Pacemaker implant - Week 2

[Melleray]

It is two weeks today since the pacemaker was fitted in Bristol. Well, I certainly feel a lot better than I did last week. Still extremely tired though, and really feeling that I am still recovering. I wasn't expecting this - as one of our members said, because it is day surgery, you somehow get the idea it is a cinch, but it isn't, the recovery is slow and happens at home. I am sleeping much better now, having devised a good pillow system. The wound is getting better, but I still feel very fragile and have not attempted to drive yet , even though I am now allowed to. There is supposed to be a pacemaker check at 6 weeks. I have been told that as the PM clinic is running 6 weeks behind, that my check will be done on the day I am supposed to have the AV node ablated on 28th March. I am not happy about this - I want to have it checked properly first. I have left a message on the pacemaker clinic's answerphone, but so far have heard nothing. As far as feeling any changes with the PM, probably not, as my heart is still beating by itself, but, I am sure that I flipped into AF a few days ago, and then after about 30 seconds, back into NSR. That is different!

[Hidden]

Sounds like it’s working then!! 👍

[Hidden]

I don’t know much about pacemakers Melleray but just pleased to hear that you are feeling so much better. I guess it’s not unusual to to experience some different sensations with your heart until everything settles but all is sounding very positive......good luck.

[pottypete1]

If you cannot get an earlier pacemaker check perhaps for peace of mind you can ask for a later date for the AV Node ablation. Surely the date is not critical.

I think that if I was in your shoes that is the course of action I would take.

Pete

[Melleray in reply to pottypete1]

Yes Pete, I am beginning to think along those lines myself. Before I had the PM put in, I rang the hospital and asked if they had any patient support groups. Because of this, they have asked me to take part in a discussion/meeting at the hospital on 5th March. This may be my opportunity to bring this matter up and get some action.

[jennydog]

Thank you for such an honest post. This is so helpful to those of us who may follow in your footsteps!

Very best wishes

[CDreamer]

I had my implant in September and had problems with the LV lead which became detached and I’m still waiting for it to be reattached - sometime ??? However, at the moment I feel so much better I am reconsidering having the AV ablation. My EP would not consider AV ablation until he is sure everything is working properly - it’s the connection between the appointments admin and the EP that often fails.

You can say no - you have the right to refuse any treatment - you don’t have a right to demand to have a treatment though. I certainly would not even think about the AV ablation until things settle down and you have had the checks.

I did feel so much better the day after I was out gardening 2 days later - possible a mistake in hindsight 🙄. Everyone heals at their own rate and it is a very individual process, especially if you have had months or years of symptomatic AF.

[Melleray]

Hi - thanks for your reply. Good to see you are on my wavelength regarding having the checks first. I spoke to one of the arrhythmia team last week and said that I wanted the check first to make sure the device was in properly and he said 'You have no reason to think it is not in properly'. Well, as I am not dependent on it yet, we don't know do we? Did you have a check soon after the implant? How did you find out the lead was detached?

[Tallgirl]

I had a pacemaker fitted in 2013 when I was 52. It was fitted without chance for discussion as an emergency as I had fast AF reverting to bradycardia when I went back to NSR, there was also mention about the dose of Bisoprolol I was taking may have contributed to the very low heart rate and my heart having extended pauses causing me to blackout. I have to agree with you that I was given very little information about how long recovery would take. Looking back now it was a good six months before I felt comfortable with having the implant, for the implant sight and the scar to settle down. I have not had a AV node ablation but did go on to have 3 ablations over the next two years for the AF. I still have to attend the Pacing clinic every six months as unfortunately one of my leads picks up ‘noise’, a technical term, and they just want to monitor it more closely.

Five years on I have adjusted to life with a pacemaker, being different at the airport, the loss of my beloved induction hob, I love cooking, but I have learnt to embrace my scar and not worry if it can be seen and still some days I find it annoying but it’s there to stay and I am fit and well and leading a normal full life so I am very grateful for everything it has given me.

It’s still very early days for you so try and take it one day at a time but if you could take one thing to the group you have been asked to take part in is that it can take quite a long time to be completely comfortable, physically and mentally, with the implant.

I hope everything goes smoothly with your AV node ablation and your soon feeling better.

[Melleray in reply to Tallgirl]

Thanks so much for your reply, it was very interesting to read of your experience. I can imagine that it will take quite a long time to get used to the pacemaker. I was very resistant to it anyway, and only agreed because I felt I could not go on being admitted to A&E every few weeks, with all that it entailed for my family as I live alone. I did it as much for them as for me. I do feel that although the actual surgical team were great and on the day I felt well looked after, the pre and post care needs to be improved a lot. Mine was an elected procedure, but it is very hard to make these decisions without appropriate medical knowledge.

[shirlygirly]

Hi, A friend with a PM told me they are able to tell exactly how your

heart behaves when you attend the PM clinic. I must admit to feeling

odd things going on in my heart the first week or so after having my

PM fitted three weeks ago. Im now feeling very well indeed but my

energy levels are quite low and I still get tired very easily.

I go to the PM clinic in 10 days so Im hoping they may given it a little

tweak!!

Shirley.

[Shepheart]

Hi Melleray, I would encourage you to go ahead with the scheduled av node ablation in March 28. They will thoroughly check your pm just before the procedure. The leads will be tested and the pacer interrogated. X-rays will reveal that the leads are attached and properly situated.

I don’t think anything but more stress will be gained by postponing your ablation. It could be months before you get another chance. These doctors are professionals whom you have already trusted, just allow them to do what has been initiated. I’ve been through a couple of these procedures. I just did what I had to do. I hope my words encourage you.

[heatherleon]

Hi Mellerray, have only just seen your posts and am reading my way through your story as I'm due to have a pace and ablate, good luck with today, I hope that all goes well for you, let me know how you get on,

best wishes, Heather x