6 weeks and still having problems

I still don't feel well after 6 weeks after the operation. Has anyone else taken a while to feel better? I have seen my GP and he wrote a letter to the cardiologist who said everyone is fine by 4 weeks. He dismissed pacemaker syndrome and diaphragm pacing as issues. I haven't had my first (6 week but delayed until 8 weeks) check.

I am doing some exercise (run 2 miles) but exercise seems to make me worse. I have a dual chamber pacemaker. After a week they turned the rate response off, partly at my request. The problems I was experiencing before the rate response was switched off persist so I don't think that is it. When running I can get a heart rate of over 100.

I am exhausted still and ache in my wrists and knees. I feel like I've swallowed a bone and my stomach is not good. My GP is talking about ME which is just an excuse for not knowing what's wrong, in my view. When I do engineering, the last thing I tinker with is usually the reason for a problem.

Any advise greatly received.

3 Comments

My 2 cents

by mike thurston - 2013-07-30 08:07:50

Six weeks is not very long and it is impressive that you are running 2 miles already. A year ago January I had my 2nd PM implanted. It would not increase the heart rate. I figured out that it would go up if I tapped on it. I did this for a year. Why I did not get more insistent before then I do not know. Certainly made cycling, hiking etc. very difficult. I finally sat down with the Nurse and the Medtronic rep and insisted that things were not right. Here's what we did. Walk around the clinic and try to get the rate up, they will be able to see on the computer it does not increase. Make adjustments and repeat until they figure it out. My rep had to call the Medtronic home techs twice before getting it fixed. I took my Son with me as he was kind of a go between and able to get them to listen a little closer. I would call and request such a session. Best wishes.
Mike

Early days

by jeanlancour - 2013-07-31 12:07:10

I think you are pushing a bit, its only been 6 weeks. However, I would ask my EP if they would do the check with a treadmill so they could see what was happening when I run, that should at least give them a clear picture of what your saying. Good luck Jean

Thanks all

by davidjb - 2013-08-01 03:08:08

Your comments are all helpful. My GP and cardiologist keep insisting 4 weeks is enough. Not sure they have an agenda to ensure folk get back to work!!

I did ask my GP about checking me on a treadmill but apparently in the UK they don't see a need for that. Very frustrating.

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