Paranoia

Hi! I just stumbled across this group, and I am so glad I did. I have been reading a lot of members' posts, and it really gives me some confidence and comfort. I got my first pacemaker 8 days ago. I wonder if anyone can address a feeling I have of being "too" aware of my heartbeat. I can't decide if I truly feel this, or if I am only being paranoid, but my heartbeat feels a little bit "heavier" now, than it used to.

5 Comments

normal!

by Tracey_E - 2013-06-06 01:06:28

It's normal to be more aware of your heart beat, it's normal to be paranoid. It's probably not heavier but I'll bet it's faster! Or it could be your settings. They start us off with a slightly higher voltage until the leads settle in and get some scar tissue, until the heart gets used to being paced. Usually at the first recheck, they'll turn it down to the minimum you need. Most of us find that as we heal and feel better, we stop noticing these things.

allen

by lubro - 2013-06-06 02:06:04

glad you stumbled across the group. At this point, you will probably feel a lot of little things you were not aware of before. I have only had my pm for about 4 months, and I'm still adjusting to all the little quirks that go along with it... you are probably much more aware of your heartbeat now... before, it was just there... now you can feel it more because your awareness increases... paranoia? fear? uncertainty?...etc etc etc... you will probably experience a lot of new emotional as well as physical feelings...all perfectly natural... so, keep reading here...take it slowly and allow yourself time to heal and recover and time to get familiar with all the new feelings you are having...
let us know how you are doing...stay in touch...
and remember... there are no stupid questions...so, come by and visit... join up...there are lots of very informed, friendly, helpful people here...
take care...

Yep

by Chels - 2013-06-06 02:06:42

I was just having a conversation the other day with a friend of mine talking about my PVCs and she looked dumbfounded and asked "You can FEEL your heartbeat??" Haha...I guess I forgot that most people don't notice it unless there is something wrong!

So yes, obviously everyone can feel their heart pounding if you run a race or something but I understand what you're saying. My whole life I've been able to feel/hear every beat. I'm not sure what a person without a pacemaker feels as I was so young when I got it. There are times that I don't notice it, and times that I do. I know it will get better for you as time goes on. I promise!

It's one of those things that happens so long that eventually it becomes unnoticeble again unless you really pay attention.

Bodily Sensations

by Selwyn - 2013-06-06 08:06:02

The more you focus on an area of your body the more you sense in that area. For example normally I don't hear my neck grate with arthritis when turning my head, however if I really listen hard I can hear this. If I focus on my fingers I can pick up my pulse rate. In fact, you can lower your heart rate with biofeed back techniques, and also your blood pressure. You can also train yourself not to focus on a bodily sensation ( eg. for chronic pain, the need to empty the bladder, etc..). So the whole thing is under your control.

Certainly, with anxiety, all body senses become more acute - that is the way Mankind has survived. This includes increase awareness of your heart, sometimes made worse by adrenalin release.

It would be worth knowing whether your blood pressure was normal. Some times the pacemaker settings need a bit of adjustment if you can feel yourself being paced. The normal process is that PM activity is without any addition sensation.

a visit instead of worry

by Hope - 2013-06-07 10:06:55

Hi! Allan, While.our experiences we share with you can give you insight as to what is or is not going on, your concern should be discussed with your medical care. Only your medical care can give you a diagnosis, and sometimes that takes time and even other opinions to successful. Even if your concern turns out to be you are just more sensitive to your body right now, a consultation will hopefully give you peace of mind. I hope you get an answer soon. Hopeful Heart

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