Question for pacemakers

His EPs job

by AgentX86 - 2019-12-04 13:28:10

This is really the electrophysiologist's job but for an LVEF (I assume that's what you're talking about) of 30÷, he should have a CRT-D or perhaps a conventional PM with the ventricle lead in the Bundle of His.

No pacemaker is going to correct most arrhythmias (you weren't specific). That's not what they do.

Again, the selection of the model and mode is the job of his EP. We aren't doctors and don't have the information or knowledge to make that judgment.

Question for pacemakers

by alisha - 2019-12-04 13:40:26

Agentx86...I'm sorry if u misunderstood my question..I know you are not  doctors..I just wanted some real people's stories how they are coping with similar situation with a pacemaker

Thank u

by alisha - 2019-12-04 15:44:44

Marmite...thank you for your answer...he has tachycardias....but you are right..I will learn more specific details and will ask again another time..I am worried yes because he is scared about what is happening and don't know how to help him go through this 

Yes, I misunderstood

by AgentX86 - 2019-12-04 17:18:20

We need all of the information possible to help. The low EF (ejection fraction, or efficiency) indicates a three-lead CRT (Cardiac Rehabilitation Therapy) pacemaker. If there is cardiomyopathy present (there usually is in this case), a defibrillator is also indicated. Put those together and you have a CRT-D. An alternative may be a more conventional two-lead pacemaker with the ventricular lead in the Bundle of His (the bundle of nerves between the atria and ventricles).

Tachycardia comes in different forms, some of which are very serious. Ventricular Tachycardia is very serious and also points to a defibrillator. SVT (Supra Ventricular Tachycardia or tachycardia that comes from above the ventricles) is far less of a life threatening version. This is usually managed with drugs, which are generally well tolerated.  A pacemaker doesn't do anything to prevent either but a defibrillator will stop the heart, in the case of Vfib, and let it restart on it's own, hopefully without the fibrillation.

Being scared is normal but what is past is past. The pacemaker will let him be here for the future. As far as the surgery goes, it's about on par with having a tooth pulled.

You can help by trying to read his moods. If he's withdrawn, it's probably not the time to push. If he wants to talk, do it but let him lead the conversation but don't go down the rabbit hole with him. Stay positive and assure him that in a few short weeks this stuff isn't going to matter. He'll be the same person, perhaps stronger, than he was before he was told that he needed a pacemaker. BTW, a few short weeks is usually counted on one hand. In some cases, one finger.

Above all! Do not talk down to him. Assure him without trivializing his condition even though in many cases it is trivial, in the grand scheme of things. He'll come around to that realization on his own.

The big thing that you can do is be his advocate. Listen to everything. Take notes. Keep a list of questions that he wants answered (he'll forget - been there). Add to the list your questions. You're in this too. If anyone gives him a hard time (hospital admins have low single digit IQs) YOU SCREAM, hopefully out of his earshot. Be a bitch, if anything goes off the rails (like when I showed up for surgery and they asked "who are you?). Otherwise be cooperative and supportive. It's about him, for now.

Most of all, take care of yourself. This will be in the rear view mirror before you know it but you have to survive too.

Thank you

by alisha - 2019-12-04 17:35:58

Agentx86....thank you.ur words  and advice  really help....