Week 6 - the AV node ablate

[Melleray]

Well, I finally had the AV node ablation last Thursday in Bristol. Compared with my previous procedures , it was by far the easiest and quickest. The transfer of pacing from my own heart pacemaker to the artificial pacemaker was seamless and I was unaware that it had happened. The impact this time was not physical but psychological and quite a difficult hurdle to overcome.

Since then I am not doing too badly, my heart is paced at 80 at the moment - apparently this is necessary for a few weeks to prevent other problems with ventricular tachy immediately after this procedure, but I am getting used to it. But there is another issue with the pacer being ultra sensitive to certain movement, particularly using my left arm and bending down, Both of these are causing my heart to race to 130 for a few minutes. This, I am told, will be tweaked when I go back for a check up soon.

It is too soon to know if this was the best decision for me in the long term, but for now I am okay with it.

[BobD Volunteer]

Well done. Don't forget to rest now will you.

[Melleray in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob - I am being forced to move slowly at the moment, so probably best

[Kellyjelly]

Just wanted to say I’m glad you are doing well and wish you a swift recovery. Take good care 😊

[Melleray in reply to Kellyjelly]

Thank you

[CDreamer]

Very pleased and encouraged that all went well for you. It is a huge step and getting your head around it will take time to get used to your new norm.

Wishing you a speedy recovery - Best wishes CD

[Melleray in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you - it has been such a mountain to climb for me

[jeanjeannie50]

I hope you are soon feeling confident again and back to a life free of worry. When do you go back to have the pacer tweaked?

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Jean

[Melleray in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Hi Jean - not sure when I will be given an appt, but arrhythmia nurses are on to it, so hopefully it won't be too long.

[Teignfisher]

Good to hear the procedure went well Just give yourself time and when you see the devices team I expect that they will sort out any problems. They certainly did for me. Bristol Heart Institute are top notch.

Good luck

Mel

[Melleray in reply to Teignfisher]

Yes, thank you, I hope so. Good to hear you are pleased with their treatment.

[HatsOn]

Hi - so good to read something positive about the procedure. I am still pondering. One of the things that's holding me back is that I've had a 2 lead PM for 12 years and my consultant says they won't change to 3 lead before the procedure, which I feel after reading other posts, is the best option. Did you have a 3 lead implanted? Thanks.