New Member

Hi everyone, I've olny just found this club! Have had my Pacemaker for 6 years after finally being diagnosed with 2nd and 3rd degree heart block and it has truly changed my life..... I'm 47 now. I still have a few problems, at the moment I am feeling my pacemaker zapping me particularly at night which causes me some discomfort - does anyone else experience this? Otherwise on the whole life is good and happy to still be here!! :)

4 Comments

Hello there

by Poppet - 2014-03-11 04:03:20

Unlike yourself, I'm not new to the site but I rarely visit, if I'm honest.

I've posted a query tonight however as I am 6-12 months off needing my pacemaker battery changing and am unsure how close I may get to the end of this pacemakers life before replacement.

I noticed you've a pacemaker for 2nd and 3rd degree heartblock. Would you believe it was only in December 2013 that I was informed I have the pacemaker for a heart block.

My St Jude's pacemaker kicks in when my heart goes below 50bpm and is working at 65-68% of the time. I've no idea what degree of heart block I have. What I experience when my pacemaker is pacing is a "slug like" rhythm/feeling - my heart going at a slower pace. I will know I'm "pacing" because of this more than anything.

I don't know that I've helped in any way, I was just intrigued by your diagnosis of heartblock also.

Regards


I have heart block too

by bluebowtye - 2014-03-11 05:03:11

Hi Heatherjane & Poppet,
I am new here too. About a month ago I also was diagnosed with heart block. Mine is 2nd degree. I had really never heard of this before and don't know anyone with a pacemaker so this came as a total shock and surprise to me. My surgery was 3 weeks ago and tomorrow I go in for my first PM check. I have learned so much on this site and it has really helped me cope. I agree with Sunny, you need to check with your Dr. regarding your PM zaps. So far, I have not experienced this. Please let us know what you find out. I wish you the best!

~Sheila

pacemaker twinges

by KathyB - 2014-03-11 07:03:26

I have had my pacer for almost 1 yr now. every now and then I can feel a fine tapping in my heart when I ventricular pace. I am 98% atrial paced. At first it bothered me, I spoke to the rep when it first started right after It was placed and he reduced the voltage. said my muscle was sensitive in that area if that is true but it doesn't bother me when it happens anymore. Anyhow, welcome and keep checking in. This group has such good people, good advice and sometimes some funny stories are written

Zapping

by SparkyNoel - 2014-03-12 10:03:48

You are not alone in regards to the "zapping". I have had my pm x 3 months & have complained about it to my EP & pm rep. Neither seem to know what it is. That has not put me at ease. My experience with this is random, can't say I experience the zapping @ any certain time or with any particular activity. Some days it occurs more frequently than others. Not so much painful but bothersome/noticeable. I was told initially that this could mean that the lead has moved or it has not adhered to the heart wall. My pm is working so it isn't either of the before mentioned. I was also told that some people are more sensitive than others. It does seem like it is occurring less frequently as time passes. I agree with the others, talk to you physician regarding your concerns. Take care.

You know you're wired when...

You have a maintenance schedule just like your car.

Member Quotes

I have an ICD which is both a pacer/defib. I have no problems with mine and it has saved my life.