pacemaker feels like it is plucking my heart

Palpitations

by Selwyn - 2019-04-11 08:13:50

I see that in December last year you posted re. testing. You say, 

"The ep said it was testing and offered to turn it off but I declined due to 100%pm dependent with no escape rate. "

I am unsure how often your PM self-tests. Clearly, this would account for papitaitons felt at a set time, as you are already aware, and have discussed this.  You can have this function turned off, though your PM would then only be checked by your electro-physiologist in the department. 

Self testing of PMs has been discussed in previous posts in this Club. 

The idea of your pacemaker suddenly stopping on you is something I have never heard of. Even when the battery starts to loose charge there is ample warning, and safety programmes. Why you think that, "if my battery dies I have seconds to live" is somewhat analagous to saying I won't ever step outside because lightening may strike. No pacemaker  battery ever suddenly dies. There are so many people in the world 100% paced or even needing a PM to be kept alive and in health ( Isn't that why we have them in the first place?).  Even my little hearing aid battery tells me it is getting low by an induced noise signal.  

As you are 100% paced, if your PM was in some way stimulating a nerve, then you would feel this on a frequent and regular basis. Forget about nerve stimulation. 

Plenty of people experience palpitations when their PM tests. Usually, this is adjusted so that you are asleep at the time.  This part of testing is open to negotiation as it can be changed. 

If you are experiencing the odd palpitation (x4) at irregular times you should consider caffeine intake, alcohol, anxiety, thyroid function, and medications ( even if these are not prescribed). You can always try to get an event  recording done of what is happening to your ECG/ EKG at the time. 

Plucking

by Zanneblake - 2019-04-11 09:29:01

My ep turned the test off yesterday at my visit, however I felt the same pluck last night.

Soooo...all he can say is that he can't help me. And has no idea why it is happening. 

You seem to know more than he does. And he said he has never heard of anyone having this issue. 

I'm not throwing abnormal rhythms as per the reports.

It may be difficult for you to understand bc this isn't your issue and i have heard that batteries die without warning and leads come out just like people die from lightning strikes. .. may be slim chances but i was the 3% who had these complications from surgery. 

Maybe im jaded.

Maybe you have a better ep than i do but im stuck like chuck with him bc of insurance and he has already consulted with his colleagues and they dont know neither.