pacemaker?

[Jo1961]

At a visit to the gp for something else she picked up an irregular heartbeat. I had a six day holter in September and gp rang yesterday to say I have significant pauses and my heart rate drops quite a bit. He’s referring me to cardiology urgently (although told me to relax!) and said I’d probably need a pacemaker. Anxiety is through the roof now and scared I’m going to have a cardiac arrest in the night. I had a heart attack 5 years ago but given the all clear from that. Any reassuring words welcome!

[Lovedogs1]

I would try not to worry, I was diagnosed with heart failure I July this year. I have had a CRT-P pacemaker fitted, which is a three lead pacemaker, most have just 2 leads. My heart was racing fast, then really slowing down. Since having the device, everything has calmed down, and now I feel really well. The actual procedure, was a little bit uncomfortable, but not unbearable . Hope everything goes ok for you

[Jo1961 in reply to Lovedogs1]

Thanks for replying - I’m glad you’re the other side of the procedure now. At the moment I’m more concerned about what will happen while I’m waiting. Panicking that I’ll have a cardiac arrest or something. Irrational I know but I do get a bit anxious around heart issues!

[Czech_Mate]

I can relate to this. I was also at GP when I mentioned that I found it hard to find my pulse. Next thing I know, I've had a 24 hour holter and I'm in hospital having a pacemaker fitted; it all happened so quickly. The fitting went well, much better than being at the dentist. That was in May this year. It has taken me a while to get my head round this new situation I find myself in. There is an alien object in my body. It doesn't hurt and I can't feel it doing it's job (but it does). Also I have to have a different approach to life. I can't be lazy, but I can't do everything I used to do and I have to be prepared to put things off if I'm not up to it. I've made up my mind not to let it get me down. I can't understand everything that's going on, but I'm not in any real physical pain. I've decided that it's my life so I have the responsibility to give meaning to it. ( No one else can do that for me).

Cheers and good luck.

[Jo1961 in reply to Czech_Mate]

Thanks for your reply. I think I’m more worried about the wait to see cardiologist at the moment! Pleased to hear you are doing well after having your pacemaker though.

[Stanley18]

Hi, I have a pacemaker, which was fitted following several pauses.

I assume that you have suffered syncope (fainting / blackouts). If your pauses took place during the night then you may not have been aware of it. It is likely that you will be instructed not to drive (your GP may have said that to you already).

Please be careful, I blacked out at the top of the stairs with dramatic results. I wish that I had wrapped myself in cotton wool during my investigative phase.

Do not be be afraid of a pacemaker. It is a wonderful invention. The day that I was fitted with my device was the start of my recovery. I live a full life again now.

[Jo1961 in reply to Stanley18]

Thanks for your reply and reassuring words. Hoping all will be ok with me too!

[EMBoy]

I had my pacemaker fitted just over 3 years ago, and it has made an amazing difference to the way I feel and my ability to live a normal life.

The surgery took about an hour and was a bit uncomfortable, but not painful (they do it under local anaesthetic), and after a slightly painful 10 days while the incision healed, I felt really good.

Please do not worry - it will give you a new lease of life.

Best wishes.

[Jo1961 in reply to EMBoy]

Thanks for your reply - just trying to come down from my anxiety spiral now!

[Doublef]

You are in good hands, I had heart failure and AF. Not long before I was fitted with pacemaker/defibrillatorGreat after care, just take it easy, it does change your life stay positive.

[Jo1961]

thank you!

[JohnyG007]

I had a pacemaker fitted two weeks ago. 3 days before. I had a compleat melt down and took the 3 days off prior to OP with stress.2 weeks in and i dont know what i was stressing about. I went in at 7.30 in the morning. 45 min OP then back out. For me there were times of discomfort for about 10 days and finding a good sleeping position was hard. First couple of days i slept in a chair with pillows but starting to ware off.

As i have AF i explained i ran so they put one in with an extra probe for my breathing to allow a more fine tuned control. But feeling great so far.

[Jo1961 in reply to JohnyG007]

thank you for your reassuring words - really good of you to reply. I’ve been told I don’t need a pacemaker at the moment but am reassured to know that if I ever do it’ll be ok. Hope you continue to do well.

[JohnyG007 in reply to Jo1961]

Thanks for the Reply Jo.