New Pacemaker

Pacemaker was for surgical complication?

by LondonAndy - 2023-10-27 18:40:59

I got my pacemaker in 2014 as a result of complication when they replaced my aortic valve. The valve surgery was far more significant than the pacemaker op,and there were 7 days between the two. The PM was done under local anaesthetic, and I found I didn't even think about it for several months after the surgery! So I think no: if you didn't have an electrical problem before the TAVR then you probably won't notice anything different.

I notice in your profile that you do trap shooting. Did they ask you about your activities before doing the surgery? Resting the gun against your pacemaker is not a great idea, and so they usually implant it on the other side to where the gun rests, or sub-pectoral.

PM

by fredaosss - 2023-10-27 18:50:59

Yes, my PM was side effect of "mechanical" placement interfering with the electrical issues (I'll always wonder if the skill of operator affects that).

They did ask about golf, which I don't play. I mentioned trap shooting. I am right handed and hold the butt in my right shoulder, so they did the standard implantation on the left.

Interestingly, the doc who did the implant mentioned that I should be watchful of the swing when trapshooting.

Thanks for your comments.

New pacemaker

by piglet22 - 2023-10-28 07:09:23

Hello

If you had and have CHB, then you certainly should be feeling a difference with the new pacemaker.

One of the symptoms of type 2 or type 3 heart block is dizziness and shortness of breath resulting from the erratic and slow pulse caused by CHB.

Another feature of CHB is the total lack of reaction to exercise of the heart rate. I could pedal away on an exercise bike and my heart rate wouldn't rise above 40 BPM.

It's quite a combination to get a new valve and PM and hopefully you will benefit from both.

The improvement from being paced is usually very quickly after implantation, given a few days for your heart to adjust to the new way of working.

If you aren't already doing it, it would be useful to start monitoring your heart function by regularly taking your blood pressure with a decent machine that reports pulse and arrhythmias.

I would echo LondonAndy's advice on the trap shooting and take care. I used to do a bit of 12-bore shooting and even if you are fit and well, it's quite a thump.

I guess you have as much shoulder protection as you can.

Having a PM wouldn't put me off, but do bear in mind you have some fairly delicate leads threading through veins. There is usually some flexibility allowed by including loops in the leads, but I wouldn't over-do it.

New Pacemaker

by fredaosss - 2023-10-28 10:20:19

Good morning,

I didn't have complete heart block until after my TAVR.

Pre-TAVR, my heart rate would increase with exercise- usually rowing machine or walking, or weight machines at gym. It would never get really high, which I assumed was from the beta blocker.

I did, however, have pre-existing right bundle branch block. 

Can you recommend a "decent machine that reports...."?

As for trap shooting, this season is practically over, so I will wait for next Spring to resume. I would think that since I shoot on the opposite side from my PM, use a gel pad, and the leads will have finished adhering to my heart, it will be OK.

But, perhaps I need a consult with a cardiologist in Texas instead of the NYC area where I live, haha.

I am also looking into switching from 12 to 20 gauge.

Thank you so much for your advice and encouragement.