I had been waiting for surgery for a pacemaker. I've jumped the queue! Last Thursday I collapsed in the bathroom. The implanted monitor showed a pause of almost 9 seconds when reviewed by the Cardiology team. I was brought into the RUH Bath & told I would be staying until the pacemaker is done. The doctor has just been round & has told me I am on the list for today barring any emergencies. Ihaveto say that the treatment has been excellent. Every member of staff from the paramedics, nurse's, cleaning staff & caterers has been cheerful & professional. Even when short staffed & under pressure in the assessment ward they remained calm and cheerful. I require a gluten free diet & this was well catered for with ample choice. I don't believe I would have received better treatnent if I had been in a private hospital.
Update on pacemaker install - Atrial Fibrillati...
Update on pacemaker install
That's so good to hear that you are pleased with your hospital. I feel the same about the two I've been in over the years. Good luck with your pacemaker and let us now how you get on.
Jean
Thank you jeanjjeanjeanie50, I had the surgery yesterday pm & all went well. There was a small problem around 8pm when it was discovered I was bleeding rather badly. The blood had been running under my armpit so hadn't been easy to spot. Unfortunately this then required the removal of the pressure dressing to find the source of the bleed. It was between two of the stitches they repressed it applying an even tighter pressure dressing & that appears to have resolved it. I have been rather surprised at the severity of the pain which has made any movement very ďifficult. I have had a very restless night but I'm sure things will improve quite rapidly from now on. One concern that I do have is that I can still feel an irregular rhythm ocassionally & the monitor shows a brief message of Afib each time this happens. A question for the cardiologist when I see them this morning. I'm hoping & praying that this isn't going to cause a setback & that I will still be able to go home today. John
Hi John, I don't think a pacemaker will cure your AF, but it will prevent your heart rate dropping too low. It is possible to have an AV node procedure where they disable it, and leave you totally dependent on the pacemaker. A lot of people have success with that, but just see how you get on from now.
We all can't wait to get out of hospital can we! The way I cope at night with all the noise and chatter etc is to ask for a sleeping tablet, then put a mask over my eyes and earplugs in. Works for me.
Hope you get out today.
Jean
I have never had anything but excellent care and food in any NHS hospital in the last ten years. Finger crossed all goes well today.
The dark cloud had a silver lining for you - and I agree regarding NHS care, mine has been good, if slow sometimes.
Best wishes for better quality of life.
I hope it's all done now 💝
Having worked for the NHS, been a patient and seen my family as patients, I would rate the NHS as second rate, despite the best efforts of the staff.
The best has been paediatric care, the worst maternity and psychiatric services. The "Dunkirk spirit" has sustained patients who are grateful it is "free", lip service is paid to the idea that care is patient centred and hotel accommodation has usually been primitive.
Our experience has been in the English north and midlands. Occasional private care has been far superior. Glad your experience has been so positive.
2 or 3 lead pacemaker with AV node ablation 
Pacemaker 
Bi ventricular pacemaker
CRT - D Pacemaker Part 4
