Pacemaker follow-up

Hi all,

I haven't been here since I first got my pacemaker implant which was almost two years ago. Everyone here was so helpful during my first few (very difficult) months. I'm now 34 years old and back, hopeful for some more help.

At the time, I was having dizzy spells and before I knew it, I was in the hospital having a pacemaker implant. Long story short, my electrophysiologist said that he couldn't figure out why my heart was stopping. He said we might know one day why it happened.

Two years later, I get my pacey tested every three months and the doctor has never seen me. I pace approximately 6% of the time which makes me lucky, I think.

I don't think about it much of the time, but wonder if I should be more proactive. Should I find a cardiologist? Pursue why this happened in the first place, so that it doesn't get worse?
Any similar stories out there?

As always, I appreciate your support and feedback.

Sincerely,

Molly

3 Comments

Hi Sparks

by Pookie - 2010-02-06 01:02:55

Hi.

I personally would find out the cause of why you were having dizzy spells and why your heart was stopping just in case it ever comes back. Also, if you ever move and have a new doctor, a new cardiologist, or new EP, I'm certain they would like to know what your diagnosis was to have the pacemaker in the first place.

Also, what would happen if you find yourself in a hospital, the first thing they will ask you is why do you have a pacer. I'm asked that question by every specialist I see. And especially if I need a medication, would it be safe to take with my heart diagnosis????!!!

I'm having exploratory surgery on Feb. 10th (not heart related) and my Anaestheologist wanted to know the diagnosis of why I had my pacer for sure! as he needed to know if I was considered a high risk patient for being put to sleep, etc.

And I would want to know because some heart problems can be passed onto our children.

It sounds like you're getting great care when it comes to having your pacemaker checked...every 3 months, wow....I have a Medtronic Enpulse, dual lead, and get checked every 6 months. Where I live we do not have the telephone check thing ... yet, but supposedly it is coming soon but will only be given to heart patients with major problems who live far from the hospital, which is understandable.

I guess I would want to be at least checked out by a cardiologist every 2 years or so even if I was doing very well as I wouldn't want something to sneak up on me when that something could have possibly been caught earlier if I had been seen by a cardiologist on a semi regular basis.

When it comes to MY heart the way I look at it is: better play safe than be sorry.

Best of luck.

Pookie

My experience...

by joyunderhiswings - 2010-02-06 05:02:47

I recently visited my cardiologist after a one year absence. I was certain he told me to follow up in year when I last saw him. I got a good scolding telling me I need to be seen every three months with my pacemaker. I only pace at about 3% myself, so didn't give it much thought to wait that long. I will keep this new schedule. I have AV Block Mobitz 1 and 2 and Sick Sinus Syndrome. Hope this is helpful to you.

nah

by Tracey_E - 2010-02-06 06:02:56

If the pm checks out regularly and you feel good, I'd leave well enough alone and get on with my life! You've found the cure, it doesn't much matter what the original cause was.

I only see my cardio when there's a problem but I'm diligent about pm checks. I had a little problem last year and we were all surprised to find it had been so long since I'd seen the dr that I was moved to inactive and didn't have a file anymore! We all laughed (I'm their only young pm patient and he's been my doc 15 yrs so the whole office knows who I am) then he asked me to make an appt once a year just to keep the file active and make sure nothing new has cropped up.

You know you're wired when...

Your ICD has a better memory than you.

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