I have a date for my pacemaker to be fitted in March and would really appreciate some advice from those of you who are already living with one. I’m sure I asked these questions to my consultant but, being the anxious person that I am, can’t remember.
My very low heart rate, arrhythmia and breathlessness are the reasons I’m having a pacemaker fitted. My heart functions well and my arteries are good, it’s the electrics in the top half that are no good.
Your heart rate drops when you’re asleep - does the pacemaker ‘sense’ this and adjust down accordingly? Sleep is difficult for me and the last thing I need is a 60+ beats a minute heart rate thumping away! Which brings me to the question . . . Can I still take my half a 3.75mg Zopeclone when required?
Will the thumping and arrhythmia I experience disappear? This not only happens when I exert myself in any way, but also while I’m sitting up in bed reading, before going to sleep. I find sleeping on my left side exacerbates the arrhythmia, so I try not to.
Will I be able to walk fast, walk up hills (or even slight inclines), walk up stairs, housework etc without my heart thumping hard and me being breathless.
I also have a hiatus hernia which, after eating certain foods, also makes my heart thump. I believe this is due to the close proximity of the Oesophagus to the Vagus Nerve. I don’t think this will cease but I’m hoping it will be less severe once the pacemaker is working.
This is for the ladies - I’m due a mammogram towards the end of the year . . . How does that work?
I know that I can’t drive for a week after surgery nor can I lift my left arm above my head for several weeks after. I’m changing my induction job to a gas one and I can’t go through security scanners.
Is there anything else I can’t do?
I think that’s everything I can think of at the moment, but if there’s something else between now and my surgery, I hope you don’t mind if I ask for your help and advice again.
Many thanks to you all for taking the time to read this and I am truly grateful for any advice you can give me.
My best wishes to you all.
Written by
Darkandlong
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Hi, though Ive not had a pacemaker fitted I have had an ICD version which is similar but also will shock you if needed. I can't reply to a lot of what you're asking but haven't you been given access to a heart nurse? They will be answer your questions. Good luck
Thank you for the information about the heart nurse, no, I haven’t been referred to anybody but I will now call the cardiac unit and ask for one. Hope all’s well with your ICD.
Hi, I am not sure I can give you any answers but I do totally understand your concerns and fears. I had an emergency pacemaker fitted 11 weeks ago. You will be given so much support when you have it done, there will be follow up appointments and you will also get a home monitor. I can only speak from my experience but as far as sleeping goes, I sleep so much better now. Yes you need to be careful for about 6 weeks after but this will soon pass, so just be mindful for those first few weeks. My pacemaker was fitted about two weeks after I had open heart surgery and as for walking I am back up to walking my 3 miles a day. I wish you every bit of luck for the future, and remember you can still ask questions on the day of the surgery and at your follow up appointments. Good luck and take care. Thinking of you.
Home monitors are not provided to every pacemaker-fitted patient: I think that it depends on the reason for the pacemaker fitting and what might happen, say, if a lead become detached.
My wife had a pacemaker fitted 14 months ago for TLoC: she does not have a home monitor. She has an annual pacing check at our local hospital where data is taken from the device; battery life checked and any required pacemaker parameter adjustments are made.
I haven't got a pacemaker but what I will say is make sure they mark where your bra strap goes so as not to put it there. My mother in law had one fitted but they put it wear her bra strap went and it was to painful for her to wear a bra so she just wore a vest but luckily only had small boobs .
I am pretty sure that future shoulder mobility has a much higher medical priority than comfort when it comes to pacemaker siting. My wife and daughter have pacemakers and they are placed just under their left collarbones. My niece’s husband - a BA pilot - had a pacemaker fitted last year and he has had shoulder mobility issues which required physiotherapy. He expects to go back to commercial flying next month. Fear not, he will be crewed with other pilots that do not have a medical limitation on their licence!
Is your wife and daughters.pacemaker where.their bra strap sits ? I have said the same thing to friends who had pacemakers and glad I did as they wouldn't have wanted to go braless.
As a man you have no idea about wearing a bra and how you need it to be comfortable. If that sounds sexist so did your remark about shoulder movement over comfort.
The word 'comfort' does not just apply to women. Comfort is a big issue for both men and women when it comes to pacemakers and wearing seat belts which is why protective pads are available from online sources.
Sorry never thought about seat belts. I have problems with seat belts as I have shoulder pain in fact pain in all my joints . Are the pads widely available?
Thank you for the advice. I’ll request the surgeon to be aware of where my bra strap is, but I’d already planned not to wear one for a while so that I don’t risk the leads in the pacemaker moving out of position if I lift my arm too high.
hi there, I’m only jumping on here although I don’t personally have a pacemaker my husband does it was fitted 14 years ago, last year the battery was replaced he was 100% percent better once it was fitted - strangely enough I’m experiencing slow HR at times caused by ectopics all the usual tests done were fine I too think mine is the electrics but i’m in no man’s land at the minute as they want me to increase my meds sotolol which only makes the HR slower so really not sure what is happening I do have a tel call with the pharmacist so see what he/she has to say - I tried upping the meds but it made me feel worse 🙁 let us know how you go on like I say my husband was not himself but once he got his pacemaker he was different again it was a very positive outcome take care 😊
Thank you, for telling me about the positive outcome your husband has had. I hope my life will improve, too. I’m sorry to hear you are experiencing problems, getting your meds right is such a hit and miss thing sometimes. I wish you well and I will post the results of my surgery, which due to a fault at the hospital had been brought forward a month. Still, less time to worry!! All the best to you.
Thank you Darkandlong, like you say getting your surgery done quicker is good - and time to recover, then by the time summer has arrived you will be feeling so much better wishing you all the best keep us posted 😊
I had bradycardia ( slow heart rate) and immediately after having my pacemaker I felt better and I was able to walk up hills etc I’d recommend getting a v shaped pillow to help with comfort when sleeping for a while after the surgery.
Mine was placed under a muscle ( I’ve since discovered this isn’t always the case) and I believe that this is more comfortable in the long run .
At your mammogram you should tell them that you have a pacemaker and they will position it to avoid your pacemaker.
I got one in June last year for similar reasons. My "base rate" is set to 60 but the PM senses when I'm relaxing and allows it to go down to 50. Your current symptoms are slightly different from what mine were so I don't know how they'll change but I'd guess they'll get better. Walking fast etc should be no prob, the PM only kicks in when the beat is slow or irregular. There's a friendly Facebook group where you can ask such questions and read about others' experiences, Pacemaker UK. Hope to see you in there!
Thank you for the advice and information about the Facebook group, I’ll definitely join. I hope your quality of life is better for having the pacemaker fitted.
Two years with a simple pacemaker and no down side to date. Minimal pain and a quick recovery. I bought a basic one strap rucksack for post op period to carry wallet, water and items such as hat gloves. Swim at leisurely pace 3 times a week and walk 7000+ steps daily again leisurely. Male , 79 years.
PS now also aortic tissue valve by TAVI and one metal hip .
Thank you for sharing your experience with me. I’m looking forward to being so much more active than I have been for the last 16 months. I hope the issue with your aortic tissue valve is resolved. What is TAVI?
hi. I am now on my second pacemaker. I work (about to retire) and have done all along in a very busy and often physical job , I run , I travel abroad frequently, I’ve an induction hob on my oven I just stand well back when I’m cooking, and I swim three times a week. Life with it is better than without it ,my pulse used to drop as I have sick sinus syndrome. It doesn’t affect my sleep and to be honest I usually forget I have it. When first fitted it’s a bit uncomfortable due to the cut but I found sleeping with a vertical pillow on that side helped for a couple of weeks. My first pacemaker was set to 60 and that was great. This one is 50 , I prefer the 60 and will ask the pacing clinic to turn it up at my next visit. I find my pacemaker no bother , once those first few weeks are over you do tend to forget it’s there. Mine isint under muscle and a slight bump can be seen and felt with fingers ( or my grandsons head when he’s on my knee) but it honestly does not bother me , though I probably won’t be a model 🤣. If I go near any strong magnets I can feel changes but it goes back to normal as soon as I move away. I always mention to security at the airport that I have a pace maker and they often take me through alternative routes, once I have been asked to show my card, I think that was in America ? Other than that life goes on as normal. Ps you have to tell DVLA . It didn’t cause me any problems. Good luck with your procedure. I had sedation with both of mine and it was fine
Once you informed DVLA are you good to go or do you need them to come back to you with the ok ? I sent my completed medical form for basic pacemaker A couple of weeks back and don’t know whether to expect a response or not. Thank you
I think I got a reply eventually . But I’m sure I’ve read somewhere that as long as you have not blacked out and have informed them you have pace maker you can drive once the pace clinic says ok. But you need to check that out.
Thank you so much for such a detailed response. It’s good to hear about such positive outcomes. I know about informing DVLA and also my car insurance provider but because of the positioning of my induction hob I do have to lean over to reach the back of it (and I cook every day), so will change to gas to be on the safe side. I’m looking forward to walking, swimming and active holidays abroad. Thanks again, much appreciated.
I had a pacemaker fitted last year as an emergency. It is all very straightforward and painless. They will give you all the info you need for recovery period and any lifestyle changes that may affect you. There is a fabulous site on Facebook called Pacemaker UK. It is private and is a great place to ask questions yoy get a response from people who have gone through the same as you and no question is too "silly" My advice is take it a bit carefully when you first have it in, to make sure it beds in properly. There are lots of myths about what you can/cannot do.. so stick to the info you are given, most people find the pacemaker itself doesn't interfer much with their life.. unless you are into combat sports. Good luck.
Many thanks for your advice and information. I will join the Facebook group, and follow the advice given to me from the cardiac unit at the hospital. Unfortunately I’m an anxious person so being careful at first will be easy for me. Really looking forward to getting back to ‘normal’. All the best to you.
Hi,I had my pacemaker fitted 6 months ago as an emergency. If my heart rate drops below 50 it will kick in and bring me back up to speed. At first I would notice it happening (usually when asleep/in bed), but now I don't even notice. I do wear a Swatch and can see when my HR went down to the limit. Overall I can only say that the pacemaker has greatly improved my daily life and taken away the worry of fainting etc. The installation was painless, slightly uncomfortable and done within an hour. In relation to use of induction hob, I use one and as long as you don't actually stand over it you shouldn't have any problems. Suggest you take advice from team when you go for fitting. Overall I don't notice it is there . Best wishes.
Thank you for sharing your experience with me and for your wishes. I will be changing to gas as I do have to lean over the induction job I have now (to get to the back rings). It seems as though everyone who’s responded to my post says they don’t even notice the pacemaker.
My ability to walk my dog and up stairs etc improved dramatically having had similar problems as yours. Follow ups in the pacing clinic enabled my Pacemaker to be tweaked to better function for my needs.
Thank you for your response and your wishes, I don’t have a dog (on my wish list) but looking forward to long walks, swimming and doing a lot more travelling.
I have had a pacemaker since July 2022. I have always walked and do 10 mile walks over various terrain every week. I also have a personal trainer once a week, do all my own housework etc. Full recovery does take a few weeks so be patient and just build up activity gradually. Hope this helps.
I am almost two years into my pacemaker journey. It was fitted for bradycardia and heart block. I keep fit but have noticed little difference after the placement and now back to original fitness level. They set my device at 50 bpm for the day and 45 bpm for the night so settings can be adjusted to meet your requirements. I never feel the device kicking in. Remember the prime job of the pacemaker is to prevent the heart rate going too low and the problems that causes.
I am a very slim male. The pacemaker was fitted in a pocket under the skin, near my left shoulder. It really protrudes and is very visible when my shirt is off. I also feel a rubbing against the device when wearing a rucksack. They can place the pacemaker behind a muscle in the area. This is cosmetically better but causes greater difficulty when the pacemaker is due to be replaced. Discuss this with your surgeon.
I was told to inform the DVLA and insurance company but could drive after one week. I had a response from both which basically said do what the hospital says.
The advice I received was not to raise my arms above shoulder level for a period of time but to move the shoulder area to prevent muscular problems.
Hope this helps with some of your questions and just to say my surgery lasted for about an hour and was painless after the anaesthetic (rather like the dentist).
Brilliant! Thank you so much for your advice and information. I was expecting a bit of a bump under my skin, but hey, ain’t no bikini model on the catwalk, so the least of my concerns! Thank you for your wishes.
Hi, I had a PM fitted about one year ago, I would suggest for your op. you make sure they give sedation and plenty anaesthetic. My reason for PM was similar to yours, physical condition of heart good, problem with electrical connections. After the six weeks period I gradually increased activity to pre PM level, Pilates, Sailing, usual garden and house stuff, walking at pace. I did take the precaution following op. of having and taking Arnica for any bruising, and comfrey oil to aid wound healing. They will give info about any things to avoid, but in addition to other things, mobile phones, do not keep in left jacket pocket (where they always seem to be), and use your right ear. All the best, I am sure all will be well.
Many thanks for your advice about Arnica and Comfrey, I will speak to my herbalist and get some. Definitely requesting lots of anaesthetic and sedation, but have been told by the consultant I saw it will just be local anaesthetic. My mobile phone is always in my zipped up handbag and I always use my right ear. Thank you for your wishes.
I've had a pacemaker since December 2018. I can't recommend it enough. A real game changer. Like you, I had electrical issues with my heart where it would get out of synch and stop, causing me to fall over. Only very occasionally but I had it for 30 years until technology moved on enough to find it, via an implantable loop. I've not fallen over since. I get an annual check. It's only pacing about 4% on one chamber and 8% on the other, so the battery should be good for at least 10 years. It's a bit uncomfortable for the first couple of weeks while it heals, and you have to be careful not to raise your arms etc, but once the pacing wires are settled in you won't even think about it. Just remember not to put your phone in your breast pocket, go through airport scanners or have an MRI😉
Thank you for sharing your experience with me and for your advice. I will be taking it slowly to ensure I recover well and hope that I can return to my former fit self.
I can't answer all your questions but I will try. You should notice a real improvement after it is fitted. I had found that I could not sustain my normal fast walking pace for long before my Pacemaker was fitted but afterwards quickly got back to full speed, even walking up a steep hill without any problems a couple of weeks post op. I really don't notice the pacemaker at all, and only hear my heart beating occasionally when I am resting in a quiet room because I have a mechanical aortic valve, which is what makes the noise. I even joined a Gym for the first time around a year later, and was comfortably achieving a heart rate in the upper 150s BPM without any adverse effects while on a treadmill (this was within the recommended parameters for my age): unfortunately this was in early 2020 and so gym activities had to stop and I haven't got back into it since, preferring to exercise through walking.The actual procedure of having the pacemaker fitted is also nothing to be afraid of. Performed under local anaesthetic, with the Surgeon and I having a conversation while he worked, I only felt discomfort while he inserted the device, I certainly would not have called it pain. Post op, as you haven't lost consciousness beforehand, you should be able to resume driving after 7 days, but do need to inform DVLA. I believe you can drive if you have told you can by the surgeon or clinic while you await confirmation from DVLA. For insurance purposes you will need to answer the medical questionnaire declaring that you have a pacemaker - DVLA aware, no restrictions. I don't know how the pacemaker will affect your other conditions but you should feel much better and stronger once you have it fitted. I did ask how often my pacemaker had to intervene when on my annual check up and apparently it intervenes 90% of the time for the upper chamber and only 20% for the lower but I am completely unaware of it and just carry on with life as normal.
Wishing you well, keep us informed of progress and feel free to contact if you have any further questions
Many thanks for your detailed response to my post. I’m aware of informing DVLA and insurers but am in no hurry to start driving until I feel safe enough to do so (even though love driving). I’m expecting to be uncomfortable for a while and hope that enough anaesthetic and sedation do the job of lessening my anxiety. It will give me the greatest pleasure to walk fast, walk up a hill and stairs and swim more than two lengths without gasping for breath! Thank you for your wishes.
Try not to worry - the procedure and recovery isn't too bad and the benefits are very noticeable! I love driving too and after 7 days I felt ready to do a short trip into town but very soon was back to normal.
Hi, I had my pacemaker fitted last June and am doing fine and had a mammogram later last year too without any issues. Yes it was a bit difficult with the bra strap but I used an clean tissue folder up to cushion the bra strap and that sorted me out for the first 6 weeks, no issues now. I have the monitor by my bedside as I don't have one of the mobiles that it could be linked too. The six week recovery time was a pain but I got through it and so will you. My heart rate was very low and even went down to 30 at night, now I have no issues with the low rate. I still get arrhythmia at times but am now able to take medication to control it more, I couldn't take medication before the pacemaker with the heart rate being so low. I am walking every day and use the exercise bike for about an hour a day too.
Thank you very much for sharing your experience with me and for your advice about the bra strap - I’ve decided not to wear a bra to avoid ‘strap-age’ problems and not be tempted to lift my arm too high.
I love my pacemaker. I got it September 2024. Afib difficulties are a thing of the past. It doesn’t matter that my atria are still fluttering away; my ventricles are working perfectly and could care less. I don’t feel any bumps and snorts from my heart. The pacemaker senses when I need a higher pulse to climb a hill. I sleep much better at my steady 70bpm.
I also have a Watchman, so I’m off all drugs except an aspirin now and again.
I think my pacemaker is the cat’s meow. Good luck with yours. Try to stop worrying and just go with the flow if you trust your providers and they’ve given you good answers and information.
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