Pacemaker recipients: Looking for support from others

@jnjetsman
First not a good feeling is it when you get shocked. Just know that it saves your life. I was told it is like having your own personal EMS in your chest.

I have had a AICD/Pacemaker since 2006 (on my 3rd one). And yes have been shocked many times. There are a lot of medications that can help reduce VTACH. I am on one. Mine drastically reduced episodes of VTACH. Also watch your electrolytes and keep them up. This came from my EP.

In 2016 I had 5 shocks in 24 hours because of VTAC. Developed PTSD anxiety/disorder out of it. Medications helped both mentally and physically.

My device was inplanted at Mayo Jacksonville. I have gone through a lot of changes to pacemaker to get it right. The recent medication is really doing a great job. I have not had any shocks for over a almost 2 years now.

On my last review of my device over a 3 month period I did not have any episodes of VTACH. I am not going to mention which one because medication needs to be unique to the individual and what worked for me may not be what is best for you. If you are on heart transplant list I assume your EF is quite low.

Talked to your EP about medications to help reduce VTAC. Also talk about stress and anxiety which are not good for anyone with heart issues. Reducing stress and anxiety can come from medication, and many lifestyle changes.

@jc76 thank you for all the information, it helps. I will for sure talk to my EP about possible medications. This being my first shock was something I will not forget. Having had this device for so long I became complacent and almost forgot about it since I hadn’t had any shocks. This was a little wake up call. I had just seen my EP 5 days before and everything was normal.
My EF is 20-25 but I am still able to work and have somewhat a normal life. Thanks again for all the information.

@jnjetsman
Glad to help. MCC is a place that you can come to with those with experiences they can share with you.

My EF is around 25 also. It has been at that level for over 10 years. It had steadly kept going down until I got on medications prescribed at Mayo Clinic along with an ICD/Pacemaker. My pacemaker is programmed to have my LV work with RV to get most of EF I can.

My RV is normal. I do not have any exercise restrictions other that all out exertion which they say would not advise for my age even if did not have HF. They say my body compensated from a lower EF really well and don't have any of the side affects most have.

I know it is hard to at first deal with the shocks as it brings back you do have a ICD/Pacemaker in your chest. What I found though is what I mentioned before when my EP said to me thing of your ICD/Pacemaker is like having your own EMS next to you to treat you if needed.

An isolated shock cause can be from many things. Just know that little device in there is to help you deal with VTAC if you have it again. Asked your EP about electrolytes. It is something they asked me about in the past when I had shocks as they told me can cause VTAC.
Good Luck!!

When you say electrolytes do you mean like drinking Gatorade? I really do appreciate all the words of encouragement it has helped.

@jnjetsman
Electrolytes are found in specialized water products and drink products like gatorade. I am not sure of all the ingredients that qualify as electrolytes but I know magnesium and postassium are part of it.

When ever I went to emergency room or talked to EP about causes they always mentioned electrolytes inbalance as a possible cause. So drinking (always talk to you medical providers that this is okay for you and if something you can do) water, gator aide, and other products that promote electrolytes is something I do. There are many water products and drink products that promote electrolytes. I drink a water product that has electrolytes in it.

Got it! Thank you. I will for sure talk to me EP about that.

Can u tell me what was your symptoms before the pacemaker please

Ricardo:

I have a regular pacemaker with two leads. The one in discussion above is AICD. I can't comment on that one.

My pacemaker is for Bradycardia. My heart beat is way too low on its own. My symptoms were fatigue, a dropping heart rate and some dizziness. Because I was very active, I assumed the lowering heart rate was because my heart was getting stronger. The slight dizziness was after heavy lifting so I assumed it was from that. If you have those symptoms: fatigue, low heart beat and some dizziness, you need to see your doctor. Even if you only have one or two you should consult the doctor. I had a phone appointment booked with my doctor for a Monday. When I checked my heart beat on the Saturday before it was 34. A nurse said go to the hospital where it was 31. I was in emerg. Saturday, Cardio ward Sunday, Pacemaker Monday. The procedure is simple. There is lots of information on recovery and people on this forum are always happy to share their experiences. The pacemaker saved my life, and I am living a good and active life.
Mavis

Hi Ricardo
I also have "Bradycardia" my heart rate drops to around 42-46 when sleeping and is somewhat normal during day, may go to around 55-62 when just sitting and relaxing, They "Think" a pacemaker would help with the symptoms you also mention. --I just can't get it in my head that it should help, when to me during the day my heart rate is somewhat normal ?
I guess I will go for it, 1st week in December.
Thanks and anymore thoughts appreciated.
Jer

Hello ricardorios1000

In addition to the excellent information provided by mfenn and jer22, I am including a link to an article from Mayo Clinic which explains a great deal about pacemakers and the possible need for one.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pacemaker/about/pac-20384689
I hope this article helps.

All the best.