To pace or not to pace.

PACE

by Good Dog - 2017-08-03 08:20:39

You need to know if you have a heart block (1st, 2nd or 3rd degree). It is likely that you do. It also seems likely that with a HR of 36 to 42 combined with the fact that you are symptomatic, a PM  should make you feel like a new man. That is up to you and the doc. I can't know if there are other issues that I am unaware of, but your situation sounds similar to mine. I had a low HR of 35 periodically at age 37. I bounced around from a 1st degree congenital block to a 3rd degree full  block. Had a PM inserted a week after turning 38. I felt great after that and almost immediately resumed rigorous exercise. That was over 30 years ago. I have no restrictions, take no medication and still feel good after all these years. Other than the occasional checks, I live no differently than someone without a PM. I have absolutley no restrictions. So a PM isn't the end, it can be the beginning of a more full life.

If you need a PM, don't fret over it. It is a safe and easy procedure that only makes your life better. 

I wish you the very best.

Sincerely,

David

Just do it!

by Tracey_E - 2017-08-03 08:53:03

If you have a low rate, if you can't do what you want to do, then why even discuss it?? Age isn't a factor, if we need it we need it. It's a tool to get our lives back. 

That said, know that the pacer won't stop the bp drops, all it can do is make the heart beat faster when it goes too slow and it will make sure it doesn't pause when you have the bp drops. OTOH, there is no fix for a low heart rate other than a pacer. There are no meds or surgery that will fix it, it doesn't not magically go away. In most cases, it gets worse gradually.

I, too, was diagnosed but untreated as a child, tho I have av block. In hindsight I should have been paced as a teenager, when I first wanted to do things that I couldn't, at the very latest in my early 20's when I struggled more and more with fatigue and dizziness. There was no internet then, no way to do my homework and find others like me. My doctor didn't have other patients like me and was hesitant to pace someone young. I was terrified of it so didn't push it and we waited and I got worse and worse. One day when I was 27, my rate tanked to the low 20's and I ended up in emergency surgery. I was utterly astounded at how good I felt after, like, literally when I was still in recovery I could tell a huge difference. Brain fog went away and my mind was alert again, energy skyrocketed, no more dizziness, for the first time in my life I could do sports and be active. That was 20+ years ago and I'm still healthy and active, and my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner, that I struggled for those years when I could have been feeling good.

The drastic difference I felt is less common and there are no guarantees, of course, but when our rate is very low, our organs are deprived of the oxygen they need and the heart is working extra  hard to do it's job in half the beats it should be getting. All of that takes a toll whether we feel it or not. You don't have to feel old. Having a regular heart rate may not fix everything, but it will definitely help you with at least part of the problem. 

Responses

by Rae - 2017-08-03 13:49:45

Thanks for taking the time to reply. It's been very helpful in clarifying my thinking. 

A stitch in time saves nine!!!

by zawodniak2 - 2017-08-03 14:38:54

My philosophy is having a pace maker is analogous to wearing a seat belt.  When threatened by a looming, negative future event, it is better to be proactive rather than reactive.  When I asked my EP what would happen if I got a pace maker and did not need one---he said "You will be needing one in the future"... So I got it and glad I did.....no more blackouts, no more dizziness, good energy and no more anxiety  from symptoms.  Based on your history, my opinion is you are a definate candidate and would surely benefit with a pace maker. Cheers and good luck!!

                                            Rodger

Used to Wake Up Gasping for Air, Too.

by MathTeacher - 2017-08-05 22:04:35

Hi,  For years, I woke up almost nightly gasping for air after my heart would stop for too long.  I was originally told it was sleep apnea, but in reality, I have SSS.  Since my pacemaker, it's such a luxury to be able to go to bed at night and not have to worry about my heart stopping.  No more waking up gasping for air!  And P.S.  I work out at the gym all the time.  No problems. Good luck with getting your pacemaker.  It was a scary thing to think about in the beginning, but I'm two years post op now and am doing fine.

Thanks

by Rae - 2017-08-06 02:56:09

Thank you, thank you everyone for your comments. For the longest time I have thought I was just being a hypochondriac or something! I often say to my husband that I'm probably just unfit or lazy and that's why I struggle to get my breath and get dead legs when I exercise. Last week he said "thank goodness they've finally told you what it is because you work so hard and definitely don't get the right physical response to all the effort you put in!"

My plan is to ask all the questions to be clear about cause and options at my next consultation and I'm just going to insist it is dealt with this time. I love the UK's NHS and I've worked in it for most of my life but sometimes they will let things ride if you don't push it or unless you end up in an immediate life threatening position.

I am gradually getting worse and your experiences and symptoms have helped me to see that I'm not just imagining it all and that I need to take action now.

Thanks again!