follow up visit and setting

Snap

by Diane C - 2016-11-03 11:47:05

Hi Tammy,

I was just about to post a similar comment and you beat me to it. My pacemaker was fitted 2 weeks ago because of Sinus node dysfunction (SSS) resulting in bradycardia with symptomatic fatigue. As far as I am aware I had the pacemaker fitted purely because of the symptoms with the intention of improving my energy levels. So far I have seen no improvement and if anything my energy levels are worse although I do feel more alert (less brain fog!). I don't know whether the lack of energy is just because my body is adjusting or if the pacemaker just isn't helping - maybe something else was causing the fatigue?!  I don't go back to the hospital for the pacemaker to be checked / tweaked for another 4 weeks and don't really know what to do or what to think about the lack of energy! 

oh snap

by confused - 2016-11-03 12:18:42

Hi Diane,

Sorry to hear you energy level is worse.   I can't say mine is worse.  I guess I was just hoping for more.  I hate to go in and have it raised and then regret it because like I posted I am really enjoying the brain fog not being like it was.  Guess I am just scared to going back to that feeling all the time.  My first day driving back to work I even teared up because it felt so good not having to concentrate so hard just to drive.  I know that sounds weird but it was like I was living in a bubble.

And sorry to hear you are having to wait to so long on your first follow up.  I thought my 3 weeks was long!

I guess it is alot to just adjust to but so far I have no regrets in getting mine. 

Hope you feel better soon!!!  :)

Tammy

settings

by Cabg Patch - 2016-11-03 12:39:03

when they cram these cans into our chest, they typically use some standard settings which the device is preset at the factory. That doesn't mean those settings are right for your specific needs.It's quite common to have the settings adjusted once or twice after initial implant until you sort out the functions and features needed to suit your needs and lifestyle. I suggest you keep a journal of what you are experiencing so you can discuss it with your doctor when you see him/her and they can make any changes necessary. A little patience...

Active Life Style

by Artist - 2016-11-03 14:28:36

I see from your bio, you are active and enjoy Zumba.  As cabage Patch says, there are numerous PM settings that can be tweeked. Adjusting the lower PM level is not necessarily the answer.  You should ask your doctor if the rate responsive feature is turned on and if so, what level of sensitivity has been set.  It might take some time for all of the settings to be adjusted to suit your needs.  Don't be afraid to speak out, take notes, ask questions and get copies of all your PM interrogations so you are knowlegeable and can track changes. Three weeks post op is still pretty soon after your implant and it is common to have lower energy levels.  Also,  your bio does not indicate why your PM was implanted.  In my case the PM was implanted to treat my bradycardia so that my heart rate was  not so low.  This had to be done to enable the doctors to prescribe various drugs designed to treat my  heart arryhthmias. Some of those medications act to lower your BP.  So, if you are taking medications, they may cause you to feel fatigued and low in energy, and may need tweaking.  

thank you

by confused - 2016-11-03 14:48:36

Thank you Artist and cabage Patch for responding.

I do remember him telling me about the rate responsive feature being set but I didn't know that could be adjusted also. 

I had it put in due to low heart rate also.   I went in an added to my bio.  I guess it was a pretty boring bio with not much information haha.

And thank you for letting me know that 3 weeks is still pretty soon.  That is what I have been thinking also and hoping that is just the issue.

Thankfully I am on no medications.   All I take is a vitamin every morning.  I told my doctor that is one of my goals in life to stay off medicine.   Not sure how long that will last but that is what I am shooting for.

hope it goes well!

by Diane C - 2016-11-04 04:45:22

Hope your follow up visit goes well today - let us know how you get on!

Diane

Back from follow up visit

by confused - 2016-11-04 13:09:46

Well I am back from my visit.  They did adjust my movement settings and said that may help with my energy level.   They left my bottom rate at 60.   Said with it only being 3 weeks they don't like to adjust too fast.   I did have some worrying news though that I had posted in an earlier post about movement and I was right it has moved.  It has shifted more towards my armpit (sorry I know that sounds gross). They told me to keep an eye on it.  I go back in January.  Told me that if it would shift much more or if it gets uncomfortable then removing it and placing it under the muscle may be needed. 

So I didn't want to hear that news at all but I am telling myself no matter what I still feel better than I did before I had it.

They told me it is working 77% of the time so it was definately needed.

Thanks for the comments here.  They really help.

Tammy

Resisting Medication

by Artist - 2016-11-04 23:13:21

I share your dislike when it comes to taking medications.  Unfortunately I have now joined the group of people that have their little 7 day plastic pill box containers.  I just have to accept the fact that my pacemaker was not the entire solution and I need help in controlling my arrhythmias.  I had an ablation on May 27th and the jury is out on that.  The arrhythmias seem to have lessened but they are not entirely gone.  So at this point I am still taking beta blockers.  I hope your PM adjustments help with your energy levels.  Try to avoid fiddling with your pacemaker and moving it or touching it.  It took about two months for my PM to feel solidly anchored in place.  It's good to hear that you are feeling  better after your PM implant.  Don't  hesitate to be proactive with your doctors.  I'm pacing at 78.5 % and it's not a concern.  It sounds like you are on the road to feeling better and better as your healing progresses.  Thanks for letting us know how your follow up appointment went.