leaded and leadless... now i'm scared

Agree with Robin

by Gotrhythm - 2018-06-06 14:11:36

I'm probably not much help either, having no experience with the leadless pacemaker, but the little I know indicates that althought they can be a very good choice for extremely active people like you, they are not right for every kind of rhythm disorder. 

I'd say you definitely need a second opinion and you need one with an EP.

An Electophysiologist, EP, is a cardiologist who specializes in rhythm disorders, and knows much more about pacemakers than the average cardiologist. A EP will help your weigh the pros and cons between dual lead and leadless pacemakers. And yes, you need to be in on the decision about which would be best. It's your life, and you will live with the consequences. You need to have as much confidence as possible that you are making the right choice.

Finally, as Robin says, the experience of your surgeon makes a big difference in outcome. Even if you have to travel, it's worth it to go where the experience is.

wow xxx

by krista1 - 2018-06-06 14:34:03

thankyou for your responses i really appreciate them.

my cardiologist is a specialist in heart rhythm disorders and an experienced E.P so that settles my mind a little bit. he has so many good reviews here in the uk... i do have to travel but i'm happy with that.

i guess i was just worried thinking that i was just a number if that makes sense and i was so worried about having a pacemaker anyway. but i deffo think i will ask the questions as i want to be reassured. i personally want the leadless but i understand if i need the leaded. 

having faith in doctors is a big thing for me xx

Huh?

by AgentX86 - 2018-06-06 22:59:40

I don't understand the discussion. A pacemaker, with or without leads, won't fix A-fib.  A pacemaker can only add heartbeats.  It can't get rid of any extra beats, unless they're planning to do an AV ablation, in which case a leadless PM is all wrong.

Did he mention SSS (sick sinus syndrome)?  That would make sense but, again, afib throws a monkeywrench in the gears.  There is something missing here.

agent

by krista1 - 2018-06-07 08:07:09

hi agent thanks for replying zx

this is to fix my arythmia.. i have syncope with it alsoas i have been bradiachardic x which is not great xx so this is to fix that x i only had once instance of afib in a month so it's not often.

my heart skips and then loses beats and pauses so that's what this is for xx 

get another opinion

by Tracey_E - 2018-06-07 11:52:03

I would want to talk to a doctor that is experienced with leadless, they are still fairly new and limited.  Go with the one most likely to fix the problem, everything else is secondary and it pretty much defeats the purpose of having it if you get one that doesn't fix your problem. They can place a leaded one so that you can still do acrobatics after you heal.  Different situation, but when I got my first one I was young and very underweight. My cardiologist wanted to make sure it was comfortable and looked good since I would have it for a lot of years, so he brought in a plastic surgeon to assist. Cardiologists/ep's specialize in the heart. Plastic surgeons make things look and feel good. This is no challenge whatsoever for them, easiest job of the day. Insurance covered it. 

tracey

by krista1 - 2018-06-08 15:26:27

thanks tracey for our response i really appreciate it.

i received my letter today and it does state that this is to cover my pauses that are causing me problems and dizziness fatigue and skipped beats. 

i have checked him out and it seems he is a specialist in his field with many accreditation's. 

i am however going for a pre op assessment on wednesday so i'm hoping i can ask all these questions to him and the team. 

i do feel scared but then i'm hoping this will fix my problem.