Pacemaker Share Experiences

[JoKelly]

After going through the mill of many other failed options, it would seem that lots of us end up with a pacemaker for varied reasons, from slow heart rate to atrial arrhythmias or other associated conditions.  I have battled paroxysmal AFib for three years, with two ablations, cardioversion, drugs etc and feel I lost out in the end.

I am not feeling so good since my unplanned implantation four weeks ago following a new and unexpected emergency arrhythmia, mainly utter exhaustion like weights attached to my limbs, and having to stop for a rest every 100 yards whereas before I was very active.  I am hoping this is temporary and will improve.  I get an AV node ablation very soon which will disconnect the upper and lower chambers of my heart  (eeeek...) and don't know how this will affect me eventually.  

It would be useful to read of the experiences of others after having a pacemaker, hoping this will encourage those of us who are finding it so far an uphill experience.

[JoKelly]

Thank you for your encouragement DaltaDawn.  I think I feel bad because I am now in arrhythmia all the time instead of only sometimes (and I always felt bad during an episode previously).  They are allowing the atria to continue this way until they are cut off from transmitting rogue signals to the ventricles (AV node ablation) and then I am told I will feel better.  My pulse rate has been paced at 80, although I am told this will be lowered during the next procedure.  Meanwhile the large doses of Bisoprolol and Flecainide probably don't contribue to a sense of well-being...

I am waiting for the letter to drop on the mat any day now..

[DeltaDawn23]

Jo -- So sorry to hear you are still not feeling well.  Is there any way you can reach your doctor or his nurse and get some answers as to why you are feeling so poorly?  I did read on this board of one fellow feeling terrible and it turned out his pacemaker was set too slow following a procedure.  He was thinking it was the procedure and it was as simple as changing the heart rate to get him feeling okay again.  I'm not saying this is so in your case, just thinking you deserve some information to help you understand what's going on and what might be causing your symptoms.  As my family doctor told me once, "If I don't hear differently from you, I am going to assume you are doing fine."  Know that you are in my thoughts -- sending prayers, hugs, positive thoughts your way.  Hang in there.