This will be like de j'a vu as two weeks ago I was scheduled to have this op when half an hour into op I had a complete heart block. My heart rate dropped to below 20 which after initial incision I was stitched up and no more could be done.
Before I left hospital the next day I saw the cardiologist who said that next time they do the op they will fit an external pacemaker during the procedure.
i am a bit worried that this in itself may cause infection and I wondered if anyone out there has had a similar experience. They say my heart is fine and that its just one of those things but I must admit I am scared.
I've not had the same experience but I can imagine how scary it must have been. There's no reason why fitting a pacemaker would cause infection. Knowing how sterile the operating theatres are I would say you'd be extremely unlucky to get one.
Thanks for your reply. I have tried to research a complete heart block and spoken with my GP and he doesn't know why this would happen. He said maybe it was the anaesthetic mix I was given could cause this but he admitted he knows nothing about this. If it is a common occurrence I don't understand why there is no more information on the subject. Having my pre op tests tomorrow so maybe someone there will be able to explain this to me. ....
I must admit I haven't come across this happening in over 45 years of working in the NHS. After reading your post I did try to find something about it and if it had occurred in other patients but I drew a blank. I'm sure you'll have the opportunity to discuss this with the anaesthetist. Good luck tomorrow and I will be really interested to hear if you get any answers.