It is over . . .

Thanks for all the well wishes and thoughts posted in response to my earlier message . . . “It is time”.

PM installed as planned yesterday morning for sinus node dysorder. I have the expected soreness in left shoulder pocket area. My EP described the procedure as a textbook case. I had some nausea when standing within first few hours afterwards but 8 hours later I was able to walk around normally. I took only 2 pain pills yesterday and now I am dealing with it using Tylenol. My heart rate is now constantly at 60 bpm at 100% device pacing. Before the procedure I was bouncing between the mid to low 30’s to 50 without any issues; I felt normal. Now, with the device, I feel no different. The real test will be when I start running again. I will wait at least until after Christmas to begin this experiment.

Before I left the hospital today I met with the pacemaker technician. With the programming software she checked how I responded to a high and low pace rate. It was alarming or at least interesting to know that she stepped my rate further and further down until I was at 30. My SA node did not ever fire. I don’t know how long I was at this rate but I described to her that I was feeling the effects and she quickly put me back to 60bpm.

Does anyone have experience with this? How does a sick SA node normally respond to the use of a pacemaker? Does it become lazy, does it recover some-what due to the load being carried by the PM or does the introduction of a PM have no influence on the node’s behavior?
--EL

6 Comments

Hi

by randrews - 2007-11-14 09:11:06

Be sure to take it easy and rest. I had weird feelings that unnerved me at first but they finally went away with time. Keep the running goal in mind.
take care,
Rusty

Welcome to Our World EL

by dcrojas - 2007-11-14 09:11:27

Glad to hear all went well, take it slow keep that arm quiet for a bit and let everything settle down in there, you'll be running in no time. Don't know the answer to your question maybe the old heads might. Take Care.
DC

Well done El

by IanMcC - 2007-11-15 08:11:38

Glad everything is going well for you, Regarding the slow beats when switching the pacer off, I have just been in for my first year check with the tecko's and they switched me off for a short time, my heart went straight back to doing what it used to do, beating about 30 to 40 bpm and boy did I feel crap, really dizzy, I had forgotten what I used to feel like all the time, I remember when I first had the pacer put in I didnt think I felt any different. I think I feel so normal with the pacer I forget how abnormal I am without it. I am set at 60bpm like you and have found it suits me.
I have my rate response off as I dont need it.
I have Bradicardia SSS with Atrial fib. Watch out for about day 3 or 4 post opp, the bruising seems to work its way out and you feel like you have been kicked by a mule.
All the best,Take care, Ian.

Well wishes

by gingernic - 2007-11-16 10:11:35

Hi, I am new here and my aunt has a PM not me, but I hope you feeling skippy soon! Take care and pamper yourself alot, and because I am a Nurse and also a daughter of a hard-headed dad, I must add ; Dont do to much too soon! Take care, Ginger

Welcome

by adean_1969 - 2007-11-20 12:11:52

Hi, El!
I'm a recent PM recipient (7/10/07) and from the research I've done, the heart doesn't "repair" itself while the PM carries the load. I asked this same question and it's been explained to me that the damage is done and the system cannot be repaired by current medical technology. Hence, the need for a PM.

My experience has been a common one, I guess. I still have pain at the PM site every day. There hasn't been a valid reason given to me why I have pain, but it's there. It's more distracting and bothersome than anything else. It's never lasted long enough to require a pain killer (OTC or otherwise), so I guess I shouldn't worry.

Best of luck to you, El, and you've found a great resource here at pacemakerclub.com!!!

~Angelia~

Still on recharge

by elpannell - 2007-11-21 11:11:17

Each day I am surprisingly stronger. I had another interogation and my PM heart rate was lowered again this time to 35 and my SA node did not fire. The nurse returned to the low rate a few minutes later and it appearred. First, 1 beat, then the ole' engine started running on its own, power my heart rate at 41 bpm. Returned to work yesterday and it went quiet well today was at least just as good. I am still realitively fresh off the operating table but seems like I am recognizing a new energy level on into the evening.---EL

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