Lyme Disease?
In July this year I suddenly went into Stage 2 heart block with a 26 pulse rate. The Doctors were stumped and watched me for 2 nights. Since I dropped into total heart block and my heart actualy stopped, the Doctors in there wisdom sent me to surgery for a PM implant. This was quite shocking to me,,I almost died twice! I could not understand what the hell happened to me so suddenly.I thought I was a healthy active 58 yr old male who had 2 months prior passed a yearly exam,,Well I was accepting my new life dependaent on a devise when I received a call from my Dr. He had drawn blood while in the Hospital and it returned positive for Lyme Disease! I was sent to a specialist who prescribed antibiodics.Well I have had a total recovery from Lyme, BUT more so my heart has had a compleate recovery... Its been several months and my heart is working 100% on its own. This is the nature of early Lyme Disease,, it can and did attack my heart,, to the point of stopping it. I had been givin last rights in the hospital from a Priest, I had felt flu syptoms weeks before my heart block..If it wasn't for the doctors I would still be dependent on a PM. I wonder how many others have had this but assumed like I did it was just a bad ticker. I thank God daily for keeping me alive and returning me to a normal life. I pray for all of you.
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Lyme Disease
by Vicki - 2007-10-08 05:10:14
Hi, I am 58 years old and thought I was in good health also. Like you, in July I went into complete heart block and was hospitalized for 3 days when they told me I needed a PM. Two weeks later at my checkup heart block was gone..and pacer had been used less than 1% of time. Guess just enough to kick start the heart. Two months later at first PM interrogation, same diagnosis; block gone~~pacer used less than 1% of time. PM Rep asked me if I was tested for Lyme. Checked with hospital...nope. My primary sent me for test. I do not have Lyme disease. While I was waiting for the test results I looked up symptoms and yes, heart block is one. One website said docs should always check for Lyme before implanting a permanent pacemaker because if Lyme, PM not needed. I am wondering how you feel about this? When I thought Lyme was a possibility I was furious that they did surgery and put this thing in me which I would have to have for the rest of my life. Was told the pacer could be removed but probably not the leads. Have they removed yours? How do you feel about the hospital not testing you? I know you must be thankful that you don't have a heart problem now. But are you angry that you went through all of this when it was not needed? Or maybe the anger is a waste of time. Don't know. As for me now that Lyme is not the reason I am just grateful that I am doing okay and I have this little computer to take care of me when I'm not okay.
Vicki