3 months with new PM

New PM

by AgentX86 - 2020-11-08 21:54:18

First, IMO you shouldn't be seeing a cardiologist for these issues.   My cardiologist is an interventional cardiologist but passed me off to an electrophysiologist.  This is what EPs do. Why did you need the PM in the first place?

That said, I hear you when you say that a doctor was "pacifying your".  I describe it more as "patting me on the head then sending me on my way".  It's like we have no idea what's happening to our bodies and everyone's a  hypochondriacs.

At three months, being "aware" of it is perfectly normal.  You chould have much pain, though they're often sensitive for some time (it was 8-months for me).  You shouldn't have any welling after this time, either.  What does your NP say?

BP is certainly a problem but it really doesn't have anything to do with your pacemaker.  What's the link they're concerned about?  More surgery while your BP is high?

Good luck and welcome

by Gemita - 2020-11-09 08:20:36

Dear Trajac71,

Your device (Penny Pacer!) will still be settling in at 2.5 months.  Mine took longer than that (at least 4 months) before I felt comfortable and even now after 2+ years, I can still feel the device at times but it is not uncomfortable to sleep with anymore.  

How much we feel our device after implantation and for how long, will depend on a number of factors like where it was placed, how deeply it was placed, how much trauma was caused to blood vessels, nerves in the area during the procedure, any health conditions you have which might slow down the healing process like diabetes, cardiovascular conditions causing poor circulation, any infection present, edema and so the list goes on.  We are all individual and heal at our own pace, so try not to worry.  I would however make sure that the swelling you still have is looked at to make sure that this is not significant for any infection.  Icing the area may help.  My neck and shoulder also hurt for some time after implant and continues  intermittently to do so and this can be completely normal too.

As a matter of fact my pacemaker has also moved out of position slightly (more towards my left armpit) and this has been more noticeable over the last year.  However it doesn't seem to be interferring with my pacing but an eye is being kept on it nonetheless.  Some movement may be quite normal for your device too. 

I am glad you have a new cardiologist who is taking good care of you.  As AgentX86 says, an Electrophysiologist (EP) might provide more expertise, although my cardiologist is also an EP.  

Getting blood pressure under control is vital to protect you from worsening symptoms and from developing other serious health conditions and causing damage to your blood vessels, heart, brain, kidneys and eyes.  High blood pressure can certainly cause dizziness too.  It is so dangerous.  My husband has both high blood pressure and diabetes and it is a constant battle to try to control these, but we are winning and the results are overwhelmingly favourable.

Proceed slowly and thoroughly.  At 49 you have a long life ahead of you.  There is a lot to learn but hopefully you will soon be feeling so much better as your pacemaker is adjusted to suit your particular needs.  It may take a little while for everything to settle so please be patient.  

EP

by ROBO Pop - 2020-11-09 13:31:11

All EP (Electrophysiologists) are Cardiologists, they just specialize in the heart electrical system and arrogance. 

EP

by AgentX86 - 2020-11-09 15:13:49

All motorcycle mechanics are mechanics, too, but I wouldn't take my Lamborghini or Gulfstream to one.

Follow up to your questions ~

by TraJac71 - 2020-11-09 20:37:58

Ya, the office does have an EP and that is who is following the adjustments. Then the cardiologist oversees total care, sorry for the confusion. When I first got to them they said my PM was adjusted so poorly, that's why I was feeling so terrible.

Symptomatic bradycardia, which they labled as Sick Sinus Syndrom is what got me Penny. The second degree heart block was discovered by the new cardiologist.

Thanks for letting me know it could take a few months for it to settle in. I do have an appointment with him a week from tomorrow because the EP suggested either a 48 hour monitor or a chemical stress test because there were some "abnormal runs of tachycardia". 

Thanls everyone!

monitor or stress test

by AgentX86 - 2020-11-09 22:39:07

This comment is a little strange, IMO.  Either/both of these may be necessary but they're really different things.  A stress test is generally used to find structural (plumbing) problems, while a a monitor is normally used to find arrhythmias (electrical) problems.  There certainly can be cross-over issues (an EKG can find stuctural problems) but it's stll a little strange IMO. I'd be asking som questions (like, "What are you looking for?"). 

A 48 hour monitor is fairly short-term as far as monitors go.  I've hand Holters for a week, several times an an event recorder a couple of times.  Once was two weeks and the other was a month, that I only got through three days before I was instructed to go to the ER, do not pass go.