Just had HIS pacemaker installed yesterday

Hopefully better

by Theknotguy - 2018-04-29 07:48:22

The Medtronic HIS pacemakers are new on the market although they have been in testing for quite a few years.  Supposedly they work better with the heart's normal beating function.  I've talked with both my EP and Medtronic reps and they have positive comments.  Unfortunately I have the older model and can't change without having leads taken out so my EP doesn't see an advantage to switching.  But I still have three years to go on this one and who knows what will be available in three years. 

The change to a 60 BPM feels quite different at first.  Not to mention (at least in my case) the change to a steady heartbeat.  There will be a period of adjustment.  If you have access to heart rehab I suggest you take it as it will help you learn how to get along with your new equipment.  My biggest problem was with chronotropic incompetence as my paced heart rate wouldn't jump up in rate as fast as it used to.  Otherwise it's all positive as you now have a good heartbeat and better circulation.  

With your other problems will you notice a positive difference?  I sincerely hope so.  If nothing else just having a steady heartbeat should be an improvement. 

My best wishes for your future.  
 

HIS bundle pacemaker

by Edgebull - 2018-04-29 19:46:08

i have been hearing good things about HIS bundle pacing.

Does anyone have a long term track record for this type of pacing.

Do we have only positive outcomes?

I hope so!

Edge

60 beats per minute--not bad

by Gotrhythm - 2018-04-30 12:53:07

It isn't obvious to me why you would be nervous about being paced to 60 bpm. Everyone is different of course, but for most people, 60 is the low side of normal. In any event it's not something to worry about.

For many of us, the bradycardia comes on slowly, over a period of years. We become used to coping with not ever really feeling well, and start thinking that's normal. We forget what feeling good and still having plenty of energy after a brisk walk feels like.

It sounds absurd, but there is a period of adjustment while we get used to feeling good. At first for me 60 bpm seemed miraculous, but over time I realized it wasn't quite enough. Only when my base rate was upped to 70 did I start feeling like "myself."

Whether you find a base rate of 60 to be good or bad, remember, it's not set in stone. It can be adjusted up or down so that it's just right for you.

His bundle pacing is relatively new. I hope you'll let us know how you are doing from time to time, as I'm sure others can benefit from your experience.

Surgery update

by Stevens mom - 2018-04-30 14:52:42

Thank you all for your comments. My heartrate has been steadily lowering  over the years but the onset of breartlessness and arrhythmias has been a quick decline. Quality of life change was somewhat sudden, or maybe I've just been in denial, and forced the pacemaker surgery.

Anyway I lost a brother 30 years ago from sudden cardiac arrest at age 23 with no prior medical issues, so of course that is always in the back of my mind (rationally or irrationally).  My Dr is just going to watch me for future issues and I am just going to try and be more proactive about my health this time around and not wait for things to get bad. 

I will keep everyone posted about this HIS pacemaker because my Dr was so excited that he was able to successfully implant it in me. 

This forum has been a godsend for me because my drs office offers no information on pacemakers, preocedures or recovery. Not complaining but it's a little scary going through this not knowing what to expect, 

thanks again

You’ll feel so much better

by Lookinup - 2018-05-13 05:57:20

I got my 2nd pacemaker implanted yesterday. I too was breathless at times, waking up at night because I felt like I was not getting oxygen. I tired easily and had to nap in the afternoon. Walking for more than a couple of minutes left me exhausted. Last week all of the sudden I felt like my heart was coming up through my throat and pounding like crazy. 

My first pacemaker battery had gone into ‘safe mode’ and was conserving itself by resetting itself to only 65 bpm and was not doing all of the ‘work’ a fully charged battery would do. I felt horrible. 

Now I realize that the ‘breathlessness ‘ I was experiencing for the last few months was just a forewarning that the battery was getting low. 

As soon as I got my new pacemaker yesterday, before I even got released from the hospital, I was able to breathe normally and my heart quit feeling like it was doing flip flops in my throat. 

You will feel so much better. 

Good luck to you and enjoy being able to breathe again.