Again!

I passed out again today! I am so frustrated! I was doing so well...for the last 6 weeks - since my pacemaker was implanted, I have had hardly any problems...but now, it seems like everything is going down hill. I was having a hard enough time coping with the fact that I have a PM at 23, but now I am having all these issues, and I am having to continuously seek help from my EP. Don't get me wrong, she is an amazing doctor, and I love her, but I know that I must be driving her crazy! I have an appointment with her on Friday, so please keep me in your thoughts...I just hope that whatever is causing these problems can be fixed!

Amanda

6 Comments

Aw

by Christmmpace - 2008-01-10 06:01:00

Hello,
I'm sorry to hear about your problem. I know it must be hard to deal with such an event as passing out. I some times feel like I'm going to pass out but I never actually past out. I know anxiety can truly play a big role in first time pacers. I feel very bad for you. I will keep you in my prayers today. I hope your EP will find out what's going on.
My advice for you would be to make sure you write down the time when your passing out and have the EP check what your pacemaker recorded at that time. Maybe it's not your heart or maybe it is. Just a bit of advice to find out what's going on with you. Again, I'm sorry to hear about your misfortune with your heart. I'm here if you need some comfort and feel free to ask me anything. God bless you and have a great and better day.


Christmmpace
James
P.S. If you don't mind me asking you?
What are you feeling before you pass out. What happens right before you pass out and are you checking your heart for a pulse?

Check this out with your EP

by bowlrbob - 2008-01-10 07:01:37

As with boatman my EP set my pacer up to 70 bpm from 50bpm. I was having the same trouble as you. He also turned on the rate drop response. What this does is when your heart rate drops in my case 25 bpm too fast (this is a time determined by the EP) then the PM kicks my heart rate up to 100bpm for 2 minutes. This raises the blood pressure up fast and keeps me from passing out. This has worked great for over a year now. No passing out and no dizziness. Check this option out with your EP. Bowlrbob

amanda

by jessie - 2008-01-10 08:01:01

hi, i hope your doctor can address the problems you are having. it must be really scary for you. you have come to a great place for support. we have all been thru something similar but usually before p.m. i can understand your fear for sure. so good luck and let us know what transpires. you are in my thoughts and prayers jessie

Amanda

by boatman50 - 2008-01-10 08:01:06

That is a tough problem and something must be done to stop it. I am glad you are seeing an ep. I suggest you ask what your lower rate is set for. I had a similar problem and the ep raised my rate to 70 bpm to keep me "ahead of the curve" so to speak. He felt that if I was having problems at 55 or 60 bpm, being at 70 bpm would mean the heart was just that much faster and would need less time to react to keep me from passing out or feeling funny. That and drinking alot of water and drinks like Propel or gatorade. It has helped very much. Something to ask about, best of luck.
Boatman

Hi Amanda

by Oliver - 2008-01-10 08:01:50

Rest assured that you are in our thoughts and please do not worry for the first time I am sure they wil find and address the problem.

Oh Amanda....

by cottontop - 2008-01-10 12:01:54

I pray they can figure out what is making you pass out. Yes,that is a very scary feeling. Did you get the pacemaker for brachycardia ? If you don't mind me asking. If you aren't getting the results from this EP you might want to get a second opinion. Keep us posted and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
God bless you,
Amy

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Member Quotes

The pacer systems are really very reliable. The main problem is the incompetent programming of them. If yours is working well for you, get on with life and enjoy it. You probably are more at risk of problems with a valve job than the pacer.