pacemaker

Gellia & Cathryn thanks so much for your positive comments, it really makes me feel there's hope. I really still have a lot of questions that my doctor doesn't seem to answer really good, I feel like I' m not in good hands with this doctor, so I'm looking for another cardiologist for my next appointment on August.

Have a great day
Debbie

6 Comments

Hi Debbie,

by Gellia2 - 2007-07-26 03:07:44

Persevere until you find an understanding doctor. Let him expain to you, to your satisfaction, what happened to you so you can rest assured. I really think you had asystole and no damage to your heart. People will call it a "heart attack" but there is no muscle damage done. Asystole is not an infarction. If that is the case, like Cathryn and I said, you are no different than any of us. I have had a pacemaker since I was 26 years old. I am now nearly 59 and just had my 7th replacement. So you can see, you can do fine with one and I'm sure will be around to enjoy your children and grandchildren!
Hang in there, Debbie. My bet is you'll be around and long, long time. NO FEAR!
Gellia

thanks Gellia

by debbie - 2007-07-26 04:07:08

Thanks so much for your support, you are so sweet, you really put a smile on my face today.

Hey!

by Gellia2 - 2007-07-26 07:07:40

It's MY pleasure. Get your answers from the doctors, Debbie. They owe you answers to ALL your questions. Don't be afraid of them. Knowledge is Power and we all need it to have control over our own situations. The more knowledge you have, the better you will feel and rest easy.
You can live a fairly normal life with a pacemaker. I honestly can say, I don't think I have missed a thing.
Neither will you!
Best always, and there are always friends here.
Gellia

Keep asking questions!

by boatman50 - 2007-07-26 10:07:40

Hi Debbie, I have had a very similar experience. My heart stopped last June for 25 seconds, as you say flatlined and I also have the printout! But it was not a hearty attack. In fact with the exception of my hearts electrical system my heart is perfect. I am told I have vaso vagal syncope and it took many trips to many doctors to find this out. After many questions I was sent to an electro physiologist that specializes in pacemakers. He spent alot of time explaining to me what was going on. I must have seen 6 cardiologist before the EP was able to solve my problem, or at least explain it. The others had no clue and just kept prescribing more meds. So keep asking and looking for other opinions. maybe go see an EP! Best of luck
Boatman

electrophysiology

by debbie - 2007-07-27 01:07:53

wow! you are really helping me, I've never heard of electrophysiology before, I'm definetly looking for an EP asap. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks,

Debbie

A good EP

by Gellia2 - 2007-07-28 11:07:52

is worth his weight in gold. I have had a cardio-thoracic surgeon for years and just recently switched to an EP.
Best thing I ever did. I now feel better than I have in YEARS!
A good EP will explain everything to you. Your situation is very much like mine was(mulitple asystoles) over 30 years ago and I'm not only still around but just celebrated my granddaughter's four birthday! Hang in there!
You'll do fine!
Best wishes, Gellia

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