Another newbie

Hi, another pacemaker newbie. I was implanted on 26 November having been diagnosed with SSS (pulse rate in low 40s).

I had no symptoms pre-implantation, but since the procedure I've been feeling light-headed occasionally, which clears after about 20-30 seconds, and wondered if this is where my pulse has dropped and the pacemaker is kicking in (set to 60 currently) - I'm also suffering today with heartburn and lightheadedness which doesn't seem to be clearing very well.

I'm due to return to work in 2 days time, and feeling a little nervous, as I've virtually done nothing since the op apart from walking around the shops to pass time.

The scar is healing well, but I do have an issue where, if I lie on my right side (implantation is on LH side) I feel a pressure in my chest and right side, which doesn't disappear for around 10 minutes, and sometimes I feel like I need to take a deep breath - has anyone else come across this?

3 Comments

Newbie symptoms

by Selwyn - 2015-12-08 04:12:05

It sounds that you are doing very well.
If you were fit prior to the pacemaker, try increasing your exercise to previous levels. I personally found that riding a bicycle was ideal ( as I couldn't drive my car for a couple of weeks). By the time I have cycled 20 miles, 1 week after implantation, I was happy that I was up to most activities apart from raising the implant side arm. It is probably wiser to build up slowly. Personally, I find the ability to exercise reassuring.

There is an increased awareness of body sensations following pacemaker sensation. This is driven by hightened nervous activity. I remember feeling the pulse in my big toe!
Along with the nervous activity, the stomach makes more acid ( there is an interesting correlation between World War Two bombings in London and peptic ulceration admissions to hospital).
Common symptoms of anxiety are awareness of heart, increased breathing rate, a feeling of not being able to get enough breath etc......

More than anything else getting back to fitness is helpful.
Having a distraction to keep your mind from wandering is helpful, and yes, talking about how you feel.

Familiarity breeds contempt. By the time you have had your pacemaker some weeks, you will have forgotten it is even there!

With best wishes,
Selwyn




newbie symptoms check

by Madamski - 2015-12-08 10:12:02

Selwyn has written everything anyway, I stull want to "confirm"
I got my PM on 13th of November and I pretty much have/had the same symptoms: I still get a pain in my chest when I lie on my right side, even though the PM is on my left. I still feel lightheaded which starts to drive me crazy and I still occasionally feel like I can´t take deep breaths but I feel like I really have to. Screaming is still hard (which as a teacher I have to do once in a while). And I´ve been having a stinging pain in my chest (like heartburn) as soon as I started doing something else than lying around. That feeling has been gone for a couple of days.
To be honest, it´s kind of a relief to me, someone else is having the same kinds of symptoms. Thanks for the explanation Selwyn!!

And good luck to you!!

Another thought

by Terry - 2015-12-09 12:12:42

A pacemaker setting of 60 BPM is good for minimizing pacing that may be detrimental, due to bypassing the cardiac conduction system. However, if you feel pacing at a higher rate makes you feel stronger, have your heart activated by your cardiac conduction system at the His bundle. See His-pacing.org

All the best,
Terry

You know you're wired when...

You participate in the Pacer Olympics.

Member Quotes

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