scared of what is ahead

Hi Friends,

I have posted previously in the past year. On December 26, I had my 3rd pacemaker inplant. The first was at the age of 36. Friday I turn 54.

This morning I went for my pacemaker check. I have a St. Jude's model. Everything was fine until the nurse told me that I had 2 episodes of very fast beats within the last 3 months. The episodes lasted about 7 seconds.

Tomorrow I will have an echocardiogram to see if anything shows why I had those 2 episodes.

My mind is racing with the possibility of future surgery like open heart or valve replacement...I always think the worst case right away.

Anyone out there that this has happened to?

I appreciate your time,
Searching Woman

6 Comments

a big leap

by Tracey_E - 2008-11-05 10:11:01

Two very (very very) short episodes of tachycardia is a long (long, long, long) way from a problem that could potentially lead to OH surgery! First of all, fast beats is generally a sign of an electrical problem, not a physical abnormality. Physical problems are fixed with surgery. Slow electrical problems are fixed with pm programming, fast ones are usually fixed with medication. If the episodes were only 7 seconds and it only happened twice, I'm surprised they're even following up on it. Without the pm, you probably wouldn't even know it happened.

I know it's easier said than done, but try not to worry about it until you find out if you even have anything to worry about. Odds are pretty good it was a fluke and may not happen again. Worst case, you'll find yourself on betablockers to slow your hr down. Good luck!

Maybe sex?

by ElectricFrank - 2008-11-05 11:11:30

Nothing more to say

frank

Bigger problem

by TJB - 2008-11-06 01:11:49

I think you will be fine. I had same problem for 4 months. I had to go to the doc's office every 2 weeks for 4 months straight because of the same problem. First time heart rate over 190 for 17 seconds with 48 instances, next time 37 instances,next time 59 instances, etc... every 2 weeks. Finally doc kept adjusting meds and the last time I only had 4 instances. He said he was very happy and so am I that i don't have to keep going back. You should be fine and good luck! By the way I'm only 33.

Ablation

by pioxen - 2008-11-06 04:11:58

Searchingwoman,

I've experienced the exact same thing several times, but I agree you shouldn't worry since these episodes only last so short a time. Impulses from heart which cause this to happen can be from the SA node, or the apposing side which cause flutter to occur.

As for Open Heart Surgery, no. They can use a technique called Ablation surgery to correct these issues. It is accomplished by using Cathaders (usually 3 at once) to gain access to the interior of the heart and ablate (burn) the areas causing the trouble from the inside. If you're not currently on blood thinners, you're usually released from the hospital the same day, if you are on blood thinners, then just an overnite stay.

I've had 4 heart procedures so far (three ablation procedures this year alone) to correct atrial fibrillation, Atrial flutter, and an ASD repair to close a hole in my heart between the upper chambers.

Don't worry, you'll get through this fine without having open heart surgery. Hope to hear your better soon.

Active Duty (MSgt) US Air Force

Itll be ok

by walkerd - 2008-11-06 06:11:06

like tracie said dont worry and it is easier said than done. A couple of times you shouldnt have anything wrong unless what frank said than you dont have anything to worry about at all in fact you could dance. hehehe. Keep the chin up and smile, enjoy life, smell the flowers unless its like here cold and no more flowers lol, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bad dave bad
lol
SMILE

Don't worry

by TOOTLE - 2008-11-10 09:11:46

I have this almost every time I got t have my PM checked. It' apparently no big problem. Stress about it will cause more problems than it is. Your doctor or the PM Tech will let you know if its something really bad.

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I've seen many posts about people being concerned about exercise after having a device so thought I would let you know that yesterday I raced my first marathon since having my pacemaker fitted in fall 2004.