THANK YOU ALL

I first posted in coping about three weeks ago when I found out from my cardiologist that I have Bradycardia and 2nd degree av block, probably type II. I was a nervous wreck not knowing how this would affect my life and my health.

Thanks to reading your responses to my post and also postings of everyone who belongs to the club I think that my appointment with the pacemaker specialist on February 3rd will go much more smoothly.

The only thing I am wondering about is what is the usual procedure from the time you see the specialist to the implant of the pacemaker. Will the specialist do some more tests. The only test was the 24 hr monitor. And do they usually schedule the surgery for the next day?

Any information you can give me regarding what to ask at my appointment would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again for the love and support on this site.

5 Comments

depends

by Tracey_E - 2010-01-31 10:01:00

What tests they do and how soon they schedule you depends on your doctor and your needs. You may not need anything else other than the standard pre-op tests- blood work and chest xray. Have you had an echo to make sure your heart is structurally ok? They may do that also. It's really easy, just an ultrasound.

If you aren't considered an emergency, you can usually schedule at your convenience. Most doctors have set days of the week they like to schedule procedures so you may have to work around that. I'd expect to do it in the next week or two, probably not next day unless there's some reason why it can't wait.

contrast dyes

by Tracey_E - 2010-01-31 10:01:30

The only thing cardiac you might get contrast dye for is a venogram and or a chemical stress test. No reason why you'd need either of those this time.

I had a venogram this last time because I needed a new lead (replacing one that's 16 yrs old) and we had to be sure it was going to fit. I had a BAD reaction to dye last time I had one. This time they put an antihistimine and something else preventative in the iv before the dye and no reaction!!!! I kept expecting the hives to begin but I didn't even get the teeniest bit itchy. I don't know if that works for everyone, but it can't hurt to ask.

Hi :-)

by pacergirl - 2010-01-31 10:01:40

Well, if your name was Pacergirl you and I could be twins! First let me say welcome to the PClub. I know this isn't your first visit, however I think it is my first post to you.

Back in February of 2005 I was feeling rather poorly and wasn't getting any better. I went to see my Dr. and it was dismissed as being "depressed". I was not depressed, anyway like you I was fitted with a 24 hr monitor as well. I have Bradycardia and 2nd degree Heart block type 2. As soon as my husband could get me to the hospital I was submitted to some additional test. A heart Echo, a MRI, a Heart Cath, full blood workup and a CT scan. My Drs. were being very through. I would never be able to have another MRI so they wanted to be sure that I was ok. I was having a reaction to some of the contrast dye I was given.
I can't say what sort of test your specialist might request for you but be prepared for a few. If they don't run the test then no problem. If they do decide you need them, you'll be prepared.
I was 52 when I got my pacemaker and I am due for a replacement in May of this year. I had an issue with a blood clot that affected my left arm, but other than that I have had a few adjustments but feeling pretty good overall. It did take some time to "get my head around it" but not everyone goes through that. I advise you to be kind to yourself, allow yourself time to heal. And no matter what, reach out to your new pacer friends. We will be here to support in any way we can.

Take care, Pacergirl :-)

HI PACERGIRL

by MAXI1439 - 2010-01-31 10:01:48

Thanks for the info pacergirl. The main problem with my health has been fibromyalgia for the past ten years. Therefore, anytime I come up with some new symptoms or seem to be feeling a little strange, the docs always associate it with the fibro. I am hoping if I really do have Bradycardia and 2nd degree av block that the severe fatigue I have been experiencing for the past number of years will possibly be from that and not the fibro.

Anyway, I will make sure that my new doctor does enough to rule out the fibro as the cause for some of the other symptoms as well as the fatigue. I also do not do well with contrast dyes so hope they don't have to use any.

Talk to you soon.

good luck

by Hot Heart - 2010-02-01 05:02:44

on the 4th!

HH

You know you're wired when...

Your pacemaker receives radio frequencies.

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