Pacemaker recipients: Looking for support from others

@brightwood
I just wanted to add. I have PTSD anxiety/panic disorder. On a post on a different subject my urologist wanted to do a transrectal biopsie because I had heart failure. I DID NOT want that done under local anesthetic not only from the stress of being awake but the increase in infection rate. So I had my HF doctor communicate with my urologist my heart failure was NOT and issue with using general anesthesia.

Now on subject of ICD/Pacemakers. I am on my 3rd one. I can emphaszie with your anxiety over getting one. What I can tell you at Mayo Jacksonville my EP gives a tranquilizer that is quite powerful and you relax. He then does the drug called propronol. That is a sleep inducing drug and but you are in the light sleep mode but not in a deep sleep. An anesthesiologist is there to monitor you but your are not under general anesthesia.

I am not sure where you are going for you pacemaker but check with them about what they do for the procedure. I can only speak for myself but after three of the procedures. I have no anxiety over doing another one as I felt nothing, and don't remember any of the procedure as that is what the propronol does.

I think the term local anesthetic indicates just getting a pain medication at the site. This is not what Mayo Clinic does. And I like you would not havae it done that way. You can always go to Mayo or Cleveland to have it done and then have your local cardiologist or EP take over after that. That is offered at Cleveland and Mayo.

How long did they wait to decide to give you a pacemaker? My first visit to the ER was two months ago and I go back and forth with PAs and NPs but it seems a long time to decide. Do you actually see a cardiologist? This is getting scary.

@unclefreddy
I am not sure if your question is for me. If you put in your reply the tag for the person you want to directly respond to that will let them know.

If you were asking me. I was diagnosed in 2001 with HF. My EF was going down steadily from 2001 to 2006 to 30. My local cardioloist referred me to a EP (Electrophysiologist) to determine ICD. At that time I decided to go to Mayo Clinic Jacksonville for second opinion.

I met with the Director of Physiology and he recommended not only a ICD but pacemaker to help my heart get the electrical signals. He also referred me to Mayo HF specialist who wanted me on different medications and higher doses. I chose to change my medical care to Mayo Clinic.

I was seen in January 2006 and my ICD/Pacemaker was put in February 2006. I am on my 3rd one now which has another 4 years of battery life.

My ICD has saved my life many times. I have not had any shocks for several years now with new medictions and some programming changes to my pacemaker.

You should be seeing a electrophysiologist (EP) if possible. If not a cardiologist who is expereinced with ICD/Pacemakres.

A EP is the expert in electrical issues of heart, ICDs, Pacemakers, etc. Most cardiologists will referr you to a EP just like my original local cardiologist did that I mentioned above.

You can always have your ICD or Pacemaker, or a dual device like mine, done at a major medical facility like Mayo, Cleveland Clinic, etc., and have your local cardiologist work with the EP who puts in your ICD, paceamker or dual device.

I am not sure about your question but for me I would be seeking a EP for consultation if at all possible. If not a cardiologist who is experienced with ICD/Pacemakers.

Thank you. I am/was very active physically biking 12mph for an hour and have seen that trail off since my first ER visit. I’m having a Holter monitor soon but this seems to be dragging on. An EP has been mentioned but this is yet to happen and my messages (which I appreciate to be able to communicate) seems to bounce between many non MD staff at Mayo.. I’m very worried about quality of life from here and being able to regain my level of physical activity so your comments are encouraging. How do I get to see an EP at Mayo?