Overwhelmed by health issues

[ShortLeg]

I am new to this site and my intro is long.

I had breast cancer in 2018 and had a lumpectomy. In 2010/11 I started with paroxysmal AF. Was put on Bisoprolol and Ramipril. Was also diagnosed with Hyperparathyroidism (treated 2013) and Polycystic Kidney Disease - my present GFR is 47. In 2022 I was diagnosed with repeat breast cancer in the same breast as before and had a left side mastectomy. After developing very high blood pressure I was put on various meds Bisoprolol, Valsartan, Amlodipine, Apixaban. An ECG, Echo and 7day heart monitor have discovered Sinus Node Disease and a severely dilated left atrium and moderate mitral valve regurgitation plus bouts of bradycardia and tachycardia. A double chamber pacemaker has been suggested. Because of my varied health issues I find this a daunting prospect and I am frightened.

I would like to hear from other people who have similar health issues and in particular a double chamber pacemaker and what this involves. I desperately need reassurance from others who are or have been in a similar position.

[Loobycare]

Hi ShortlegI am sorry you have been so challenged with so many health conditions. I can certainly empathise in that respect and even the thought of having surgery of any kind now, scares me too.

I wish I could help you more regarding the double pacemaker issue, but hope that someone else in the forum can and will be along soon to tell you of their experience.

[ShortLeg in reply to Loobycare]

Thank you Loobycare for replying and I appreciate you empathising with my situation.

[Thanksnhs]

Hi I can definitely sympathise with you on the amount of health conditions and I understand that you don't want to go back into hospital for a pacemaker, I am sure your consultant thinks it's definitely the way forward and it will improve your health in the future. I don't have a pacemaker as my heart was so dilated with arythmogenic cardiomyopathy I had to get a transplant during covid in 2020. I also have osteoporosis, chronic kidney disease and arthritis and last year I had surgery for bowel cancer, they had to remove the right side because the tumor was in an awkward place, I like yourself dread anything else happening and having to go into hospital. I have to say throughout everything the Scottish NHS have been wonderful both my cardiac team and the cancer services. Take care char

[ShortLeg in reply to Thanksnhs]

Hi Thanksnhs. You have certainly got your own share of health problems too. Life can be challenging when we have to deal with so many health issues. People tell me I am a 'strong' person to be able to deal with everything, even though I don't feel it. You must be a 'strong' person to to have to deal with your issues. Take care.

[Thanksnhs in reply to ShortLeg]

If I thought about it a lot I would get completely overwhelmed so I just kind of file it away and try and not look at the scar's a permanent reminder of it all, little things that used to bother me don't any more, I'm just amazed that I am still here to tell the tale which is down to our amazing Scottish NHS. Take care and keep me posted how you are getting on char x

[Queserasera25 in reply to Thanksnhs]

Hi. I'm exactly the same. I just try not to think about all I have been through, as there is always someone suffering more. If I did do, I think I would have gone Mad! Things don't bother me so much now either so, I think I'm getting the gist of everything and I just try to keep myself busy as a distraction! 😀

[YellowBoxGum]

Hi ShortLeg! I am sorry that you have been through so much. My journey started 5.5 years ago with breast cancer and double mastectomy. Following chemotherapy and radiotherapy I developed cardiac arrhythmias, and eventually I had a pacemaker/defibrillator (ICD) inserted. That was 4.5 years ago (and on my 71st birthday). It was quite a simple procedure, I have regular follow-ups, and all has been going smoothly. I also have a cocktail of medications - but all things considered I am happy with my current state of health, and all my different medical teams have been wonderful.

Do listen to your doctors and take the advice that you are most comfortable with, but don't be frightened by the thought of a pacemaker.

[ShortLeg in reply to YellowBoxGum]

Hi YellowBoxGum. Thank you for your reply re a pacemaker. I had my first breast cancer in 2008 not 2018 so have been having health issues for quite a while. One of the chemo drugs I had in 2008 was said to be hard on the heart so I sometimes wonder if that initially caused my AF because like you I developed AF after chemo and radiotherapy. Your reply is very positive and reassuring - just what I need at the moment.