PM Settings

Hi All
Just had a new PM and a second lead implanted ( two weeks ago) This is my second PM, the first one lasted 8.5 yrs. Went in last Wed. to get stitches removed and a quick ck. up. Been having some episodes with fluttering and a feeling like skipped beats, sometimes on exertion and sometimes just sitting around. Mentioned this to Dr. and he took offense, I believe. He told me if the PM wasn't making me better, that he could remove it!
There are days when the fluttery feeling makes me so depressed. I don't see him again until Sept. I don't really want to even go back to this quack. I know he is not going to have the Medtronic reph there. I was wondering if another Dr. might take me as a patient or, if I called and asked the Medtronic people about the settings on my PM that they could do something for me! It's such a hopeless feeling! This is a military hospital where I had this procedure done. The Dr. is a civilian though. Anyone else ever have a problem like this one? I'm medicare and tricare eligible. If anyone has some suggestions for me If would be so appreciated. Thanks for your patience.
MLValadez

5 Comments

find another

by Tracey_E - 2011-06-28 07:06:06

I have no idea how getting a dr assigned works in your situation, but I'd definitely be looking for someone new!

pm settings

by wandoloswki - 2011-06-28 09:06:29

Had mine installed 3 weeks ago on the first week ended up in emergency, the hospital called the boston scientific people up and they sent a person over and they adjusted the settings on the pacemaker and it stopped fluttering witch felt bad. this is my first pacemaker.

Military hospital

by ElectricFrank - 2011-06-29 12:06:35

Are you military yourself or a spouse? That can make a difference in how much authority you carry. I would suggest talking to someone in authority about the docs attitude and ask to see someone different. Be pleasant, but firm.

frank

PM settings

by MLValadez - 2011-06-30 02:06:03

Frank,
I'm a spouse, so I don't carry much authority...with them. (military docs) Called the Medtronic people yesterday for some advice and "Mike" told me to ask them to have the reph. come in and check the settings on the PM. I will call, and see if I can get a call back from Dr. Frankenstein! He will have to get them to come in, as the hospital is on a military installation. Always red tape!
I'm thinking maybe... just going into a hospital emergency room, and see if that would get me a PM reph. I might not have a choice!
Thanks for letting me vent!
MLValadez

Sounds like PMT

by shockbox340 - 2011-06-30 08:06:01

What you are describing sounds like Pacemaker Mediated Tachycardia, or PMT. Not uncommon immediately after implants, but easy to test for (retrograde conduction test) and easy to program your PM to prevent it. The next time you feel that sensation, take your pulse at your wrist or neck. If it is over 100 beats per minute in a situation when your heart rate should not be that high, its almost certainly PMT.

Sorry to hear about your military healthcare experience. Your idea of going to a hospital ER to get checked by a Medtronic rep is a good one. I would suggest doing it after normal business hours, to keep them from bringing someone in-house in to check your PM.

Good luck!

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