Health Update

I have not been feeling great this fall. I visited my cardiologist last month and got some good news and not so good news.

My pacemaker is working fine. My doctor tells me that I should not have open-heart surgery to replace my pulmonary valve. I've been considering doing it to feel more normal and also to play more sports. The reason she advises against it is because I have a relatively good quality of life and she expects a new procedure called “percutaneous pulmonary valve replacement” to be available within five years. Using this procedure, she will be able to replace my valve through a catheter. It's being done today, but is not available for me because of the size of my valve opening.

My pacer told us that I'm in atrial flutter about 11% of the time. This explains why I have not been feeling like my normal self. I saw an Electro-physiologist yesterday and he confirmed what I thought. I need another cardiac ablation. I’m on the waiting list and expect to have this procedure done sometime this winter.

The news has me a little bummed out. My energy level is also down. Some of you may have noticed that I have not been as active on the site as normal. It is for this reason that I have not been online as often as I wish. I hope to be back to normal soon.

Cheers,

Blake

12 Comments

Hi

by mytrose43 - 2009-11-11 02:11:00

Hi Blake

will say a pray for you hope all turns out well for you.I am sorry you are not feeling up to parr but as they say this to shall pass,best of luck

Valerie

Best Wishes

by Wannabe - 2009-11-11 02:11:37

So sorry to hear of your latest issues, Blake, and wanted you to know I'm thinking of you and hope these will soon be resolved. In the meantime, the ghastly waiting and worrying simply drags by and debilitates further. But, remember This Too Will Pass. Love and best wishes. Sheila

hi blake

by jessie - 2009-11-11 02:11:50

thinking of you and praying that you will receive what you need to be able to be in the health to do more. i was wondering where you were and thought of you saying one time it was like jessie was down the road going to drop in for a cuppa tea. we are a group of wonderful people we are. hugs jessie

Thinking of you....

by Loopy Lou - 2009-11-11 03:11:49

Blake, so sorry to hear your news....... what can I say, except I send you a huge hug from over here in UK and to let you know my family and I are thinking of you - please let us all know how things are going...

Love & Hugs, Loopy Lou xxxxxx

My thoughts are with you

by Blueaustralia - 2009-11-11 04:11:34

DearBlake

Just to say my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You have brought so much pelasure into so many lives, Thank you for all the wonderul things you do for all the PM members. Tons of love and hugs from Australia Billie xxxxxxxxxxxx

Hi Blake....

by lenora - 2009-11-11 06:11:03

Im sorry you're having a tough time!!! Fib and flutter can be wicked for sure. I always feel like I'm trying to walk around carrying a big heavy rock on my back when I'm in flutter. Percutaneous pulmonary valve replacement sounds very promising. Children's Hospital in Chicago has been doing them for several years. Can't be too long till adults can have it done too. In the meantime, why can't they try to cardiovert the fib/flutter? Hope you're on a blood thinner. I'll keep you in prayer. Lenora

darn

by Tracey_E - 2009-11-11 09:11:41

I'm so sorry you didn't get good news! I know you were hoping to avoid an ablation. I hope it gets you back to feeling great and being active again. You'll be in my prayers.

SO, so sorry

by Angelie - 2009-11-11 10:11:15

You know, Blake, that I've been down that ablation road many, many times, and I hate it for ya. My last ablation was for flutter, and so far (knock on wood) it's worked so far- at least I hope. The real news will come when I get my pacer checked tomorrow. I remain hopeful that all of my crazy rhythms are a thing of the past for me, but who knows- life always has a way of throwing me a few curve balls. I'm determined not to strike out though, in fact the opposite. I'm one day gonna hit that dang ball out of the field and run gloriously around the bases. YAY!
My last ablation for flutter, mind you, was the one that put me into junctional rhythm which is now my underlying rhythm without the pacemaker. This shouldn't be a problem to you though since you're already paced 100%. I'm now 100% atrial paced.

I wish you luck with your pulmonary valve situation. I can only hope for patience, strength, and wisdom in making the right decision. In the mean time, please know from someone with past flutter issues (I was in flutter 100% of the time for 3 weeks.....eee-gads), that I understand what you're going through and am here for you should you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

We'll all get through this together, eh?

Peace, discernment, and strength, now and in the coming days

-Angelie

oh yeah,

by Angelie - 2009-11-11 10:11:36

in the meantime. Take a baby aspirin until your flutter issues are resolved. Talk to your doctor about it. Flutter and A-fib put you at an increased risk for stroke. It's unlikely, but taking a baby aspirin is no big deal if you don't have tummy or other contraindicative issues.
I'd mention it to your doctor, if you're not on it already.

Hello

by pacergirl - 2009-11-11 11:11:35

Hi Blake,
I just wanted to tell you that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Each time a new health issue comes up I try to think about my pacermaker club family and how strong you all are. It always helps me cope. I have learned to reach out and let my "Pacer family" know when I am struggling, or scared or just need some support. It makes me proud to know that you have done the same... reaching out to your pacer family.
We are a wild and crazy group, we come from all walks of life. We laugh, we celebrate, we cry and we support each other together! Without you this would not be possible. Thank you!
So glad to be able to return some support to you. You're a great person and meeting you in person meant the world to me.

Your friend in pacing!
Pacergirl

Hi

by ppt - 2009-11-11 12:11:15

Blake -
So sorry to hear of your issues. You are in my thoughts and I will send positive thoughts from Florida to Canada for both you and Pookie.

This site you envisioned and implemented has been and continues to be a fantastic support mechanism for those of us with implantable devices. May it come full circle for you.

Cheers
Putnam

Prayers going your way!

by tcrabtree85 - 2009-11-12 02:11:27

Blake,
I am praying that your ablation will be schedule soon and done and just out of the way and you can be back to living your life without the lack of energy that you are having right now.
I hate ablations but know that they do help in the long run. I got told the same thing that it looks like I may need another one and will find out on the 24th for sure. I will be thinking of you and please let us know when you will be schedule.
Much love and many thoughts and prayers, Wish I would have been up to health to have been able to meet you!

Blessings and love,
Tammy

You know you're wired when...

Friends call you the bionic woman.

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