Pacemaker for bradycardia

Sick Sinus Syndrome

by AgentX86 - 2020-07-27 23:22:25

This is the easiest heart problem to fix with a PM.  Even a single lead will work but they'll probably use two. The risk is very low and you'll be better than new in days.  Do it!

it seems to be working for me.

by twodrifters - 2020-07-27 23:30:55

I do understand your fear and dread, because I had some of the same.  I just did not want to need a pacemaker.  But for me, as the bradycardia affected my life more and more over the last few months it became clearer to me that I was not doing myself any favors by not facing the truth of what I have been experiencing.  It helped me to see the bradycardia documented on my Kardia app and the Holter monitor report.  

I also read several success stories on this forum, which was immensely helpful.  

I am 12 days out from having a PM implanted and am recovering normally.  What does that look like?  I took 1/2 to 1 Norco 3x in the first 3 days. I had what felt like nerve pain down my left arm for the first week.  I also have a hematoma which is gradually decreasing in size.  I am able to do household tasks, minding my doctor's instructions about not raising my left arm above shoulder height.  I really am doing ok.  

I also have recovered enough that I'm noticing how nice it is not to have those spells (both short and long) of bradycardia.  It has not helped the premature beats, however, but I was told not to expect that.  It is noteworthy to me that my PM is kicking in 30% of the time, which is much more than I expected, so that affirms that I needed the help.

It does feel like a big deal to have a device implanted, so I understand your concern.  Just speaking for myself, I can say that thus far I'm relieved that I went for it.

Sick Sinus Syndrome

by Marybird - 2020-07-27 23:52:13

I fought with it for several years, long history of atrial tachycardia more or less controlled by meds, then bradycardia, at first asymptomatic and intermittent, becoming worse, more frequent and symptomatic. I was in denial for much of that time, but my quality of life was circling the drain as time went on and I finally got the pacemaker. 

What a difference! I felt so very much better after the pacemaker was put in, and appropriate adjustments made. And with the pacemaker keeping the heart rate from falling too low, I can take enough medication to keep the tachycardia well under control. It's a huge improvement. I guess I must have needed that pacemaker, my atrial pacing rate was 91% at my last pacing report. 

Sumilar

by Finn - 2020-07-28 12:50:23

Hi, nothing to be petrified about! I waited about three years with Bradycardia, testing at night went as low as 25 bpm, daytime in the 39's and 49's. Mine got worse and worse. Finally a nice Dr in Scottsdale ( was there on vacation and fainted again hiking), said eventually my organs will begin to shut down and I'll die. That got my attention .

i was 48 at the time, I'm on my second pacemaker , first lasted just under ten years. Now it's just part of me, I often forget I have it. Never had so much energy.

Thankyou

by juniper2487 - 2020-07-28 13:46:30

Thankyou you for your experiences! I feel much better about it...

Coping

by Hot Heart - 2020-07-29 12:04:13

I was 55 ten years ago when I got mine (but dont tell anyone I pretend I'm 25 lol).  I've made a few comments today you can read.  It will be absolutely fine!