Can't feel pacemaker working

I'm new to the group and just had a pacemaker inplanted on July 2, 2010. I had 5 prior heart attacks over a 3 year period which resulted in a heart rate of 30 bpm to 0 bpm at night, a heart that stopped whenever it wanted to, passing out whenever I got out of a chair, and inability to breath after minimal exertion. Since the inplant, I've felt 100% better: no dizziness or passing out, no shortness of breath and no pain or soreness from the incision site or inside my chest. I did have extensive bruising. I went back to see the surgeon earlier this week who checked the calibration of the pacemaker, which is an ADDRL1, and was told everything looked good. My question is: should I feel anything when the pacemaker kicks in or whatever it does, or should I be happy that I don't? BTW, I use a pulse monitor and take my BP 2x a day and since the inplant my heart rate has not been below 60 bpm so I know it must be doing something. Thanks in advance for your feedback, and I look forward to being of help to someone in the group in the future....after I get some time and experience with this new addition to my body.

4 Comments

nope

by Tracey_E - 2010-07-12 06:07:15

Most of us do not feel it working. The signal it makes is very small, simply mimicking what our heart should be doing on its own. Glad to hear you're doing so well!!!

nope

by HT - 2010-07-12 06:07:45

Thank you for the quick reply Tracey. I am relieved. After reading some of the other comments made about all of the sensations that were experienced, both positive and negative, I was beginning to wonder if I was the odd man out. The only thing I'm aware of is the lump in my left chest where the pacemaker is....and I'm not aware of that most of the time. I'm still careful of it when I sleep as I'm only 10 days post inplant, but I'm sure that too will pass. I wish you continued good health with yours and please keep in touch. Thank you again. HT

reading posts here

by Tracey_E - 2010-07-12 08:07:07

You'll find all the exceptions to the rules here! As you read the posts, keep in mind that less than 3% of recipients have complications. Those are the ones who end up here with their questions, the other 97% are out there getting on with their lives. It makes the number of people who have problems appear very out of proportion. You are quite normal!

You should be sleeping however you like in the next few weeks. The lump should settle some also as the swelling goes down and the pocket of scar tissue forms around it. Some end up with more of a lump in the end than others, but it's safe to say it'll end up better than it is 10 days out.

relax and enjoy your new life

by rvrs7081 - 2010-07-13 03:07:52

I am almost two years with the implant. Like you I turned to the club here for answers to all my seemingly stupid questions. No one put me down. We are normal and fortunate to be given extra years of life. You may have shoulder pain. A lot of us do, but it will go away eventually. when you are told it is ok, use your arm slowly. but use it. Sleep almost always is good for reviving the body. A little lump is expected and ok. I never feel the pm working. Just glad it is. I wish you well in your recovery. You are now one of the chosen few. Welcome to the club. Ann

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Member Quotes

I'm 43 and have had my pacemaker four weeks today. I'm looking forward to living another 50 years and this marvelous device inside me will help me do that.