Difficulty Sleeping - Adjustments

I had my first pacemaker implanted 09/25/18. Suffered from Bachycardia way too long, Im 58 years old, and have my vitals recorded twice daily for the last year now. My doctors greatly appreciate is, as I show them each appointment. I was lucky if my pulse hit 55 before surgery, usually 40s. I was having dizzy spells, especially when it hit the 30s. As it turns out, 48 hr heart monitor showed it dropping down to 23 several times during sleeping hrs. I had the surgery on a tuesday and returned to work the following monday. Its been a big improvement, lots of energy, but having trouble sleeping at night. Pacer is set to not drop below 55 during the night. My body is having trouble adjusting, as thats obviously a big difference. Is his normal? Has anyone else gone thru this, and may have advice for me? Also, Im still having occasional dizzy spells, but usually discover BP is down at the time. I continue monitoring that as well.

2 Comments

recovery

by Tracey_E - 2018-10-30 09:58:51

Do you know what caused your bradycardia? If you have av block, then your rate is determined by your own sinus node, not the pacer, so it doesn't much matter where the pacer is set for the lower limit. If you have sinus dysfunction, then the pacer determines how low you get at rest. 60 is normal, tho some people feel good with it at 50 or 55.

It can take some time to get used to the new rate. I remember being in bed, feeling like my heart was going crazy but in reality it was just a perfectly normal 60-something. After being so low for so long, normal felt fast. You get used to it. You could ask them to turn it lower at night but if it were me, I'd try to keep it at 55 a little longer and see if you adjust. If you drop it too much, you might lose the benefits like some of that extra energy. 

Are you on any meds for blood pressure? If so, you may need a different dosage now. Pacers don't directly affect bp but the better circulation can change how much medication it takes to control it. 

Recovery

by Grateful Grammy O - 2018-10-30 22:36:04

Thank you for getting back with me. I was told my bradycardia was caused by sick sinus node syndrome. Also, as it turns out, the upper right chamber of my heart  was “lazy” and hardly working.  Also my pulse tends to do the yo-yo effect. That’s been going on for quite some time, and can be pretty scary especially in the middle of the night, but is less frequent since surgery, thank God. I am not on any blood thinners. I am on blood pressure meds. Will discuss that when I go to primary doctor on 11/12, and return to cardiology on 11/30.  Everybody says they understand, but if they don’t have a pacemaker, they can’t know the feeling. Your description definitely sums it up. You’ve been there, you understand, and I thank you for your advice.

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But I think it will make me feel a lot better. My stamina to walk is already better, even right after surgery. They had me walk all around the floor before they would release me. I did so without being exhausted and winded the way I had been.