Exhausted...heart racing

I had my medtronic pacemaker placed two weeks ago today. I am 48 years old and have autonomic dysfunction. Chest pain with pulse in high 30's to low 40's sent me to the ER. I was told that I would eventually need a pacemaker and really didn't have a chance to ask a lot of questions as they said I paced in the thirties all night and my EP cardio would be putting one in.

I wore a heart monitor at night and my heart rate rarely got over 50. He set mine at 70. I feel like I am running a marathon and feel as if my heart is beating out of my chest. It hasn't gone above 70 so we joke that at this rate the battery won't last a year.

Before I had very low blood pressure issues along with the low heart rate. Now it is running higher than it has in my entire life. I feel horrible. I have chills(no fever), coughing/tickling sensation in my throat, dizziness, and feel short of breath(as if I've run a small distance).

On day one of putting it in I did develop pericarditis. I couldn't take in a breath without my sternum and back of my throat spasming and doubling over in bed seemed to help some. I go to him tomorrow for wound check etc. Is it likely that he will lower it??

If he lowers it, is it painful? Thanks for any answers you guys can give me. I am exhausted.

2 Comments

Adj PM

by BillH - 2016-05-03 02:05:55

"
If he lowers it, is it painful?"

No, they put a sensor over the chest. And using that they can change any of the settings and modes. They also can read out what the PM has been doing.

The PM, itself is sealed and there are not "controls" on it. Even when first implanted all of the setup is done via the programmer and sensor.

NIGHTMARE :(

by theverch - 2016-05-23 03:05:14

Thanks so much!!! So sorry for just commenting. I didn't get notification of your response. This has been a NIGHTMARE!! You were right....it didn't hurt :) They lowered it BUT I have fluid around my heart. Husband called ambulance a few nights ago because of the shortness of breath and chest pain.

Any insight into recovery with pericarditis would be great!!!

You know you're wired when...

Titanium is your favorite metal.

Member Quotes

At age 20, I will be getting a pacemaker in few weeks along with an SA node ablation. This opportunity may change a five year prognosis into a normal life span! I look forward to being a little old lady with a wicked cane!