Little shocks and Diabetes

Hi, had a Boston Dual Chamber Pacemaker fitted 14 days ago, all seems to have gone well sofar, other than the often tiny little shock type sensations in the chest area and pacemaker location on the left side as well, they last a second or so. Any advice with that that anyone has experienced this?

I’m also a type 1 diabetic, insulin dependant,  doesn’t seem to have any issues in relation to the Pacemaker other than the fact I feel quite tired often. 

Thanks. 

2 Comments

Diabetic & pacemaker

by Theknotguy - 2018-09-08 23:20:09

They set the voltage higher for about the first 30 days to make sure the pacemaker can activate the heartbeat.  Some people are more sensitive to the electrical impulses and can feel the initial impulse.  I'm one of those people who can feel the impulses.  At, or about 30 days they'll drop the voltage.  I was sitting in the chair when they dropped the voltage.  Nothing - everything went on as usual.  So it's no big deal.  If the shocks bother you - you can talk to your EP and request they reduce the voltage earlier.  After they dropped the voltage I no longer felt the shocks unless the ventricle side kicks in.  But, for me, that's minor.  

I'm type 2 diabetic. The only affect the pacemaker may have is due to the higher heartbeat which can, in turn, cause a higher metabolic rate.  It hasn't affected my type 2 diabetes but I'm not sure if it will have an affect on type 1.  However I feel it would be minor at best.  

The only other thing I would suggest is to work more on keeping yourself hydrated.  My body had gotten accustomed to the lower heart rate and, in turn, the lower metabolism.  They set my pacemaker rate at 60 BPM which means faster breathing and a higher metabolic rate.  Which meant I'll need more fluids to keep properly hydrated.  

I'm glad your adjustment is going well and I hope it continues that way.  My best wishes.  

Theknotguy

by Mopar Man - 2018-09-09 00:13:54

Thanks Theknotguy, my first follow up is 8 Oct, so I’ll raise the issues then. Thanks again. 

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