Interrogation Question

My ICD is programmed DDDR. My question is....When your device is interrogated, does it automatically shut off Rate Response? I did a search on the forum and in the manual but can not find this addressed.

I have no energy lately and difficulty "catching" my breath just walking. Had a device check and the battery still has plenty of juice (happy for that).

I saw only DDD at the beginning of the test. I thought the problem was solved. I thought the rep forgot to turn the RR back on after my colonoscopy in December......at least that would explain it. My NP said when I saw DDD it was in test mode for the interrogation at that point. When it was completed, it did show DDDR again and I still have no energy.

Just trying to figure this one out.

Grateful Heart

12 Comments

Well...

by boxxed - 2014-03-07 01:03:05

All tests, etc are temporary. Unless there is an intentional programming change (which will show up on the device report), everything reverts back to what you were programmed when you walked in.

Rate response

by Elleninminn - 2014-03-07 02:03:10

The rate response feature would not be turned off due to an interrogation. Even if it were, that wouldn't affect your energy level or breathing efforts on a short walk. Have you considered calling your device maker's helpline? I've called Medtronic several times with similar questions and found them very helpful.

asfasf

by boxxed - 2014-03-07 07:03:28

Looks like you got a BSX Device. I'm not as intimately familiar with them as the other companies.

When techs run thresholds they don't turn on Rate Response. And I'm trying to do this from memory, but I don't think RR is even an available pacing mode for temporary pacing modes for tests.

For all the companies, you run a test by selecting a specific pacing mode and then a few parameters like rate and AVD.

So for example, if someone was checking a patient that had good conduction (No AVB) but was sick sinus, and wanted to test atrial sensing of P-Waves, they would drop to DDD or DDI 30-40bpm. For R-Waves, DDD 50-60bpm with long AV Delay or VVI 30. For Atrial Capture, DDD 60-90bpm with long AV Delay. For Ventricular Capture, DDDbpm 60-90 with short AV Delay.

That may be what you're seeing flash intermittently. Them running the sensing/capture tests.

That's it

by Grateful Heart - 2014-03-07 08:03:53

Thanks boxxed, that what I was looking for, really helped.

Ellen: Thanks for your response, I considered that.

simmsl: Thanks for your response too. The answers to all your questions are in my Bio. Don't forget to fill out your profile.

Update: I had an appt. with my Cardio today. Explained the symptoms, no chest pain. He put a pulse oximeter on my finger and had me walk the hallway.....Genius! It showed my HR jump from 70 to 122 with maybe 40-50 steps. Now if I was a lamborghini that would work well.

So, we're on to something. Waiting to hear back from the EP now to see if they can fit me in soon. Will keep you all posted....that's how we learn and maybe can help others.

Grateful Heart

Keep me posted

by Ck - 2014-03-07 09:03:05

Hey Grateful, I'm anxious to hear an update after you see your EP since I too am experiencing unexplained fatigue. We have different devices for different reasons, but who knows-- we may have the same problem.



Ck

by Grateful Heart - 2014-03-07 10:03:52

Will do. I've been following your posts too. Keep me posted as well.

Grateful Heart

boxxed

by Grateful Heart - 2014-03-07 10:03:59

So when it goes into test mode the RR automatically shuts off?

Sorry, just trying to be clear on that.

Grateful Heart

Fear Not

by Grateful Heart - 2014-03-09 01:03:25

No bubble burst here.

I see you filled in part of your Bio so I was surprised by your comment but....The use of the pulse oximeter was not for "accuracy" but to see the fast rise in my HR upon slight exertion. Similar to the HR monitor I wear when exercising. Surely you can see that was clever in a pinch.

Anyway, he has ordered all the tests. I had the ekg in the office, echo and blood workup next week. BP is good, meds are good. My last EF was 55% so we'll see what the new echo reveals next week. As you can see, my EF has improved tremendously (normal) since the implant.

I'm paced 100% in the ventricles, so they're in sync and 88% in the atria.

It's too late at night here to pull out my report for the histograms, etc.....going to bed soon.

So you can see they are on top of this.

My battery life reads 5 more years left. I know that's not a definite but one can hope!

I have complete faith and trust in my Cardios, they really are top notch. Believe me, I don't say that lightly and have parted ways with a few so I'm confident we will get to the bottom of this. Hopefully sooner than later. :)

I'm really hoping for something simple like a RR adjustment. Hoping my conditioning has gotten better and the setting just needs to be tweaked. How's that for positive thinking?

Thanks for your input. We'll see what happens next week with the test results.

Grateful Heart

Keep us posted

by nivla50 - 2014-03-09 09:03:02

Hi Grateful Heart,
I've been reading the posts here and I am hopeful it's a programming issue and nothing else. Keep up the positive thinking!! And let us know how it goes..Best wishes,.
Nivla50

Note

by Grateful Heart - 2014-03-09 11:03:10

Looks confusing but.....My "Fear Not" comment above was in response to simmsl's comment regarding the use of a pulse oximeter in the Doctor's office to quickly measure my HR with minimal exertion as stated above.

Simmsl questioned the use of a pulse oximeter and it's accuracy for this purpose. He has now deleted his comments (2 in this thread), so now what I wrote above under "Fear Not" may not make sense, but I was responding to his comments and questions.

I don't know why he deleted his comments but it appears he deleted his comments from all other posts as well??

Grateful Heart

Missing

by simmsl - 2014-03-11 02:03:42

Hi. My very young son kindly cleaned my comments section thinking he was doing a good job for me. Nice thought as he is a very helpful young man. Have now spoken to him about not to being that helpful.

Usually rate response is not an issue unless it has been changed recently? I might have leaned towards PAF (atrial fibrillation) but your EF is very good so less llikely.

What did your heart rate histogram show?

After reading this I need to read, and learn

by garydiamond - 2014-05-17 08:05:59

Where's the best source to learn about PMs I know i my issue was just a very slow pulse, ( I read 31 PR at rest a few times, but no symptoms) but they ran two wires incase I need more help. I now would like to learn were the other wire went to, and why?

I hope your OK Grateful Heart

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