Beware of Adjustments

This week I had a 6 month check-up with my cardiology group including an interrogation of my PM. I've had it just over a year and the past 6 months have been very good after a rough start up. The technician asked a simple question regarding how I feel when walking. I answered "fine" and then mentioned that, when I run, the first half mile or so is a bit difficult as my system comes up to steady state. He decided to make two adjustments, although I did not ask for them. He increased the slope setting and changed the recovery setting from medium to slow. It seemed like a good idea at the time. From the moment I left the doctor's office on Friday throughout the weekend I had difficulty. Every time I made any kind of quick move my heart raced. When I would stop walking or any other form of exercise, my heart would continue to race and I had to sit and breathe short, slow breaths for several minutes. I called the doc this morning and managed to get in and see a different technician who put me back to my settings. I have felt great, gone for a brisk walk with no issues. So my advice to you is beware of adjustments when you are already feeling good!

5 Comments

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

by Theknotguy - 2014-11-24 05:11:31

Like I said, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

me too

by rolson - 2014-11-25 05:11:11

I had to have my RR turned off as it was doing the same thing to me.

Same Here

by Many Blessings - 2014-11-25 10:11:09

Me too. No one touches my settings anymore for the same reasons stated above. I've had it happen several times to where they thought I'd do better with another setting, and it just made thing worse! I also have my RR turned off because I feel just awful with it on.

I'm with all of you above! If you're not feeling good, then try setting changes. If you're feeling good, don't touch them. We've all learned that lesson. LOL!

Just wondering

by NormaLou - 2014-11-30 03:11:16

In Sept. I went for a PM check. Ever since my heart is doing the same thing posted by TJ319. The slightest movement causes my heart to race and it takes several minutes before it gets back to normal rate.

The tech didn't mention anything about making any changes. This is very puzzling. I went back to have another check and was told PM is working fine.

Fine may not be fine

by TJ319 - 2014-12-01 09:12:11

I'd suggest you push the technician to consider your symptoms carefully. The PM may be doing what it is set to do, such as responding rapidly to movement by increasing your HR. But if you are not comfortable, something has to change. On my PM, there is a setting for "recovery time" which is the rate at which the PM brings down your HR. When it was set to "slow" I had trouble because it took way too long to bring the heart rate down. It was changed to "medium" in my last visit and has been much more comfortable. Also, there is a setting called "Slope". In my last adjustment, they set it back o "Auto". The previous adjustment had been from "Auto" to a constant number of 7.

In my year with a pacemaker, I have learned to that I have speak up with the doctor and technicians. They are well intentioned but they can't always predict what will happen when making adjustments.

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