I went to my new EP and cardiologist today. I have been doing so much better since they implanted a dual lead pacemaker (my second in 6 months time.) I had the EP turn off the rate response as the roads here in PA have been making me sick while I am in the car either driving or riding. I will have to see how that goes. I will be heading back to work in 2 weeks, looking forward to getting back to normal life. I no longer get the migraine headaches that the atrial lead pacemaker was giving me. I was popping 3-4 Tramadol or Fiorcet pills a day trying to make them go away, but it never worked, and also taking Xanax and an anti-depressant. Now, in the past month I have not taken any migraine pills, anti-depressants, or any anxiety pills at all, what a difference a working pacemaker is. I am just hoping I can resume normal life a little better this time with no big problems. Thanks to this group for your support and answers to some of my questions. I am just glad I took the second opinion approach to my problems, or who knows what could have happened to me. I really love the new group of heart specialist I have. To find someone who really cares and knows what they are doing is a rarity.

 

 

are sometimes worth their weight in gold? Is that how that saying goes?

I too suffered for 4 yrs and was never seen by an EP. Finally in January of 2009 I demanded that my cardiologist (who dismissed all of my complaints and concerns) referred me to an EP.

The wait was long, but I finally got to see him in September of 2009 and now he and I are working together to try and figure out what the heck is going on with my heart. We're pretty sure it's Junctional Rhythm, and I've had a slew of tests and am wearing a Loop/Event Recorder right now for at least a month before he makes any final decisions. All I know is that he said I am "fixable".

Sometimes we (and this is only MY opinion) put our total faith into one doctor and sometimes they are just too busy or don't hear us or listen and that is when, as a patient, we have every right to ask for a 2nd opinion. It's our health for crying out loud.

Sometimes I kick myself for not being more aggressive years ago, as perhaps I'd be fixed and back to work by now.

We have to stick up for ourselves.

Glad your outcome was a good one.

P.S. I was also on Tramadol...OMG, the side effects for me were worse than the pain.

Take care,
Pookie

 

Hi Jimmy, Glad to hear you are doing so well! All the fine tuning paid off for you......I hope you get some real "fixable" answers soon Pookie.. You have endured a long time....cathy

 

"Turn off rate response - -". What is a rate response? I am still new & learning, even though I had my implant 10/09.

Yes, these people, my newest, bestest friends in the PM Club are the greatest. Without them, I still would not know anything re: PM information/education.

Take care,
Carolyn G. in TEXAS ( :

 

hi caro, take a look at some of my comments about rate response, mines on now and i feel gr88888888888