Fatigue issues

In April 2014 I had bypass surgery and needed a pacemaker because my heart would not pace. Since then I have had fatigue issues. It got to the point in Aug.2015 my cardiologist discovered my heart was not in sink. So they put a 2 lead pacemaker in. Since then my fatigue has gotten worse. In 2 weeks they are going to try to tweek it and see if it helps. The Doctor tells me people have different results from pacemakers. I am 60 and my retail job requires a lot of physical labor. If this does not work I will have to consider Disability I will have no choice. Has anyone have suggestions. And if I have to go on Disability what would be the cause?

5 Comments

meds

by cmarr55 - 2015-10-23 02:10:59

I do take Carvedilol 12.5 mig

Hydration

by Lurch - 2015-10-23 05:10:28

I find that staying sufficiently hydrated is one of the biggest issues for me. If I do not stay hydrated I get very fatigued very easily.

I track my fluid intake daily (FitBit program). When I look at the days that I am least active, they typically follow a day in which I did not take in enough fluids.

Good luck and I hope you find your answer.

Meds??

by dhusemann - 2015-10-23 11:10:55

Beta Blockers??, might as well be a sleeping pill in most people.

Staying Hydrated??

Those are the two that affect me the most, in addition to the EF of 35 to 40% and fighting with having to much liquid in the system and not enough.

d

Programming may need adjusting

by SaraTB - 2015-10-25 07:10:37

Is your doctor an electrophysiologist, who specialises in the electrical system of the heart, or a regular cardiologist, who tends to be more general ('plumbing' not electrics) and have less understanding of PM programming?

If not an EP, I would suggest finding one, or if that isn't possible request that your doctor get the PM manufacturer's rep in to consult together to see whether something in your device programming should be adjusted. After my initial implant it took 6 months of visits back and forth to make tweaks until I felt right. Don't feel you have to put up with it - let them know what you're feeling and keep pushing for answers. You have to be your own advocate until those settings suit you.

did it

by cmarr55 - 2015-11-03 01:11:36

It was just tweaked but I will have episodes were I am so fatigued I feel sick and totally drained Thanks for the advice I have a Doc appointment next week and I will post what he suggests the main concern I have is so far he has no idea why it is worse after implanting a 2 wire pacemaker and all data looks good.

You know you're wired when...

You have an excuse for gaining an extra ounce or two.

Member Quotes

The pacer systems are really very reliable. The main problem is the incompetent programming of them. If yours is working well for you, get on with life and enjoy it. You probably are more at risk of problems with a valve job than the pacer.