Consultant appointments post op UK

6 month check ups?

by sfp1 - 2017-05-24 08:33:10

Hi Phil,

I was also told that I should be getting six month check ups for the rest of my life. The nurse/doctor can check your read outs to see how often and at what rate you are pacing to monitor/adjust anything.

I was due for my six month in March but was not able to make it due to scheduling issues. The pacer center told me as long as I was feeling well I could be a bit flexible on the check up time. I had gone for my three month a month check up last year and things looked good so it depends on how you are feeling, what your doctor is suggesting, etc.

Good luck! Cheers.

thanks

by PhilUK - 2017-05-24 10:33:10

 Thanks SFP1,

                      Just looked at your profile to see if you are in the UK. I noticed you suspect Lyme disease as the cause of the pacemaker requirement. The consultants were baffled with my sudden demise and also checked me for Lyme disease as I had just returned from a trip to Dartmoor, Devon where the ticks are present. My results were negative. Prior to be taken ill and collapsing I was exposed to Bendiocarb the previous day (wasp poison) which I believe caused all my problems but nobody would listen. I spent months after the implant feeling terrible where I was told I would feel much better the same day. I am convinced I had / have bendiocarb poisoning. 

Remove PM

by lindajeschke@hotmail.com - 2017-05-24 13:12:21

Can it be removed?  Sounds like you might not need it.

Phil

by IAN MC - 2017-05-24 13:54:26

Here in the UK it is not usually considered necessary to ever see the cardiologist again after a PM implant. I had mine fitted 6 years ago and have only seen the technicians ( cardiac physiologists ) for check-ups. These were in my case after 6 weeks , then 6 monthly, now annually 

With your medical background the cardiologist MAY want to see you.  Why not ring his secretary and explain your concerns

Best of luck

Ian

Phil

by DampDog - 2017-05-25 05:19:17

You would have thought that with an organization as large as the NHS everyone would be singing from the same hymn-sheet, unfortunately that is not the case. Obviously to some degree how often you are seen is dictated by your condition.  I’ve had my device in for a little over 12 months.

I had my first follow-up with my cardiologist at just short of 16 weeks (I was told it would be 12wks) I had a second follow-up just under 6 months later. (I'm due another in 9 months) As I also have a remote monitor, so I’ve also sent 4 remote data transmissions, once every 3 months, give or take, in addition to seeing the pacing technicians at around 6 month intervals. I’ll be honest I thought this was just the norm.

Having had years of heart problems, experience tells me that appointment dates from the NHS are “give or take” a couple of months. As above though, if you are concerned just give your consultant’s secretary a ring. That is normally enough to do the trick.

UK pacemaker appointments

by LondonAndy - 2017-05-26 14:22:25

I'm the same as Ian: 6 weeks, then 6 months, now anually unless problems.  Have been 100% paced since dual chamber model inserted 2.5 years ago.

Thanks

by PhilUK - 2017-05-30 05:32:30

 Thanks for the replies,

              I was sick last week with an infection and ended up seeing my GP. I asked him if I should be seeing a cardioligist for check ups and he did not know either. I am surprised there are no follow ups with the cardiologist as standard after such implants. I have suffered palpitations since the day of the implant and had been waiting to see the consultant about them as my GP and the tech both shrugged their shoulders when mentioned. Seems I was waiting in vain.  I also have what appear to be muscle spasms if I lean on my left elbow on the sofa watching tv at times, feels very strange and can feel it in my chest. The spasm is obvious through my shirt, from my left chest across into my shoulder. My girlfriend actually noticed it Saturday night and looked horrified. Just a few things I feel I need to chat about.

    Thanks for the replies again,

                                              Phil