Newbie with questions here

Hello all ~~

Friday I met with the EP to go over the "known" results of the holter monitor from last week. I needed it more for the insurance company and not for him to decide that due to the bradycardia and SSS I needed a PM.

So today on my 64th birthday I finally settled down to Dr. Google to research the procedure and products used. The EP Doctor is recommending an MRI 2 lead pacer by Boston. Any thoughts?

I'm going to assume that the procedure is done either in Interventional Radiology or an OR suite with IR?

Doesn't sound like any general anestesia is used, just local?

Looks like there will be a couple IV ports for the leads and another one for the good drugs?

Seems to take a couple hours and might be some awake time waiting for them to do their thing?

EP Doc did say at least 1 night to set up pacer? 

Any ideas what the starting rate and % will be? on the holter the low rates were 47 to 58 bpm.?

THANKS everyone!

KIM in Ventura

2 Comments

Newbie

by Good Dog - 2017-08-21 08:39:27

Sounds like you did your homework. Good job!

The surgery is performed in an OR using Interventional electrophysiology. I don't know if your cardiologist is performing the procedure or if you are using a surgeon. That is obviously up to your cardiologist.

BTW..........it is a very safe surgery.

You will likely receive both a local and a light general anestesia. You are correct about the good drugs!

You are correct about it takling a couple of hours, but that depends upon how quickly your doc can land the leads.

The starting rate is usually 65 bpm out of the box. Again, up to the discretion of your EP.

Your EP should fine tune your settings over the next month or two or three. Be patient. It will be your responsibility to communicate how you feel in an effort to insure your pacer settings are optimized. Don't be bashful. If you aren't feeling 100%, let them know. There will be an acttivity monitor that can be setup to increase your HR if it doesn't increase (with exercise) on its own. That is optional if you want it or need it.

Hopefully you'll report back here and let us know how it went. We all learn from each other.

Sincerely,

David

 

New to Pacemaker

by TBrous&Chip - 2017-08-21 09:52:57

It is good that you had time to educate yourself.  This will be beneficial over time.  I also got my pm at 64 years old ( 17 months ago).  

During followup appointments your settings will be adjusted. Do voice your needs for your normal activities-walking, running, weight lifting, etc. 

During your healing process do gently move your shoulder and arm, just not over head and no heavy lifting. Instructions should be reviewed before leaving the hospital.

There is also a Pacemaker Support Group on facebook.

Hope all goes well for you.  Please write updates.

 

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