Questions to ask?

Hi everyone!  After reading previous posts I think my family and I have decided a pacemaker may be best moving forward.  I've done a lot of research but am curious for no blocks/no structural issues (heart rate is slowing and I'm symptomatic/getting worse) what kind I should ask about and what other questions I should ask at the consult with my "second opinion" doctor?

2 Comments

How can this be?

by Gotrhythm - 2017-08-07 14:16:10

In these days with all the emphasis on heart health, there's a certain irony in having a heart that's perfectly normal and healthy by most standards, but still has a way of falling down on the job. It just doesn't compute.

But electrical issues, including a wee-wonky vagus nerve, can exist totally independent of any structural problems or "disease." Many of us here have remarkably healthy hearts. [sigh] Join the club. [couldn't resist :-) ]

You are going to want to ask about the make and model pacemaker. Most pacemakers witll do, but some allow for settings that are a lttle more helpful in dealing with NCS.

Your issues are a tad more complex than if you just had a low heart rate, or just had NCS. Ask for an explanation of what a pacemaker can help, and what symptoms you might still have to deal with.

Knowledge is power. The more you know, the better qiuestions you will ask and the more respect you will get from professionals. I have found youtube to be really helpful. Reading about how something works just isn't as clear as watching an animation. Try these: (you will need to copy and paste the links)

Explains electrical system of heart and pacemaker function

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IR0nWe47eek

Explains pacemaker modes (pacemaker settings)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-lMhDQTq7w

cardiac conduction system – teaches relationship between heart beat and ECG

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYZ4daFwMa8

Coming to grips with a pacemaker is partly about leaning a new set of words and concepts. Youtube helps me because I can just watch them over and over until it begins to sink in.

Hope this helps. Remember you can always come back here with more questions.

 

 

 

Medications

by FitMomma - 2017-08-15 21:10:13

ask if any medicTions you are on could gen causing your issues. If my doctor had taken me off bystolic he would have realized I didn't need the pm.

Bystolic was making my heart rate slow.

i find out in 8 more days if the pm is going to be removed. 

I knew in my heart i didn't need it but no one

listened to me.

You know you're wired when...

Your electric tooth brush interferes with your device.

Member Quotes

One week has passed and I must admit that each day I feel a little stronger.