Concerns

I had my pacer placed five weeks ago now. I am concerned because of off and on sharp pains, like wire pokes, in the area of the pacer. Some times nothing all day and other days repeatedly. Is this normal? I am on warfarin and Sotalol and amlodipine. Still having lots of irregular HR. And daily I seem to be getting short of breath again. It was so great at first to not get out of breath - but now? I have had A-fib for 3.5 yrs but only 4 episodes in all that time. Pacer because of SSS, brady, and HB. I am concerned that the pacer is not really making a change in my life as expected. Am I being too impatient? I am a very active Sr. lady, over 75. Thanks for your words to all.

2 Comments

Does it feel like....

by Grateful Heart - 2014-03-18 08:03:05

Ant bites or needle sticks??

We've had a lot of questions on here about that lately. If it does, it is most likely the nerves knitting back together. I had that too...it really hurts right?

Call your Doctor for the SOB. Sometimes our PM/ ICD's need an adjustment in the programming, especially if you are active....very easy to do by the EP or rep. Make sure they know you are active so they can adjust it accordingly.

Let us know how it goes.

Grateful Heart

Only 5 weeks

by Theknotguy - 2014-03-18 11:03:25

It takes time for the body to react to the new situation. It's been over 5 months for me and I'm finally feeling better.

First thing is the heart has to adjust to the new situation. Your body has to adjust to the foreign object. If medications are new the body has to adjust to that too.

For the first 8 weeks I'd get coughing spells because the PM was giving me a regular heartbeat. Felt really strange having a regular heart beat. Then had problems at 3 months when they reduced the voltage on my PM. Actually had problems because the PM went into test mode. Had more problems with afib and had to get adjusted to APP (Atrial Preference Pacing) when they turned it on at 4 months.

This isn't a fast food restaurant where it's instant gratification. You've got to give your body time to adjust.

Theknotguy

You know you're wired when...

Your device acts like a police scanner.

Member Quotes

I am 100% pacemaker dependant and have been all my life. I try not to think about how a little metal box keeps me alive - it would drive me crazy. So I lead a very active life.