Newbie

[Latelifespark]

Hello. Just joined and introducing myself and asking for a bit of advice. After several years of fainting at times (always to known triggers) with blood pressure fall panicking the medics, firing on less than 4 cylinders and then having a literal heart-stop moment in a gynae operation, I decided it was time to get investigations done. Tilt Test was horrible but showed the problem to be vasovagal syncope (which I knew) plus partial heart block meaning my heart slows more than it should so when I faint, everything drops. I am to receive a pacemaker and am told by the Consultant it will be "within 6 weeks" at one of two local hospitals. Happy with that, but wondering if the 6 week timeframe is likely to be delivered. Can anyone help? Or what to do (presume chase Cardiology) if 6 weeks looks like becoming umpteen? Thanks.

[Krazie]

I used to have faint and dizzy feelings. It turned out to be severe heart failure, in my case. Anyone with such symptoms needs a doctor check to make sure of the cause. I blew it off, and nearly died.

[Latelifespark]

Many thanks, Jo. Have made a diary note to chase them in a month.

[AliceAnnie]

As soon as it was known in May this year that I needed a pacemaker both the consultant and hospital cardiology department rang me to say that I was booked for a pre-assessment in 2 weeks and the procedure in 4 weeks. Hearing so many negative comments about the NHS I was amazed and pleased to have had surgery so promptly. No more dizziness, fainting or breathlessness due to complete heart block. I hope you get it done within 6 weeks as specified and feel as good as I do! I didn't realise how bad I felt until after I'd had it fitted. Good luck.

[S11m]

Bradycardia is, technically, low pulse rate rather than low blood pressure (hypotension), but my Bradycardia caused hypotension, and postural hypotension, and vascular cognitive impairment.

Vascular cognitive impairment is a temporary version of vascular dementia.

I also had Atrial Fibrillation, three Cardioversions two Catheter Ablations and two pacemakers.

They fitted an additional atrial lead with the second pacemaker, and I can now walk.

My old pacemaker's battery was low, and my Cardio said that the new pacemaker should be fitted in four weeks - and it was.

I find it impossible to communicate with the hospital - the best option is to get your doctor to chase them up - if you can get to see a doctor within a month.