Defibrillator

Could be pacing your diaphragm?

by AgentX86 - 2019-04-20 22:35:31

It happens sometimes.  When they first implant a PM, they rank the energy up pretty high to make sure the heart "captures" the pacer's heartbeat and to get the heart used to being paced. Sometimes the leads route next to the diaphragm and will cause it to be "paced", as well.  Since it's positional, it's quite likely that the leads move around so you don't feel it most of the time but do in certain positions.  Talk to your EP.  He should be able to dial the pacing "voltage" back.  This should fix it but there are other options, as well.  You aren't the only one who has reported this.

pacing

by islandgirl - 2019-04-21 10:18:56

My pm rate for my ICD was recently increased from 60 to 70 bpm and the EP also changed settings to increase ventricle pacing.  Since I wasn't used to ventricle pacing (1%), it has taken a couple of months for me to get used to the additional pacing feeling. I'm paced 100% on both top and bottom now -- originally only paced 100% for atrium.  Original pm was for sss.  You may also be feeling the change due to the 3rd lead.  

Check with you EP.  

New pacer

by Kannible - 2019-04-22 00:03:23

I just had my first installed on4-12-19. I have been experiencing things similar to the op, I have a 2 wire pacer, I go in for a checkup tomorrow and I hope these things either fade or can be addressed. I had many new pains and feelings to get used to after my valve replacement back in 08, hopefully this all goes well, and I hope you get things sorted as well.

Sounds familiar

by RedRocksGirl - 2019-04-23 01:29:09

I just had my first ICD (3 lead) placed in January, and experienced what I described as a "tapping" on my lower chest, I could even phyically feel it if I put my hand there. It almost reminded me of a muscle spasm/eye twitch kind of thing or someone tapping you with one finger.  They said it was probably pacing my diaphram as well, doctors described it has a hiccup. Mine was positional as well, only happened when I laid on my back, if I shifted to my side it would go away, but didn't happen EVERY time I was on my back. They adjusted the electrodes that were being used and it made it happen less often. 

Last week I had to have my ICD removed because the suture holding it in place broke so it was moving all over the place in my left chest (it was sub pectoral), they made a new pocket in the muscle up higher on my chest than where it was originally.  Since they moved it, the "tapping" has stopped. They didn't have to do anything with the leads.

Hope they figure it out for you.  Mine wasn't uncomfortable or anything.  Just annoying.

Defibrillator Tapping/Hiccup

by Amarillo - 2019-04-23 15:59:50

After 2 days of sleeping in a chair.  I was able to sleep in bed while lying flat on my back or with my back tilted a little to my left side without the tapping or hiccup feeling.  I still does it if I lay in bed on right side or if I set in a chair in a certain slouched position.  It appeared to be in my diapgram where twitching was occurring.  In any case it has improved.  Called EP Office and they didn't seem to think it was too much of a problem.  Going is for appointment in 3 1/2 weeks so hopefully they will correct the problem.  Other than that I'm improving daily.  Thanks for your support and comments.