Feeling stressed

Hi pacers! Wondering has anyone ever had their pacemaker to constantly shock them. my heart rate has been dropping down to 55 I know that's probably part of the reason, I feel like something is wrong my pacemaker is paced at 60. Until today I had never dropped below 59 and my pacemaker would imetely take back up to 65. Tried to get in to cardiology tomorrow. they said that they were solid booked, I am thinking I may have to get a new cardiologist?

4 Comments

Go to ER

by NiceNiecey - 2017-12-27 02:42:33

Hi Lilly & Welcome to the Club.

Since you work at a NICU,  presumably, you have good health insurance and ready access to a good ER.  If you cannot get into your cardiologist, you should have the ER check you out. Even changing doctors won’t happen fast.  If your PM’s low setting is set to 60 BPM, you shouldn’t drop below that.

Your profile indicates you’re on your second device so you’re experienced with this stuff.  Are you absolutely sure you’re dropping below 60? While you’re working, you might ask one of the nurses or doctors to check your pulse when you’re feeling that something is a bit off.

As far as shocking you, do you have a defibrillator? If you don’t, it’s probably a lead stimulating your diaphragm area and is related to position.

It won’t hurt to get it check out.

Niecey

ER

by doublehorn48 - 2017-12-27 12:59:36

I agree.  Goto the ER.  I've had different Cardiologists in different parts of the Country.  When I've had a problem, the universal question they ask is how soon can you get here?

Lilly

by Grateful Heart - 2017-12-27 14:03:58

Given your medical history, go and get checked out.

Try not to panic....easier said than done.  My lower limit is set at 70 bpm and my HR has recorded as low as 57 bpm at one point on a 24 hour holter monitor a few years ago.  The doctor wasn't concerned and I'm still here.

You are probably experiencing PVC's which are very mild and weak premature beats and not picked up as a full beat, hence it appears as a few less beats per minute....relatively harmless.  Mine were PAC's.  

Go and get checked out.  Peace of mind is very important. 

Grateful Heart  

You can have them lower the limit

by Meekmod - 2018-01-04 19:39:31

I agree you should get checked out first and foremost. But you can also ask them to set the limit lower; that's what I did as I was getting zapped while sleeping.

You know you're wired when...

Jerry & The Pacemakers is your favorite band.

Member Quotes

I am just now 40 but have had these blackouts all my life. I am thrilled with the pacer and would do it all over again.