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Justin McClanahan, Moderator avatar

Pacemaker & ICDs: Introduce Yourself & Meet Others

Pacemaker & ICDs | Last Active: 8 hours ago | Replies (165)

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Profile picture for Linda, Volunteer Mentor @walkinggirl

@sepilot Welcome to the ICD group, Neal! I see you are also in the COPD group. Are your cardiologist and pulmonologist working together as a team? The fact that your cardiologist seems "relatively uninterested" in your PVCs and 4.4 AATA is concerning because you are trying to learn as much about your unique situation to live your best life. I just looked up AATA, not familiar with that acronym, but knew that PVC was premature ventricular contraction (not a plastic pipe used in construction, context is important) because I have it, too. I have an ICD named Buddy, that paces, I developed dizziness and giddiness with a couple of syncope after a septal myectomy. May I suggest that you get a second opinion with a cardiologist who will address your concerns? Are you able to be seen at a COE (Center of Excellence) for heart and lung issues? Have you received guidance in what practical behaviors in terms of diet (nutritionist/dietician) and exercise (cardio rehab) you can do to maximize your quality of life?

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Replies to "@sepilot Welcome to the ICD group, Neal! I see you are also in the COPD group...."

@walkinggirl
Thanks for your reply Linda. AATA ascending aortic thoracic aneurism. I’m on the doorstep of 83, so intervention is iffy. Surgeons don’t like risking their numbers so they’ll watch and wait to the very last moment of choice and perhaps not then. All of my care is at MassGeneralBrigham. I don’t think pulmonology talks to cardiology regarding my case. Frustrating but that’s just the reality. They are kind of a top medical Mecca which means they get hundreds of critical cases all the time. If your wheel isn’t squeaking loud enough your case is kind of in the routine stream. I do try to be very active