Hurts to breath deeply

I am two weeks out of getting my PM.  Went today to get it monitored. They said everything was fine. They made the heart rate faster to check it but left the settings the same. Three days ago I noticed that when I took a deep breath it hurt. This kinda comes and goes but today it has been all day. I asked them about this and they said it was probably inflammation from the surgery and that it would probably go away for sure within 3 months. Also after I left the monitoring today my heart has kept racing periodically. I had been on Benicar and Tiazak prior to surgery and they are giving me half the dose now as I was dizzy and feeling weird. I am also taking a full dose aspirin which is causing a terrible constipation problem. I was taking milk of magnesia and they told me to quit as it depletes the potassiam. I would appreciate any comments on all this. Thanks for your help.

3 Comments

Random suggestions

by Creaky - 2010-11-15 09:11:22

Sorry to hear you are having all these problems. I can't comment on the medications. The pain on deep breath could be part of any bruising or trauma from the procedure and may go away after a few more weeks. I'm not aware of aspirin causing constipation. That could be more due to stopping the milk of magnesia. I would suggest drinking lots more water. If the water doesn't help you can try a different approach to regularity- for example a fiber supplement plus the water. Dehydration could also account for the racing heart as could anxiety. You sound real worried. I think everyone here has gone through a period of fear, worry and anxiety. Some just briefly but many for a long time after getting the pm.
Hope this is somewhat helpful.
Harry

Hurts To Breathe....

by Pookie - 2010-11-15 11:11:27

It's only my opinion but I'd be asking for a chest Xray immediately. If it gets worse, please go to your nearest ER.

And who is "they"? - the Pacemaker Technicians or programmers???? They can only tell you if the pacemaker itself is functioning, it doesn't mean it's functioning for your particular needs. Your pacemaker comes with default settings, then usually during your 1st "interrogation" (usually 3 months) they will adjust the settings then as "they" like to allow this time for the leads to settle.

When someone is not breathing correctly or it hurts to breathe, it should be taken quite seriously. Can you ask your family doctor to send you for a chest Xray????

I always err on the side of caution....better safe than sorry....right?

Please call your family doctor at least.

Take care,
Pookie

Same happened to me...

by Tracie H - 2010-11-16 12:11:22

About 2 weeks after implant, I started having pain when I breathed - constantly. I called my cardio, he said I should go to ER to have it checked (my cardio is not in my hometown). After an x-ray and CT, the ER doc blew me off, saying I was fine although some blood work showed a problem. After further forced discussion, he also mentioned the CT having a "small issue" but nothing to be concerned about. Got copies of my records then and there (not usual, but if you are loud enough, things can go your way). Came home, called the on-call cardiologist (it was late by now). After reading my records to them, was told I had an infection around my heart - needed emergency care. Choose not to go back to that ER considering what happened earlier in the day. Asked what I could do at home for my infection, they gave me some ideas and 24 hours later, I was feeling much better. Filed a complaint against the original ER doc.

My suggestion: call your doc, ask for a chest xray, CT and blood work to check for an infection. It's not unheard of, but not too common either. If you feel something is wrong, listen to yourself and get answers until you are fully satisfied. Remember, you pay them.

As for the meds, I have no idea what they're for or how they can adversely affect you. Nonetheless, if you are not comfortable, ask questions until you are comfortable.

Best wishes. Hope all is well.
Tracie

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