Pacing

Is there anyone else out there that absolutely hates the part of a routine ICD check when they have to check the pacing? I have had my ICD since 2005 and I plead with them everytime not to do it!

Nicole33

12 Comments

pacing

by kiwigirl - 2013-03-23 06:03:38

Yes Nicole,
I hate it when they do that. but it's a part of the test that they have to do.
I usually feel wobbly for half the day after the tests too,

Katherine

pacing

by Brenda Price - 2013-03-23 08:03:32

I hate the checks and I have been having them for 24 yrs. I always ask them not to take me down below 40 and most of them don:t,

I agree!

by Nicole33 - 2013-03-23 08:03:40

I would like to run some of the tests on us just to see if they would be so quick to say, "I know it is a bit uncomfortable but I have to do this." OR "I understand how this feels I will try to be quick."

Pacer check

by juju - 2013-03-23 10:03:03

How often does this test have to be done? I see the Cardio doctor on monday to talk about a pacemaker. These tests sound horrible!! They drop your heart rate below 40? How long does the test last?? Getting nervous about all of this...
juju

Re: Pacer Check

by Nicole33 - 2013-03-23 11:03:12

I have an ICD not pacemaker. I am not sure if the tests are the same or not. The test I was talking about is painless but UNBELIEVABLY UNCOMFORTABLE!!! Try not to get too nervous before you go get it checked. I didn't mean to scare you.

Come on folks

by ElectricFrank - 2013-03-23 11:03:42

Like always I'm different I guess. I don't know about an ICD test. Mine is a pacemaker, but unless they actually shock you it doesn't make much difference.

So they drop your HR to 40. With mine they also run it up to 100. Nothing bad happens. The sensations are a bit strange, but no light headedness or such (unless you freak out with anxiety). The whole thing doesn't take but a few minutes.

I actually asked them to turn off pacing so I would know what to expect if the pacer failed. On the day we did it mine dropped to 30, but I could still stand up.

So for you newbies, don't let them make you nervous. You will be in and out of the office before you know it.

frank

A necessary part of the test

by Grateful Heart - 2013-03-23 11:03:58

It is not painful, just a little uncomfortable while they race your heart, like you just ran way too fast. It is over very quickly like Frank said. Now that you have this device inside of you, you want to make sure it is working properly right? Because...what is the alternative??

You'll be fine newbies...and you want to make sure your device is working fine too.

Grateful Heart

Is there something wrong with me ?

by IAN MC - 2013-03-24 06:03:05

When I have a PM check I feel NOTHING ! Now I'm getting so stressed ; why don't I feel uncomfortable ?

It is quite worrying having nothing to worry about !

I have a theory that I was part of a clinical trial where some of the patients were fitted with placebo PMs; ( empty titanium boxes with no electronics and no leads ) and I was one of them !!

Yours very concerned from the UK

Ian

Hi everyone

by wantstoknow - 2013-03-24 07:03:42

The last thing you want to do is get on the technician bad side thats checking your pm, so please just go in ,try to relax, so you can get it checked and go home.We"re in this together......Stay well

Worries

by cohara - 2013-03-24 09:03:08

Ian, there are a multitude of issues to worry about in the world if you want to cure your condition. However, I haven't had a pm check make my personal list. When you consider other diagnostic procedures, having a magnet over your pm and checking settings is as noninvasive as it gets. Speeding the heart up just is a curious sort of feeling. It doesn't hurt and only lasts a brief moment. I never recognize the slowing of my heart rate.

For the newbies, everyone is different. Nicole33's experiences are different than mine, and I am sure there are many on this sight who don't give a pm check a second thought. Perhaps after you have experienced how a pm check works, you won't either.

Wishing you all an angst free visit to the EP,

Carol

I also feel nothing

by Jax - 2013-03-24 12:03:16

The worst part of a pm check is waiting for my EP
I don't feel anything strange and it's quick once I get in there.

I know the feeling, but...

by mtaylor - 2013-05-09 02:05:34

My doctor, and the techs at the clinic must be really good. The tests take them about half a second, and I can't even tell they're happening half the time.

You know you're wired when...

A thirty-day guarantee is not good enough.

Member Quotes

Since I got my pacemaker, I don't pass out anymore! That's a blessing in itself.