I did it. I got the pacemaker with only a local anesthetic (lidocaine), two bags of IV vancomycin (preventative antibiotics) and some advil. It hurt, but those were my wishes. It was pretty much the first time the surgical team ever did a pacemaker that way.
Even though my cardiologist is not Lyme-literate and is a general MD, he respected my wishes 100% and let me have a LOT of input......even about what I wanted the settings to be. His nursing team was fantastic as well. Those of you who know me also know that it's rare for me to praise a doctor.
If anyone else is headed toward the same situation of contemplating the need for mainstream heart treatment for symptoms caused by tick-borne infection feel free to contact me any time. I'm happy to help in any way.
Posted by dali (Member # 24458) on :
That is great news. I read your blog. Fascinating....I hope you keep getting better. Please keep us posted.
Posted by Summer3 (Member # 35286) on :
Thanks, I still fainted today, but it does give me a silent advance warning which I kind of love. I thought I got near fainting only 10x per day....apparently not. I feel the sensor kick in to CLS mode 20x or more.
They predicted 40% paced for me. First day check I was at 87%.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Your courage is to be admired. Take care. -
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Hope it continues to be a positive thing.
At least the doctors will know you weren't making it up!!
Posted by Summer3 (Member # 35286) on :
Yeah........really. The sensor senses changes in your heart muscle that occur before fainting. In my case those changes happen most often when my BP drops so after eating, during and after exercise, etc. That's when I feel my heart race from the pacemaker and the irregular paced rhythm kick in.
So they will be able to see I think how many times that sensor has to kick in on a day with me. I was actually underestimating apparently.