They are pretty small. 

the bulge

by confused - 2017-02-28 10:08:47

Hi,

I just received my pacemaker in October of last year and other than the scar you can't tell it is there.  I was concerned about the bulge also but honestly I can't see it.  Mine has shifted however but not to the point of having it fixed.  The doctor has left it up to me so I am just leaving it where it wanted to settle.  I figure if that is where is wants to live then so be it.

Tracy gave you very good input but I just wanted to jump in here and tell you how much better I have felt in these last 4 months and getting a pacemaker is a great thing for us that need it.   I am 44 so pretty close to your age.  

Good luck and any questions you may have ask away.  You will find alot of help here.

Tammy

The Bulge

by Gman31 - 2017-02-28 20:27:25

Thanks for the replies Tracy and Tammy.  It's good to hear from other people that have had this done recently and are doing  well! 

recent

by Tracey_E - 2017-03-03 11:22:58

I got my first one in 1994, had my 5th replacement last year. I'm healthy and active, it's never once held me back from something I wanted to do. My energy skyrocketed after I got the first one, you may find the same thing. We compensate more than we know before we get it, so it can be a surprise just how good a normal heart rate can make us feel! Good luck. If you have more questions, ask away.