If a problem, what are symptoms?

It is now 14 weeks since my pacemaker operation. It is on demand for when beats go below 40 per minute. The pacemeker usage will be very limited.
I have now resumed normal activities, golfing (walk 2 nine hole rounds per week), light hand weights, home repairs, gardening etc. As a senior I do not usually lift anything over 50-60 pounds.
In the pacemaker area I have a tightness/uncomfortable feeling but was told this is from having " a piece of metal in your chest" In other words it is normal and acceptable.
What are the symptons if things went bad and the doctor should be contacted? I know one would be if I felt I was about to faint or did faint. Please advise on some others.
Thank you,
John

3 Comments

return of symptoms

by www.thepad.pm - 2014-05-24 07:05:18

Hi johnnyc
if a pacemaker has teething problems you could notice a few things,
Firstly a return of the symptoms that it was meant to alleviate.
Secondly infection, so red itching, heat or increased soreness around the wound and signs of fever (sweats etc)
lastly new symptoms this is a broad one but anything unusual that you weren't experiencing prior to the implant things like twitching, strange hiccups or a bounding pulse in the neck are a few classics.
If in doubt get it checked out!
We are here to make sure everything is going well and the first year after implant is generally then these problems occur.

Good luck
Carl Robinson

Basically

by Grateful Heart - 2014-05-25 01:05:02

If something doesn't feel right to you or changes get it checked out.

My device area feels tight most of the time also, after 5 years...it's normal for me. Sometimes it protrudes and gets tighter even more. I don't know if it has to do with the muscles but you know your body best so if something is wrong, you'll know it.

Grateful Heart

Familiar

by fondydoc - 2014-05-26 05:05:35

John
I am on my second defibrillator and am in 6 years. I have had numerous times where it feels like the device is protruding out, but the reality is that as Grateful Heart said-it often feels tight and sticks out but that is normal. I have never fully adjusted to that feeling- for example when I am sleeping on my side it almost feels like I could pop it out.
I think in the end, you will get used to it- most days I don't even give it a thought.

Steve

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