Shortness of breath

Hi - I am getting close to needing my pm changed, but not in ERI yet, or at least not two weeks ago. I have been feeling absolutely fine without problems with stairs or walking in general, but all of a sudden 2 days ago I started not being able to walk up stairs or moving fast without getting short of breath. I don't feel dizzy or about to faint but weak and it gives me a head ache after getting to the top of stairs. It feels a lot like when I initially needed the pm. I am 100% paced.
Do any of you think it has to do with the pacemaker getting old, or something else. What really worries me is how sudden it came on. Besides that I feel fine, no chest pain or tightness, and no cold.No water retention either. I know I have to go to my cardiologist, but of course it came at a bad time in regards to my job.
Thanks

4 Comments

Pacemaker old?

by scorpfan - 2015-01-28 01:01:26

I am not sure why you think my pm is 65 years old?

Old PM????

by donr - 2015-01-28 06:01:02

Yep, very old. Your profile says it was installed in 1950.

That is Sparrow's way of suggesting that you complete the bio page.

Do you mean ERI - for "Elective Replacement Indicator when the PM merely says its batter is nearing the end, but not yet critical & nothing the the PM does is essentially changed. so you should feel NO difference when this occurs. This usually occurs at about 6 months prior to the predicted battery ceasing to function.

OR - do you mean EOL - for End of Life when the PM thinks it only has about 90 days to go. At this point, it stops everything but pacing. And it does that at a fixed rate, usually at 65 BPM. THIS you should feel! It also does it instantly, so the feeling can be very dramatic, just like you described.

BTW: You did NOT even tell us WHY you are paced. That is critical to know. That makes a BIG difference in the way you would feel at EOL.

Only your EP can tell you what is going on now. You should see him ASAP.

Donr

mode switch

by Tracey_E - 2015-01-28 08:01:54

You are describing exactly what happens when you go from ERI to EOL. Take it easy until you can be seen, don't push it.

Mode switch

by scorpfan - 2015-01-29 03:01:10

I tried to update my profile but it won't keep all the information.
I have 3rd degree heart block, paced 100%. The last pm I got implanted in Nov. 2006.
Today I found out that within 14 days it went from 1 - 10 months left to EOL, no wonder I feel bad.
My doctor is out of town until Monday but I am hoping he will replace the pm next week. I am taking stairs very slowly.
Thank you for your input.

You know you're wired when...

Your license plate reads “Pacer4Life”.

Member Quotes

But I think it will make me feel a lot better. My stamina to walk is already better, even right after surgery. They had me walk all around the floor before they would release me. I did so without being exhausted and winded the way I had been.