Question

Hi Guys,
I have a question, I had my pacemaker place on Monday August 18th, I have had some shortness of Air but my oxygen level is good, and chest xray on Tuesday showed no pneumothorax, I am wondering if anyone else has had this, I thinking it might be just my body trying to adjust to having a normal heart rate after it being so low. Thank you all in advance.

4 Comments

sob

by Tracey_E - 2014-08-21 09:08:06

Is it on exertion? If yes, check your heart rate to see if it's going up appropriately. Are you still on any meds? They can mess with you.

Smart Girl!

by NiceNiecey - 2014-08-22 01:08:31

I think you're on the right track wondering if your body is adjusting to getting a device placed. It truly takes time for tweeking the settings, your emotions, and just getting use to having it. PLEASE give yourself time to adjust. I'm over 7 months since getting a dual-lead device and I feel better all the time.

And don't be discouraged by getting it so young. Tracey that posted first had her first device very early in life, as have many of our members. I'm confident you'll do well.

chronotropic incompetence

by Theknotguy - 2014-08-23 11:08:13

After you get the PM and depending upon what other problems you have, you may find your heart rate doesn't increase as quickly as it did before the PM. Term is chronotropic incompetence. You're moving fast but the heart rate hasn't come up to speed. Then you run out of air.

I went through cardiac rehab and was able to physically adjust to the slower heart speed. I still occasionally start to do something and my heart rate doesn't adjust because of the PM. But now I know what to expect. I just know I won't be good at sprinting.

Hang in there. Life does get better.

Inbox

by Duke Heart Patient - 2014-09-08 09:09:13

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