Pacemaker Rep

I saw my EP yesterday to follow up on progress. I had a bi -ventricular PM installed on 7/30/12.
I'm on Coreg and Multaq.
Doc says that my heart is "happy"! Echo showed good results. He is confused as to why I don't feel good half the time. I have spells where I feel tired and my head feels thick and woozy. My heart pounds like its coming out of my chest. I have to lie down and eventually, I feel better.

The EP has no answer for me. Just shrugs his shoulders and shakes his head. My instincts say it could be one or both of the meds, or else my PM needs tweaking. The EP says the settings are "fine" but they've never been changed from factory settings.
To my question: I have seen several posts that indicate people having interrogations with the PM rep, rather than just a tech. How do you get to have an interrogation with a rep? I would so much appreciate any help on this. Carol

6 Comments

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by ElectricFrank - 2012-10-04 09:10:14

It is somewhat dependent on the doc. An EP is more likely to turn you down since he/she is supposed to be highly trained.

I would question how the factory settings would be optimum for any individual. They are picked to proved pacer support for a high % of patients until the pacer can be programmed. As an example RR must be turned on for those patients with a sinus rhythm problem and it will be tolerated by most patients. The problem is that having RR ON will not be comfortable for many. The same goes with pacing voltages, and Limits.

You may need to get aggressive in asking for either a programming session or rep.

frank

PM Rep. Vs. Tech

by Moner - 2012-10-05 11:10:16

When you get your interogation, what's better, having a PM rep, or a tech.

I got the impression both should be equally trained.

I felt that the PM rep might be more bias and have a financial interest in representing his/her company.

Maybe I'm missing something here.

Is it better to have a PM rep or a tech.

Moner
>^..^<

It pays

by ElectricFrank - 2012-10-05 11:10:50

It really amounts to being reasonable, but firm. I would just ask about seeing the rep. Then handle any resistance with "What would it take for me to have that appt?" I have also used the approach of saying :Then you are refusing to let me see the rep?"

enjoy,

frank

OK

by Matabar - 2012-10-05 12:10:21

Thank you Frank. I'm going to have to stop worrying about being a pest, cause I call the drs.
office all the time. You're so right about being aggressive. I've never been good at that, but I'm going to start practicing! Thanks again!

Depends on the individual

by ElectricFrank - 2012-10-07 02:10:36

One of the advantages of the rep is that he/she knows his companies pacemaker better than anyone else. Also has easy direct contact with engineering for guidance.

Another important advantage is that the rep has an interest in our satisfaction with the pacer so will spend the time to get it right. The tech is just another employee on the practice's staff and has the incentive to get you in and out.

In one of my lives I was a field service engineer for a company that manufactured the large video tape recorders for the broadcast industry. I spent a lot of time correcting poorly adjusted recorder that were a result of the 15 minute in and out general service techs.

As in in any field where humans are involved there are exceptions that cut both ways.

frank

Thanks

by Moner - 2012-10-08 04:10:22

Hi Electric Frank,

That's good information.

>^..^<

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