CRT-P pacemaker

[Tototcx]

Having recently had a pace and ablate procedure I find that I've been hit by a bout of anxiety. Part of this is because I don't fully understand how mine works. All the new language is hard to understand and learn. A CRT-P device seems to be highly complex in its different functions which nobody has explained to me probably because it's too much to explain in a short appointment. The settings such VVI or DDD obviously mean something. So my question, is does anyone have any or can signpost me to any literature that can give me more information, particularly about settings etc.

TIA

[BobD Volunteer]

Basically all you need to know is that the pacemaker controls your heart and after the AV node is ablated you will be largely dependent on it. Best not to worry about how or why it works as it is above our pay grade. I had one fitted last week and so long as it doesn't hurt I'm quite happy. I'm sure that if you list some questions you will be able to get them aswered at your six week PM checkup.

[Tototcx in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob. I know the basics. I want to know the nitty gritty. I already have a page of questions and was wondering if there was any easily obtained literature. Being a scientist I need to know! Lol.

[Nannysue1 in reply to BobD]

How are you doing Bob

[baba in reply to BobD]

What happened to "knowledge is power" Bob?

I'm with Tototcx, I like to know the whys and wherefores, and don't agree that "too much information will / can cause anxiety." Golfer60UK

[Tototcx in reply to baba]

Thanks Baba. I've actually found out a lot more information on the Pacemaker Club forum . I'm not looking to do an electrophysiology internship lol. Just basics such as settings and modes and why I was given a Boston Scientific Visionist x4 biventricular pacemaker because it was never explained. In fact I hadn't realised that there were so many different types!

[baba in reply to Tototcx]

uptodate.com/contents/impla...

[Tototcx in reply to baba]

Thankyou 😁

[Hidden]

I have a dual chamber pacemaker (now on my 3rd) and I’ve looked up these term on Google and there are answers …. I’m not a scientist so I just see words that are English but I don’t understand all the information!

[Tototcx in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the reply. I think everything is digital online these days but I've found some resources now. I hate not knowing stuff but ultimately I think I'm going to have to start getting used to my new normal!

[Golfer60UK]

Hello, I agree with Bob, too much information will / can cause anxiety. I had an Pacemaker and AV node ablated 2021 and feel so much better these days as am back to my routines.All I asked the Cardiologist was what would happen if the PM broke, she said they don't, I replied humour me, so she said no I would not die as my heart would slow right down but it would give me time to get to a hospital.

All i needed to know really.

My advice would be to relax, and in time enjoy the new feelings of improvement in life

Dave

[Nannysue1 in reply to Golfer60UK]

Hi Dave I'm due a pace and ablate next month, got my date through and with that some anxiety! Do you feel like you did before the dreaded AF, so what I would call normal or just better than you did since AF? Thanks Sue

[Golfer60UK in reply to Nannysue1]

Hello Nanysue1, I really feel more like I used to prior to AF. Have more energy and no anxiety at all. Golf is my hobby and I am back to 3 x times per week. This week however it has been 4 x times as I played for the Senior Club TeamBest wishes

Dave

[Nannysue1 in reply to Golfer60UK]

Oh that's really good to hear. Fingers crossed it does the same for me. 2yrs in permanent AF now and have forgotten what sinus rhythm feels like. Congratulations on the golf and thanks for the reply.

[Golfer60UK in reply to Nannysue1]

You are most welcome

Best wishes

Dave

[Spin-off]

I am very new to this forum and have been reading so many contributions-it’s mostly very helpful and reassuring. Your posts have particularly interested me because I think I have the same need to understand detail as you do! If I can better understand what may happen to me I feel I can relax more. I’m so pleased you’re doing well after the pace and ablate. I’m thankfully still in SR on amiodarone and Apixaban. I know I’m deep down still anxious - the last episode was so frightening but I’m keeping as calm as possible. I see the consultants in December about next steps. Do you have any tips for me? Particular things I should ask/find out? I’d be most grateful.