Has anyone here decided not to get a pacemaker, in spite of cardiologist suggesting it?
What was your experience? Did you regret it, or felt you made the right decsion?
Pacemaker doubts: Has anyone here... - British Heart Fou...
Pacemaker doubts
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cardinal177
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I do not believe it is my role to disagree with a specialist-recommended treatment - after all, I am not the surgeon with 20/40 years of experience giving you the advice. By all means ask for a second opinion, if you think that is the way to go but to contradict a specialist's advice - never happen!
As for regretting my decision later on - of course, there must be, for who am I to contradict a specialist? and when I get twinges and pains - where am I going to go - Ghost Busters - Who knows!
You are so lucky. If I were to be offered a "get out of jail" card I would grab it in a heart beat.My bradycardia episodes always precipitates ectopics.
My mother (83) has declined first offer of surgery for one. AF diagnosed years ago but recently admitted to A&E about 8 weeks ago with pulse 40 one minute then up to 160 at blink of an eye. Admitted for tests etc, sick sinus syndrome, discharged with urgent appt for pacemaker. Offered this about 3 weeks later but as it was only offered under local anaesthetic she declined. Has anxiety and agoraphobia so it panicked her. No ill effect. She had meds tweaked in hosp, bisoprolol stopped and apart from needing her smelling salts on occasions she is fine. However, I’d rather she had pacemaker as she is otherwise fit and well snd a specialist has recommended it. I know she won’t. We’ve discussed cardiac arrest and other problems, she doesn’t want resuscitating and is of sound mind. Got to do what you got to do. I wish you well. Take care ❤️
I do sympathise with your mother's feelings. The experience of having pacemaker fitted under local anaesthetic was, to put it mildly, quite challenging. I am also very, very squeamish, which did not help, as I heard all the conversation of medical staff about what was going on. But, I did ask for as strong sedative as possible before the op it all seemed a bit "unreal" and therefore bearable.
So, if anyone as squeamish, as me can survive it I think, if it is really needed, perhaps your mother should reconsider. Especially since she is otherwise in good health, so she can enjoy good quality of life much longer without this problem hanging over her.
In my case I had no choice, this pacemaker was fitted as an emergency. and literally saved my life, Even tough my health is not very good, and my quality of life even worse, I am glad I have this extra time, when I have been "rewarded" for conquering my fears with meeting my first great-grandchild.
Whatever your mother decided, pass her my best wishes Bingofox.
Dear cardinal177
I can understand your worry but I think that you need to find out how the pacemaker works, what kind it is and why your cardiologist would recommend you having one fitted.
I have a CRT-d fitted { Cardiac resynchronisation Therapy with a defibrillator } and I am very great full for it is my protection against Sudden Death Syndrome { SDS } which is what would have happen without it as they feel that there would not have been enough time to save me other than if it happened in hospital.
Personally I would find out a bit more about why they think that its right to spend so much money fitting this for you, armed with that information will help you make the choice only you can make.
Work close with your cardiologist, its not a “ once in a lifetime offer” and if you did decide later to have it done then I am sure { if you are still suitable } you can.
Take care my thoughts are with you
cardinal177 in reply to
Thanks so much for your comments. The pacemaker is for my husband. Basically he had a couple of heart pauses of 6 and 8 secs during the night..but nit during the day. This was on a holter over three days monitoring. The cardiologist was just going to monitor him I think but he slept on it, and after consulting a colleges..decided(based on all the evidence etc) that a pm was the best way forward. Thing is my husband feels well.. has never had a blackout ( only a few occasions where he felt momentarily dizzy when standing up suddenly). And knowing that the cardiologist was not certain until he talked to colleague.. we feel we don’t fully understand and keep thinking we should get a second opinion. Or talk again to doc. But they just seem so busy!
in reply to cardinal177
I agree now that you have filled in a few gaps that you definitely need a second opinion before you make up your mind, { I certainly would have in those circumstances} like the rest of us you have to press your case { I know } to get these answers.
Personally I would have thought that your husband would have a few more tests first to get the full picture of his heart and any problem that it is showing.
Its a worry for you both as it is for most of us but with more knowledge you can a lest decide just what path to go down.
My thoughts are with you both.
Hi, I hope that my experience will help a little. At 6am four years to the day almost, my heart paused and I tumbled down the stairs. I was in a neck brace for eight hours. The doctors diagnosed sinus node bradycardia and I received a PM.
I therefore urge your husband to think carefully about those heart pauses during the night; I support the comments elsewhere in this thread that such an event in a different time and place could be catastrophic.
Well done for reaching out to this community. I wish you both the very best.
I was the same as your husband, having pauses during the night after 3 day holter test, they fitted monitor under skin to record heart.I’ve had 2 ablations & pacemaker fitted nearly 3 years now & am 45. Was awake for procedure and home the same day, go for check up once a year, Pacemaker is there as more of a back up.
thanks for your reply..appreciated
Thank you. That’s what I am thinking. He did ask if he could have a second opinion. But his doctor said that he had talked to his well respected colleague and they had both come up with the same conclusion. We are not saying tge cardiologist s are wrong. But the fact is.. the second doctor (second opinion). Hasn’t actually sat down with us and explained her point of view. We would even go down the private route. Surely you should be 100% convinced that you are doing the right thing first? Al so the cardiologist has told her m he must not drive
Hi, I can understand both of your concerns, but, from what I've read your husband sounds just the way my father-in-law was 18 months ago.He was 82 years old, felt well, fit as a fiddle and active, no symptoms aside from a little dizziness now and again. Out walking, he keeled over with a blackout and spent the next few days in hospital. He was diagnosed with 2nd degree Heart Block, for which there are no symptoms. He was lucky and only smashed his face up, whereas he could have been driving, and the result catastrophic. He was stopped from driving until he was fitted with a pacemaker. Eighteen months he's back to the way he was.
I have a pacemaker myself, fitted in 2012. My circumstances are much different, but I would say in my experience having a PM is no hassle.
I'm not monitored other than an annual check, so, I see it as a fit and forget part of me.
Should a second opinion prove no different to the first, the procedure itself is very straightforward, as is convalescense.
I hope it goes well, whichever wa y it progresses,
Best wishes
cardinal177 in reply to
hi thanks for replying. i totally understand what your saying, and I know the cardiologist may well be right. It seems your father in law was recommended a pacemaker AFTER he suffered the blackout. would he have been given a pacemaker if he had only had very infrequent (few seconds) dizzy spells on standing up or changing position in bed?So far my husband has no symptoms..apart from a few slight dizzy spells which hardly ever happen.....then again...it sounds like your father in law had the dizzy spells which later progressed to a blackout?
Thats the worry of course..that if he doesnt get it, then he may progress to a blackout in the future...it feels like the cardiologist just wants to protect against the possibility of this happening in the future? Its just that i keep reading that a pacemaker is indicated when you have syncop or near syncope.
sorry to go on about this!
in reply to cardinal177
Hi, Sorry for replying again. You are correct about my father-in-law, but, I say this tongue in cheek, I've known him for nigh on forty years and this was the first time he'd been in hospital, and he was a bit put out that he had to see a Cardio. He wasnt happy by any means.
Getting back to your husband, take every step carefully, make considered decisions, and don't let yourself get bounced into doing something you're unsure of. A forum like this can be great, but, the likes of myself reply based on our own experiences , without always knowing the full picture of what's going on.
Trust in the Cardiologist can be a huge factor in how you progress, I'm lucky in 36 years I've only been under the care of two Cardiologists and two surgeons. I trust my Cardiologist 100%, I may be wrong, but, I suspect you don't have that luxury. Mine says jump, I jump.
I'd also suggest to take a step back and ask yourself what you'd have done if you hadn't come on here. It may be worth giving it some thought, as your mind can be clouded with two much information, pulling you one way or another.
One final thought from me is for yourself, I've always found being the patient the easy part, pretty weird considering my history, whereas, partners in my opinion have it harder, particularly emotionally and keeping things going, which can be hard going.
Take care.
Heed
cardinal177 in reply to
Thanks Heed. Was good to get your long reply. Today I think I was panicking a bit..going on about getting private consultations etc….Ihave decided to try to stay calm. And let my husband make the decision…all our life he has been so strong and provided well for myself and our two daughters ..my daughter says I now have to be the strong one ..🥲. Thanks for understanding what it’s like.for the partner. Wish you well..and will let you know what happens 🙂
I have just had a pacemaker , ICD fitted at the age of 60 as I have a inherited condition and was the same didn’t know what to do but can I say none of us are doctors and we can only speak for each of us but these dizzy turns or pauses could be warning and signs my dad was 53 when he dropped dead due to a massive heart attack they didn’t have the knowledge of science and equipment so please take advantage and listen to your doctor! I have had all these feelings you are having but trust me as I was told it will keep you here on earth longer I am just two weeks after having mine done and the happiness and peace of mind I have is great but you have to make your very own decision we can only tell you if our experience, It was a hard decision wishing you both well
Thank you so much for your reply. A lot of people have replied on here and it’s been so helpful.. will let you all know.How are you after two weeks? Still sore?
Another way to look at it is , if they said they wouldn’t give him the procedure it would be totally different and you would both be feeling that ! Just another way to look at it! Please keep posting! 👍🏻
Hello 
I agree if your Husband has been advised he needs a pacemaker then do not question it have it
My Dad was about his age and was on Holiday in France he passed out and got rushed into their Hospital they said he needed a pacemaker , he had it done the next day was out in a couple of days and on his way home
He was glad he had it done and never had any problems
I know you have said your Husband has never passed out but maybe he is lucky they have picked up he needs one before he gets to that stage
I do not think they suggest these things if they are not sure it is not needed but if you feel you want a second opinion of course that is what you will have to do
I hope you take their advice though and come and let us know how you get on and what your Husband decided to do and how he is x
cardinal177 in reply to
hi thanks so much for your reply. I know what your saying, and the chances are he may just go ahead. The anxiety is really quite bad now. I guess the main stumbling block in our decision..is the fact that he has never had a blackout.
The decision was made because he had a couple of heart pauses on a holter.....6 and 8 seconds respectively) during the night. Just the very rare dizzy spells on changing movement( happened last week when he was down at the pub having a pint, looking at his phone then got up and felt dizzy for a few seconds then it passed.
in reply to cardinal177
Hello
I get what you are saying but not everyone that needs a pacemaker has to pass out
My Dad had never passed out and then all of a sudden and in a different Country at that he did and it was quite frightening
All I can think is I know the NHS are struggling so would not offer something they think was not needed
Could you talk with the Consultant and ask these questions which are making you doubt if he needs one they would be able to explain why he does
If you have the Consultants name or letter their Secretaries phone number is usually on it or you can get through to the switch board and ask to be put through and ask if it would be possible to have another talk with the Consultant
I had 3 heart attacks led to a triple Bypass , I thought the little things I decided to ignore were nothing and then ended up like I did , I wished I had listened more to my Doctor when she was wanting to put me on certain meds and so on and had not questioned it , I often wonder would what happened have happened if I had
I would not want either you or your Husband to ever have to have those regrets
Remember the NHS give nothing lightly to patients they have a budget , long waiting lists so to me it says they see something that tells them your Husband needs the benefit of a pacemaker
You will both work this out and I look forward to hearing what you decide x
cardinal177 in reply to
Thank you. I so appreciate your reply. Will let you know what happens. All the very best to you
in reply to cardinal177
And to your and your Husband to x
I think you’re anxious about the wrong things, I’d be anxious because of the heart pauses, of the good chances that will turn into a cardiac arrest, not because of the procedure of having a pacemaker fitted!The danger are the heart pauses not the minor surgery of having a pacemaker fitted, this must be very clear in your minds!
He’s not particularly worried about the procedure(just a necessary/temporary evil). He had just wished that the consultant had given him another holter test..just to be sure. He says things like.. what if the monitor leads temporarily came off during the night(one morning this actually happened as he woke up and he quickly put it back on again. Doc doesn’t think that could be the case tho
If the lead had come off it would be a different tracing all together on the holter ecg.And what are the chances that both leads came off and on again seconds later?
Can’t argue with your logic there
Hi.I had exactly same symptoms, monitoring showed I had a couple of night pauses. Never blacked out, just occasional few second dizzy spells. Had pacemaker fitted and been fine since. When checked, no pauses etc. Thing is as explained by the consultant is that pauses tend to start lasting longer and longer if nothing is done. I don't regret having it done at all.
T Hank you! Out of interest..have you had the pacemaker info checked ie how many times(or not) that you have been paced? Ie has it ever had to spring into action and can this be detected
My pacemaker is set at 50bpm so my heart rate can’t go below 50 which is why the pauses don’t happen anymore. I’ve had it checked a few times now and everything is fine.
It’s like I said my dad had never passed out or blackout and he fell once and that was final as I say we are not doctors and they won’t do it if he didn’t need it ! I had my surgery done at 9 was back by 11 and home by 6.15 all in one day and I was awake through it and thought it’s amazing what they can do to help us! As I say goodluck 👍🏻
Thanks again
I did not want a pacemaker, (June), so we left it that I would see the cardiologist again in December to make a final decision, and I was provisionally booked in for Jan. I looked at all available info on the topic, especially that from the BHF, and decided that I probably did want it. In October, I was offered an immediate slot, which I took. I have not regretted it. My condition has greatly improved.If your cardio team are prepared to offer it, I would recommend taking their advice. The procedure is not that bad, and makes such a difference.
Thanks for your reply. Did you have symptoms before.? I mean, like blackouts?
I had no symptoms until I developed a chest infection when my severe heart failure was diagnosed - immediately after I had spent a week walking in the Alps.
Oh that must have been a shock. I feel for you, and hope you are ok..I’m 71. So we’re about same age!
Wish you well
Thank you. I am feeling well, even with this heat. Keep us informed as to what you decide. We are all rooting for you.
will do
Dear Cardinal177I’ve read all the comments and on why he was suggested a pacemaker to be fitted and for me it is very clear why!
They have on the recording of the holter clear evidence that your husband’s heart stopped for a few seconds and this is just within a few days period.
That suggest that it is something that happens often.
Why waiting for a cardiac arrest and possible death?
The cardiologist discusses it with his medical team, this is very normal and if they were all in agreement it is def something that needs doing.
Every patient cost a lot of money to the NHS, I can assure you that he would not be fitted with one if there were no doubts for him needing one.
A pacemaker is a lifesaver, it does not cause any harm, if not some bruising and discomfort for a few weeks following the operation.
No medications are then needed in order to support its function and the pacing checks are now, most of the times done remotely.
We are sooo lucky to live in a time with amazing technology and in a country where we can have that technology for free.
I just struggle to understand the doubts, I’m sorry!
If you want a second opinion you cannot ask your cardiologist who already checked with his team but you will need to ask for your husband’s medical file and go private I guess.
I hope that with my message I will help your husband to make the right choice.
All the best
I am 77 and just had a pacemaker fitted in May having had AFib since aged 50 and sometimes tachycardia ( 145bpm non stop for weeks at a time just like the effect of a Marathon ). I have had 3 ablations to try and fix it which worked for a while then failed each time. The pacemaker has transformed my life. (If it wasn't for the sciatica I could be running a marathon now !) I was awake for the Pacemaker and the accompanying AV node ablation and could hear the conversations with the theatre staff and could ask questions - fascinating! I so wish I had had the pacemaker fitted years ago. Just do it!!
Thanks for your advice!
It sure if I already replied to you.. but I found your advice very sensible and helpful..thanks!
I cannot think of any reason why anyone wouldn’t listen to a cardiologist and have a pacemaker fitted if it was recommended.
I get what your saying
Suggested? Or recommended? There’s a difference. If the specialist put it forward as a suggestion, something to consider, that’s one thing.If he recommended it, as a possible life saver or life enhancer, I’d go for it.
Never had a pace maker but from what I hear they’re not difficult to fit and are maintained reasonably easily.
Recommended. Given an appointment two weeks later
I had a 2nd ablation for Afib back in 2019 and about 3 weeks after the procedure I blacked out when I stood up. I contacted my surgeon who didn’t seem overly worried and prescribed some meds which seemed to help.To cut a long story short, I had a 3 month 48hr houlter check followed very quickly by an urgent letter saying I might need a PM.
We don’t know how, but I’d develop heart block and I was having 8-12 second pauses and my resting HR at night was around 40.
I was convinced this would get better as I thought my heart had had a bit of a bruising during the Ablation and was on the mend.
So I had another Houlter, but unfortunately it came back with the same results.
So a dual chamber PM was implanted, which keeps my resting HR above 50 and fills in when any delays are monitored between the Sinus and AV node.
It’s far less intrusive than I imagined and I’ve been Afib and Heart block free for the last 3 years.
I’d advise seeking an opinion from a Specialist EP if you’ve not already done that.
My EP pointed out that with diagnosed heart block I’d need to surrender my driving license unless I had a PM, this made my decision easier.
The only things I can’t do with a PM are contact sports (I retired from Rugby a long time ago), MRI scans and some Airport scanners.
I had several episodes of light headiness and my heart beat suddenly dropping to 40bpm whilst exercising. Had every test available MRI,ECG,Stress test, holtor monitor etc and they found nothing wrong. 4weeks later I collapsed at home ,blue lighted to hospital, had a pace maker fitted and walked out of hospital perfectly fine the next day. I was lucky I blacked out on the sofa and had a soft landing-I could have been driving , in a plane , crossing the road , cycling ,swimming and the outcome could have been a lot worse etc. -it was a choice of life and death in my case. Even if you are presenting mild symptoms (or none according to my tests!) they can develop in to something more acute without warning as was my experience and I wouldn’t question the cardiologists recommendation.
Thank you. Totally valid points you are making
Having a pacemaker fitted had completely given me back my life. I am 41 one and last and this time last year I had stopped cycling, driving and I was pretty much afraid to go anywhere due to my heart block which would cause my hr to suddenly drop below 40, making me nearly faint and lose consciousness.
I was due for an aortic valve replacement in November 22, the brought me in and had surgery on 01st October. While they were opening my chest, my heart stopped for 20 seconds straight. When I woke up after the surgery, which went really well, I was in total heart block and they fitted a pacemaker 2 days later.
I never had such episodes anymore and now I can do pretty much anything. It has given me my life back.
I'll just add my experience, which is rather like your husband's. I had bypass surgery in 2020 and I had a follow-up 24 hour tape some 6 weeks later to check all was OK. It picked up episodes of arrythmia at night only - which I (obviously) wasn't aware of. The cardiologist said it was a type of heart block with is harmless and doesn't require treatment. But they did another 24 hour tape a year later. By this stage I had a different type of heart block - but also only at night and (again) I wasn't aware of it. This time they changed my medication to see if it made a difference, but a further 24 hour tape showed the same thing. So I was advised to have a pacemaker.....but I felt very well and had no symptoms, so I was doubtful. My cardologist explained I had a choice whether to get the pacemaker - but there was a risk that the heart block could deteriorate further and the consquences could be significant. So I decided to get it done. It was done in March this year and now I feel like I have a personal in-built paramedic always ready for action! It's reassuring.
Thank you
I am amazed that you are having doubts about having a pacemaker fitted!
If in these times a cardiologist has recommended one, given the cost to the strapped NHS and how busy they are, then it is certainly needed
I had one fitted on my 67th birthday with 48 hours notice after being on a monitor - I had had a few dizzy spells but only one blackout a few months previously.
I'm not sure why you are concerned that your husband hasn't actually had a blackout YET - do you want to wait until he is behind the wheel before he has one - endangering both himself and other road users?
The procedure is pretty straightforward with only a minimum of discomfort for a few weeks with an annual check up
The only thing you have to be careful about is going through security monitors - this works well at airports as you have to be "frisked" instead and sometimes jump the queue!
Also the other thing to consider is that now your husband has been diagnosed as needing a pacemaker he will not be able to drive until one is fitted as per DVLA rules
I hope everything goes well for you both
Thank you
Hiya,
I have a defibrillator type pacemaker and I didn't have a second thought. The procedure was absolutely fine no pain or discomfort. You are right to do your research first but I strongly recommend that you have one fitted. Anyhow best of luck
Thanks!
I had a pacemaker after having palpitations and the odd dizzy spell but nothing huge, I had the holter and then had a loop recorder fitted, that proved I had Type 2 heart block. As others have said on here I wouldn’t question the consultant. Also as the NHS are severely under funded and overworked I can’t imagine that offering the procedure would come lightly, that may be another thought to ponder. I do hope your husband makes the right decision and I wish you both all the best.
Thank you Kimkat… he is going in for his appointment on the 23rd where the cardiologist will explain everything in great detail and after that. He can decide to go ahead or not.. all your points are totally valid
I was diagnosed with Bradycardia in May this year whilst having a routine pre op ECG for a hernia repair, 30 beats a minute sometimes down to 26! I had been feeling off colour for quite a while but you learn to live with things and I had never been great at seeking medical advice. My local GP sent an 'urgent' request for a Cardiologist appointment and when I rang the hospital I was told that it would be at least 4 months! I was suffering various symptoms, being unable to concentrate, light headiness, feelings of fainting, nausea and not being able to make decisions. My son encouraged me to see a private cardiologist who immediately prescribed a PM and arranged for it to be carried out on the NHS at his private clinic on 17th May . No drugs were suggested as an alternative treatment Fortunately/unfortunately my symptoms worsened and I was admitted to hospital on 11 May and was fitted with a PM on 12 May and home the next day. I have always shied away from medical procedures where possible and agonised over cataract removal but ultimately glad I went through with them. A PM was much more of a shock to my previously illness free existence but I am so glad that it has been done. My life is so much better now and after the procedure it was like flipping a switch to feeling normal again. There are a few restrictions I need to iron out with my cardio people, on what I can and cant reasonably do regarding car/bike track days and sport flying but mostly life is back to normal and I'm pretty good for a 73 year old.
The NHS do not have the resources to hand out these expensive bits of kit (and long term backup) willy nilly and if you are fortunate to have been offered one you probably need it and should seriously consider accepting unless there are clear indications to the contrary.
Ultimately it is the patients choice.
Thank you for your reply. The latest is that he is going ahead with his appointment on the 23rd. Cardiologist has said he will go through everything in detail re the procedure etc.. and then after that if he decides against it then he doesn’t have to go through with it. Sticking point is he is basically asymptomatic. Apart from occasionally having a few secs dizzy spells. But as everyone keeps saying..do you want to wait till. Something bad happens before you do anything.Did you say you have a pilots licence? He has a ppl and is worried about losing that too.. not to mention driving
Can I ask why your husband was given a Holter? Does he already have a known heart problem?
I have an ICD which was fitted after a heart attack, followed by Ventricular Tachycardia. The pacemaker is set to kick in when my heart rate tries to drop below 40bpm, and actually is active 1.5% of the time (ie every night when I fall into my deepest sleep). This may correspond with your husband's pauses.
I can't say I wanted it, but it doesn't cause any hassle, other than having to "pat it down" when I turn over inbed (which probably doesn't happen with a smaller PM).
In April he got covid and also pneumonia. He was pretty sick when I had to take him to a and e. Was in hospital for four days.. during that time his heartbeat went a bit erratic. Fluctuating up and down. The hospital doctor said to see his g p. Which he did. And was referred for a holter. So it stems from that
My friend's husband aged 87 had a pacemaker fitted a couple of months ago. He had an electrical problem with his heart that occasionally made him confused or suddenly very tired. His wife noticed this but he didn't. It turned out that his heart would suddenly race then slow down just as suddenly and, like your husband it would pause. He felt absolutely nothing . The pacemaker was fitted under local anaesthetic as day surgery. It gets checked automatically by a machine by his bed; he has to do nothing at all. He's been a completely different person since it was fitted and is back out cutting the garden hedges and is now allowed to drive again. IF the pacemaker has gone off he's certainly never felt anything. I woudl say if he cardiologist is suggesting it, he's not doing that lightly. He must feel your husband needs it.
Hi I was so undecided back last December so I wrote on here and got great advice but only decided to have the device implanted 30 minutes before the opp after further advice off the doctors and nurses best thing Iv done feel a lot safer have it done my friend but ultimately it’s your decision good luck kwagmire
Thank you Kwagmire. 🤔
I have a low pulse or bradycardia. Pacemaker keeps my pulse above 60. I passed out years ago due to heart block. After 9 years it has not happened again. I am due for a replacement next year. Except for the bump on your chest, you don’t know you have it. If doctor wants you to have a pacemaker, there must be a good reason. Good luck and be healthy.
Cheers and thanks for replying 😊
Thank you
Hi, I am just wondering why you refused to disagree with cardiologist with regard to permanent pace maker. There must be a strong personal reason for that. In the first place what was the medical reason for which you were advised by the cardiologist. For example I had a pace maker in Feb. 2000 for complete heart block. I had no other choice. I agree with the others who suggested a second opinion.
Good morning, having a pacemaker has changed my life. I was diagnosed with sick sinus syndrome and ME ( chronic fatigue syndrome) over 10 years ago with no medication and support. Things were difficult with teenagers and working full time as a teacher. My life was just spent ‘ maintaining’ and feeling constantly fatigued.
I had COVID Feb 20 followed a month later by an episode that is on paper as a TIA but all tests for it came back clear. Medication and a visit to a cardiologist followed with a long discussion and various tests. November last year he told me he would make me a new woman by Easter and he has. My regular heartbeat was around 40 bpm with many extra electrical beats. An ablation has been discussed but the pacemaker is doing it’s job so may not be needed for some time. Medication is still being tweaked.It was explained that I needed to be awake to respond to instructions eg deep breaths and cough etc. I went into theatre at 3.30pm and was home watching tv by 7.30.
Yesterday for my 57th birthday I completed Go Ape the tree top challenge with my husband and adult children. Something that would have been impossible a year ago.
I agree with other comments that you and your husband do need more information. My cardiologist specialises in ‘electrics ‘ and was very clear and sure from our first meeting. However, previous cardiologists I have meet only seem to have a solid understanding of the ‘ plumbing’ of the heart so maybe that is why your cardiologist asked for advice from a colleague.
I wish you luck moving forward and hope that you have the successful outcome that I have had.
We’re not sure yet of exact medical reason. We have agreed to go to the appointment where we have been promised a full detailed explanation of everything. Obviously I have been googling all about heart block, and etc. all we know so far is that he had always had a slight irregularity in the electrical system..instead of the beat going. Lub dub. ..it goes lub de dub! He’s had pilot medical throughout the years where this was picked up. But apparently the doctors weren’t too concerned. After getting covid/ then pneumonia in April. He had episodes is missing the occasional beat. And then the heart pauses overnight showing on the holter. I guess it’s been hard to reconcile getting a pacemaker when he feels perfectly fine/ exercises regularly with no issues
Just as I said previously occasional slight dizziness on changing position. We thought of getting a private second opinion but my daughter says if we do this then the nhs will wash their hands of us
The cardiologist secretary mentioned to him recently about how expensive the operation is. So that’s a guilt trip about not being appreciative.
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