confussed

Just had a pacemaker put in on Aug. 1 this year so things are new for me. They set my my rate at 60 which is higher then before but i still feel tired. If I get up and do something I start gaining energy and if I stop I get tired again. Any suggestions? Thanks everyone.

3 Comments

Sounds like

by KAG - 2013-08-26 06:08:40

the 60 bpm is probably your PM's lower pacing rate. You don't say why you got your PM. If it was for AV block and your sinus node is OK then the PM will pace at whatever rate your heart's sinus node sets. In this case the PM will not let your heart go below 60bpm. Then there is an UTR (upper tracking rate). This is typically set to 120 or 130 to start with. The PM will pace at the sinus node's rate up to this limit.

I have AV block and when I first got my PM I would get SOB and fatigue when I exerted myself. They upped my UTR to 160 and now I'm fine.

If you have sinus node trouble then the PM may have an RR (Rate Response) mode and the PM will sense increased activity and increase the pacing rate. The PM takes over for you sinus node. There are different settings which can be adjusted if this is your condition.

You need to get a copy of your PM's interrogation report. It will have info in it that will help us answer the questions you have and make suggestions. Things like mode setting, lower and upper rates, etc...

You may just need a tweak to your PM settings.
Kathy

confused

by dodger - 2013-08-26 06:08:44

First off thank you. My age Jon is 61. I don't know much of what you are talking about Kathy. I know that the PM maintains a constant 60. My heart rate before this was around 53 daytime and down in the 20's at night. I'm walking and feel great when I do. I haven't been for my first check up yet. Thanks for the information I need to be looking for.

confussed

by smokinjack - 2013-08-26 06:08:55

You don't mention your age.I'm 62.
I had a pacemaker put in August 2nd. My rate was set at 60 also.I've had good and bad days. My problem has been lack of sleep.I don't sleep well on my back.I've taken benedryl for sleep but didn't like the hangover in the morning.I recently started taking Melatonin.
I was in pretty good shape before getting my pacer.I get tired also.I've been walking trying to build up my endurance. I'm up to 2 hilly miles but don't feel anywhere near where I was before my procedure.I wonder if my meds or the pacer are slowing me down.Or if my heart is clicking on all cylinders.I don't feel strong when I walk.I go back in sooon and I will discuss this with my cardiologist.
Let me know if things improve.
Jon

You know you're wired when...

Three months of free Internet comes with each device.

Member Quotes

Today I explained everything to my doctor, he set my lower rate back to 80 and I felt an immediate improvement.