Complete heart block at 33 and pregnant

[Heart986]

Hi,

I’m 33 and pregnant with my first baby and recently diagnosed with intermittent complete heart block. I was seen 6 years ago after an incidental finding of 1st degree heart block with occasional Wenckebach and had no further follow up.

I’ve been told I’ll be having a pacemaker fitted in the next couple of weeks. Any advice on any of the above and if anyone has been pregnant and had a pacemaker fitted?

Thanks!

[Blackdawg]

Hi. I cant offer any advice but wish you all the very best. 🤗

[Heart986 in reply to Blackdawg]

thank you, very kind of you

[BeKind28-]

Hello

At a time when you should be looking forward to your new arrival you are faced with having to deal with this

I have not been in your position and hope someone that has at least had a pacemaker will reply but all I can say if they did not think it was safe and needed then they would not do it and they also will have taken into account that you are pregnant so stay focused that they are keeping you well and baby to

So many have pacemakers so it is quite a common procedure that the surgeons are used to doing

Let us know how you get on x

[Heart986 in reply to BeKind28-]

Thank you, you’re right and they do seem a common procedure so hopefully all ok x

[BeKind28- in reply to Heart986]

Hello

They will look after you x

[Rockgran]

Hi, I’ve just had a pacemaker fitted 4 weeks ago for complete heart block. It was an emergency and I was in hospital for 10 days.

It must be really difficult for you to go through this plus getting used to hormonal changes. All I can say is it’s good that you are having one fitted pre birth as you will feel so much better afterwards.

Please accept all the help you can get while recovering from Pacemaker fitting as you need to be very careful not to move the leads. You can’t drive for at least 4 weeks.

You usually have a pacemaker check after 6 weeks, then 4 months then annually.

I wish you well with everything, especially welcoming your new baby into the world. 🥰

[Heart986 in reply to Rockgran]

Thanks for replying. I hope you’re ok after having your pacemaker fitted. How long has the recovery time been for you?

Good advice about post fitting of the pacemaker.

Did you feel ok have the pacemaker fitted?

Thank you! 😊 I’m trying to keep my worry levels to a minimum but it’s been quite hard!

Thanks for the message x

[Rockgran in reply to Heart986]

Hi, won’t lie to you as it was quite painful post surgery. They give you intravenous antibiotics morning of procedure & oral afterwards plus pain relief which I’m sure they’ll take your pregnancy into consideration.

Just an idea - what is your dominant hand? I’m left handed and did t know you can actually get pacemaker on right side due to this! Only found out yesterday! That has made my recovery slightly more awkward.

I’ve got extra pillows as padding around my wound sight to try to make me more comfortable when sleeping. I can’t really sleep well on my back. But on a positive note since pacemaker I’ve been sleeping much better ( for8/9) hours.

As you’re so much younger I’m sure you’ll be OK ( I’m 69).

Let us know how you get on😊

[Heart986 in reply to Rockgran]

Sorry to hear it’s been quite painful for you and I hope the pain as eased for you slightly.

Interesting about the hand situation, I didn’t know they could have done it on the other side. I’m right handed.

Good to hear your sleep has got better since the pacemaker

How much time they have say it would take for you to recover from the procedure?

I’ll keep you updated 😊

[Rockgran in reply to Heart986]

Hi, to be honest they told me 6 weeks to ensure leads are properly embedded in heart so they don’t come out🤯.

I’m getting more used to relying on 1 hand but have found it frustrating. Hopefully next couple of weeks will see a difference. TBH mine wasn’t a straightforward implant as Cardiologist had to try 4 different positions ( quite complex reasons !) which hindered progress & also had weekly visits to Cardio team. Therefore, I’m probably not the best person to give you advice about recovery times. Your body will be a lot more accepting of change than mine as I also have an other health condition.

But, overall you should look at 6 weeks to allow your body to accept pacemaker.

Do you have a date for pacemaker yet? 😃