Unexpected side effects

Hi guys, 

Hope you all are well. Bit of a strange one this but i was wondering if anyone else has experienced the same side effect as me after dual chamber PM implant.

Im 35 and had a PM put in 03/12/2018 due to issues with episodes of standstill for several seconds at a time. Everything went fine and checkups all okay, however there is one side effect i have noticed.

Since the PM, i have experienced weak bladder and the urge to urinate is one thats intense when it happens. I can go from.fine to needing to desperately go in a matter of 30 seconds. This has seen me almost start to pee before i can sometimes open my pants and even as bad as urinating in my sleep on 3 occassions.

Anyone else experienced this kind of symptom? I was told that maybe the increased heart rate means im clearing the fluids in my blood quicker ect but im not sure. Cant seem to find a link but its only since the PM was put in that its been like this. Any help and comments welcomed. Thanks. 


5 Comments

?

by Pacer2019 - 2019-11-17 00:25:58

Are you drinking a lot of beer while recovering ? 

2 guesses

by CMH22567 - 2019-11-17 03:44:19

1- Press down on your foot with your finger for 5 seconds. Does it leave a thumb imprint? If so, you could have oedema. Something to check with dr.

2- Coincidental onset of Diabetes. Something to check with dr.

All the best.  

Thanks for replies.

by Robbo84 - 2019-11-17 05:04:11

Hi both, 

@pacer2019, i dont drink so defo not that. 

@CMH22567, no thumb print left over after pressing. I am on medication for hypertension, however this was the same pre PM so shouldnt effect me now. Last bloods came back okay for diabetes but will check again with doc.

Hoping by asking on here first if i can see if others have experienced similar after PM implant. Thanks.

POLYURIA

by Gemita - 2019-11-17 05:06:56

Hello Robb084,

Your final para. may be spot on !!

A complex situation but this is my personal opinion.  Do you by chance suffer from an arrhythmia ? Say like Atrial tachycardia, Atrial Fibrillation or any other fast rhythm ?  Polyuria (increased urination) can occur when our heart rates reach a certain high level.  

I suffer from overactive bladder 24/7 but when my atrial arrhythmias reach rates in excess of around 120 bpm+ it triggers an even higher urge to run to the toilet.  This is nature's way of protecting us.  It occurs because "the atrial natriuretic peptide hormone" in the atria kicks in and acts as a diuretic to lower the blood pressure and regulate the calcium and salt in the body.  

So my question to you is, is it possible that your pacemaker implant procedure has triggered some tachycardia episodes and once your heart has settled down, your polyuria will ease?  I would ask your doctors to look for signs of tachycardia as the possible cause.  Also check whether a diuretic (if you take it for high BP) is the cause of excessive urination.  I found that after my pacemaker I required fewer meds and lower doses because my arrhythmias were better controlled.

By chance I came upon this diagnosis because I didnt get answers and I know of so many other folks who really suffer and they all called it "the big pee" !!  Alternatively, you may need to see a urologist to rule out any other problems, like infection, inflammation.

It is miserable I know, so please ask your doctors and dont suffer in silence. The treatment would be to treat the high heart rates if arrhythmia related, although I seem to get increased urination even at lower heart rates during my Atrial Fibrillation attacks.

 

To Pee or not to pee.....

by Mike417 - 2019-11-20 16:51:53

What you are describing is called urge incontinence.  Germita makes a very good point, and seeing your internist and urologist is very important.  I suffered from the same issue, and it turned out to be spinal stenosis in the lumbar discs affecting the nerves.  I had it both pre-PM and post PM.  Horrrible feeling to to feel that urgency.

Wear dark pants.....?

 

Mike

You know you're wired when...

You have a high-tech ticker.

Member Quotes

I'm 35 and got my pacemaker a little over a year ago. It definitely is not a burden to me. In fact, I have more energy (which my husband enjoys), can do more things with my kids and have weight because of having the energy.