I get better advise here than at Drs

Hello all, and hope everyone had Happy Holidays. Last week went to cardiologists for pacer check, the tech said I am now totally dependent on my pacemaker, I was in active AV Mobitz II block during the test as matter of fact. Now here is what I am astounded about. Six months ago, he told me I was pacing 0 percent atrial and 36 percent ventricle and had about 10 years left on my battery. This time, I am 100 percent both atrial and ventrical and only 3 years left on my battery! I was to say the least flabbergasted that I could have gotten "worse" in that short of time.
So I guess my question is this: since I received my pacemaker for 1st and 2nd degree Mobitz II block, does this mean that the condition is no longer controlled by the pacer, that it is chronic AV block? I get no where with my cardiologist on this. Seems everyone there is always talking in circles. I told the tech and my dr that I have had blacking out episodes, lots of palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness and lightheadedness. Of course they chalk it up to my bad valve.

Another question I have is this: I have applied for disability because of all my heart problems, back problems, depression, etc. Is anyone here on disability, and if so, could we discuss how long it takes, etc.?
Thanks all
Debbi

4 Comments

A wire?

by lucybell - 2007-12-26 03:12:05

Hi- I am not sure if this helps or not- but I went in for a basic check-up 2 weeks ago and the doctor noticed that one of my wires in the lower chamber was pacing a lot and at a high rate. It was not supposed to be pacing me at all. If it continued to pace at that same rate my pacemaker would have battery power for only 3 more years- I just got the pacemaker in August- it should last at least 8. So, they had to replace my wire last week b/c they think that was the problem. My doctor thought the lead in the wire had moved or I had "exit block" but neither were really right. So it could be the wire itself or that the lead has moved- did they check for that on an X-Ray or Ultra Sound? I am not sure what AV block is- but I thought I would offer that suggestion. Hope you feel better soon and Good Luck.

Disability

by auntiesamm - 2007-12-26 03:12:54

Hi Debbi,
Sorry to know you are experiencing problems with your pacer. Unfortunately, there are a very small percentage of people who develop problems and you just happen to be one of them. If you feel you are not getting the proper attention and answers to your questions and concerns please seek the opinion of another EP or cardiologist. You might want to discuss with your primary physician and get a referral direct to someone else. I know you are probably very frightened and need answers. Now, I will tell you that Smitty might just pop in here and he is truly a "lay expert" on these things. I got my PM 18 months ago and have had absolutely no problems but when I have ever had questions or not understood something I read I call on Smitty. He is wonderful in the way he can explain things and advise on with some of these problems that crop up. The other members of the club will tell you the same about him. He is certainly not going to replace a physician but in the meantime is so full of knowledge it is amazing. As an engineer he really has a handle on all of this stuff that I cannot even begin to understand! Smitty's gift is reading the literature, understanding it and then putting it into words we the ordinary lay-person understands. Don't give up until you get the answers and care you need. God bless you and keep you safe.
Sharon

Heart Problems

by SMITTY - 2007-12-26 06:12:35

Hi Debbie,

First let me say that Sharon gives me way to much credit on my ability to explain some of the things I read about why some of us must have pacemakers, or what our pacemaker is dong. So don’t be disappointed when I try to explain WHAT I THINK may have happened in your case. As Sharon said, I’m no doctor, but I’ll give it a try anyway.

Now, I’m going to reprint your question so that what I’m trying to say will be clear. “My question is this: since I received my pacemaker for 1st and 2nd degree Mobitz II block, does this mean that the condition is no longer controlled by the pacer, that it is chronic AV block?”

From what I can learn, the medical significance of Mobitz II heart block is this type of heart block is that it may progress rapidly to complete heart block.

My interpretation of that is that your pacemaker is continuing to do the same thing it has been dong all along, it is just doing more of it now. I will venture a guess and say that your Morbitz II block has gotten worse, as Widipedia points out this type block progresses rapidly. In your case you were fortunate enough to already have a pacemaker in place off setting the results of the heart block you already had. I would guess this is why you have had such drastic change since you last checkup. But, look at it this way even with complete block your pacemaker is doing the job and the Mobitz can’t get any worse.

I don’t know how much you may know about the various terms used but in my case when they told me I had heart block and needed a pacemaker, I thought “oh crap.” I had had quadruple bypass surgery a number of years ago for blocked coronary arteries and my first thought was I would have to have more bypass surgery. It was a little while before I learned that this type heart block only means that the electrical impulse generated by our heart’s natural pacemaker is not getting to the intended destination. But a pacemaker can be implanted to supply that needed electrical impulse to make my heart beat as it should. Simply put, things were not nearly as bad as I envisioned.

As for the drastic reduction in estimated remaining battery life reported to you this time, I say wait until you get your next report. These battery reports are estimates and I have noticed the expected remaining life of mine keeps getting longer. Also, the one thing I have found consistent about our body and the health problems we encounter is the inconsistency. So before you start planning an estate sale, wait at least for your next checkup. As for the other problems you are having, you should be able to get answers. I certainly know all about those circles and trying to break one can be very difficult. If at all possible, you may want to try for another doctor.

I just noticed that last line in your message. Getting SS disability can take from about three months to an eternity. Give it a ripple yourself and if you do not get what you think you deserve in a reasonable amount of time you might want to try one of the attorneys that specialize in this field. They are much more successful that most of us individuals. Also, while it is not usually publicized, and unless things have changed within the last few years, SS will pick up the tab if you use an attorney.

I wish you the best,

Smitty

Thank you all

by gmnordy - 2007-12-27 11:12:17

I thoroughly enjoyed all your comments and advise. I feel much better today. I have officially applied for disability. I can no longer work in my field, too stressful.
Smitty I will definitely take your advise and wait until my next check up before I plan my demise!
And Sharon, I will ask about perhaps having a chest Xray to make sure my leads on on alright. I did have a lead problem once before, right after I got the pacemaker, the very next day, it was dislodged and they had to take me back to the cath lab to redo everything.
Have a nice day.
Debbi

You know you're wired when...

Your old device becomes a paper weight for your desk.

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