I have one and it has dramaticly changed my life!!! For the first time in a decade I have hope for a future. I was at only 15% heart function and now under doctor supervision I am working with Voc Rehab and hope to rejoin the Workforce and get off Disability! I had the Hiccups at first but a couple adjustments have cleared them up.
You are both exactly right. He has a Bi-V pacemaker with the hopes of improving heart function. My dad had a pacemaker implanted aboutn 8 years ago and b/c he is considered "at risk" for a cardiac event, replacement of the pacemaker included the addition of a defibrillator.
The insertion of the Bi-V pacemaker was a bit of an after-thought. The doctors felt that since they were inserting a defib and pacemaker, they would implant a Bi-V pacemaker in the hopes of improving his EF. He is somewhat symptomatic of CHF, but does well. The doctor is hoping the new unit will improve the SOB and overal heart function.
The doctor has told my dad that he does not want him to be annoyed by the "hiccup" feeling, and will disconnect the lead if necessary. Like you both mentioned, I'm thinking if he can tolerate the feeling, why not try for the benefit. Apparently, the placement of the 3rd lead can be tricky in some patients, and in this case, in my dad. So far, he is tolerating the hiccup feeling and will see the EP in March. Fortunately, it does not happen all the time, but when it does it is usually when he is trying to rest/sleep.
Thanks so much for your responses!
mmfd, I'm hoping he has success similar to your friends'.
The hiccup feeling has got to be annoying, but I think I would be inclined to put up with it. As mmfd noted, the Bi-V pacemakers are some remarkable devices. That said, I would encourage him to ask more questions of the EP about benefits and drawbacks of symptoms versus making any changes.
If you are talking about a biventricular pacemaker, I know several people who have had dramatic improvements in their heart failure since implant. Their EF's have risen a lot and their heart size has returned to normal! Of course, this doesn't always happen but it can be an important therapy for those who qualify. I believe if they shut off that third lead, then there would be no benefits toward resynch. How about another opinion with a different EP? Things are still new enough with those that some may have more experience with the device than others. Just a thought......