May i ask the condition SF?
Not if I can help it Minx…I resist most kinds of medication believing that the human body is such a remarkable thing, and there is usually a natural solution. But when life gets intolerable it is sometimes necessary to resort to modern methods, but I have seen far too many friends and loved ones perish on the path of excessive medication.
I had a good laugh at that Keezoy! Sub 2 seconds pit shop!
Did you go for Hard, Mediums or Soft 
A pacemaker isn’t actually medication though
I don’t know. I haven’t been assessed yet, but I have a feeling that they’re likely to try medication first before sticking in a pacemaker.
Others here, more experienced, will know I’m sure.
So you didn’t have invasive surgery when fitted, it must be on the outside of your rib cage?
It wouldn’t be anywhere near your heart inside that rib cage
It’s a type of medication, because it’s regulating the heart, or when the heart rate drops to a dangerous level.
It kicks in, more like a device I guess…
Just an opinion of mine.which isn’t fact.
There are 3 processes, which were gone through, to get to the point of installing the device.
-
The wearing of a tracking monitor, for, If I remember correctly, a month. That gives them as recording of all that is going on in there.
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Going in to have an Ablation.
“Ablation, also known as catheter ablation, is a treatment that aims to correct certain types of abnormal heart rhythms by blocking electrical pathways in the heart. It uses either heat (radiofrequency ablation) or freezing (cryoablation) on the area of your heart that’s causing the abnormal heart rhythm (or arrhythmia).”
In short, they insert a probe, via a vein, and have a close look at the tentacles, etc, which provide us with a heartbeat. I was told that by changing electrical connections around (in the heart) a correct heartbeat can, sometimes be re-established. I watched this going on, via a massive screen, in the room, and it was very fascinating!
It didn’t provide the fix, in my case.
- If the heart cannot be relied upon to hit the right beat, they put this little electrical device in, probably at a later date, just under the skin, and connect it where the connections need to be (in the heart).
The device usually has 3 wires (early models only had 2).
That’s the battery powered pacemaker.
No scars, you can poke around to feel if it’s still there.
Any medics, in this Forum, please feel free to correct anything I’ve put in here.
Over 10 years it may have changed a lot.
I have to wonder how many of those extra years were because of this device, or might I have lived on anyway!
It’s close under the skin, just about level with the armpit, and about 3 inches across from that armpit.
That’s very interesting, Ted. Much that I didn’t know about.
For example, wearing a tracking monitor for about a month makes a lot of sense, but to be honest I was hoping for something corrective to be done as soon as possible. I don’t want to collapse again, especially in public. I remember at the time that I didn’t feel at all embarrassed, though I’m sure I would now.
I’m also a little scared of having any ablation, as if small areas of the heart are destroyed I imagine that there’s no way of putting them back into working order. Perhaps I don’t actually have arrhythmia - I hope.
Ideally, I’d like to hear them say to me that whatever the cause of the problem is, they can deal with it medically. I’d rather pop pills for life - I already do, anyway!
No pacemaker yet but heading for one in the future…
Lifestyle changes ae keeping me going for now .
Had one put in when I was 82 am 91 now it was to help check the seizures I started with at the age of 80 but unfortunately something went amiss when having it done so had to stop in Glenfield for around three weeks for things to get sorted out.
I have in fact been to have it checked this week although I am in hospital and was taken to another hospital to have it done, all is well and hoping to get out of hospital today after breaking a bone in my spine 5 weeks ago.
It’s a good job I have an I-pad it keeps me in touch with my family by doing FaceTime.
Cheers all.
Hi
My condition is inoperable, a Pacemaker would not help.
Twenty years ago I had experimental surgery with jump leads fitted, a cutting edge , then, technology, since abandoned.
Maywalk you are doing great, an inspiration.
Sorry to read that swimfeesders.
They tried something on me for a while but I still had seizures so that is why they put the pacemaker in.
With that and my Epileptic tablets it’s kept me going.
I think I am a VERY lucky person to still be here.
Hope you are all well & good now, Maywalk!
How the subject of a new battery come up yet?
Just had the regular check up at Harefield.
They will be calling me in for a quick battery change, within 3 months.
Wish I could buy my own battery, or just plug myself in!
Just been given the call to go to Harefield for 8 am on the 29th Sept, 2022.
“Pacemaker Box Change” procedure.
Current on was put in on 19th September 2011.
Pretty much 11 years as suggested!
Hi
Nope, I am not.
A Pacemaker will not help at all with my condition.
I have a good relationship with the staff in resus, the last admission however was life changing due to the Triage Team.
I am going for the record in surviving heart attacks 6 in two year years, plus organ failure twice.
I am on first name terms with many, I have been in so often.
I know the system, my carry on bag is full of good bars of chocolate,
A&E get very few ,especially Resus and Intensive care and Acute Medical Unit.
I make sure it is not only the Nurses, but the HCAs, Housekeepers, Porters and Cleaners who get them.
I take in 60 bars at an average cost of £1.70 a bar.
Well worth it, they are brilliant.
Swim,
May I suggest that stuffing the Medics with Chocolate is not the best way to ensure that they remain healthy & well?
Hi
It does however mean they look after me well, that is most of the time.
Minor victories, I can get a coffee in the early hours and if there is any any left over food I like I get first pick.
I can also make sure that I get lemon cordial instead of plain water.
That is not why I do it however, it is simply a reward for the amazing service I get from them, and an apology for the crap jokes I tell them.