Not sure what's going on

In September of 2012, I had my PM replaced; I'd had it for 8 years. I knew from the get-go that something wasn't right. My daughter is a nurse and when she changed the dressing, she too, knew it wasn't right. It was extremely high and the pain was unbelievable. When I went back two weeks after for my post-op checkup, the NP said it looked like I would have to have a pocket revision "but let's give it a few months". The pain was unbelievable; couldn't raise my arm up, couldn't be on my left side, itching beyond belief. I went back in Dec. 2012 and they did a pocket revision. Something happened during the procedure, which we believe was an antibiotic given in which I am allergic. It's now March and I am still having problems...mostly palpitations. I had palpitations in September but they finally subsided after awhile. This seems to be taking longer. I'm so frustrated with all of this...wish I didn't have to have this. I feel my life is not as good as it was prior to the first implantation in 2004. Would love any positive feedback.

4 Comments

second opinion

by Hope - 2013-03-22 10:03:58

Hi! Trish, You seem to have realized from previous experience with your first device that you had a problem with the second device. I am presuming from your post the correction surgery was done by the same care. You mentioned your daughter is a nurse. What does your daughter say? If it were me, I would be running, with medical records in hand, for a second opinion on all that you have and are currently experiencing. I hope you find appropriate care and relief soon. Take care. Hopeful Heart

opinion

by Tracey_E - 2013-03-22 11:03:06

Did they use one of those antibiotic sleeves around the pm? Definitely get your records and go get another opinion. When they replace, theoretically all they do is pull the old one out, put the new one in the same pocket so it's all old scar tissue. I've had 4 now and all replacements healed much faster and easier than the first one.

My guess is the palpitations are unrelated to the pocket problems. See if you can confirm they kept the same settings. They should, but that doesn't necessarily mean they did. If you felt better heart-wise with the old one, see if you can find out if the new one is programmed differently.

medications

by Hope - 2013-03-23 01:03:19

Trish, Are you taking new medication, any increase or decrease or change of medication, including over the counter? If you decide on a second opinion and I hope you do, be sure to inform the doctor of all medications. I did not suggest a second opinion lightly, only because you seem to have been having such a difficult time. Hopeful Hearr

Sorry for not commenting lately!

by trish4851 - 2013-05-02 03:05:53

Much has happened since my last posting. At church after the second surgery, I was fine until the loud music started and I immediately felt myself spinning, increased heart rate, flushed face and tingling around mouth and hands. By the time the EMTs arrived, my BP was 200/110. They monitored me at the church and then transported me to the ER. Absolutely nothing showed up. Around Easter at another church event, the pastor asked that we all sit close since there was a small crowd that night and as soon as the music started, I felt myself having a "spell" again and asked my husband to take me out. This is so bizzare! My cardiologist believes it is a vagus nerve problem; my PCP believes it is trying to adjust to the new pacemaker. Has anyone else had anything like this happen. My new cardiologist wanted to put me on a beta blocker, which I took for three days. It causes my heart to raise and horrible feelings of being extremely hot. Additionally, I gained 5 lbs. in 3 days. NOT! I called and they stopped the med but wants me to try another one. I'm not wanting to take a beta blocker. The nurse practioner suggested an antidepressant for a few months. Any thoughts?

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It may be the first time we've felt a normal heart rhythm in a long time, so of course it seems too fast and too strong.