Is Pacemaker ok

I have had my Pacemaker since 2015. For the past several months i feel a distinct vibration and a sound both only heard by myself. Sometime sounds louder than other times. I have verified these things with several Dr.'s and none can hear or feel these. I recently had a CT Scan of ears and all seems ok. Neuro/Ent Dr. said check with Cardiologist. I had an appointment with my Cardiologist and as a part of our conversation, he said the vibration/sound is not heart-related without doing any checking other than stethescope. I do have a Merlin. I feel that the vibration/sound does sometimes cause me to feel anxious and then that can start my A-Fib going. Has anyone else had this or similar experience?  Thank you for your help.

5 Comments

Wait for answers

by Penguin - 2023-09-04 04:09:28

Glitter, some pacemakers vibrate when they are near to the end of their battery life I believe.

You need to find out whether or not yours is one such device if it has been in situ since 2015. 8 years may be an average lifespan for some devices. 

Wait for further help. There are members on here with a great deal of experience who may know more about your make and model. You could also contact Abbott via their contact form and your clinic who would know more.

Best Wishes

 

Is Pacemaker ok

by H van Dyk - 2023-09-04 06:45:55

I'm with Penguin. If your pacemaker has a lot of 'work' to do, it could be that the battery is running low after 8 years. Try contacting the pacemaker technician from the hospital or clinic where the operation took place...

Good luck!

Hi Glitter

by Lavender - 2023-09-04 11:46:40

I'm hoping your medical team can bring you the answers you want. Anxiety comes from uncertainty. The unknown can be frightening. I wonder why we always assume the worst? 
 

I have a vibration sensation that no one in my pacemaker team can duplicate or explain. I've grown accustomed to it. It's not changed the steadiness of my heartbeat. It's weird feeling it-usually when I am deep at rest and semi awake. It purrs like a cat throughout my upper body and arms just for less than ten seconds usually. Not always. Sometimes. 
 

I did wonder if your pacemaker is getting old. Mine's only 2 and a half and I feel this. Always did. Maybe the guy who installed yours has the answer. My pacemaker tech told me that something like 80%-90% of pacemaker recipients feel some sensation. 

I like the suggestion to ask Abbott  Their website says customer support is 1-800-722-3774 and customer support email is  CRMTechnicalServices@abbott.com

In any case, please remind yourself that your heart does indeed go on. May God reveal the reasons for this sensation- to ease your mind. 🌸💐

Alert Sounds from Pacemakers/ICDs.

by Selwyn - 2023-09-04 12:44:33

Please see:

https://www.suddencardiacarrestuk.org/information/treatment/icd/sounds/

I hope this is of some help as it mentions various manufacturers.

Please note some sounds are warnings rather than battery depletion.

 

 

Good info Selwyn!

by Lavender - 2023-09-04 14:28:56

Interesting link you provided! Saw this:

Alerts made by a device will vary depending on the manufacturer and device type, but there are common reasons and these are listed below:

Your battery life is low

There is a fault with the device or lead(s)

You have received a therapeutic shock

There is magnetic field disabling or interfering with the device

The device has been unable to communicate with your home monitor for longer than the recommended time (2 weeks?)

 

Abbott    Vibratory

6 second vibration
16 seconds of silence
6 second vibration
10 seconds silence
Then the pattern repeats    New Gallant models have an audible alert facility

Maybe some of this information will help Glitter shine a light on the issue!

You know you're wired when...

Your pacemaker interferes with your electronic scale.

Member Quotes

It is just over 10 years since a dual lead device was implanted for complete heart block. It has worked perfectly and I have traveled well near two million miles internationally since then.