Irregular heart rate

Hi all, my HR is extremely irregular today. Fees horrible. I got a pacemaker 3 weeks ago and had to have a lead reseated about 1.5 weeks ago. How normal is an irregular HR at this stage of recovery? Is it something to go to ER for (as it's the weekend)?

I so hope that the lead has not come loose again. My HR is not dropping under 85 so hopefully that's a good sign ...?

I'm trying so hard to remain positive, but damn, it's a struggle.

4 Comments

call

by Tracey_E - 2015-01-03 04:01:02

Maybe not go to the ER, but call and ask if they think you should. Normally I'd say it's probably nothing esp since your rate is high, but given your lead has already come loose once, I know if I were you I'd sleep better tonight knowing for sure it's still in place.

Having a pm doesn't mean we'll never have an irregular beat. If we are having afib, pvc's, pac's or anything else odd, if it's over the minimum rate the pm will just watch. The pm can't prevent us beating on our own, just speed things out when they slow down.

Hi Charlotte

by NiceNiecey - 2015-01-03 04:01:54

Sorry for your troubles. I think irregularities at this stage in your journey are expected. I'm more surprised that your HR doesn't drop below 85. That seems weird to me.

I'm only a year into this myself but things are constantly in flux with me. Keep in mind that even though you're supposed to feel better now that you're paced, it takes time. You also had the have a lead replaced already.

It may called a "minor surgical procedure" having a PM installed but its not! You just had screws put into your heart to say nothing of the device itself.

And BRW, lots of love s go to the ER a few times at the beginning. You may need to - especially if your heart is so irregular. You don't have a defibrillator do you? Always better safe than sorry.

Hang in there. You're young and that's on your side.

good news

by Tracey_E - 2015-01-04 08:01:50

Sorry to hear your heart behaved itself until you got home! But very glad to hear things seemed normal and your lead is in place. And VERY glad to hear you have such an awesome EP. It's a lot easier to deal with this stuff when you have a responsive and supportive dr in your corner.

ER Visit

by Charlotteis - 2015-01-04 12:01:54

Thanks for the support and guidance. I really appreciate it!

So I went to the ER and nothing showed up in the bloodwork or X-ray, and they felt that I was definitely still being paced, but my HR was regular the entire time I was there. They sent me home, advising me to take Advil and double up on my acid reflex medication (due to taking Advil) for the pain which they are guessing to be inflammation in the chest area, and to see my EP next week. I get home and immediately my HR is everywhere. Bah. So maybe my settings are in someway incorrect?

So I have a little peace of mind and I have a lot of faith in my EP who has actually given me his personal email address so I could contact him with concerns, and called ahead to the ER to let them know I was coming and what tests he would like them to do - even though he doesn't work out of this hospital. I've never had such service before!

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