Second Opinion

Have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and doctor has recommended a pacemaker. Though I am taking a blood thinner now - I feel great.

Should I get a second opinion?

6 Comments

If you feel .....

by dad4dds - 2013-01-28 06:01:36

the need for a second opinion you should do it. I have artrial fibrilation I am on my second pacer/ICD since 2009. They did not put mine until I started having other physical problems along with it. Like trouble breathing and no energy. If it is needed though the younger you are the faster you will recover and be back to doing most things you like to do.

Hope all works out.

If...

by Zia - 2013-01-28 07:01:16

you have any doubts, then you should get a second opinion if only to reassure you that you're doing the right thing.

pm

by Alma Annie - 2013-01-28 07:01:36

Definitely get a 2nd opinion. There are options. First of all medication. I have a friend with same problem and Metoprolol is controlling AF well, together with Warfarin to prevent stroke. If her HR races she takes extra medication. Another option is ablation. That was me but unfortunately my HR went too low, hence the pm. I did have other problems though and had a 2nd ablation 9 months later which worked well. A pm is no big deal, but if you can control problem without one, why have one? By the way a pm does not stop fast HR, only prevents it going too low.
Hope this helps
Alma Annie

Second Opinion

by J.B. - 2013-01-28 10:01:05

Definitely get a 2nd opinion. Many heart problems can change or the need for a pacemaker can change. Once you get a pacemaker you probably will have one for life, so get that second opinion just for a little insurance.

A good example is one of our members (goes by the name of Smitty) got one about 12 to 15 yrs ago without a second opinion. Had he gotten that second op. he may not have a pacemaker today as he sure as heck didn't need one then. But by the time that dr. got through covering his tracks to justify that pacemaker Old Smitty had to have one then and is now on his second one.

I say to anybody, when it comes to pacemakers, get a second opinion.

Yes.

by cal7380 - 2013-01-29 08:01:35

Yes, get a 2nd opinion. I was diagnosed with an arrthymia in 2007. My internist and cardiologist said I needed a PM, and I had one implanted. Then, they said I had AF and prescribed drugs to treat that. In 2009, I had an ablation which stopped my AF. But then, I realized that my PM wasn't pacing at all, except when I was sleeping. I turned my PM off, and have had zero negative effects. I didn't need a PM--I just needed to have my AF treated. A PM won't stop your AF. Get a second opinion.

DIDN'T LISTEN TO GOOD ADVICE ~ ~ ~

by Carolyn65 - 2013-01-30 12:01:46

In May, 2009, after finding this PM Site, I 'Posted' (whined and whined) re: the heart Dr. suggesting a PM. I had A-fib most of my life, but did not know what that 'flutter' was from my teen years 'til it became more and more in my early 60's. That is when I told the Dr.

After all my 'Posts' of 'poor me' and 'what should I do', I was given 'comments' from so many wonderful, experienced, educated people on this site, Smitty, ElectricFrank, Pacergirl, TraceyE and other who all said to get a 2nd opinion if that was my only problem. After talking to my same heart Dr. of this PM Club site and him assuring me HE was the Dr. on this, not PM Club, I had the PM put in in November, 2009.

I do not have any problems, nor have had any. In fact, I forget I even have a PM 'til I am asked about it. MY biggest mistake was not getting that 2nd opinion! I probably could have been treated by meds/Warfarin.

YOU only have ONE heart ~ Get that 2nd opinion!

Good Luck from TEXAS,
Carolyn G. ~ ~ ~

You know you're wired when...

Your heart beats like a teenager in love.

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