muscle twitching

Starting in December of 1991 I had open heart surgery, then once again in 1997. I have four stints which were installed in 2005. In March of 2010 I had another heart attack and they installed a pacemaker/defibrillator. I haven’t been able to sleep very well because of twitching mainly on my left side. I have been back to my Dr. and they haven’t been any help. They seem like they don’t want to talk about it. It doesn’t hurt, but it is a big nuisance. I would like some advice.

7 Comments

TYPO

by agelbert - 2011-01-16 09:01:14

Sorry about the typo "Uscle twitching".
I meant Muscle twitching.

Muscle Twtiching

by J.B. - 2011-01-16 09:01:20


Muscle twitching caused by a pacemaker is not uncommon. It can be caused by the location of the lead tip in the heart that allows some of the pacemaker impulse to impinge on a muscle. If this is the problem relocating the lead may be the only solution.

Or it may be that the power from the pacemaker to the affected lead can possibly be reduced. It also is not uncommon to not be able to get any help out of the doctor because it is something that will not show up on their readouts during a checkup. All they see is a pacemaker that is doing what it is programmed to do.

Getting help will be hard if you can't get it from the doctors. Your best bet may be to try to get a manufactures rep to check out your pacemaker. The have more knowledge and time and are actually more interested in seeing that the patients gets the best results out of their product with the least discomfort. They don't want you telling anyone I got such and such brand pacemaker and I have had nothing but trouble since I got it. They want you to brag on how good their product is. If you want to try this contract the manufacturer and tell them what your problem is.

Uscle twitching

by agelbert - 2011-01-16 09:01:57

Hi,
I have had a PM for 4 years and have never had any twitching, but I have read about it recently.
Question: Did the twitching begin right after the march 2010 surgery?
If so, it sounds like the lead placement is sending some current down a pathway that causes a muscle twitch. It's possible to adjust the voltage down some to avoid twitching.
If not, did the twitching begin after a tech interrogation of your device?
If so, it could be a setting on the threshold capture voltage.
Finally, if the twitching did not begin until recently and is unrelated to the operation in march or a cardio tech device interrogation check on a recent visit, have you had a fall or engaged in some vigourous exercise recently?
I ask because, even though your lead(s) should be settled in well by now, there is a possibility that one of them became depositioned. That could cause unwanted muscle twitching from the ICD current.
If this is your situation, it will definetiley show up in a device interrogation through impedance and voltage readings as well as threshold capture minimum voltage.
I hope this helps.

twitching

by john46 - 2011-01-16 11:01:52

thanks folks, I am new on this site and was beginning to think I was the only one having this problem. I am scheduled back in for a check-up in Feb. I will at that time
have some more information.

thanks
John

Twitching Diaphram

by relax221 - 2011-01-17 05:01:17

JUST HAD A ST JUDES PUT IN JAN 12 2011..I SLEEP ON MY RIGHT SIDE AND EVERY TIME I GET COMFORTABLE I GET A TWITCH DOWN MY LEFT SIDE..IT ACTUALLY WAKES ME UP LIKE A JOLT...WENT BACK TO THE REP AND SHE ADJUSTED THE SETTINGS..IT HELPED A LITTLE BUT SHE EXPLAINED IT WILL TAKE A FEW MONTHLY VISITS TO TWEAK IT. HOPE THIS HELPS

MIKE

twitches

by michelefromthemitten - 2011-03-01 09:03:00

I just had my PM implanted and I have twitches everywhere! You are not alone.

Query

by Boznap - 2018-09-28 01:28:06

I know this is an old thread, but I'm guessing people are still having this issue? Here's a daft sounding question. Has anyone had any odd sensations or spasms in the diaphragm area when yawning or deep breathing, say after exercise? 

You know you're wired when...

You have a little piece of high-tech in your chest.

Member Quotes

I’m healthy as a horse because of the pacemaker.