a little short of breath

I got my pacemaker a week and 2 days ago. I'm getting a little short of breath here and there and when I do, I feel a little weak in the knees (that's the best way I can describe it). It happened before the pacemaker sometimes but it seems to be happening more over the past few days. And more so today and this evening. I can feel my heart fluttering a lot also. I am supposed to be put on beta blockers after I got the pacemaker but they didn't say when. Has anyone else had these experiences after pacemaker implant? My next appointment isn't for another couple weeks.

7 Comments

call

by Tracey_E - 2013-09-07 02:09:44

Know that we are hyper aware of our hearts right after surgery! It's normal to notice every little thing.

Why are they going to put you on bb's? Just having a pm is not usually a reason. If it's for flutter or something similar, then that may be what you are feeling.

call

by rebelsoul - 2013-09-07 03:09:30

Originally I was having several episodes of tachycardia and dr wanted to prescribe me BB but after wearing a monitor it was found that at night I have several episodes of bradycardia when I sleep and if I was given BB it would slow it down way too much and be dangerous. then was diagnosed with Complete heart block and received the Pacemaker. I still have to take BB to treat the tachycardia as my PM is only stopping bradycardia although I haven't been given a RX yet for the BB. I went to 3 different Cardiologists and surgeon.

sounds right!

by rebelsoul - 2013-09-08 04:09:37

Thankyou! yes, Dr's said no coffee a few weeks before I had surgery so stopped since then except for a couple of mornings when I gave into my weakness. But since surgery I haven't but want to so bad! Yes, I'm not sure why they are waiting to give me the BB's but I'll call them Monday about it. Thanks so much.. good to know someone else has the same thing (brady/tachy)

slip through the cracks?

by Tracey_E - 2013-09-08 05:09:04

Call! Sometimes person A thinks person B sent it to you, person B thinks person A did it. When I first went on them, there were several phone conversations between appointments discussing whether or not to try them. When I went in next time first question he asked was how did I feel on them. I had no idea what he was talking about. He had called it in to the pharmacy but no one from the office ever told me.

sounds right!

by Tracey_E - 2013-09-08 08:09:49

I also have the pm for brady (CHB) and am on a bb for tachy. Crazy hearts! I feel great and can do whatever I want . Sounds like they need to get you that prescription.

Have you tried cutting caffeine out of your diet? My tachy gets considerably better if I avoid coffee.

slip through the cracks

by rebelsoul - 2013-09-09 05:09:24

Tracey..you are so right. That does happen with a lot of things like this.. Thanks!

Short of breath

by Squad12 - 2013-09-12 08:09:11

I have sick sinus syndrome. My heart rate was dropping into the low 30's. The highest was above 230's. They put me on BB to control the AFIB but I stopped them as my heart rate was frequently dropping. My heart rate was low even before I started taking the BB's.
My pacemaker was installed 09/23/13. I started back on the BB's after my first follow up. It controls the AFIB. My heart will flutter once in awhile but with the pacemaker taking care of the bradycardia, the AFIB is almost gone.
I would contact the doctor and fill him in on what you are feeling. It sounds like you may need the BB's. Be careful with your diet. Stay away from caffeine watch your sugar intake. Diet has a lot to do with your heart.

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