Advice please !!!

Hi,
Although l still haven't been for my 1st PM check-up yet (nearly 8wks!) l am expecting an appointment anyday. I have had a rough time with the incision area which is at last improving well,but because l have felt bad with this l haven't really been able to "test" the effect the PM is having on my heart. l can tell l dont get the very slow beats l used to get (which is why they gave me PM) but still get load of palpitations due to my A-fib l guess?
What l need to ask you wise people is when l go for my check what do l need to ask? l am not at all technically minded so if you have any suggestions,nice simple ones please! Also will they be able to see that my HR is still irregular from the info on PM and what other info can they get from it (St Jude medical).
Hope you can help me, Sue X

3 Comments

Advise

by Vai - 2011-06-02 01:06:21

It is quite delayed that you have not had your 1st PM check till now. Anyway I am glad you will be getting it checked soon.

I am glad the PM is helping you in eliminating the slow heart rate. It is designed for that purpose, anyway.

Your PM will record every heart beat and rythmn of your heart. Do worry the recording is very very detail. Every afib episode will be captured,and etc.

The PM is not the device to manage your Afib. Sometimes the PM in regulating the heart serves up some beneficial effects in reduced Afib episodes and reduced severity of the episodes. It has worked well for me, as my afib is now hardly felt or noticed after the PM implant.

By the way, I am also on medication (amiodarone, minimum dosage for adult). This drug is 'toxic' and has many side effects; as many members on this site will testify. Fortunately again for me, I have not experienced any of the side effects after almost 1+ year on the drug. Earlier I was on another class III drug which did not worked as well after taking it for 3 years without any problems. I am saying all this because management of afib is a dynamic process and the doc is best person to help.

You need to discuss with afib management with your doctor. Your few options are
- medication regime with betablockers etc
- ablation (again several different procedures)
Only a doctor can suggest what is best for you.

Good luck to you! Best.

Advise Please!!!

by SMH - 2011-06-02 12:06:18

Sue UK

I have severe AFib and get loads of palpitations too. In August of 2010 my reading showed I had had close to 300 episodes of Afib and when I went back in November 2010 it showed almost 1,000.

They will be able to see anything that your heart has done since the implant. It is amazing. They can tell you exactly the date and time you had Afib and how long it lasted, etc.

Good luck on your appointment. It is certainly an adjustment that took me months to reconcile with.
SMH

SMH &VAI

by sue uk - 2011-06-03 05:06:57

Hi,
Thankyou for your comments, l now have appointment for next Friday,same day as my birthday,not the most exciting way to celebrate 55yrs ! ! !
l am not on any medication for my Afib but maybe that will change now my heart doesn't go below 50 they may be able to give me something.I have not been in sinus rhythm for 3yrs now just permanent Afib & l guess l have got used to all the bumps & thumps from the irregularities thats not to say l like them !!! So keep your fingers crossed for me that they can give me something to help (have tried ablation) and l wish you both all the very best. Sue X

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