Pacemaker

[Becbux]

Hi everyone, my wife has been referred for a pacemaker she is absolutely petrified at having it done she has always had anxiety but this time it’s really bad , she has AF and coming out of AF to normal rhythm she was passing out, she is 81 but if anyone can give her some assurance and encouragement l would be most grateful

[Hidden]

Hello

Tell your lovely wife that I am the worst anxious person you could ever meet yet I had a triple Bypass and somehow I managed it and it was nothing as I allowed my anxiety to blow it up to making it feel in my mind so if I can have that done your wife will be fine having a pacemaker

My Dad was in France on Holiday when he passed out and needed a pacemaker fitted before they would allow him home

He had it done and was out in a couple of days and was able to come home a couple of days later and he said he was glad he had it done and the reassurance it gave him

It is the unknown that I think we get anxious over the most but so many oon here have had this done and they all come back and say they are fine and your wife will be to

Tell her we are thinking about her and will look out for your posting to say how well she did because she will

Just to mention to let the Doctors and Nurses know how anxious she is as they will take very good care of her x

[Becbux in reply to Hidden]

Thank you BeKind

[Hidden in reply to Becbux]

x

[Peugeot207pwv in reply to Hidden]

Hello again, I always read your comments on here to remind me how amazing you are! My AF is constant and I’m waiting for another appointment with a Professor here in France as my ultrasound revealed a valve problem and enlargement of something, so dont know where this will lead? Due to my extreme anxiety like you, I have refused a lot of tests as I just can’t bear it… they don’t understand severe anxiety here in France!

[Hidden in reply to Peugeot207pwv]

Hello

I am not sure I am amazing but thank you

When you say France I always think how wonderful and here we are in the rainy UK

If it helps you feel any better suffering with anxiety for as long as I can remember my experiences are they do not understand it here either !

They make the right noises on TV about it but that is where is starts and finishes

I am very much like you though , I always avoided tests because I knew I would not cope if they found anything wrong and when I had my heart issues deep down I knew something was wrong for longer than I should have left it

I would casually mention it to the Doctor and change the subject quick so she would not pick up to much on what I had said

In a strange way it made me feel better I had said something but at the same time I knew I did not let her know just how bad and skipped past it quick so she would not suggest I needed any tests and then looked what happened

I now blame myself and think if only I had not let this anxiety get in the way I could have possibly avoided 3 heart attacks and Bypasses but we will never know but it has taught me a lesson at a high price even though I still really struggle to mention what is wrong with me and dread tests

We always think it will be the worst scenario as well before we even have them done or I know I always do

I have written the script in my head before I even get there and yet there has been many times it has not been as bad as my anxiety and imagination has created it to be or even nothing at all have they found with other things I have been tested for

I have a common sense side believe it or not that says get the tests done if there is something wrong the tests will not stop that outcome but they could do something to fix it but of course the anxiety then zooms in and knocks that common sense out the window and I am back to been anxious !

I have a very slight leaky valve and my Surgeon said that 3% of the population have one they just never know as it causes them no problems and they never have any heart issues so it never gets picked up

But with people with heart problems because of the tests we have done it does get picked up but that does not always mean if it is only slight anything needs doing and in my case at this moment she is happy with mine as it is so yours could be exactly the same

By the time you get to talk to the professor this could be nothing to worry about just something they may want to monitor but you know you have to go and yes that anxiety will invite itself along unwanted as it is but you can do it , if I can I know you can to

Let me know how you get on you have our support whatever

You will be ok x

[Peugeot207pwv in reply to Hidden]

Bless you, thank you so much. I have had phobias and never been able to even have a blood test, let alone surgery! I’m in my 60’s .. I discharged myself from hospital when more tests were needed. people don’t understand the severity of Anxiety and phobias! Just Dowloaded an app from Canada about helping my anxiety, however been to so many hypnotists, counsellors etc about it! But I’ve had lots of dental procedures with help of Valium!

[Hidden in reply to Peugeot207pwv]

I had to smile and now you have me admitting that I have discharged well tried to discharge myself from Hopital many times but I have kept quite as I thought that was only me that would do that

The thing we fear is something been wrong and we must fear that as we don't want anything to happen to us or have to deal with it yet finding out can stop anything happening to us as they can then do something but that anxiety is so strong it is like a little unwanted guest tormenting us all the time

Strange you have mentioned dentists a work of art getting me there and I had to go the other week and yes with the help of Valium to and she filled it and it does not seem to have worked I have really bad toothache and have to go back and already I have imagined she will have to pull my tooth and then I will bleed and it won't stop and I will be in trouble and I have not even been yet !

Keep looking at these apps some do help , they say Yoga helps which if you go on line there are loads to choose from

Also if you go onto You Tube and put in Claire Weekes she was someone that used to cure people with anxiety she has written many books as well which you can buy of Amazon but if you listen to her I think you might get something from what she says

You might have already heard of her but worth mentioning incase you have not come across her yet

Let me know how you get on x

[RufusScamp]

I was terrified, and I had one of the more complicated fittings. It all went smoothly - I have had worse experiences at the dentist! I spent most of the op discussing a local music concert. It is a very routine procedure, but I think most of us are rather scared before it. She should feel so much better afterwards.I had a couple of days soreness, paracetamol dealt with it, and a few weeks able to avoid heavy housework, so that will be your department! Best wishes to you both. I am sure she will be fine.

[Becbux in reply to RufusScamp]

Thanks RufusScamp.

[Snackjack in reply to RufusScamp]

I have been told I may have to have a Biventricular Pacemaker (apparently to do with the electrical circuit of the heart, three wires going in - sounds scary to me) and like becbux wife I am quite an anxious person. I do find your post somewhat re-assuring so thank you. I live on my own so any heavy housework will just have to wait.

[RufusScamp in reply to Snackjack]

I had the 3 wire version, with no problems, and I have recently been told my condition is much improved. Just remember, you can't drive for a while afterwards - you should be told how long for your case.I made up a stack of meals that just needed reheating before I went in, so no need to cook for a few days. You do have to be careful about lifting etc for a few weeks.

[Snackjack in reply to RufusScamp]

Thank you for that info, good to be aware of what I could be facing and questions to ask just in case they don't say.

[RufusScamp in reply to Snackjack]

The other bit of advice I would share is take clothes you can get into without raising your arm. I took a loose fitting blouse and a wrap.

[Snackjack in reply to RufusScamp]

Thank you, I wouldn't have thought of that.

[RufusScamp]

Do let us know how it goes. I am sure you will both feel the benefit!

[Becbux in reply to RufusScamp]

She has only just been referred they estimate 1 to2 months unless it’s an emergency then it’ll be done then buts that’s something we don’t want, thanks for your concern and l will let you know if anything happens. Take care.

[Becbux]

What a brilliant story thanks for that most assuring .

[Stanley18]

Hi

If you or your wife are on Facebook then please join our Pacemaker UK group. It’s a tremendously supportive and informative community.

Secondly, I’d like to make you both aware of the Arrhythmia Alliance Living with a Pacemaker online event which was broadcast last month. It’s free and very quick to register and you can watch all of the short presentations on demand. (You’ll find my patient story video there!)

loom.ly/N11lDuk

I hope that helps.

[Christopher_E]

I had to get a pacemaker last year at 63 years old. No history of heart issues with me or my family but suddenly developed heart block for some unknown reason that they never figured out. The implant is a very easy to go through. I believe it is usually done as an outpatient procedure with light sedation. I spent the night at the hospital just because mine was done later in the day. I understand getting nervous over medical procedures as I'm a wreck when getting even a blood draw yet I felt relaxed with the pacemaker implant as I knew the one-time simple procedure was fixing the issue. I've had it now for a year and don't even really notice it.

[VelvetSky]

Hi, my aunt had a pacemaker fitted when she was about 93yrs old, she was a great worrier about everything but she sailed through it. It definitely helped stop so many falls.

[Molben]

Hi, I can understand your wife’s anxiety but hope the comments on here can help her. I had my pacemaker last November and an AV node ablation a few days before Christmas. I had Atrial Tachycardia which really was ruining my life in many ways. I was so anxious about it all but I read what I could about it etc and found so much positivity. The more I knew the more empowered I was and not afraid of what was not there. I am now 4 months post pacemaker insertion and what a difference. I feel so much better not just because of the pacemaker but the reduction of medication that I no longer need. It has changed my life for the better, it hasn’t stopped me doing anything. I don’t know whether you look at Facebook but there is a group on there called ‘Pacemaker UK’, it is a private group but well worth joining. I did, and it was the best thing I did. Everyone is so supportive and helps you get through this. They were invaluable to me and calmed my nerves many a time. I hope I can repay by helping other people going through this. It is a big thing in the life of the person having the pacemaker. Tell your wife to never be afraid to ask questions, even if she thinks its trivial. I did. Good luck to her and you.

[R3mi]

Hi BecbuxThe advice I get . Is this is like having your own built in insurance policy for when you get older you are only 81 that is no age today unless you think you are in which case you will feel old. I am a bit younger than you I can tell you it doesn’t take long to settle in and you won’t even be aware of it, it doesn’t seem to stop me from doing anything so far so just know your body has its own fail safe device looking after you. You will be OK.👌

[SingingT]

Me too. I pass out under stress ( Vaso vagal syncope) but I managed it. I would recommend that your wife tells the Cardiologist about her anxiety and they will help her cope.She will feel so much better with the pacemaker. The AF events become less traumatic and much easier to live with.

I really feel for her so give her my love and best wishes from a fellow sufferer.

Tx

[Oldsurfdog]

I agree with all comments. My wife had hers done 12 months ago and she was scared but the op is very straight forward and done hundreds of times a year. The worst thing for my wife was coming to terms with it afterwards and trusting it. Take your time, small steps and small goals every day and try get her to talk to you about her feelings. We have done breathing exercises and a bit of meditation which really helps - do it together. My wife it’ll not quite there yet psychologically but physically she is fine. Just to prove it we have just got back from 7 days in Tenerife - her biggest step so far. Small steps and she will get there. Ps. Keep talking on this site and try to get your wife to post her thoughts it has really helped us. Take care - ian

[Bingo88]

Hello Becbux. Please tell your wife. There's nothing to be frightened about. I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks as well and I found it easier than going to the dentist. Which I hate. I didn't want to be sedated and drowsy and half and half. Would rather be awake. They put some numbing stuff on my shoulder where the pacemaker was going to be placed and all I felt was the pushing and prodding to get the pacemaker in place. It took 90 minutes in total for the whole procedure and I was fine immediately after the operation. Hope this helps and all goes well. Keep us informed how she is please Brian

[fallots]

Hi I had a crtd fitted 11 days ago. Procedure was uncomfortable at times, but got through it ok. Mine took 2 and half hours, but staff were brilliant. Im feeling really well and its only been 11 days. Pain after was bearable, not too bad at all, just took paracetamol and ibuprofen which did the trick. No pain at all now.

Hope your wifes goes well, which im sure it will 😊

[Sallyman]

Hi, tell your wife she has nothing to fear, I know several people who had a pacemaker fitted and has never looked back. I had open heart surgery (triple bypass) at age 68, and a triple A (Aeorta anùsrim) . I am 87 now and not a brother on me, still playing golf and all..

[Kwagmire]

Hi becbux I was the same realy anxiety and worry about having a pacemaker but good advice here and I eventually had mine implanted I dident decide until the day I went in for the opp but it’s the best decision Iv made in a long time so please go for it and don’t worry godbless you lwagnire

[kathie659]

62 yrs here. I had a pacemaker implanted 2 weeks ago. It was painful day of and day after surgery, but after that tylenol took care of discomfort. I was back to work 2 days after surgery.I was very surprised at the quick recovery time and would not hesitate to have this done again.

[Larivee]

I am 71 and have had a pacemaker for 9 years. Except for the bump on my chest, you don’t know it is even there. I have low pulse or bradycardia thus pacemaker keeps my heart in safe zone. So nothing to be anxious about.

[Hidden in reply to Larivee]

Hi, im waiting for a 3 day heart monitor to see if i need a pacemaker fitted after being diagnosed with bradycardia, lvh and mvp. I was on bisoprolol but came off it last week so the cardiologist can see how low my hr goes too when im medication free and it currently sits around 42 to 44 beats but can go to over 160 while resting with palpatations and irregular hr.How low did your heart rate go too before the pacemaker was fitted?

Regards

Taz71.

[Hidden]

Good afternoon, My circumstances are a bit different but I had my pacemaker fitted three weeks ago. I guess I didn’t have a lot of time to think about it much but appreciate the anxiety your wife may be experiencing. I guess a lot of it it will be about the unknown. My worries were less about afterwards as the cardiologist promised to make me a ‘ New Woman’ but more about the process. I am well on the way to being that new woman. The surgery was obviously a stepping stone to that. My pre med was very informative and the nurse tried to reassure me about every step of the way. This could be a good time to discuss specific anxieties and they will address them. Once on the ward everyone was supportive and helped and in theatre one nurse stayed and talked to me for much of the time. If this is where most of your wife’s anxieties lie then let them know at pre med and they will ensure she has someone supporting her.

I am not sure if this has helped but if she has specific worries I will help answer them if I can. Definitely a scary prospect but a stepping stone to a better quality of life.

[Christopher_E]

Keep in mind that having a pacemaker implanted is NOT open heart surgery. It's just a small incision in the upper corner of your chest, near the shoulder, where they slip the device in and work from there.

[MarinaT]

I had an emergency pacemaker fitted last May. My heart kept stopping! There is nothing to be worried about. I was chatting to the surgeon throughout. 6 weeks of not putting my arm above my head. Now I can hardly see a scar. Hope all goes well.

[ibnseena5]

Tell your wife not to panic. I have to be a very anxious patient and I had to have a linq monitor removed at the same time the pacemaker was being put in. I would also strongly suggest if you are on Facebook, there is an excellent site Pacemaker UK which is only related to pacemakers, unlike this site, which has all types of CHD and not always entirely relevant. Tell your wife to "listen to her body" and just take everyday as it comes.

[Cjb12]

i am 70 had AF but clear up with an ablation a few years ago... none since...but have irr. beat and slow heart rate. the pacemake only kicks in when needed. I was worried also.... but the drs. know what you need. and trust them. i have heard of people in 90s getting one and no problems... hears to fixing all our broken parts and live it up while you can.

[Hidden]

Hi Becbux: My experience was not passing out but weak heart muscle due to chemo from breast cancer. I understand her anxiety about a pacemaker. I was referred to a surgeon for a pacemaker. He told me they try medicine first. I finally found medicines that I could take. My (2nd) Heart Doctor is checking my ejection fraction (heart muscle). I have yet to receive my test results to see how my heart is doing. We'll see what will happen now. I can tell I am doing fine by the activities I can do now. I am younger than your wife. 2015 (2 years after Breast Cancer), Couldn't breathe and went to ER. Would not tell me what was wrong. Later, AF, heart failure, etc. Keep pushing for a pacemaker, but I just didn't feel lead to get a pacemaker and wanted to try other options. My Husband and (2nd) Heart Doctor didn't push me into a pacemaker, and I was able to weigh other options. I have to have peace of mind with it and not second guess my decision, that is why I did not have a pacemaker as of 2022. I've talked to some who have had pacemaker and some who had no choice. I am unable to give encouragement as the others because of the guidelines that popped up on my screen before I wrote this. This is my story. Hopefully, you and your wife will check out all your options, if any. Maybe, a second opinion like I did. Have a Wonderful Day!

[Becbux in reply to Hidden]

Hi CillyGirl , Sorry to hear what you have been through l hope when you receive your test results everything comes back ok , l understand why you can’t give any encouragement.and that’s perfectly fine she has had plenty from the kind people on this forum, l hope everything goes well for you, Take care.

[37Polly]

I am an 81 yr old female with afib. I have a pacemaker that was installed two years ago. I, too suffer with anxiety, and can honestly say it was the easiest procedure I have ever had. I went home the same day, and except for needing to be careful while healing, it was a simple easy event. Wish I had known how much better I would feel. I could have enjoyed our holidays…which preceded the procedure. She will be amazed. I never think about it. Good luck.

[Becbux in reply to 37Polly]

Thank you 37Polly for your lovely post to read from someone who seems to be almost identical as my wife in having anxiety etc was most reassuring when l showed her your letter it made her feel better about it , we haven’t had a holiday or any sort of break for over two years now so let’s hope that will change when it’s done. Once again thank you and stay well take care.

[37Polly in reply to Becbux]

So glad to be of some small comfort. One day at a time. Tomorrow will be better once this is past. Lots of support here, with good thoughts. I am convinced it helps.

[Becbux in reply to 37Polly]

Hi 37Polly. My wife has just had a date for her pacemaker and l was looking in the instruction booklet where it says you will still have to take your medication because it does not stop your heart from speeding up l take it that all it’s for is to kick start the heart when slowing down sorry to ask but did you have to continue with medication your thoughts on this would be appreciated , thanks , Take care.

[37Polly in reply to Becbux]

Sorry I have been away from this site so I missed this….and yes I still take medication to keep heart rate from going too high. However it sometimes is not enough and I have major tachycardia so I am now pursuing ablation. EP feels sure they will be able to limit or stop my episodes of Tachycardia. Science is amazing. Again apologies for missing your question till now.🙏

[Dee1982]

My Electrophysiologist is suggesting a pacemaker for me. I have Afib and other heart conditions. I am in and out of Afib. My heart constantly fluctuates l go from high to suddenly low. Meds doesn’t seem to be working because my heart rate is not controlled. I’m currently in the hospital due to my heart rate being extremely high and blood pressure through the roof. I’m being closely monitored. I can’t standup without my heart rate hitting 160bpm.

[37Polly in reply to Dee1982]

The pacemaker will help. It will allow your doctor to medicate the high heart rate without risking your heart going dangerously low. I suffered from the same, called brady-tachy, the super highs and lows. It has mostly worked for me. Now, after two years, considering ablation for those super high events. So glad to hear someone else who can’t walk when I go ober 160-180+.

[Dee1982 in reply to 37Polly]

What heart conditions do you have if you don’t mind me asking. Out of nowhere my heart suddenly spikes l get dizzy as if I’m gonna passout l start to sweat so bad my hands get clammy l get short of breath. It’s tiring having a heart rate that doesn’t rest. I tried so many meds and nothing seems to be working. They said it could be a dysfunctioning of my SA node. I had an episode earlier this morning my chest started hurting and my heart rate hit 195bpm it lasted 1 minute then it came down to 170,140,159,175,120,110 it was just all over the place. They told me to push down as if l was having a bowel movement. That didn’t work. They massaged my vagus nerve it came down a little but not much. They gave me cardizem then that brought it down