It's been a while since I was last on Pacemaker club

I had a two lead pacemaker implanted in Nov. 2019. In addition I had cardioversion and a series of ablations. I now only see my cardiologist once a year. Ever since the implantation but especially after the ablations my running has considerably slowed and my pulse rises minimally. On an Apple Watch my average pulse may be 96, as it was today. The max bpm was a high of 137... Usually I get readings like 98  and 110. It would appear to an outsider that I am putting little effort into the run but even at a slow pace it takes everything out of me. I run mostly along the beach walkway and people far older than me fly by. I don't know what to do anymore. My original cardiologist passed away some time ago and I feel brushed off by present staff who are less concerned with my ability to run. 

5 Comments

Frustrating

by Persephone - 2023-01-20 19:40:13

Has your your medical team offered any setting adjustments/ stress tests?

Frustrating

by runpacer - 2023-01-20 19:48:58

Not in over a year.

Second opinion

by Lavender - 2023-01-20 19:55:02

If you feel brushed off then get someone who cares to give a second opinion. You deserve answers. 

Frustrating

by AgentX86 - 2023-01-21 00:01:32

I don't think I'd go for a second opinion, rather a new doctor.  There should be hundreds in your area.  There is no way that you shouldn't be able to get your cardiologist to hook you up with his PM tech to get your PM straightened out.  If you're having complaints, any complaints, your cardiologist should be seeing your more than once a year. Brushed off? Well, yeah, I could see how you'd feel that.

My cardiologist is excellent.  I've had an issue where I feel some chest pressure when I start out walking (maybe the first quarter mile), then it goes away compeley and I can get on with the three hours.  I saw him Wednesday and offered a cath if I wanted it but put me on a low-dose nitrate to see if that does anything.  I also saw his device tech to check out a few things. I can call him anytime and get to see him in a couple of days, if needed.

There is no reason to be brushed off.  Getting everything right is too important.

 

Brushed off

by Mad Hatter - 2023-01-22 17:03:08

I just switched EPs. Felt brushed off by my previous EP.  I'm also a runner and got back to it two weeks to the day after pm insertion.  Running was fine as my HR routinely goes up to 160.  My issue was light-headedness on rising from a position with my head down like with some exercises. At the follow up with the EP the pm tech said that my settings were for someone much older and less active.  Settings were changed but neither the EP nor the tech explained what they were doing or seemed very inquisitive about what I was experiencing.  
 

First visit with the new EP he spent 45 minutes with me which is probably more than I had spent with the other EP and his tech in multiple visits not counting the surgery.  New EP seemed interested and asked lots of questions and answered lots of questions.    Said there is no reason at my age I shouldn't be doing anything I want to do and they will work with me to get the settings right.  Very happy I switched.  

Seems to me that the diagnosis and pm insertion is only half of the treatment.  It's kind of like climbing Mount Everest--you're only halfway there at the top; you still have to get down.  If your EP is not responsive in dealing with your issues and adjusting settings I'd find a new one.  

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