Pacemaker related!! Waking up breathless!!

yep, get it checked

by Energizer~Bunny - 2017-08-16 16:44:34

I had one of my pacemakers quit before they said it would.  My symptoms where mostly being cold and lack of energy, but we may not have the same heart condition.  Also in Ontario, once you are down to a year you get scheduled for your next one right away.  If you are noticing things have gone back to pre PM days, then go to the doctor.  Also, take your pulse.  I presume your PM is adding missing beats.  If it's lower then it should be thats a big clue.

Probably not pacemaker related.

by TAC - 2017-08-16 17:32:38

It sounds like sleep apnea, have been checked for that?

Me too

by Grateful Heart - 2017-08-16 21:08:02

The past month or so....not every night but I do wake up gasping in the middle of the night.  I have an appointment in about a month.

Let me know what you find out.

Grateful Heart

paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea ( PND) orthopnoea

by Selwyn - 2017-08-17 10:44:00

Medical terminology for waking up gasping for breath in the middle of the night. 

Even after a number of seconds of heart stoppage, you are not likely to experience this symptom. 

PND signifies that your heart may not be working as an effective pump- until proved otherwise. Fluid may gather in the lungs, in the prone position as at night. Typically, you wake up gasping, and eventually, having sat up, the breathing slowly settles. 

There are other causes, but this is by far and away the most important, it is treatable, and needs medical intervention before it gets worse.

A month's wait is too long. You should be seeking help as soon as is practicable, not through the A&E or ER, but you do need to see  a doctor fairly urgently. 

Kind regards,

Selwyn

Thank you Selwyn

by Grateful Heart - 2017-08-17 15:19:15

I never heard of that.  It's happened a few times over the past month and I just thought it is probably my battery winding down after almost 9 years.  Last interrogation I was told approximaterly 1 year of battery life left.  I know that's just an estimate but I was shooting for 10 years.  :)

I also thought maybe because my meds.....Carvedilol was cut in half to 12.5 back in June due to low BP 96/64 after driving 1 hour to the appointment.  That drive usually increases your BP.  Thanks again.

Grateful Heart

Waking up breathless

by LondonAndy - 2017-08-17 18:14:52

thanks Selwyn - I have been waking up breathless too, and as I am over weight I assumed it was sleep apnea and so bought a CPAP machine to help at night, which it has.

However, I have also been increasingly short of breath when walking too, having to rest every 300m or so.  I am on a Beta Blocker, and have heard this can cause the lower parts of the lung to not relax, and therefore they are unable to take in oxygen.  Time to see the doc and get some tests I think.

Thanks for the feedback

by powlie - 2017-08-18 07:19:55

Thanks so much for the feedback.  So next question should I go to medical measurement or local GP.

Thanks T x

PND- where to go in the UK?

by Selwyn - 2017-08-18 13:08:18

In the UK a GP is able to sort out this problem. You will need to have a few basic investigations though, including a chest X-ray   etc.

Selwyn

PND - Where to go in the US?

by donr - 2017-08-19 08:11:46

Same place as in the UK - a General Practitioner, AKA a Primary Care Physician or a Family Practice Physician.

They will send you to a "Sleep Lab" for an overnight study & analysis of same.

If you flunk the test, you come away w/ an order for a "CPAP" machine that provides air to you through a hose & mask while you sleep to prevent the problem. 

According to my Cardio, there is about a 70% correlation between needing a PM/ICD & having "Sleep Apnea" & requiring a "CPAP."  No big deal.

Donr

Gotta love Lasix

by Grateful Heart - 2017-08-19 18:49:25

I called to make an appointment yesterday and they put me on the phone with my Cardio.  He asked a few questions and asked if my ankles were swollen...no.  So he told me to take Lasix and they gave me an appointment for next week.

The day before I gained another 2 lbs. for no known reason.  I always eat low sodium, sugar, carbs etc.  I woke up this morning and LOST 4.6 lbs after only 1 day of taking the water pill!!  

I ate the same exact foods and portions both days which gave me a true comparison before and after the Lasix.

Still not feeling right but losing weight always gives you a boost.  Obviously there is extra fluid somewhere....just not my ankles. 

Can't wait to see the scale tomorrow morning....never thought I'd say that.  :)

Thank you Selwyn, I thought it was my battery.  I would not have called if you didn't post your comment and nudge me.

Others take note please.

Grateful Heart

Uodate

by powlie - 2017-08-21 09:08:47

Hi lovely people. Been to see the GP she has referred me back to the hospital for further investigation. Had a funny turn this weekend, whilst digging out roots in the garden. So very timely. 

Than you for listening.

t xx