Voltage on PM

I had a PM implanted 1-1/2 months ago. I've healed up real good and I'm just about back to normal accept for one thing. Occasionally, my heart rate skyrockets. At first, when I called the doctor's office to report what had happen, they said I was most likely going through an adjustment period.

After several episodes, I kept track of dates and times and what my activity was at the time. These "episodes" were lasting up to 20 - 30 minutes at a time. I would feel a "ticking" at the bottom of my breast, which was very strange. Afterward, I would feel like you do after a chemical stress test. My chest was sore and felt sweaty.

FINALLY, they saw me and did an interrogation. When all was said and done, they lowered the voltage on my PM. It took about an hour and a half of testing..... raising my heart rate over and over until I didn't feel the "ticking" any more.

I still have the heart rate speeding up occasionally, but it's not as uncomfortable. The mystery here is, this NEVER happened before the implant.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Thanks,
Shelia

6 Comments

Pacemaker Problems

by SMITTY - 2009-07-16 04:07:49

Hello Shelia,

No I have never experienced such and to be very blunt, I don't think you should either.

I think this is another case where some people know how to implant a pacemaker but don't know sheep dip from wild honey when it comes to making it provide the maximum benefit for the patient. If you can't get relief from the doctor and his staff, I think you have two options. See another doctor or see if the current doctor will get you an appointment with a manufacturers rep.

I've had many problems with my PM and after much too long I decided the bunch I am seeing either doesn't know or doesn't care how to stop my pacemaker from letting my heart rate drop into the 40s fromtime to time, time even though the low setting on my PM is 70. I emailed Medtronic and asked for the procedure to see one of their reps. I had a reply the next day and I have to go through my doctor and make the request, but based on what I see in the reply I will see a Medtronic rep.

Due to illnesses in our family my problem is not a high enough priority right now, so I can't tell you what my request will get me, but I will report here when I have an answer.

Good luck,

Smitty

Is your Dr an EP?

by ppt - 2009-07-16 06:07:35

I went months (approximately 7) before my Cardiologist threw up his arms and said "I do not know what is wrong". So after 7 months of trying to get the settings on the PM right he referred me to an Electrophysiologist (EP) - a cardiologist who specializes in electrical problems of the heart. Since then I have steadily improved. I am not "optimal" but I am functioning at least 80% of what I was before the PM implant. Maybe you need to see an EP?

Adjustment

by Blueaustralia - 2009-07-16 08:07:30



I used to feel a really strong ticking in my diaphram. It would be so strong that if I was sitting down I would have to get up and walk around. It was like all of a sudden my pm had kicked in. I mentioned this to my cardio folks. I also found an old halter record form years ago. I have always had a low athletic pulse rate and it was particularly so at night. They altered my pm from a low of 70 to 55 and no trouble since.

I am extremely thankful for my cardiolgist who is an ass .prof. of Cardiology In Hobart and his pacemaker technologists (there are two) They really listen and when I see some of the problems folks have I realise I am one of the lucky ones.

I hope you get your problems sorted out as it can be so distressing.

All the best.

Adjustment

by Blueaustralia - 2009-07-16 08:07:35



I used to feel a really strong ticking in my diaphram. It would be so strong that if I was sitting down I would have to get up and walk around. It was like all of a sudden my pm had kicked in. I mentioned this to my cardio folks. I also found an old halter record form years ago. I have always had a low athletic pulse rate and it was particularly so at night. They altered my pm from a low of 70 to 55 and no trouble since.

I am extremely thankful for my cardiolgist who is an ass .prof. of Cardiology In Hobart and his pacemaker technologists (there are two) They really listen and when I see some of the problems folks have I realise I am one of the lucky ones.

I hope you get your problems sorted out as it can be so distressing.

All the best.

PM kickin' on?

by StarWish624 - 2009-07-18 11:07:52

I have the same symptoms. I was told that when the PM kicks on, that it feels like that. This is supposed to be "normal". When my heartrate goes back to it's mid 30's, the PM sends it into the 60's. This doubling of the pace, after being so low, would surely be felt. If this is bad info., I need to know, to discuss with Dr. I am so glad that this question is out here. Thanks, people.

VOLTAGE on PM

by biggerscamp - 2009-07-20 09:07:50

Thanks so much for all your comments. It helps to know others are experiencing the same crazy stuff. You have given me valuable information to approach my doctor with. God bless you all!

Shelia

You know you're wired when...

You get your device tuned-up for hot dates.

Member Quotes

My eight year old son had a pacemaker since he was 6 months old. He does very well, plays soccer, baseball, and rides his bike. I am so glad he is not ashamed of his pacemaker. He will proudly show his "battery" to anyone.