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Hi my name is Mark. I have Cardiomyopathy and my Cardiologist had referred me to a pace maker specialist. I met with him yesterday and he said I am a good candidate to have a pacmaker to synchronize the heart. One side pumps slower then the other.

Just trying to get some feed back on the pro's & Cons.

I am 51 years old

Thanks

Mark

6 Comments

Hi Mark

by monoyoung - 2012-07-10 05:07:02

Hi Mark. My husband is 50 years old and was just diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy last August. In December he recieved his pacemaker. We are both happy that he now has one due to the fear of sudden death with low EF of 15. He has never felt "bad". Before diagnosis or now, so I can say that you will feel alot different. For us it was just for peace of mind. Supposedly, with the pace maker helping to pump it will take the stress off his heart and increase his EF. Haven't had follow up muga scan yet to know if that is working. Other than that, no real major lifestyle changes with pacemaker.

Wish you the best.

go for it

by Tracey_E - 2012-07-10 07:07:15

It sounds like they're talking about a crt-d, or a biventricular pacemaker. They do not have a 100% success rate but they make a lot of people feel a whole lot better and there aren't a lot of other options. If you do a search, you'll find lots of members who have them for the same thing as you and they are doing well. Good luck to you.

CRT-D

by Bill T - 2012-07-10 10:07:37

Hi Mark,
I have had a CRT-D for about a year. My EF was in the 30s range and after 3 months it had increased to the almost normal (50s) & I have felt much, much better. Just had a checkup a few days ago and my Cardiologist said that a lot of his and other patients from his group have had similar success.

Best of luck,

Bill T

Definitely better than the alternative

by Paul_B65 - 2012-07-14 04:07:00

Hi Mark, I had/have cardiomyopathy which caused CHF with an EF of 10%. You know you are in tough shape when the nurses are whispering about you!. I have my second PM a CRT- D Medtronic Protecta and my ejection fraction is now 45% and I feel good!! I went from almost permanent horizontal to vertical ! I continue to ski and enjoy my life. It was well worth it.

Pros & Cons

by brucenj - 2012-07-16 08:07:00

Hi Mark:

Make Sure you need the PM. Find out if there are any alternative treatments for your condition.
I am 64 & I passed out in a gym after a moderate workout in April 2012. 1st time I had passed out since age 14. I was taken to an ER & after 3 days of tests, an electro-physiologist advised me to get the PM & I did.
I may be just in an adjustment period but I find myself questioning whether I should have deferred the PM, (based on just 1 incident, am I symptomatic?) , until I got a 2nd test, or opinion.
I had been diagnosed with 'Arrythmia 2 degree'.
When I did consult another Cardiologist, outside the hospital, he reviewed the test results & said these justified the PM. But medicine is not an exact science, (as is written on the medical consent form I signed at the hospital), and I regret not having another test to confirm the 1st results. I would prefer not having an object in my chest unless I was sure it is necessary.
I can walk & operate as usual, the pain from the operation was not severe, & main limitation was not to lift my left arm overhead for 2 months & mainly walk for exercise.
PRO's - many people at this site testify that the PM has helped them. My Dr says it is to my benefit.
Cons - after getting the PM , I have been experiencing palpitations, 'flutterings', and occasional irregular heartbeats. I'm working with my cardiologist to resolve this. I am constantly aware of the PM's presence in my chest, so far.
SUMMING -UP - the PM is a great benefit to many people but be sure (for your own peace of mind) that YOU definitely need it. Remember once it is implanted, it is unlikely that you can have it removed. Replaced yes.
And speak to your Dr. about the adjustment process / procedure if you happen to experience any unusual phenomena after the PM. Get as much feedback as you can.
I hope my experience is of benefit to you.
Good Luck.


Bivent Pacer

by JNeumann - 2012-08-13 05:08:20

Hi Mark,
I'm getting a bi-vent pacer on August 27th. It will be my 4th pacemaker. I've always had a dual lead, so the three lead is a change for me. I got my first pacer when I was 12; I'm 40 now. Without the pacer I was sitting at about 12 beats at night. Initially I was paced about 50% but eventually became 100% paced but could do most things I wanted - I've run 4 half marathons, done duathlons, a triathlon, you get the picture. However, in the past 2 years I've really slowed down and after several echos, was diagnosed with cardiomyopapthy; honestly, I don't recall my EF, but it's shockingly low for what I can do. Anyway, my Cardi recommended the bi-vent so I can improve my EF and get back to doing all the things I used to do. MY cardiomyopathy is caused by being artificially paced for 28 years. It just takes a toll on the heart, and is common in people who get pacemakers at a young age. I can tell you, having done 3 pacer surgeries (the first one was the full general anesthesia), yeah, you are sore, yeah, you have to take it easy, but it isn't unbearable. It feels like you've done some serious weight lifting, and honestly, if it is going to improve your qualitiy of life, no brainer, right? Some people are saying weeks of limited mobility...even back in 1984, I was never told more than 2 weeks of limited arm movement. For my upcoming surgery I'm getting 3 new leads and a new generator and I have NO movement restrictions for my arms. I was told it will hurt, but if I want to wave my arms in the air like I don't care, have at it! I just can't lift weights, run, bike or swim for 3 weeks. Of course every person is different, but pacers aren't that scary of a surgery. Hope this helps. Good luck to you.

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