Out of breath?

Hi,

It's been awhile since I have been on this site...it was all so new last year when I had an emergeny pm put in June 2016.

Have you had any similar experience?

I had a lot of trouble going upstairs and hills for about a year before having the PM placed. The doctor thought it would get better after the pm, but I am still having challenges. It is better. I have a long set of stairs going into work which I have gradually forced myself to go up over the past few months. I still get winded and dizzy by the time I get to the top. My nurse practicioner said I should be able to go up two sets of stairs reasonably easily, but may find it a bit harder up to four sets of stairs.

Does anyone else have problems with shortness of breath after getting their pm? It is really disconcerting and a bit scary sometimes when I get lightheaded.

Thanks.

Susan

8 Comments

SOB

by TBrous&Chip - 2017-04-29 05:25:44

With heavy exertion I sometimes get lightheaded but PM provides a much better lifestyle than before the PM.

Seems that if I increase activity gradually the PM handles the change just fine.

stairs

by Tracey_E - 2017-04-29 09:17:23

I don't understand why, but many of us get winded on stairs. I can do an hour straight of cardio at the gym, I can run a 10k or a day long hike, but I'm still winded going up a single flight of stairs. Frustrating. 

Talk to your doctor. It may be that your settings need adjusted. They are not one size fits all, sometimes it takes a few tries to fine tune it to our needs. 

Me too

by Grateful Heart - 2017-04-29 09:46:56

I get winded going up stairs or an incline....you would think I just sprinted, it takes a bit to recover.

I mentioned it a few times in the past to no avail. 

Since I have no problem when exercising, I just deal with it.

Grateful Heart    

Going up?

by sfp1 - 2017-04-29 14:25:25

Hi,

Ok, good to hear that this can be typical. I agree that I sleep better, and my normal activity is healthier and better since getting the pm.

I was walking for awhile and building up, but taking on the second job has made it challenging to find time to exercise. Hoping to build up again now that the weather is getting nicer.

Need to lose weight, which I think will really help too.

Did try different settings at my Pacer clinic, but the nurse was concerned since we did not see any improvement with adding on the activity level adjustment so she said for now it might be better for me to adjust and keep the normal setting. She said the pacer will wear out faster with the activity level setting and it also forces my heart to pump which can be tiring, as well.

My best to you all. Thanks so much. I haven't really had anyone to talk to about these issues and realized I needed to get back on this site.

Susan

Same problem

by Vilpiz - 2017-04-29 19:58:13

I am having the same problem with stairs and hills. PM was placed this pass December. I complained about it to Dr. and they said everything seems to be working fine with PM. Tried some adjusting with no luck. Had me do a stress test last week and didn't  really see anything but decided to another stress test next week with the Boston Scientific rep present to do some fine tuning when I'm on the treadmill. Don't know if it's going to work but happy that dr and staff are willing to try!

Update

by Vilpiz - 2017-05-21 10:09:55

what a world of difference! The rep knew what the problem was within 30 seconds of interrogating my PM. Fixed a setting and put me on the treadmill got me up to a bpm of 140+ and no flutter or squeezing feeling in my chest. First time I was able to exert myself in the 6 months since my PM was placed. Thanks to the rep from Boston Sci and a Dr who was willing to say he didn't know answer and would get someone who did.

Update

by Vilpiz - 2017-05-21 10:09:56

what a world of difference! The rep knew what the problem was within 30 seconds of interrogating my PM. Fixed a setting and put me on the treadmill got me up to a bpm of 140+ and no flutter or squeezing feeling in my chest. First time I was able to exert myself in the 6 months since my PM was placed. Thanks to the rep from Boston Sci and a Dr who was willing to say he didn't know answer and would get someone who did.

Adjusting PM

by sfp1 - 2017-05-24 08:28:49

Hi Vilpiz,

Glad that worked out. I haven't done a stress test since before my pm was implanted...maybe I should ask for one at my next appointment.

Glad you found out what the issue was!

Susan

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