"Heart problems"

In March 2023 I was admitted to A&E as I had internal bleeding. 

In A&E I was asked if anything else that was bothering me. I had been exercising on my bike and had stopped suddenly and did not feel well. I thought it was something like an infection due to the bleeding. I contacted 111 and had an appointment in the afternoon and was sent to A&E in Elgin. 

A slow heart rate was picked up and I had a monitor fitted. 

On the Monday internal bleeding was investigated and ulcers were found in stomach and medication was prescribed. 

I was due to be discharged on the Monday but cardiology requested further investigation. My heart beat was very slow. I had an MRI and ultrasound scans. I was discharged on the Thursday and was told that I would have a monitor fitted for 12 hours and I would be given an appointment. 

In July I had the monitor on for 24 hours.

In November I saw the consultant in Dr Grays. 

I had an ECG as part of the appointment. When I saw the consultant he said that I would need a pacemaker as soon as possible as my heart rate was 30 bpm. He said he would fit it the next week and would be in touch with me. 

He explained fully what was going to be done and a new type of pacemaker was to be fitted. 

I received a phone call as I got back to the car asking if I could make it to ARI on the Friday morning. I then received a second call saying that they were busy on Friday and asked if I could make 8:30 the following morning. 

The pacemaker was fitted the next day and I was monitored frequently throughout the day before being discharged. 

In the evening I was noticing changes, my hands were starting to feel warm for the first time in a number of years. 

I had a check up in ARI in December. 

I followed the advice given re exercise and walked daily and lost weight as well. After 3 months I continued walking and when the weather improved I started going out on my bike. No pushing limits just happy to be getting out again. 

I did on two occasions push harder than I should have and had angina the next day. 

I had a device the size of a mobile phone by my bedside enabling monitoring by the hospital. 

I recently had a review in Dr Grays. Everything seemed to be ok. 

I mentioned that when out on my bike it felt that I had one level of effort. An adjustment was made so that the pacemaker would recognise me exercising. This will be steady pace cycling not trying to prove anything.

In my 70s, I am more than happy to be getting out for a cycle run or cycling to the beach with my wife for a picnic on a nice day   I will be monitored by the hospital next year and will receive a phone call review. 

I cannot express how grateful I am for the hard work determination and professionalism of the people who have dealt with me. It has given me a new lease of life.