Pacing starts when laying on left side

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by crustyg - 2019-12-16 07:40:37

I'm not sure that I understand what you mean by 'starts pacing'.

You almost certainly know more about ICDs than I do, but I think I understand quite a lot about pacing.  Is this a feeling that you get, inappropriate muscle twitching, sudden change (increase?) in HR?

I can't imagine how powerful the sense of an impending shock must be (although RoboPop has given me a good idea) as an avoidance signal to stop exercising, so I imagine you're treading a narrow line between wanting an increased HR for exercise without triggering an internal defib - one of 'Pop's Jesus-jolts!

think I get it

by ROBO Pop - 2019-12-16 12:56:34

I have a CRT-D and am paced 100% in both ventricles (actual is 96%) at 80bpm. I too feel the sensation my heart starts pacing when I lie on my left side. At first I thought it was excitement of gazing at my wife's beauty but then realized that wasn't it...and I'll leave it at that.

Your pacing is not kicking in when you lie on that side, it's my opinion the change or difference in pressure on your heart when you lie on the left is what makes you feel it. I even hear it far more. Yet I know my heart rate is maintained at a constant from interrogations. My solution is I sleep on my left side.

Update 1

by ak - 2019-12-16 16:51:21

I saw the doctor today and i found it troubling that with previous ICD's i had no such condition and now all of a sudden i shouldnt sleep on one side. The nurse made some adjustment as they did see some noise being generated when pressure is exerted on the leads by laying on the ICD side. Its definetly better but i think i will go back with for some more adjustments. 

to add some more details for those who might not know what i am referring to - if you for your icd checkup your nurse will pace your leads to see how they are functioning and thats the feeling i get , its also like palpitations if that helps any. 

we also confirmed a minor episode i mentioned above that thankfully resolved without  a shock. Also that Boston scientifc missed that arrithymia which is concerning for me. 

So far i miss my medtronic as this has not beeen a good start with Boston Scientifc ICD. 

Over the years i had established a confidence in how much i can workout and it seems like i wil lhave to start building that backup with this new machine :(

A page-turrner

by Gotrhythm - 2019-12-19 15:11:52

I'm so glad you came back to give us the resolution of your question! 

So frequently people post about what looks like a serious issue, but we never get to hear how it turned out. It feels like a "cliff hanger." I'm really concerned and waiting for the next installment that never comes.

I'm grateful that you have at least resolved this chapter and taken us into the next chapter.

belly bumps

by dwelch - 2019-12-21 12:28:47

My guess is it may be "belly bumps" as my tech called it.  I have a three lead and ICDs are three lead yes? or four?  Anyway normally for a single v lead they put it on the right, then for a dual you get one on both sides.  the signal to fire the heart can also leak through and fire the belly muscle and you definitely feel that every beat.  Doesnt mean that the pacer turned on or anything as it should be doing its job per your condition and you shouldnt normally feel it.  Mine wasnt when laying on the left I had to be standing just right breath in just right and would feel a couple of bumps each breath, was hoping I could fine tune to so i could have it sustain for many beats, kind of a party trick.  But no such luck.  On the rare occasion did have some while sleeping, not sustained.  aint no thing.    You want the settings to be working for your heart first and body second, they have to lower/change the setting to get it to not radiate like that, but want it strong enough to do its job, so there is a balance there.  If it means sleep on the right or your back to keep the device or not have to move the lead then so be it.  If they can adjust it out, good.

Lead stimulation

by Jaybird4328 - 2020-01-26 15:15:07

My left lead stimulates my diaphragm when I'm laying down.the only way I can sleep is on my right side.My Programming tech has tried everything.It's better than a lead extraction in my opinion. just a pain.