Breathless after ICD/pacemaker

Since my stent in October 2019 & then the ICD 6 weeks later, I have been breathless and had swollen ankles, neither of which I had before. I had my first MOT on my ICD in January and told the technician of my situation. She told me this would be addressed at my next visit in April, but this has now been postponed until October, obviously due to the virus. Unfortunately I haven't seen a cardiologist since nor do I have an appointment and I find this very distressing. I have been to my GP twice about it and both times I was told I just need to wait as the ICD takes time. I am on bisoprolol 5mg twice a day and Losartan.

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

Hi. If that was me I’d push to get assessed a bit sooner than October. I do remember at certain times (I’ve had a long career in heart problems) medics were rather interested in swollen ankles. Is there a GP in your practice who specialises in hearts? Could you ring, or might your GP be prevailed on to ring the Cardiac service, for advice? Mine has done it when I’m there, too. Very helpful.

[Hidden in reply to Kristin1812]

My Doctor retired & now I don’t have a designated medic though I did see one near the end of January who said she would chase up an appointment but when I asked again 6 weeks later, she had forgotten. There is no specialist of any sort of the 8 doctors at the surgery. The Pacemaker technician said I could use a monitor at home instead but I haven’t got one and though she said two weeks ago she would send me one, she hasn’t. I am chasing the monitor from the hospital this week.

[Kristin1812 Heart Star in reply to Hidden]

And maybe chase up the Dr who failed to chase an earlier appointment?

I’ve seen them measure ankles (just a tape measure), and check if it’s getting worse. Might be useful data ?

[Foxhound24]

Had the same problems and still do get breathless and swollen ankles but still here that’s bonus just pace yourself and enjoy life,hopefully like me you will get to a level you are happy with or will get better it takes time.

[Hidden in reply to Foxhound24]

Thank you for that, I will bear that in mind.

[Foxhound24 in reply to Hidden]

Can take up to 18 months so hopefully you will be a lot better by then

[Hidden in reply to Foxhound24]

Gosh that long? I haven’t had any health professional help me with information, only those that have had experience, so I appreciate it. When I left hospital they just said not to stretch my left arm for 6 weeks. Any info I get from BHF booklets & other recipients.