Pacemaker Pending

[SnidleyW]

Pacemaker to be implanted early next month. Have AFIB, mostly controlled the last year + but before then 3 Ablations and a few Cardioversions. Metronics monitor occasionally reports a slower than normally slow pulse. What should I anticipate and be aware of after this procedure? Thanks

[Douglas91]

do you have symptoms relating to your low heart rate. Do you feel lightheaded or do you faint or get dizzy. Having a pacemaker is quite a big decision to make but it certainly can improve your quality of life substantially. From my understanding it doesn’t actually cure the a/fib it restores your heart to beat in normal sinus but your heart still can fibulate it’s just that you can’t feel it. Good luck I hope it all goes well x

[SnidleyW in reply to Douglas91]

Thank you for your response. Don't feel symptoms but Electrophysiologist is going that route because the monitor has at times reported pulse below 40

[Bingo88]

Good morning SnidleyW. In the uk after a pacemaker procedure. You have to stop driving for at least 2 weeks and you have to make sure you don't lift your arm up above shoulder height to give your pacemaker time to settle down. So button up shirts are the best. You will also have problems sleeping on the side of the pacemaker for a month or more. We are all different with how we adapt and some people never get used to having the pacemaker . But I just look at it as keeping me alive and just get on and enjoy life the best way possible while we can. Hope everything goes well. Brian

[SnidleyW in reply to Bingo88]

Thank you

[Cricket23]

Hi. I have a pacemaker / ICD unit and I think that it's a little larger than just a pacemaker. I've had mine for nearly 4 years now, fitted just under my left shoulder blade and my peck muscle. Overall, I haven't had too many issues, but have found:

1) Until it beds in it felt a bit weighty and when I lent forwards I could feel it moving.

2) I used to jump rope as part of my exercise routine, but it just wasn't comfortable as the unit bounced up and down. I also found that my heart rate shot up - I think I confused the unit.

3) Sometimes, it interferes with my golf swing.

4) I've had a warning bleep from it a couple of times when I've had a magnetic near/on my chest.

5) They may warn you against doing bench presses, just in case you drop the bar on your chest.

That's about it. Overall a wonderful piece of kit and certainly 18 mths ago the ICD saved my life when it had to deliver a shock.

BTW, I am a male in my early 60's

All the best.

Tim

[SnidleyW in reply to Cricket23]

Thank you

[EMBoy]

Hi,

Pacemakers generally do not deal with AF, but will increase your heart rate during those times when it drops below normal.

I had my pacemaker fitted nearly 4 years ago and it has really changed my life. Before the PM, I was often lightheaded and out of breath, and in the end, I collapsed and was taken to hospital where they diagnosed bradycardia.

The procedure for having the PM fitted was quite uncomfortable with lots of pressure being applied, but it wasn't painful (it is all done under local anaesthetic). Afterwards, they made me wear a sling for 24 hours, and told me not to lift my left arm above my head for about 4 to 6 weeks. It was painful for a few days (but nothing that a couple of paracetamol couldn't fix), although I had to sleep sitting up for the first week as it was too painful to lie on.

I wasn't allowed to drive for a week - but it would have been too painful to drive anyway - and had to inform DVLA and my insurance company.

It all sounds a bit frightening, but you will get a lot of help and support from the hospital staff, and I wish you well. My pacemaker has definitely given me a new lease of life.

[SnidleyW in reply to EMBoy]

Thank you

[SnidleyW]

Thank you