Anyone Have a Pacemaker?

[Alajane 17]

I'm so frustrated and almost mad! I had no idea I had any heart problems until I started my approval process last November. In those monthly PCP visits, my doctor diagnosed atrial fibrillation and sent me to a cardiologist, who recommended a procedure which would involve stopping the heart and shocking it back into normal rhythm. I asked if there were alternatives and he put me on medication which had me doing well. Now here I am, almost 3 months out from my surgery and 60 pounds lighter, and now my PCP is talking about a pacemaker. I have to go back to him this afternoon to get the results of wearing a Holter monitor last week and since he wouldn't tell me the results on the phone but is making me go into the office to discuss it, I'm sure it's not good!! Anyone have any experience with a Pacemaker? The thought of it scares me to death--I was so sure losing weight would resolve the issue, but it looks like that's not the case.

[katB 8]

Hi there, don't fret. Yes. I have an ICD/Pacemaker. It's a good thing. Like an insurance policy. No worries it's a very easy insertion. You have a monitor beside your bed that reads you at night and you don't feel anything but a small hockey puck under the skin. Nothing changes daily. You go in once every six months to have it checked which is just a computer that reads you. I had a cardiac arrest in 2009 at age 43. Seriously so lucky. Two people did cpr and a firestation was across the street. The only reason I'm alive. So IT BEATS THE ALTERNATIVE. Try not to worry. You'll be fine:]

[Alajane 17]

Wow--I can see that you're happy to have your Pacemaker after that experience--how scary!! It was just such a surprise because I don't feel the changes in rhythm. Occasionally I feel that my heart is racing a bit, so I wasn't surprised by that, but I had no idea about the slow times. And I've been unhappy about being on a blood thinner, so I thought maybe the pacemaker would take care of that, but the doc told me yesterday that the pacemaker will not affect when it's too fast--just speed it up when it's too slow. So he can give me stronger meds to slow it down! I'll get used to the idea, just having a hard time with it right now. Since I didn't think I had any health problems other than my weight, I just thought the VSG would have me feeling great and super healthy!

[katB 8]

You will feel great soon! The blood thinner part was a drag, but I'm off all and happily a 12/10 so the sleeve is amazing. Best of luck!

[Alajane 17]

Oh, that's very encouraging! I had understood I'd probably have to stay on the blood thinner since the Pacemaker only addresses the slow heart rates. I've been a little discouraged that I didn't have the energy most sleevers report, but realize it may be because of the AFIB and hopefully you're right and I will feel much better once my heart rate is regulated.

Thanks.

Jane