Pace and ablate - update 3 months on

[Melleray]

Well, it is now about 3 months since I had the pacemaker implanted and 7 weeks since the av node ablation. Since then I have had two pacemaker checks, one before the AV node was ablated (I was not going to let that happen until they had checked all was still in place!) . Then last week I had a second check now that the pacemaker has taken over. This time the technicians tweaked the setting a little bit and lowered the rate to 70. They told me I had a short bout of AF a couple of weeks ago, but I was not aware of it.

The procedure has been a trade off for me, as you know I was very nervous about it, but having the reassurance that I am not going to have to deal with an AF attack and all it entailed, is an amazing feeling after so many years of dealing with it. I still automatically hesitate about going anywhere and making plans, but then I realise it is okay. The other day I walked up a very steep hill with no trouble. So for me, so far, it has been a great improvement and I am very grateful.

[BobD Volunteer]

Great news. Well done.

[jeanjeannie50]

So pleased to hear you're doing so well Melleray. You give us all hope, should we ever need to have the same procedure.

Jean

[Ianc2]

Thanks very much for this post , it has helped me in my search for information regarding the ablation process, which I think my cardiologist will suggest when I see him on Tuesday. I have developed a strange habit of feeling a bit dizzy and kneeling down, slowly falling down, passing out and then getting up again quite quickly. I think it may be Syncope or Bradycardia or a side effect of rampiril or a bit of all three.

So no more driving until I get an answer. Such is life.

[Melleray in reply to Ianc2]

Hi - horrible for you to have that going on. If you do have a slow heart beat, or pauses, then you would certainly be helped by having a pacemaker which would be on duty in the background to prevent this from happening to you again. Hope you have a helpful appointment with your cardio and it can be sorted for you. Best of luck.

[Jafib]

So glad to hear! Hoping your days and years are filled with care free living!!

[Ianc2]

Thanks for your reply. Annoyingly I feel quite well apart from this and go off walking (last of the summer swine, etc). My fellow walkers were a bit concerned at first. However , as usual, it has degenerated into comments like " no point in talking to him, he's having a lie down again" and " You have his jacket and I'll have his boots" or "It's his turn to get the coffees in, kick his legs and see if he twitches". It's all part of life's rich pattern.

[Melleray]

Ha. ha! Sounds like you have some lively friends!

[CornPoppy]

Thank you that is very helpful.

[Eastwick]

I too have had pace and ablate but when pacemaker was read last November it seems that I was in permanent a fib but had no idea. I do struggle with stairs and steep hills, heart seems to race and I am a little breathless. I stop for a minute and then continue. Does anyone else have this? Glad you can go up hills.

[Melleray]

Hi Eastwick - it is good that you did not know you were in AF - what a joy!! I have developed ectopics now which led to another different arrhythmia episode last week. Feel very disappointed about that.