PM Interfere

I've had a Medtronic two lead PM since January 2 2020. I had my first and only adjustment on February 13th. Pacing was set for 55 to 60bpm, from the implant setting of 80bpm. I was told that this was done so I would not become pacemaker dependent, as I am still young (72) 😊 About 10 days after the adjustment I started having a feeling that I can only describe as the same or slightly lighter version of the techs "puck" being placed over my PM when he is making the adjustments. I'm so new to all this that I don't yet have the language to describe this any better. These "sensations" occur as I am driving or walking around my community. At first I thought it might be buried high voltage electrical lines but that started to not always make sense. Then I noticed that the sensations would happen when I was close to, or in the radius of buildings that had large microwave arrays on top or near telecommunication towers. So I have questions; is this a possible source of interference, if so can any adjustments be made to the PM? I thank in advance anyone who can provide some advice in this regard. My PM tech clinic is located in the local hospital, and in this CV19 time I thought I may at least get some language for what might be happening and then contact him by phone or electronically. 

3 Comments

pulse oximeter

by marylandpm - 2020-03-23 20:56:21

  I would pick up a pulse oximeter at a drug store. usually about $30.00.  

Keep a record of when the sensations occure and what the oximeter reading is at the time. Send a remote transfer to the medical center. Then call them.   I would do everything I could to stay away from a hospital now. 

No

by AgentX86 - 2020-03-23 22:27:03

It's not interferrence. Nothing in your list can possibly affect your pacemaker. The feeling your get when they put the puck on your pacemaker is likely cause because it's going into a "safe mode" for programming.  This mode has a standard rate (60bpm usually).  This is probably lower than what you're used to so may feel a little lightheaded. Since your pacemaker is now set to 50-60bpm, your heart rate may be dipping down so that it's taking over.  If it's dipping that low, sure, it'll feel like you are at the PM clinic.  Many of us are used to heart rates that low, so it's "normal" for us - we don't feel it.

 

What really matters

by Gotrhythm - 2020-03-24 11:54:19

If your base rate has been lowered from 80 to 55-60, you're going to feel it. If you felt good at 80, I'm guessing you won't feel as good at 60. 

I have no way of knowing of course, but one possible reason these "puck" sensations have shown up is that 80 bpm was fast enough to cover up little irregularities. You were having them all the time but now that the rate is slower, you are feeling them. That's reallly more likely than any kind of electromagnetic interference.

About being pacemaker dependent. All things being equal, it's best not to be dependent. But lots of people are and it isn't a terrible thing. I wasn't dependent for about 8 years. Now I am.  There is absolutely no difference in my experience of being paced.

In my opinion, the correct base rate is the one that helps you feel good and feeling good translates into maximaum enjoyment while doing the things you love to do. Trading a lower quality of life in the here and now for not being dependent later on---that's a poor bargain.

 

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