38 with Hereditary Left Bundle Branch Block

Hi All,

Im new to this club. And I actually have not received my PM/ICD just yet. I was diagnosed with Left Bundle Branch Block approximately 4 years ago. My mother, who is now 71, was also diagnosed with it when she was in her mid 60s. I am scheduled for an electrical field study in 2 weeks and am pretty nervous. Im 38 and my Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist are telling me that a PM or PM/ICD are in my near future. I do not appear to have any underlying heart disease and I have been told that they feel that my left ventricle is simply not receiving the electrical impulses necessary to keep my Ejection Fraction where it should be. (currently at 39%). Evidently there are no clear protocols or guidelines on my current situation and so my MDs are doing the best they can to figure out whats best for me, and when. 

But I suspect, based on their words, I will have a pacemaker in no more than 6 months from now. In some respects I am in a hurry to receive one as I have a 6 year old son and I need to be around to see him grow into a great young man. My cardiologist stated that the studies and experiences of both her and her colleagues show that someone in my circumstance will see an improved EF once the PM is installed. Does anyone have medical circumstances similar to mine? I currently have no arhythmias per a 14 day study, no sycope or fainting. Sometimes a little dizzy, but hard to even attribute to heart situation. 

Please let me know. Im hoping to see my son grow up. Thats all I ask from life at this point. And thank you so much for having this website and forum. Ive read so many of the members posts. 

    

3 Comments

38 with Hereditary Left Bundle Branch Block

by BigKeyLargoHeart - 2018-05-07 21:51:41

I felt same way! I put mine OFF for 6-month,  only once experienced Light-headedness a little Whoozie after long walk! Was getting shortness of breath,  profuse sweating after only walking 2-3-blocks middle of Winter 20-degrees outside, shirt HALF SOAKED Sweat pouring out of the top of my head and forehead like Niagrara Falls! I knew something wasn't right, lowest I ever saw on my Finger Pulse Meter was like 38 a few times usual average sitting at rest was like 48-50 sometimes get mild chest pain in Sternum and slightly left of Sternum! What I was afraid of was how FAST could my present situation could PROGRESS DOWN HILL??? So I decided to go ahead, 65 one month from this coming Wednesday! Figure with this Pacemaker maybe I am on my LAST LEG? Matybe another 5-10-years WHO KNOWS? I simply decided to put it my HEART in GOD'S HANDS and simply just be GRATEFUL for every day he might reward me and try and make the BEST of whatever time he decides I guess??? I mean like what more can any of us mere mortal's do???

Question for BigKeyLargoHeart

by Not Sure What To Call Myself - 2018-05-07 22:24:46

May I ask how old you were when you first had your PM installed?

Life expectancy with a pacemaker

by Gotrhythm - 2018-05-08 17:33:08

I think you are taking an unneccessarily dire a view of needing a pacemaker. Of course you want to see your 6 year old son grow up! But a pacemaker won't stand in your way. On the contrary, studies have shown that people with pacemakers have about tthe same life expectancy as anyone. That means pacemakers don't shorten lives. They lengthen them.

We have people here who have had pacemakers for 30 years and more.

Furthemore, with today's pacemakers most people experince no limitations at all in what they can do.

With the help of a pacemaker, your entire heart will work better, because every part will work together. It's possible you'll feel better and more able to participate in your son's life than you do now.

It's a heavy thing to realize your heart needs help to function. But needing a pacemaker doesn't spell THE END.

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