Suffering for 10+ years, Please Help!

Hello Pacer Friends!

I could really use some help!

I have been suffering (for over 10 yrs) with fatigue,feeling lightheaded, daily headaches, and difficultly concentrating. I feel like I'm in a dazed or confused state most of the day. People at the grocery store ask me if I'm feeling okay. Others think I'm high! It's horrible, but 10+ yrs later I still have no resolution from doctors.

I'm new here, but I'm not new to the world of pacers. I have had 5 over the span of 20 yrs. I'm a 23 yr old female, and my first pacer was at 3. I had complete (3rd degree) heart block with tachycardia (250+ bpm). After 3 AV node ablations, I had my first pacer (biotronik DDD) implanted. A few months later the device failed, and I received another pacemaker from Medtronic. Also DDD. I was able to run around, and eventually I got into competitive swimming. At 9 yrs old, My pacer was replaced again with another Medtronic pacemaker (DDD). A different surgeon had implanted that pacemaker, and he replaced my leads as well. Soon after I felt horrible. None of the doctors listened. I cried daily for 1.5 yrs. Finally, at a cardiac follow up (every 6 months) I was admitted to the hospital. I got a new Medtronic DDDR pacemaker. I still felt terrible. I had horrible headaches, extreme fatigue, and I had a hard time concentrating and remembering things. I complained to my doctors over and over. Eventually, he told me I should see a psychiatrist. After that I had just given up. I decided that life is what I make of it. If this is what I had to deal with then so be it. I continued to swim. I played a bit of soccer too. I studied hard, although I was an average student at best. I made to college. Still living with my symptoms, I decided to be a premed major. In 2012 (after 1 yr in college) I had my pacemaker replaced with an AdaptaDR (DDDR) pacemaker from Medtronic. I felt slightly better, but I still have the fatigue, dizzy spells, confusion/difficulty concentrating.

I have switched to an adult electrophysiologist. He thought I might have POTS. He said it's difficult to say it's POTS, because I don't have a drop in bp. Also, it's hard to determine if I have tachycardia when I stand up, because I'm paced. I have always been 100% paced. My pacer is set at low 40 bpm and high 210 bpm. I was at 55-60 bpm when I was younger, but being athletic the doctor adjusted the settings down to 40. I've never reached 210bpm. I'm not sure why I'm set that high. I'm guessing its the tachycardia. Let's see...I've also have a heart murmur that's been there for over 10 yrs. Also, at around 10, my pediatric electrophysiologist suggested placing a 3rd lead. He said that I had AV dyssynchrony. However, he never implanted a 3rd lead. Over time, he told me that it had improved enough. He had me on Captopril (ACE inhibitor) for a few years, although I had normal blood pressure. I took 1/2 a tablet every morning. After age 13 or so, he took me off it. I've been on no other meds since.

I've had blood tests, and a CT scan of my head. Everything (thyroid,vitamin levels,etc) came back normal. My CT is normal. I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, because my PCP was tired of seeing me. My pacer was checked a few days ago, and everything looks good. I still try to workout at the gym, but the fatigue and dizziness get to me. I've never passed out.

Sorry for the long post! Please any suggestions, anything at all will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!


4 Comments

Hello

by mytrose43 - 2016-02-29 05:02:59

Just curious have you ever been tested for sleep apnea your symptoms sound like what I was dealing with and was eventually diagnosed with sleep apnea just a thought.Good Luck

hello

by Rinnde - 2016-02-29 09:02:58

I have a PM for same heart condition and also had my first PM implanted at 3 (I am now 37) . However, I'm on my 5th PM too but over a period of 34 years!! My PM was put in immediately as soon as I was diagnosed with complete heart block. Im so sorry that you are feeling this way.
Up until the age of 19, I was paced at 72 bpm and was always active and healthy. Then received a PM that would mimic normal heart function. For the first time this year, my pacemaker went into "energy saving mode" at a rate of 65 bpm prior to replacement. I had never had this happen before. For 10 weeks I felt vague and tired and my breathing was funny, symptoms seemed to be worse if I started to worry about it. Dr told me it may be an anxiety problem. Do you find yourself constantly worrying about your health? I hope this gets better for you soon. Sounds like you may need to come to Australia! My Drs have always been amazing and very thorough.
All the best.

Don't give up

by Good Dog - 2016-02-29 12:02:53

Probably the most counter-productive thing you can do right now is give-up! Don't! As difficult as it may be, you need to find another doctor and continue to do what you can to feel better. It is possible that you may be suffering from a little depression. Who wouldn't be after all you've been through. I'll tell you, when depressed, everything feels worse.......much worse! So you need to try to address both things. Find a good Cardiologist/Electrophysiologist and also get checked-out for possible depression.
I must tell you that as long as you are working on dealing with your problem, you will begin to feel far better than if you simply give-up! Keep trying and you will eventually find a solution. Give-up and there is no hope.
So hang in there and just know that it will get better. If you keep trying it always does!
Sincerely,
David

Sorry for the late reply, but Thank you!

by BDas23 - 2016-03-05 11:03:46

Thank you so much for the feedback!

Mytrose43, I've never been tested for sleep apnea. Maybe I should look into that.

Rinnde, oooo I'd always wanted to go to Australia!! But to answer your question, I'm not always thinking about my health. To me, I just feel irritated at this point. I just want these symptoms to go away. It has become worse as I've become older.

GoodDog,I won't rule out anything at this point, but I've never felt extremely sad or upset.Even after my surgeries, I was never down in the dumps. However, I'll speak to my doctor about it. If anti depressants help, then hey I'm all for it.

I'm still wondering if I have POTS or orthostatic intolerance. I've also wondered if I have pacemaker syndrome? I'm going to start hunting around for a new doctor. Maybe I should look for one who specializes in POTS or pacemaker syndrome cases?

Thank you all for your insight. I'll take all into consideration.

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