My AF journey takes a turn for the worse! 2

[reedman]

Well it's a week now post CRT-D implantation and I do feel a little better for it, but early days yet. No problems during the day as regards pain, night time was a problem and I had to take painkillers before I could sleep. Turns out it was the large plaster left over the wound that was causing some local inflammation in the wound area, perhaps I was just distracted by other things during the day, but I don't think so because as soon as I got up the pain disappeared! Haven't quite worked this out yet! Anyway after 4 days I removed the plaster in order to inspect the incision site (all fine) and left it off, thereafter I have not needed pain killers at all although the wound site is still pretty tender. I now have an appt in 6 weeks for a check-up. Something that has astonished me is the fact that my heart rate has stablised, (now virtually regular except for the odd out of sync beat) although a little high perhaps at an average of 83/4 bpm! I was under the impression that the CRT device (only 2 wires used, i.e. no lead to the atrium) was to enable my ventricles to synchronise and thereby improve my heart function; it would seem that I have a bonus prize as well! Turns out that I was wrong, no bonus afterall! My device is set at 80 to 130 bpm, ie. it kicks in if my heart drops below 80bpm and again if higher than 130bpm by sending regular impulses to my ventricles (now synchronised) at a steady 80bpm thus stimulated my heart then continues with this (around 84 bpm) until it wobbles again, bit like whipping a top really. I suppose there is something of a bonus because I now have longer spells of a regular beat than before which must be to the good? I suspect the AV node ablation is still on the cards although (I have already signed my consent for this) I hope it may not be necessary.

[jeanjeannie50]

Thanks for letting us know how things are with you reedman. I kept looking through your post for the bit where it turned worse, but couldn't really see anything. Was it the fact that your heart is now limited to between 80-130bpm and only when outside this range will kick in? I think I'd want the lower range to be 60, but then I know nothing at all about pacemakers.

Wishing you well.

Jean

[reedman in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Hi jeanjeanie50, I headed this post "my-af-journey-takes-a-turn-for-the-worse-2", since when I added to my original post (-the 2) there was no response, hence the 2. So this a sequel to the first! To answer your question, I agree with you, I also think the pacing is set a bit high and I will ask about this when I have my first pacing check in 5 weeks now.

[Hidden in reply to reedman]

From what I have read here, it is common for the pacemaker rate to be set high initially. 80 has been mentioned. Progressive reduction to 60 at subsequent visits seems the norm. Obviously I can’t say that would apply in your case.

[Hidden]

Since the bisoprolol drives my heart rate down to about 55bpm, 80 does seem like a lot but of course it's within normal range. I guess they are trying to make sure you have plenty of scope if you need to go upstairs or whatever without getting out of breath (which I have to say, I do). Best of luck with it, it does sound as if it's helping - peace of mind is a wonderful thing!