Fusterations

Hello pacemaker family,I could really use your input. I am 6 mo post pm implant for sss and on tikoysn for Afib. I am beyond frustrated. The past few weeks I have become shortness of breath and fatigue almost like before having the pm put in.Also has anyone else had issues with getting your heart rate to increase w activity? I called my EP who I just love, its his damm office! I called today to make a appt, the front office girl who then sent me over to RN who had the never to tell me that there was probably nothing he could do for me, but she gave me a appt for 10 Oct. I HATE this and get so discouraged they make me feel like im nuts!!! AM I ???? Am I asking too much??? <3 from Texas

5 Comments

You are not nuts!

by TalkinCardio - 2012-09-12 05:09:17

Don't give up. The feelings of fatigue and SOB started a few weeks ago so something is up. Whether it's PM settings or arrythmia's or something else, it needs to be checked out.

Also, I dont know the mechanics of PM's but I do know that the settings can easily be changed to get your heart rate to increase with activity.

October 10, seems to me like a long time to wait. Is there an office manager you could speak to?

Good luck, Cathy

You are not...

by donr - 2012-09-12 07:09:10

...nuts! You are authorized to be pissed off. You are NOT asking too much..

Ask yourself the following question:

"Do I like this guy so much that I will tolerate the jerks surrounding him?" If your answer is "Yes, " you have to grin & bear the BS. If the answer is "No," go find another EP.

Don

Need Answers,

by SMITTY - 2012-09-12 07:09:19

Hello,

So far all the heart medications (more than 25 I'm sure) my drs have had me try during the last 30+ years have come with side effects of one sort or another. All I do is keep the line of communication with my dr open. If they don't know what you are experiencing they cannot help. Right now I on Digoxin (for the 3rd time in the last 10 years) for A-fib. Right now it works to a degree and is the best my dr has to offer. I check my heart function with an oximeter at least once a day, not that it tells me a lot but so I can give my dr an accurate report when I see him, or have to call his office for information.

The SOB or fatigue could be a medication side effect or it could be showing a need for a PM setting change or change in medication or the dose. As for the low HR during exercise. Our PMs have a feature (rate response) that can be set to increase HR when we increase physical activity. Again this is an item for the dr unless you already have the answer.

The list of things for heart disease treatments is almost endless and is very specific for each of us. So good luck on getting your's solved by your dr.

Good luck,

Smitty

fustrated

by manaman - 2012-09-13 10:09:22

You may want to look at other isues! Ihad a PM for over 9 years before first replacement and all was well. Shortly after the second implant I began to feel really awful (especially short of breath and especially on exertion). I think I have the BEST heart doctor there is in N.C. (just my opinion) anyway after him dealing with my EP (which I had no luck doing) and insisting checks and changes I was advised to do a stress test (which I have no stamina or desire to do) and after talking I just said: "Look, if the stress test is questionable or positive you will want to do a cath. Why not skip the BS and get to the point?"
He asked what my plans were for the next day and I followed with "going fishing". His reply was: OK, just bring your pole and be here at 6:00 am and we'll see what bites!
Anyway, 2 1/2 hours I'm in recovery with 2 BRAND NEW STENTS ( both in the RCA one with 95% block and the other with a 85% block), moral of this story is LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED!! You do not have to feel awful all the time, It's just a matter of constant nagging (if you will) the man/woman you are trusting your life with> Seek and you WILL find!!! If one dog don't hunt just sell him and buy another until the "coon is finally treed!
Good Luck and Gods speed!
Cecil

thank you..

by electricmom - 2012-09-13 12:09:25

Thank you guys, you always make me feel better, I read so many post and comments and its nice to know that im not alone. We are all in this boat together and will get through this together. Have a blessed day everyone!!

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