Bewildered

[Libra1937]

I am 80 year old female who had av mode ablation and pacemaker just little more than month ago. It is set at 80. Due to circumstances beyond control have not yet seen dr. for follow up yet. Now waiting 10 days to see dr. I was very fatigued after with some better days. Have had several bouts with awful unprovoked anxiety feelings and nervousness which are not psychologically induced. They are just horrible sensations that occur usually when very tired but experience inability to relax and actually feel like am coming out of skin. Has only happened for about three weeks off and on but is unbearable.

[meadfoot]

That sounds awful for you. You have gone through a trauma both physically and emotionally and our bodies don't like the onslaught. It will take time for everything to settle. I hope you can see your doctor very soon to get the assistance you need. In the interim try some deep breathing techniques and mindfulness to try to calm your body and mind. Things will improve, we are all with you here in support. Thinking of you. X

[Libra1937 in reply to meadfoot]

Thank you so much!

[CDreamer]

Hi Libra - I’m so sorry you feel so bad. It seems a long time to wait to see a doctor, have you a phone number for the pacemaker clinic to ring? Have you a ward number from the hospital? I had a pacemaker inserted on Wednesday and was told my follow-up would be in 6 weeks - with the Physiologist for pacemaker screening and then followed by an appointment for the ablation of the AV node. Did you hane it all done at the same time?

I have had some peculiar, very, very strong thumps when I first lie down at night and someone on here suggested that it was affecting the phrenic nerve (controls diaphragm) and I suspect they may be correct, it could be that something you had done irritated your vagus nerve (Autonomic Nervous System) Which would explain the anxiety & inability to relax. Have you tried some slow, deep breathing exercises? They often help to improve vagal tone. Anxiety is a physical sensation and can be chemically and/or electrically inducespd when your body is out of kilter - the fight or flight response. I’ve experienced this with AF for many years and observed, noted and studied the physical sensations and the difference between the anxiety caused by ‘worry thoughts’ and the physical.

Doing things that give you pleasure - reading, watching a film, listening to music, walk in nature - anything you enjoy can really help, along with the slow, conscious breathing exercises.

If you are at all worried perhaps contact your GP on Monday or ring your specialist’s secretary to ask for the appointment to be brought forward. Whereabouts in the world do you live?

Best wishes CD.

[Libra1937 in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you.

[Hidden]

I wonder if this is in part a result of a relatively high initial pacing rate. I believe some cardiologists feel it is safer to set a high rate initially and then reduce it.

There will be quite a few on board who can give you experiential advice. If you change your title to something like “feeling awful after pace and ablate”, you may improve your response rate.

What was your heart rate typically before the procedure? Do you like to take exercise? What was the indication for the treatment and were they done together?

I think an early call, or even an unannounced visit, to the pacemaker clinic, so they can review the settings, is the best next step. Pacemaker settings can to an extent be personalised ( the amount depending on the type) to the individual.

Things are definitely going to get better, but you need to be seen sooner rather than later. Sometimes we just have to self advocate with the NHS.

In the meantime, it might be worth looking at the link below

pacemakerclub.com/

There are also a couple of other fora on Healthunlocked which might help, Arrhythmia Alliance and British Heart Foundation.

[Libra1937 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you

[wilsond]

Have no experience myself,But I wonder if you might be better trying to contact your cardiologist through their secretary and asking for a swift appointment?as others have said,your rate may be set too high etc.

I'm sure things will.improve but it course you will be anxious meanwhile.The excellent advice from cdreamer is very useful

Best wishes xx

[Libra1937 in reply to wilsond]

Thank you