a.adams

Hello. My husband had a PM put in in 2013. He has bradycardia which means his own heart rate often goes lower than 60 beats per minute (which is why he needed a PM in the first place).

We have had frequent check ups and the cardiologist says the PM is working fine. It is set at 60 and is pacing him 80 % of the time. the problem is that my husband has very little energy and feels fatigued most of the time.

I keep thinking that if the doctor would adjust the settings (and set the PM at a rate of 65 or 70) that my husband would have more energy because his heart would be beating at a slightly higher rate on a regular basis and pumping blood (and oxygen) through his body more quickly thus making him feel better.
Am I way off base on this..the doctor has not explained to me why he won't adjust the settings.

5 Comments

insist on answers

by knb123 - 2015-07-06 08:07:08

Hi Anne--What does your husband think about having little energy and being fatigued most of the time? Presumably he doesn't like it...but he needs to be proactive with his doctor. Do you attend doctor visits with your husband? If so, the two of you should discuss in advance what you and he want to know/accomplish in the visit.

Maybe the settings have not been adjusted upward for a good reason; in any case, your husband (and you) deserve to know what it is. Encourage your husband to take an active interest in his health. If he won't, then you will need to.

settings

by trish - 2015-07-06 08:07:33

I had my PM setting raised from 60 to 70 a month ago I too had no energy and felt terrible Also was SOB, Feel so much better now . Just passed stress echo today with flying colors. Was told EF was 75% Trish

Changing Settings

by anneadamsadoptions@yahoo.com - 2015-07-06 10:07:18

Thank you for your comment. My husband is 80 and he assumes that his lack of energy is related to his age however he's been a very, active hardworking man his whole life and he suddenly slowed down 2 years ago (right after getting his PM).
We do discuss our doctor visits and I do ask the doctor my questions but he doesn't answer me, just says everything is fine. My husband tends to be very passive and doesn't advocate for himself.
I just would like to know if raising the settings could alter anything in this case before we seek a second opinion and/or i keep pushing for this.

The older we get...

by knb123 - 2015-07-06 10:07:29

...the younger we feel our age is!

As a 20-something, I remember thinking my parents were ancient as 50-year-olds. Now that 50 is in my rear-view mirror, I've changed my tune.

In my opinion, 80 is the new 60...so take heart!

thank you

by anneadamsadoptions@yahoo.com - 2015-07-06 10:07:44

Thank you all for your comments. I appreciate the feedback. I will private message you Patch. And Trish i was wondering what SOB means?..and also if you wouldn't mind sharing your age and heart condition. Part of me is now wondering if the reason the doctor is reluctant to raise my husband's setting is because he is 80.

anne

You know you're wired when...

You run like the bionic woman.

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.