AV Node ablation

My condition is not the same

by Zackalope - 2019-06-19 13:28:16

my condition isn’t the same , but just to add a data point , I have a st Jude device , for 11 years , it’s never malfunctioned , I’m 100% paced . 

A Question ?

by IAN MC - 2019-06-19 15:21:20

Do you worry :-

- every time you fly , in case the in-flight computers malfunction ?

- every time you drive , in case the computer-assisted driving aids cease to function  ?

Our lives depend in so many ways on the relaibility of technology/ computers . Pacemakers are relatively simple technoloigy and are INCREDIBLY reliable  !

Ian

in case of malfunction

by Violet West - 2019-06-20 10:42:49

I asked my doctor about this, too; especially since I also have an AV Node ablation and am 100% paced.  He said 1) PMs have become so sophisticated and refined that they really don't malfunction; and 2) even if it die, it's not like my heart would just stop beating and I'd drop dead, but rather the heart would beat, but slowly, and I'd just pass out.  An emergency, yes, but not instantly life-threatening.

AV Node Ablation

by Sons de Coeur - 2019-06-20 11:03:41

Thank you all for your replies, especially Viola West. I have been so anxious over this for years. I have a new cardiologist now, my other retired, and am feeling better today than I have in years; but still those nagging feelings. I’m so glad I found the pacemaker club, I check in everyday. I wish you all continued health. God bless. 

AV node ablation and pacemaker insertion on June 10th.

by Pacingaway - 2019-06-22 14:16:46

Hello folks, just joined this club. I had an AV ablation and CRT pacemaker inserted (pacemaker is Metronic). I have heard that the metronic pacemakers have and alert (not sure if recalled). I had my AV ablation and PM insertion due to Afib. I wish I could say I feel better, but am very anxious about it. I understand that the afib will always be there and I don't feel the numerous palpitations that I was experiencing. Prior to the PM insertion I was having a little bit of a problem with taking a full deep breath. It seems worse since I had the PM. I have had a full pumonary workup and it's not pulmonary related. I think this is my new normal I'm afraid. I, too, worry about the battery on my PM crapping out on me since there is no AV node to take over the electrical impulses. An SA node ablation was not recommended as I had a mitral Value repair in 2003. My should is still sore, which I expect. Needless to say, I'm anxious about a variety of these issues as this is new to me. I have done a lot of reading, and there don't seem to be a lot of folks that have had both, the AV ablation and PM insertion. Would appreciate any feedback or education you can provide me with. I'm worried and scared. Thanks folks. 

AV Node Ablation and pacemaker

by Sons de Coeur - 2019-06-22 15:26:56

Hello pacingaway. I too was concerned about the recall but the recalls were before February 2019, so it is doubtful your doctor implanted those type of pacemakers. The pacemakers involved were Medtronic dual chamber pacemakers distributed worldwide between 10 March 2017 and 7 January 2019 under the brand names Adapta, Versa and Sensia; though not all of them under these names have been  recalled. I too had feelings of breathlessness but that went away eventually. Gets better everyday. My doctor said my anxiety was causing a lot of those symptoms and showed me how to breathe from belly. ( You place your hand on your stomach and breathe in to elevate stomach rather then elevate chest, hold for 5 to 6 seconds, then breathe out. Repeat a couple of times) This really works. Also as long as SA Node is working, if pacemaker should malfunction, your heart will still beat as the SA Node will still send signal, it just will beat low and slower. You would pass out as well. But as Violet West said, a medical emergency, but not life threatening. The heart will beat stronger if the muscle is stronger. Weak muscle, weaker beat, strong muscle, stronger beat. I have been walking and using the Cubii and I already feel a difference. I can walk up the stairs easier. I would consult your doctor about what you are allowed to do and of course start off slow. I now have a Boston Scientific PM but I had 2 Medtronic pacemakers prior for 24 years and they were very reliable. I never had a problem. I’m sure the pacemaker you now have is high tech and capable of it’s job as the pacemaker technology has come a long way. I wish you the best with your new life going forward. 😊

My last in office interrogation

by failed ablation - 2019-06-25 09:46:30

hi Sons de Coeur.  Welcome to the club.  I had a failed ablation in 1998, battery replacement in 2009 and about 3 years left on my Medtronic Adapta DR, original leads.  I’ve been told if my pm stopped, I would have a very low heartbeat that would be obvious to me to seek help.  Super reliable and I am bad about getting timely interrogations.  One reason is I just don’t worry about it.  Other is cost.  Checks used to be free.  This past one they charged me twice what they did last year.  Once for the ov-no dr. Seen- and one for the date -different date- some unknown dr looked at the report.  It’s probably a small amt compared to some I hear about but no one can tell me if it’s less to do a remote transmission instead.  I would forgo them altogether but last time I did that they threatened to cut me off as a patient.  Anyway, just wondering what you folks pay for in office and remote transmissions?  I pay $45 co pay times 2 now, apparently.  For in office.  Have to go twice a year.  Tks!