First check up!

I had my first check up today. I got my pm for syncope, and it is set with a rate drop response and a minimum. The minimum was 60 and he changed it to 50. I was expecting to hear it hadn't paced much, but apparently it was in use 458 times in the last 8 days! So lowering the minimum will probably lower that a lot. They said it was used approximately 17% of the time. I had a couple episodes where I had a rate in the 170s before it plummeted. I don't know why, as I've done nothing more than lay in bed. Sure am glad I got this pm! I did really hate the feeling when they sped up my hr...it freaked me out quite a bit and was very uncomfortable. It would've been nice for him to give me some warning. I think next time I will ask him to tell me exactly what he's doing!!

4 Comments

check

by kimbo - 2013-04-20 05:04:39

had my first check on the15th and had the same the tech put a round thing over my pm said i may feel my heart speed up but nothing to worry about was just her doing it she then put the dough nut thing over it to interrigat must admit was uncomfy but at least she warned me.

PM Check

by Many Blessings - 2013-04-20 09:04:38

I'm so glad you're happy you received your PM. So many people dread it once they've had it done. It's good to see you have a positive attitude about it.

As for feeling uncomfortable during your PM checks, it would be a good idea to have them give you a heads up on what they're doing, just like you said. Be real open with them about how you want to know everything they're doing, especially, any changes they're making.

There are different checks and changes they'll do, and some of them can make you feel pretty weird. If you're not prepared for it, I could see how it could freak you out. Most likely, you will feel those feelings less and less the more you have it done, and may not even notice it anymore.

If they make any setting changes (HR, Rate Response, etc.) you may feel worse instead of better. If you notice any weird or uncomfortable feelings after leaving your PM check, or feel worse in any way, make sure to let them know as soon as possible, just in case a change was made that isn't right for you. This can and does happen.

It's a good idea to always ask for a print out of your PM check and settings after each visit. They can do this easily and can give it to you right then and there. This way, you will always have the information, in case you need it. Plus, you can start to become familiar with the terminology and know what questions to ask.

If ever you have any questions on anything going on or things you don't understand or are concerned with, always post them on this site so others can help you out!

Hopefully, others will answer this post and add some suggestions I didn't think of.

Best wishes



checks

by Tracey_E - 2013-04-20 11:04:18

If you ask, they should be able to tell you what they are doing and warn you when you'll feel it. Don't be shy about asking lots of questions, make it clear to them you want to understand what's going on. The checks can feel weird, but you get used to it. It's the same thing every time, to me it feels like when an elevator is coming to a stop. I just sit still and chat with the tech until he's done.

PM Checks

by Grateful Heart - 2013-04-20 12:04:00

Above is all good advice. I think they don't tell you because, believe it or not, not everyone feels the heart rate difference during the interrogations. (At least that is what I was told). I always feel it too, but it's just part of the test. Now that they know you feel it, they can warn you when it is coming...mine does.

Grateful Heart



You know you're wired when...

Your pacemaker receives radio frequencies.

Member Quotes

I have an ICD which is both a pacer/defib. I have no problems with mine and it has saved my life.