Pacemaker settings after AV node ablation

[SMwils]

Hello

I had a AV Node ablation a week ago

I already had a pacemaker and pace set for 80bpm until August then changed then.

Doing ok not much energy but know this is probably normal as only a week ago

I have been very short of breath mainly on exertion

I am under Barts Hospital I have been for many years

I phoned the pacing clinic and it seems they may have to tweak settings

Has anyone had any issues this quick after AV node ablation with breathing difficulties or similar?

Thank you

[bgzcle]

I have had the exact same procedure and the same beginning Pacemaker setting of 80 BPM. Feeling Fatigued is probably normal, but shortness of breath I don't know, with my TackyBracky before AV Ablation, I had frequent shortness of breath, I find now it is a little better along with my endurance of climbing stairs. Next week I go in for my Pacemaker adjustment down to 70 BPM and ultimately 60 BPM about 90 days later. I think every adjustment of of the pacemaker BPM downward will give us more energy and better endurance, at least it is what my doctor thinks, sounds logical to me. Best of luck, hope you get to breathing and feeling better.

[SMwils in reply to bgzcle]

Hi

Thank you

I was Tachy/Brady and flutter as well. I also had some breathing issues which comes with the territory, but this seems worse

But Barts are going to see me on Monday to do checks could be pacemaker needs some tweaking

Yes fatigued thought I would feel full of energy by now but it’s only been just over a week so suppose I expected too much

Got to build up stamina

I am sure I will keep going forward and feel the full benefits in a while

Regards Shirley

[SMwils in reply to bgzcle]

forget to say I hope so too on the lowering of the pace that does sound logical as well

[DawnTX]

I would be surprised if anyone did not have issues. I don’t know what your heart rate had been before the pacemaker, and before the AV node was done but no doubt you’ve been sat lower. My first setting was 80 and even that was considered very low.

I had had in the 150s for over a year so they take one step at a time. That one did not bother me and then the following month I was put to 70. That seemed easier it when I just had it put to 60 I was having a fib symptoms all the way home and I continued to the point I was going to ask to be put back to 70. All of a sudden, just like it came on it went away and for the most part it has been all great. I think we expect too much of our bodies and we have to be kind to it and patient. As with any procedure it’s going to take time to heal. Think about what was done to you. All of this was the best thing I could’ve done for myself. I still get short winded once in a while, but I also have heart failure and have found out that the things I feel may also be tied to that. You are going to feel better remember that

[SMwils]

Thank you

I spoke to hospital yesterday and it is an issue with the RV lead

They cannot use the lead as I am sensitive to it. They tried last week at the Pacemaker clinic but it sends small tingling shocks constantly, so I cannot leave with that.

They may have to re position the lead into another area of right ventricle, evidently there has been some success in putting it into another area of right ventricle which is better and paces the heart better, however this will mean another procedure. But, I won’t be able to cope forever with breathing issues like I have.

The hospital are seeing me in 4 weeks to lower pace from 80 to 70 I think, they will do more tests to see if they can help, but I think another procedure will have to be done but that won’t be for a couple of months.

It is frustrating and debilitating for me knowing I have to put up with breathing problems and fatigue for months, especially as it took me years of indecision before I agree to the AV node ablation