Pacemaker Club: Static in frequency

Static in frequency

by Alamb2
2013-06-04 04:06:12
Batteries & Leads
1284 views
2 comments

I have a St Jude Dual Chamber PM (Bradycardia) that was installed November 2009, so almost four years). Three yrs ago there was a wire issue with the PM causing the alarm to go off as it also kept stimulating my pectoral muscle intermittently (very embarrassing). Since I only have Bradycardia, I was told I didn't really need that wire currently, so they just turned it off. After my annual cardiology interrogation, t he tech found several intermittent static interferences in the used lead causing no communication to the PM. The pectoral muscle still twitches depending on my arm position. Over the past few months I have been so tired and occasionally dizzy. I didn't think it might be the PM. I am scheduled to see my surgeon to decide on lead and unit replacement. I am 56 yrs old and worried... i wonder given a choice, should I to wait till it really gets bad or replace it now.

2 Comments

now

by 28sedan - 2013-06-05 03:06:59

Why wait it could be a bigger problem with more complications. I would go now.

Sensitivity turned off

by Alamb2 - 2013-06-10 03:06:46

Well, I went back to have my PM setting re-adjusted again on Friday. My Cardiologist's office is still working on getting me in back into my Surgeon's office for an appt to disguss complete replacement. , I have been feeling worse (nauseous and "off") since the adjustment on Tuesday. I have been paced 94% of the time for Bradycardia at a setting of 65 BPM since installation (2009). the St Jude Rep told me that when the static occurs, it apparently is read by the PM as a heartbeat so it won't deliver a pace to my heart when it happens. No wonder I feel so crummy!!!

The tech, with my cardiologist's approval, opted to turn the PM sensitivity off and pace me 100% of the time till I can see the Surgeon.

On the drive home, I noted how much clearer my head felt. Like someone cleaned the windshield of my car.....