struggling w pacemaker implant

I am a 32yr old female who had a dual pacemaker implanted on May 05, 2009. I have been struggling with this since it was done. I have had three heart procedures in the last two months, the last was to insert the pacemaker with a thoracotomy. My heart rate prior to the procedures were 160 to 200, now it is still in the 130’s. I am depressed and struggling. I have not been able to work since February. I am always tired, my blood pressure when I awake in the mornings is frequently 159/111. I thought all of my troubles would be over once the pacemaker was implanted, but i am still struggling. My dr has called in over six different drs and they are baffled as well. I have complications from being over prescribed prednisone by another physician for the last two years. If there is anyone that can offer any advice, I would grfeatly appreciate it.

5 Comments

stay possitive

by gargoyle725 - 2009-05-31 01:05:32

I got my PM on May 5 as well, i cant give much advice other than stay possitive. the people here really helped me alot and sure they will have good advice for you.

New PM Struggles

by SMITTY - 2009-05-31 02:05:33

Hi Shunnyk.

First let me ask a question, why a thoracotomy? A thoracotomy is typically performed to treat one or more several lung disorders.

Be that as it may, don't expect too much from the pacemaker so far as slowing your heart rate. All pacemakers (not defibrillators which are for the purpose of slowing an over-speeding ventricle) I have seen or heard about are strictly for increasing heart rate. In cases like yours I would think some medication or procedure to drastically slow your heart rate would be used and then let the pacemaker bring it back up to the desired rate.

Prednisone is a potent steroid and being over prescribed on it for two years could have done things to your entire system that will take time to over come. So take it easy and give your self time to heal from illness(s) that have apparently been going on for some time.

Good luck,

Smitty

HEART RATE

by pete - 2009-06-01 02:06:00

You are right to be concerned about your heart rate. Your heart is not getting a proper rest. The heart "RESTS" between beats. If your heart rate remains at a unacceptable high rate your heart muscle will weaken. The doctors can and should make you more pacemaker dependant by blocking the fast signals reaching your ventricles with an ablation. Your ventricles can then be kept beating synchronously and at a rate controlled by the pacemaker. Cheers Peter

PM Probs

by papaknight - 2009-06-01 05:06:48

Sorry to hear tht you are struggling right now.The people you are talking with on this site could be your best resource but you yourself must be in charge of your own health. Keeping good records, insisting on copies of all tests performed and making the health care professional explain things to you until you know just what theyare wanting to do sounds like a pain but it will soon become second nature and you will be surprised how quickly you will come to understand your health problems and be better armed to deal with them. More than one doctor working on you sometimes complicates things for everyone but is a necessary part of the processs. Trust yourself and do your homework, your graduation couold add years to your life. Best of luck to you and yours.
papaknight

Hang In There

by bgarza - 2009-06-01 11:06:50

I got my PM 4/24/09 and have had some issues. I truly understand the depression. Hang in there, talk to your EP and cardiologists and ask every question or doubt you have to include the feelings you have. I too, thought that the PM was going to make everything better and aside from anxiety that leads to PVC's, which lead to lightheadedness, I guess I will be okay. But don't give up hope, have faith that you will be well. This website has helped me to understand what is happening to me physically and mentally, truly good people.

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Member Quotes

I have a well tuned pacer. I hardly know I have it. I am 76 year old, hike and camp alone in the desert. I have more energy than I have had in a long time. The only problem is my wife wants to have a knob installed so she can turn the pacer down.