New Pacemaker, done after ER visit, living in Ecuador!

I’ve posted on different subject from the drop down menu.  No one answered.  I’ve had arrhythmia my whole life.  Had my first out of four ablation when there were only 70 Electrophysiologists in the U.S.  I New a pacer was coming, but fought it off, because I didn’t want to live with maintainance for so many years!

went into ER because for the first time, my high HR wouldn’t, couldn’t be stopped! 130-150+ bpm.  I also dropped to 30bpm every time I sat up on the gurney.  Was told I has sick sinus a long time ago!

Ironically my handle, “SpiffyHeart was chosen as my online name after having the cardiac ablatiions 

yesterday, I had first follow up and reading of the recordings in my PM. 

(1) my Electrophysiologist is ONLY doc to install pm’s here, without a 8 hr bus ride or plane ride to Quito (Capitol) in the Andes mountains.  Quito is also much higher altitude than my city of 8,500ft, so that’s not too good when you’re sick!

(2) He speaks Spanish, I speak beginner Spanish.  I have to take my own translator

(3) my pm is not FDA approved, but is used in Europe with good reviews.  It’s MRI compatible.  Dual chambers Right atria and Ventrical...pm installed on Rt chest

CONCERN:  While reviewing the recordings of 2+ weeks, I’ve had Some Atrial Fibrulation (which I thought had been ablated) but more alarming, was V-tach at 350bpm!   I said, Muy Peligro!  (Very dangerous) Which he says Yes!

his solution was to give me ANOTHER plastic card to carry in my purse...in Spanish, so I don’t know what it says...yet.   Stop all Caffine (one mug at breakfast) alcohol (one cocktail maybe 5X week) chocolate 🙄 and all vitamins and mineral supplements.

i know a dual chamber PM is only for slow rate, and to synchronize my chambers......but knowing what brought me to ER was a three day episode of fast rates.....should I not have had something to address fast?  I go back in two weeks, to see if “diet” is the problem.  I don’t have much hope, and I’m nervous about this very fast rates?  Only 6-8 seconds each, but that can seem like an eternity!   does anyone know what’s going on??

also....I have owned an oxometer for years, and use it so I know what normal is for me.   Does this PM make theses numbers incorrect?  So the pulse/ox reads wrong?

the older I’ve got, the worse stress has made my arrhythmia!  THIS is making me very nervous!

3 Comments

Sorry for no response

by Grateful Heart - 2018-02-22 17:13:46

I saw the first post and didn't know how to help.  Most of us are not doctors so my response will be based on what I myself would do in your situation.

First, are you taking any meds to control the high HR?  If not, why not?  I would also think your doctor would be suggesting a defibrillator for you. 

His lack of concern seems unacceptable to me.  If he is the only EP, I would go elsewhere.  Travel further if necessary.  Do your research on the internet and then make phone calls.  Handing you another plastic card is obviously not the answer.

Also, have your translator translate the new card for you.  Is it a device ID card or something else?

Sorry I can't be more helpful but doing nothing but watching your diet is not the solution.  Maybe others can help.

Please let us know how you are doing.

Grateful Heart  

Went for second opinion....

by SpiffyHeart - 2018-02-24 13:17:37

I remembered a cardio I went to see in 2014, before my husband died.  He is a youngish ma, and as is unusual for Ecuador....he still had me in his computer!  

I told him what happened, and that I’ve got this new pm.  He did an ECG and when he did, I was actively in arrhythmia.  I was dropping every fifth beat.  Which is one of the lesser of my list of screwy rhythms!

he asked....”What med did Diego put you on, when he saw the Afib and V-tach?”   Well....just the diet restrictions, to which he almost rolled his eyes.  

He put me back on Ritmocor/ propafenona cloro, 150mg twice day am/pm.  As I’ve failed every other rate/rhythm drug, I was concerned!  He said if this drug made me too slow, the pm would pick it up! Not to worry! It sort of made sense, and  I left feeling more hopeful.

so far, today, I slept better, woke up easier and earlier.  I guess there aren’t too many people with BOTH slow and fast?   I also asked him about the pulse ox meter.  You’re right!  I need to go back to doing it the old fashioned way!  However, I already know that if it’s going 200-350bpm, not all of those will reach my wrist or carotid artery!!  Let alone a pulse meter.

Good Move Spiffy

by Grateful Heart - 2018-02-25 16:57:37

Remembering your Cardio and going back to him first.

Yes, the meds control the high HR and the PM controls the lower HR from going too low.

Glad you're feeling better and the meds seem to be working.  Way to advocate for yourself.

Good job!

Grateful Heart 

You know you're wired when...

Friends call you the bionic woman.

Member Quotes

It may be the first time we've felt a normal heart rhythm in a long time, so of course it seems too fast and too strong.