Question 4 U.K. pacers

I am 8 weeks post pm and have yet to see a cardiologist. I had my first pacer checkup 2 weeks ago and mentioned that I still wasn't sure exactly what I had, although reading up about it and having advice from this site I think I have AV block, but my pm tech said it mentioned SSS in my notes, and I heard at one stage Wenkebach mentioned but that was just before I was rushed in to have the pm fitted.
I was just curious how long others waited to see someone after! I know that things are done differenyly in the U.S.A.
The pm tech said she would arrange for me to see someone but I still haven't heard anything although i know how things can take time over here (especially the admin side of the N.H.S)! No complaints about the surgical side at all, I was 24 hours from diagnosis to having pm fitted.

6 Comments

Hiya Chrissie

by sputnick - 2009-03-26 03:03:19

It's a good job us Brits are an amenable lot isn't it, the americans won't stand any being messed about.
Well I have actually just had a phone call from my G.P after I rang the surgery earlier to see if they had had ahything through yet from the cardiology dept at our local hospital (who were meant to be sending me a copy of anything going to him)
He said that I have 1st degree heart block, and also 2nd degree heart block ( Wenckebach) Is that the same as Mobitz type 11?
How can you have 1st degree and 2nd degree, I thought that 2nd degree was a progression from 1st degree, not an addition! I think the more I learn the more confused I get! I'm sure I will get there in the end. My G.P is leaving a copy of the letter for me to pick up at reception tomorrow so I look forward to seeing that.
Well, I am off out to get drunk! Have a good night everyone
Jan

tee UK

by tee - 2009-03-26 05:03:52

hi sputnik wanted to say hello iam tee and live in the uk manchester i have a dual pacemaker fitted in oct 2007 ihad my pm check once a month then every three months to six months now but to tell u the truth i seem to go down hill every four to five weeks and end up back in c.c.u just came out yesterday .they keep me in for a few days pm ok send me home i don't seem to get anwear fast i had an implant before my pm all this happend within a two week stay in hospital eight weeks seems very long i would look into it here in manchester we can go by just joining up for peace of mind paper work can get lost and undelivered looking forward to chatting with you tee

not seen cardiologist since implant

by ixdes - 2009-03-26 06:03:57

Hi,

I had mine implanted May 2008, and have not seen a cardiologist since the op. Had a couple of checks with the techi and that is about it. I am not due another check till October - unless I have a problem in the mean time. Guess it's the way it works in the UK! No doubt if there was a problem then it would be a different matter - hopefully I will never find out :)

Simon.

UK cardiology

by petrolhead - 2009-03-26 09:03:14

Hi, I live in Sussex and had my PM fitted at the end of February. I had my initial PM check 2 weeks after, and am seeing the cardiologist for the first time (since implant) on 2nd June. That's also the next time I see the PM tech, although he said that if I had any problems or worries at all to phone him and he'll see me that day.

On my discharge summary from the first time I was admitted to hospital with my heart problem, it says I had 'Second degree AV block, Mobitz type I (Wenckebach)'. I was told that I wouldn't need a PM because they're only really used for treating second degree Mobitz type II and third degree AV blocks. Obviously, my AV block progressed to third degree, hence the PM, but I'm guessing that maybe you have Mobitz type II, or that the SSS is the primary reason for you needing the PM. I'm not a doctor, obviously, but just using my experiences and what I was told. I hope that makes sense!

Thanx

by sputnick - 2009-03-26 10:03:44

Hi Tee
I live not too far from you, Darwen, Lancs!You seem to have quite a few pm checkups compared to me. I am not due another one till Sept, but all seems to be well with it. Obviously you have heart issues which bring you in contact with a cardiologist when you are admitted to ccu. I hope they get you well soon!

Hi Simon,What is your heart problem? Is it one which was easily solved with your pm? Did you receive a letter on discharge stating what was wrong with your heart? I haven't even had that!

Hi Petrolhead (love the nickname!),Seems from what you say that there may be a bit of a wait b4 seeing a cardiologist after.pm fitted.As mentioned earlier I haven't had anything in writing about my condition which is annoying me!I don't understand why SSS is on my notes as I only pace 2.4% atrial, but 99% vent. Maybe it should be sick A.V node syndrome!
I will wait another week n then contact my G.P I think.
Thanx for your input!
best wishes Jan

Hi Chrissie

by sputnick - 2009-03-27 05:03:54

My head isn't too bad this morning cos I stuck to white wine! If I drink red wine that's another story!
At least my G.P. said that when I pick the letter up if I wamt anything xplaining I just need to give him a ring or make an appt to see him, he's a really good doc.
I will get back when I have read the letter and seen what's what!
Jan

You know you're wired when...

You are always wired and full of energy.

Member Quotes

I'm running in the Chicago marathon.