thinking it over.

I have Atrial Fibrillation and have undergone full Maze proceedure, two, catheter ablations, three cardio versions and numerous drugs and there side effects. I am being offered a Pace maker with the total dependence on such as my AV node would be burned. I have suffered one heart attack and two TIA's and or stroke, they are not sure. I have been told that my range of motion may be limited and I do work out with weights and am fairly active. Any one with some thoughts on this? should I have it or no. Thanks, Steve.

12 Comments

Thank you, Tracey E.

by HOG Rider - 2009-06-18 03:06:22

Doctor was telling me about the motion of some lifting saying with rigorus and repetetive lifting of certain motions, (example) above head, wears on the wire and can shorten its longivity. I think that is what doc. means. Steve.

well

by Tracey_E - 2009-06-18 03:06:32

It sure sounds like you've tried everything else and it hasn't worked. AV node ablation and a pm is a last resort, but odds are high it will work and leave you feeling good. Compared to what you've been through, it's minor. And it's very minor compared to the risk of having a larger stroke and its consequences.

Why would your range of motion be limited? Most of us have no ill effects from the pm, we do just about anything we want. I work out with weights and am very active.

There are a number of members here who've had an av node ablation and are pm dependent. I'm sure they'll speak up and tell you more. Pm's are incredibly sophisticated technology and do a wonderful job mimicking what our hearts would do if they beat properly. Most of us are not held back at all by having a pm. Just the opposite, it opens doors and allows us to do things we couldn't do without it while giving us the piece of mind that our hearts will have a regular beat.

Bad lead.

by HOG Rider - 2009-06-18 04:06:08

Tracey, why did you not have it replaced? too much time or other reason? I used to train in Jiu Jitsu but had to quit after heart attack (I went back a coulple of times) but incurred hemotoma's so thought not good. I guess no chance of training ever again? better work at avoiding any altercations I guess, not one to turn away if someone needs help. Probably couldn't anyway even knowing chances. Thanks, Steve.

lifting

by Tracey_E - 2009-06-18 04:06:15

I'm not an expert but I can only see that happening if the leads are tight and if it's right under the bone, both are easy enough to prevent. The wires have several layers of insulation, it's not like you're going to rub through it easily. It's not unheard of for a dr to be concerned about arm movement causing problems but it's rare. Most of us don't have any restrictions other than avoiding contact sports like karate and football where you'd risk a direct hit to the pm itself. I'm not saying ignore your doctor, but I'd at least question him.

Leads don't always last forever but when they go bad most of the time, it's not something preventable. I have a bad lead now, it's ruptured through 2 of the 3 layers of insulation. It still works fine but it drains the battery faster, and I elected to keep it when I had my last battery change. It's not at a location where anything I did could have caused it, it's just something that happened.

leads

by Tracey_E - 2009-06-18 09:06:30

I chose to wait because it works! Think of the fridge door open- it still cools but your power bill is higher. My battery drains faster because they've got the voltage turned up to get the signal though. Recovery is longer on a new lead than just a battery, and I didn't want another set of leads in there taking up space if I could put it off. Batteries are really easy to replace, so the thought of it draining quickly didn't bother me much. The doctor left it up to me, I chose to wait last time but I'm going to get the new lead next time. This is my second battery I'll be getting only 3 yrs from, so it's time.

Jiu Jitsu is probably a bad idea. Sorry! You could train but sparring is most likely out. Check out the link for a company that makes a shield to wear, I think it was posted last week. I don't know if it would stand up to sparring but it can't hurt to check it out.

Hi Steve

by pete - 2009-06-19 01:06:33

Me again. Its not normal to take out the AV node at the same time . This gives the leads a chance to "ftxate" that is they are no longer likely too move. Most doctors wait about 6 weeks before taking out the AV node. I suggest you discuss this with your EP doctor. I dont think you will get the same good result if you only have one lead. The ventricles probably wont synchronise as wel or if at all. Cheers Peter

answer to Pete

by HOG Rider - 2009-06-19 01:06:45

Hello Pete, I have e-mailed your concerns to Doc. I will let you know any answers he may give regarding this. I know he felt perfectly comfortable saying he would do both at same time and has performed many that way. Thanks again, Steve.

GO FOR IT.

by pete - 2009-06-19 02:06:48

Hi steve, I have a pacemaker and an AV node ablation. I 100% recommend you have this done. The real risk with medical treatment is the difference between having treatment you need and not having the treatment you need. Unfortunately they tried a maze proceedure and I wish the medical profession would stop maze proceedures altogether . You have tried ablations to stop your AF and cardioversions which are only a temporary fix. You are now left with the option of a biventricular cardiac resynchronisation pacemaker with two leads controlling your ventricles and an AV node ablation 6 weeks later. They should have done that long ago. Its not a last chance corral its the treatment you need. You will still be left with chronic AF but your ventricles will beat steadily and synchronously- a miracle. Cheers Peter

information for Pete.

by HOG Rider - 2009-06-19 11:06:46

Hi Pete, I just spoke with my Electrophysologist and he was explaning to me that he would be doing an ecocardiogram to me and see how my pumping is going, if ok then one wire if not two, like yours but the A.V. node will be ablated at same time. I think I am going to schedule for Oct. I have lots of rides to go on, I ride a HOG and don't want to miss the runs coming up. Good luck to you and thanks, Steve.

ok here it comes, is sex ok.

by HOG Rider - 2009-06-23 10:06:06

I though inhibited by all these heart drugs, still seem to be able to enjoy sex quite well. Will sex still be allowed and or able to be performed for lengthly periods? I am also worried about how she will look at it, as if I might break or something. With bad heart now, I can't even let out a sigh or something with out her worrying. Thanks, Steve.

Answer for Pete.

by HOG Rider - 2009-06-29 01:06:40

Pete, doc is going to have me do eco, next week. He said if pumping action was weak then two leads. If ok one and he does do the AV abaltion same time. He has done many he states. Thanks, Steve.

answer for Pete.

by HOG Rider - 2009-08-11 04:08:32

Doc says it will be defibrillator with two leads, one in each ventricle with A.V. node ablation same time. Its the way he does it.

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