Not sure where to start getting pacemaker

Hi there I am Wendy and I am 31 and mum if 2 young children. (1 and 3) today I have been told I will need a pacemaker and they will fit it end of July. I live in the uk. Now I think as time goes by I will have a few questions but my first question is.... What happens with pacemaker when asleep.

Little bit about my problem. I have syncope but my heart is fine I have got a neurological problem the specialist said. When my blood pressure drops my hr drops as well during tilt it went as low as 10bpm. Now my heartrate is often below 60 but I understood the settings are gonna be that when my hr drops below 60 the pacemaker will kick in. Now I was wondering how is this when asleep as your hr is lower anyway? And if the pacemaker still makes your hr 60bpm will you not be more tired when waking up?

Also should in general I feel more energetic once the pacer is in.

I was also wondering if anyone with experience around my age young kids etc preferably in uk but doesn't really matter wants to get in contact with me and give me a bit of insight in their lives.

Thank you

3 Comments

pacing

by Tracey_E - 2014-06-11 09:06:34

If you are set to a minimum of 60bpm, it's actually programmed for one beat a second. The pm doesn't work in terms of minutes, only the delay between beats. It will watch all the time. Any time your heart goes a second without beating, it will kick in and cause a beat. This should actually give you more energy during the day if your rate is dipping at night. Going too low too often is draining on the body.

Many do feel more energetic but we're all different so there are no guarantees. If a low hr is what is causing your fatigue, then odds are higher you will feel better.

I had my pm before children, so I had two pregnancies while paced. My kids are 16 and 17 now and I'm on my 4th pm. Insight into my life? I'm no different than the other moms! The pm fixes my problems, I get on with my life and don't worry about it or let it slow me down. If you have questions about talking to kids about it, or living with a pm, or just want to chat, let me know!

Driving

by NiceNiecey - 2014-06-12 02:06:18

Welcome to PMC.

Some new PM recipients are told not to drive for a few weeks but I was allowed to after just a few days. Maybe they knew how unhappy I'd be if I couldn't!

2 & 1/2, 16 months!!!

by MommyAshlie86 - 2014-06-15 12:06:57

Hey there, I just got my pacemaker 3 weeks ago. My HR was dropping to 28 bpm at night, and stayed around 32-44 bmp throughout the day. Honestly I felt like I was dying at night (before the surgery), I would wake up gasping for air, and mornings I was exhausted.... THE FIRST NIGHT I had my pacemaker in I slept like a baby, and I feel comfortable going to sleep at night now. I still get a little tired mid-day (but I think that should pass). Being able to feel like I am safe to go to bed at night was worth everything. If you have any questions (I know I am new to this too), but I am here to talk as you might have answers for me too LOL,

Ashlie

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