Pacemaker fitted 10 days ago, when active again?

[Dragonfish]

Hi I have had a pacemaker fitted unexpectedly for bradycardia and sinus pauses of up to 5 seconds. I was not really aware of an issue until identified during another unrelated medical intervention when low HR spotted. Had 72 hour monitoring done and advised to go to A&E by GP when results came back as needed to be seen by cardiologist. Admitted at local hospital and further tests etc. Diagnosed with sinus node dysfunction although everything else was fine. Advised to get PM fitted so done on 04.04.24. Hard to accept that it was needed but told condition would worsen until I was having blackouts. Now in recovery and doing ok after initial couple of days. Walking about 4 miles a day and feeling fine. Wondering whether a planned walking, camping ( in a tent) and cycling trip planned for beginning of June in France is pushing my luck? Thanks

[pauljusa]

Go for it! The more you use it near term, the better to ensure that the settings meet your needs in case it needs a programming update prior to your French adventure.

I've had one for more than 10 years and it works great!

Best wishes - Paul 😁

[Dragonfish in reply to pauljusa]

Thanks Pauljusa, I’m trying to be as active as I can but still early days so know I need to be careful re my left arm, ( restricted movements and no heavy lifting etc) . I’m waiting for my initial review but just wondering whether the activities I have in mind for June and in particular tent camping may be too soon after implantation of PM, as will only be about 8 weeks.

[pauljusa in reply to Dragonfish]

Roughly how old are you?

[Dragonfish in reply to pauljusa]

63, but do a lot of hiking and cycling etc.

[pauljusa]

I realized an example might help. I was wrong about how long I've had the device. I found a video of a hiking / camping trip we took in 2015 a couple of months after the device was fitted. I was 64 at the time. So, forget the age question and use this as a metric.

youtu.be/S1SmeA413qc?si=s5U...(Not working as expected?)

Paul aka busterthecat 😊

[Dragonfish in reply to pauljusa]

Hi Paul, looks like a great trip. You were obviously hiking with a back pack, did you get any discomfort over your PM site? Mine is under the skin and above the muscle so I have some concerns about rubbing. A couple of posts have talked about choosing carefully with regard to backpack straps with enough cushioning, and not too much weight in the pack.

[Peter-l-h in reply to Dragonfish]

As a day pack for cash water etc I have used a single strap pack - and so like it still use it every day - 2 years in.PLH

[Dragonfish in reply to Peter-l-h]

Good idea, thanks for that, I will investigate single strap daypacks.

[pauljusa]

You're right about the backpack. I did use a foam pad and made quite a few adjustments favoring my right side. I also had a fairly light pack, our camp site was pre-stocked by Emily's company with food, camping gear etc. My PM is under the skin like yours.

[Dragonfish in reply to pauljusa]

Yes I will have to experiment with padding etc. At least I can give the heavy stuff to my husband, Dave, at least for the time being!

[Slowbody]

Hi Dragonfish,glad your feeling better now .what was your heart rate (Bradycardia) just interested to know mine is 39- 44 resting,I am hoping for a pacemaker to be fitted soon.what area are you in the UK? . I am wondering if it's the area where you live that decides the decision if you get it or not

[Dragonfish in reply to Slowbody]

Hi Slowbody, my normal resting heart rate has always been slow, around 50-55 but it dropped to around 35 in the day time on occasions and 27 at night, which is low even for me! I also had woozy moments which coincided with pauses between heart beats which they seemed more worried about. Longest pause recorded on 72 hour trace was over 5 seconds, but have never blacked out. I’m in Cheshire by the way but cardio unit is in North Staffs.

[Brynsiriol]

Hi, My husband of 84, had his fitted about 10 weeks ago and he has forgotten he has it now.

You will be able to get reassurance on your 6 week check up , where they will check that the wires are embedded properly, and ask any questions.

Have a Great Holiday !

[Dragonfish in reply to Brynsiriol]

Hi thanks, glad to know your husband is doing well. Yes you are right that I can ask at 6 week check up, but they did imply this might be delayed to 8 or possibly even 10 weeks, which is after our planned departure date, so may need to talk to cardio team prior to check up to see what they think.