after check up

Hi Pacers,
Well, my battery is about to run out. I have been told I need to have my pacemaker replace soon. I'm a bit nervous about it but everyone says there is nothing to it. I do have a concern. The last time I had it checked, when the tech turned it down,WOE, I about went off the chair. She didn't warn me first and I wasn't ready for it and I think she turned it down farther than it has been before. Any way, it seems like it took about a week to get over it. I was tired, short of breath, my legs felt like noodles upon excertion. It's been a week now and we just came from a square dance, everything seems like it's back to normal. Should I say something to the tech when I go back next month? I'm completely dependant, I've had it for about 5 years, I always feel abit "washed out" after a check for a couple hours but nothing like this last time.
Input requested
Janet

3 Comments

Yes

by ppt - 2009-10-25 08:10:18

Tell the tech !! To be debilitated for that long does not seem normal to me at all. When they lower my rate I feel it for an instant and that is it. For sure bring it up and see what they can do about not going to the "extreme" (for you) limits. Maybe there is another reason for your reaction too. Good luck :-)

I agree

by ElectricFrank - 2009-10-25 11:10:24

The effects shouldn't last that long. It sounds like a fear response which leaves you on edge and exhausted.

Be sure and let them know you want to know when and what they are about to do do. Take a few deep breaths and relax. Remember the tech is right there to stop the procedure if it becomes a problem. The feeling is natural. We are very sensitive to changes in our heart beat.

I know the feeling. I have deliberately had the Medtronic rep totally stop pacing just to see what would happen if the battery failed. I had him try it first sitting in the chair and then again when I was standing. My HR dropped to about 35, it didn't feel good, but I remained conscious. It is a good feeling to know if my battery runs down I am still functional since it is getting near its end.

frank

Feelling weird

by fightergirl - 2009-10-28 10:10:43

I ALWAYS tell the Tech to let me know right before they make any "adjustments". I'm not too keen on the feelings it gives me when they are "dialing" me up or down. They tell me "here we go" and I am prepared for the sensation. Boy, don't we have all the fun! I would address the prolonged effects with the Tech and make sure that you are "fully recovered" before leaving the office...hope this helped!
Terri A.

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I just want to share about the quality of life after my pacemaker, and hopefully increase awareness that lifestyles do not have to be drastically modified just because we are pacemaker recipients.