It looks like I may have to have a pacemaker fitted and to say I am scared is an understatement. Being awake during the procedure is enough to give me sleepless nights. Can any of you lovely people on here give me the pros and cons of having one? I am 73, usually fairly active normally although the pandemic has stopped a lot of my group and club activities. I was diagnosed with PAF over 30 years ago but my persistently low heart rate has caused the pacemaker to rear it's ugly head. Any help will be most appreciated.
Pacemaker, please help!: It looks like... - Atrial Fibrillati...
Pacemaker, please help!
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sarniacherie
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A pacemaker will make you much safer. Our support group have had talks Re pacemakers snd people’s experience seem mixed with some saying they were a bit sore at first but no one had any very bad experience to share. Do see what people here say but I wouldn’t be worried if o had to have one- and it’s quite likely for me in the future
Thank you rosyG. A pacemaker has been mentioned from time to time but I have managed to avoid it until now. Seems I am not indestructible!
TracyAdminPartner
Good Morning, if you would like some advice about pacemakers, then please do not hesitate to contact the Patients Services team at the A F Association via info@afa.org.uk or call our helpline 01789 867 502. Alternatively, you may find some of our Patient Information booklets helpful heartrhythmalliance.org/afa.
I had one fitted beginning of Feb this year, it all happened very quickly for me, so much that I still think I'm a bit shocked. But that's because of the speed of it, the op itself really isn't too bad at all. I was awake but didn't feel a thing and apart from feeling a bit freaked out about it to begin with I have had no problems at all. Try not to worry , you'll be fine.
Thank you so much. Not keen on being awake but your words have really helped. XX
I assume you're on antiarrythmic meds? If so that was the reason my dr recommended a PM, a higher dose was needed to control the AF but it would result in a low HR. I opted instead for an ablation which eliminated both the need for a PM and the afib. Have you considered having an ablation?
He always mutters about pacemakers to me. I am having to see him because my GP was concerned about my consistently low heart rate when I had Bp checks recently. I will ask him about an ablation. Thank you. XX
An ablation is an option but a lot more discomfort and risks with an ablation than having a pacemaker
Thank you Prince123456. After reading these replies I will opt for a pacemaker rather than an ablation.
You are touching a very raw nerve! My husband was blue lighted to hospital on Monday and had a pacemaker fitted on Tuesday. It has saved his life.
76 years old, not a pill in sight. We thought fit and healthy but his heart rate was slowly dropping. The only reason he is still here is because he was so fit. Lowest heart rate 20 bpm.
sarniacherie in reply to
What a shock for you both. The replies on here are making me see that I am silly to worry about something that may make a big difference to me. I wish your husband all the best.
in reply to sarniacherie
Many thanks. Good luck to you too!
I've had my pacemaker just over a year and it's made a massive difference to my quality of life.
Being awake really isn't to big a deal as the procedure is over fairly quickly, it can be a bit uncomfortable with lots of pulling and pushing but you won't feel any pain, I was all done in 20-30 mins then back in discharge lounge to recover, had lunch then an X-ray then went home in the afternoon.
You need to wear easy to get on and off clothes ! I had a big pressure dressing on for 24 hours which was a bit painful but once that was off it was much more comfortable, although the bruising was painful for a few weeks.
I went back to the pacing clinic following day so they could check the settings and I had another X-ray to check the wires were ok.
You will feel very bruised and battered for a few weeks and you will have to take it a bit easy, not lifting your arm above shoulder height for 6 weeks, no lifting or doing anything strenuous but it's all manageable, I was out feeding my chickens as usual next day 🙂
Good luck and don't worry.
Thank you bantam12 for your encouraging reply. I appreciate it.
I had mine fitted 4 years ago and, like you, I have had P/A/F for a very long time, just before the Pacemaker I had an ablation, deemed a success by the cardio but which made me worse than ever and caused slow and dangerous heart beats so the Pacemaker was recommended. I too was nervous about being awake but needed have been as I was in what I would call a Zombie state lol and all I felt was pressure on my chest, it was over and done with and the next I know was sitting up eating toast and drinking tea! For 6 weeks after you have to follow the instructions of not over stretching etc., but when that is over you are good to go, you can resume your excercise, building up to as you were before, I too do keep fit, table tennis, tai chi etc., and apart from still taking some drugs and my anticoagulant due to a stroke 20 years ago I am as good as new and grateful to the inventor of the wonderful lifesaving Pacemaker. Go get it and good luck x
Thank you for your reply. It sounds as if having a pacemaker fitted is the sensible way to go for me.
A friend had one fitted a few years ago (it wasn’t related to AF) and insisted it was a piece of cake. He was chatting about it cheerfully in the pub on the same day. You go back for various checks, but once fitted the battery lasts for years
sarniacherie in reply to
Thank you for your reply to my post. I am being calmed down by everyone's responses.
It will be worth a few days of discomfort for the peace of mind these new pacemakers give you. I've had mine 5 years and yes I can feel it under the skin but I make sure my skin is well covered which at 66 is generally wise anyway! I have to declare mine at airports or anywhere else where your body is likely to be scanned but that means you can queue jump usually.
Please don't worry. The peace of mind you get from these remarkable gadgets is amazing!
Thanks Becksagogo. The thought of having some intrusive done is usually much worse than actually going through it. I will have to look on the bright side.
I had mine fitted nearly 11 years ago, for low pulse rate and also long pauses (which I used to pass out). Just a bit sore for a few days to a week after. I do have AF and SVT. Please don't worry
Thank you Pita. I haven't had blackouts yet but have come close a few times so I know it makes sense to have one fitted.
I don't know anything about having a pacemaker fitted, but if I was advised to have one I wouldn't hesitate. It will keep you safe. I think they are a remarkable device, and lots of people have one. They are doing the procedure every day and are very experienced in the operation. If Elton John can have one so can you! You will be fine and in safe hands. God Bless.
There must be umpteen people with a pacemaker so I must get on with it and join the club. Thanks for your reply. Much appreciated.
Hi , I had a pacemaker put in on the 2nd of sept last year and an AV node ablation 4 weeks later , I was half awake but it’s not as scary as what I thought it was going to be . I had a nurse chat away to me which helped me . You are not supposed to lift the arm on the side you get it fitted for a few weeks to let the wires settle in ..I’m so glad I had mine fitted , I have been so so much better . I can now walk about 10 to 12 miles every day , I feel I have finally got my life back again ..I was only in overnight at hospital . This was during the pandemic so I was a bit scared of that ..but I was made to feel safe ...I wish you all the best ,,,
Thank you Betty57. The replies on here have been so encouraging and calming.
Hi I am 74 now, but was 73 when last June had a dual chamber pacemaker fitted, yes you are conscious all the time with a screen between you and your consultant. all you feel is some pushing and pulling the consultant talks to you all the time and tells you where your at about an hour and all done.I used to get blackouts from low pulse rate this has stopped all that and feel fine it is well worth while try not to worry you will be fine.
Thank you so much. I have been encouraged by the wise words on here. Thanks for taking the time to post.
I got my first pace maker when I was 61. At 71 I got my 2nd one. I feel it was a very safe procedure. I am 77 now,
Thank you for your reply bbrt294. I feel much better after reading these calming and encouraging posts.
Hi honey. Please try not to worry. I’m 72 and had mine inserted 2 months ago. I promise you it’s nothing to worry about. You are given a local anaesthetic at the spot. I didn’t feel any pain whatsoever. You can feel a little bit of pushing but not pain. More pain at the dentist. Good luck and I promise you, you will be surprised after why you even worried.
I am sure you are right. Building it up in my mind to make it worse than it is. Thanks for your help.
Had a pacemaker fitted in Nov No problem and seamless in that wouldn’t know I had bradycardia and HR would drop below 40 so pacemaker stops it going below 50 I am 73 and very fit cycling, bushwalking ( Think you call it trekking) I am on xaralto to prevent possible stroke but I am leading a very normal life A bit of breathlessness as I am also on Sotalol but very minor inconvenience and does not affect my exercise
Thanks for your reply. I am on rivaroxaban too. I am feeling more positive about it now.
Had mine inserted for brady-tachy in 2012 and then made dependant on it in 2018. Due for battery replacement at the end of this year. Living with it gloriously and my Withings watch watches it! The op itself....ok. I was aware but felt nothing..... normal to be scared but with loins girded. It will be fine
Thank you. I will remember to gird my loins when the time comes.
I had a pacemaker inserted a year ago for the same reason as you, my medication was causing a very low heart rateThe pacemaker surgery was ok, midazolam was given to sedate me and you really don’t know much at all about what is happening
Experienced no pain
Post op I did have neck & jaw pain which I have noticed a lot of people talk about but it subsided after a month or so
Thank you for your reply. I am feeling calmer about the prospect now.
I was almost slated for one too, until another EP (from my original one) was experienced in radio-frequency, mapping ablations, which I had done instead. From what my first EP told me when I was to get the pacemaker to raise my heart rate, it was a simple procedure done very quickly. My aunt had one inserted and in her elderly age, didn't feel a thing and had no problems whatsoever. Our fear sometimes takes over our lives -- I hope your experience is easy-peasy!
Thank you Snowgirl65. When I sit down and start being sensible I know I am making it worse than it needs to be. Keep well.
Thank you -- you do the same!
I LOVE my precious pacemaker! in 2018 I had 4 cardiac arrests, where my heart stopped completely. (Fortunately I was in the ER at the time, otherwise I would be long gone.) Since I got the pacemaker I can see my heartbeat go down to 49 on occasion, but then it gives my heart a boop and it starts going up again immediately. The pacemaker will not allow my heart to go to less than 49 bpm. I was not awake when they put it in -- they gave me a shot of lovely fentanyl and I was off to dreamland. I don''t know how long I was out, but when I woke up I knew I never had to worry about my heart stopping again! Such a blessing!
Talk about being in the right place at the right time. A pacemaker seems to be the way forward for me. Thank you for taking the time to reply to my post.
You'll see, just like me, you will find GREAT COMFORT in the fact that it is there protecting you even when you sleep.
I just had a pacemaker put in 5 weeks ago here in the USA,,,,it was also decided on quickly after 2 years of my resisting,,,,I’m facing possible spine surgery and no md wanted to deal with the possibility of my having afib during surgery while I’m off the blood thinners for a bit,,,I don’t remember much of the pacemaker insert,,certainly no pain on on insertion,,,they used lidocaine,,,,the first 2-3 weeks post procedure were a bit uncomfortable with my left arm and chest being sore ,but I needed no pain meds nor was it horrible at all,,,,just a process of mending and knowing it was there,,,,one day it appeared to have sunk a bit into my chest wall and now I hardly feel its presence,,try to be positive and assume it will go smoothly,,,it’s there to help you and be your friend,,,before you know it,,,you will be just fine!
Thank you Hdev. I always find good advice on here from people who have been there. Thanks for your reply. I hope you and your lovely country are on the road to coping with this pandemic. Stay safe.
I was in a similar situation and got one almost 4 years ago. As others have said it is a simple procedure. But none have mentioned a wonderful benefit. The pacemaker maintains an electronic history of the heart's performance which you can upload to your cardio if you have any doubts that your heart is OK. Even better, if there is a problem that you don't notice the cardio should get a warning and ask you to come in or be taken in. I wish I had gotten mine long before.
I didn't know that. I am seeing the cardiologist soon so I will ask him about that. It's comforting to know that. Thanks for your reply.
Hi sarniacherie, I too had a very low pulse rate 4 years or so ago and needed a Pacemaker fitted. It was the best thing ever, both then and now...you are awake but have some sedation which just made me feel very chilled and mellow...then some local injected around the actual site itself...no pain whatsoever during or after it was fitted. It didn't take long at alI to have it fitted and the consultant and theatre staff chatted away with me and I responded as well as I could...in my rather mellow state 
They were fantastic and so is my Pacemaker believe me....I liken myself to the Duracell Bunny who can once again do all the things the low pulse rate interfered with at that time. :-)... I simply forget it is there now and go along for regular check ups at the Pacemaker clinic and have had no dramas...no blips...just smooth sailing all the way. Hope my insight and experience helps you to feel better about it all...Take care.
Thankyou so much, WeeLucy. All the replies have been so positive and calming.
Hi sarniacherie , sounds like good news to me. British Heart Foundation magazine had a feature some months ago on pace makers, the different types and how they work. Very interesting. They might have some good information online. Otherwise, I'd go to York Cardiology, Dr Sanjay Gupta, on YouTube. He has done some video talks about pacemakers, and he's VERY good.
I have watched Sanjay Gupta before but not the one on pacemakers. I will watch that. Thank you for your reply.
Like others have suggested on here, I would try not to be too concerned about the op. You don't say what kind of pacemaker as there are apparently several different versions depending on what it is supposed to do to help you. I had a CRT (Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy) pacemaker implanted on 31.10.19. Some incorporate a defibrillator but it was decided not to give me one of those. They were slightly concerned about where it was going to go as I am very thin and it was a bit uncomfortable getting the pacemaker and the wires into position but not unbearable. I just have 2 leads. I was kept in overnight and didn't fully appreciate that I was becoming Bionic Woman until someone appeared the following morning with the box to monitor my pacemaker, which is now by the side of my bed, and keeps the hospital information of any issues. I never really think about it now apart from an occasional twinge - possibly the wires shifting about a bit and it is sort of visible under my skin but as, at 74, my days of wearing skimpy clothing are over, it isn't really an issue. Although I am in persistent AF I think the pacemaker is more to do with heart failure in my case. I haver not noticed a massive difference since it was done though my ef has gone up from around 35% to 54% which is around the lower end of normal so something must be working!
Thank you for your reply Crystalbowl. It is reassuring to hear from people who have gone through the experience and have such positive things to say about the procedure and life afterwards. Keep well.
I’ve had a pacemaker for 12 years and am now 77. I had it done in a hospital catheter lab not an operating theatre with sedation. All the staff were very relaxed and it was obviously a routine procedure. While it is being inserted there is a bit of pushing with the wires being put in place but no pain. A tiny scar is all that you will see afterwards . The pm immediately made me feel much more confident when going out and about. After about 6 weeks from insertion I generally forgot it was there. You will be surprised at how many people are walking around with a pacemaker or a similar heart device. Best wishes.
Thank you for your reply. Since you lovely people replied to me I have read more about pacemakers. I am starting to see the benefits.
My heart rate was in the 40's when awake and into the 30's at night. At times there was no electrical activity in my heart at night. I was scared of the procedure, too. I had light sedation and honestly had no remembrance of procedure. Afterward the pain was minimal. I felt it was a lot easier than arteriograms and stent insertions. Hated the dye used. Made me feel panicked.
Thank you Elfiejean. I haven't had any procedures on my heart so far, just an MRI and the usual tapes and EGCs. I have a telephone consultation soon and all these replies have made me feel much better about having a pacemaker, if that is what is in store for me.
My Uncle had a pacemaker fitted at 86 years old. We were all very worried but he even discharged himself that night and got a taxi home and was fine. I am not suggesting you do that but am sure you will be fine.
Your reply made me smile. It also helps me to see I am building this up to be much worse than it is and I must just get on with it. Thank you for taking the time to reply.
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