Pacemakers and Angina

I had a pacemaker fitted just 10 days ago for 2-1 heart block which showed up on a tread mill test. Shortly afterwards I noticed that I had a tightness across my throat rather like indigestion. I have since spoken to the pacemaker clinic who said the problem was not related to the pacemaker. I was asked if I had angina? I said not as far as I knew and I certainly had not been told that I had anything other than the heart block. I queried the suggestion that the tightness might not be due to the pacemaker saying that I did not have this before the pacemaker was fitted. I was told that my heart may well now be being made to work harder and that I should contact my GP. I asked if it could wait until I saw my consultant in 6-12 weeks. He suggested not. When I spoke to my GP she checked my notes - no mention of angina and has now written to my consultant to ask for an early appointment. Otherwise she said she would have done a rapid appointment to have me checked as she said the symptoms matched angina. I just don't know what to think except that I might have had a pacemaker inserted and maybe did not need it.

2 Comments

New Sensations

by NiceNiecey - 2014-04-16 11:04:09

When I got my PM (2nd degree heart block type 2), I had a lot of new, weird sensations and symptoms. Most have come, lasted a few days or a couple weeks, then disappeared again.

Nearly every symptom got the same response, either:
1) it's not from your PM; or
2) go to the ER

Well, whether they thought so or not, I believe most of my symptoms WERE related to my body adjusting to a big change in having a device inserted in my chest and leads put in my heart. I know the device is working. I know there is nothing else wrong with me (I've been checked for everything under the sun).

As much as is possible, trust your gut instinct about new problems. I finally stopped running to the ER just because my doc's office told me to. Give yourself a little time. You've just gotten the device and it should take you a few weeks to a couple months to fully adjust.

I'm so glad you wrote and asked for help.
Niecey

Thanks to everyone

by Ces58 - 2014-04-18 06:04:33

It is reassuring to hear from others that have had similar experiences. I hope it turns out to be acid reflux or something like that - I have had more than I can cope with over the last few years - major neck surgery due to bones sticking in my spinal cord leaving me with some permanent spinal damage, last year I was diagnosed with uterine cancer for which I have surgery and I am now being monitored and then this! And that does not include the skin cancer, whooping cough and broken bone in my hand. I have an amazing husband who has put up with me - we have been married for 33 years today and for the last 5 he has had to cope with someone who has barely had more than a few months free of ill health or pain! Friends keep saying I just bounce back but you just wonder how much more you can take. I had adjusted to needing a pacemaker - if it was the only way I could get to drive then they could put anything in me! But possibly angina as well! There is a family history but I am married to the thinnest and fittest man on earth who has kept me on the straight and narrow as far as food etc is concerned. Salads and low fat food for all our life so far. Indulgence in burgers and chips almost zero. Added to which he is like my grandson - in need of exercise every day so although I don't join him playing tennis in all weather or cycling we do a lot of hiking - almost every day now we are both retired. So thanks everyone for lifting my mood. I was feeling very low. Sometimes I simply don't want to burden my OH anymore! Also I know about anorexia as one of our daughters suffered badly and was hospitalised for some time. She has recovered but I guess it is like you say an addiction. She will always be slim and careful about food. She is anxious that her new baby son does not develop her traits. She is over anxious about his eating as he seems less keen than her friends babies. I just try to get her to chill. He will eat when he wants to to and what he wants to. Good luck with all that.

You know you're wired when...

Your kids call you Cyborg.

Member Quotes

I am just thankful that I am alive and that even though I have this pacemaker it is not the end of the world.