Pacemaker syndrome

I have been having lots of bad symptoms  since I had  my pacemaker implanted in Oct 2020 and am thinking I may have developed Pacemaker Syndrome. Any comments on this would be helpful. 


7 Comments

Pacemaker syndrome

by AgentX86 - 2021-03-23 18:39:59

What makes you think you're having "Pacemaker Syndrome"?  What does your EP say about the issue?  An EP should be able to sort out the details in pretty short order and find a solution.

Pacemaker syndrome

by Jam - 2021-03-23 21:37:34

I read the symptoms and I have most of the symptoms! I did talk to a nurse that has been making the,adjustments to my pacemaker. She said that I have a duel chamber and the pacemaker syndrome only affects single chamber pacemakers. I am so frustrated with the way I have been,feeling. I am now wearing a cam monitor and I hope it will give the information that the dr needs to make a diagnosis. I am dizzy,short winded have palpitations and it is scary! I have had my pacemaker since Oct 23 2020. I expected to feel real goods, had bradycardia and an arythmia. On a beta blocker for arythmia. I keep thinking it is an adjustment to the pacemaker, I have had all the tests and no blocks and all looked good. 

Pacemaker syndrome

by AgentX86 - 2021-03-23 22:36:45

Well...  Pacemaker syndrome is caused by retrograde conduction through the AV node, so it can't happen with a single lead pacemaker.  Pacemaker syndrome is relatively uncommon.  I think it's more likely that you're having some sort of arrhythmia like PVCs, particularly since you have a history of arrhythmias.  Your CAM patch should tell your EP what's wrong.  I know it feels awful but it's highly unlikely that what you're feeling is dangerous.  It sounds like your EP is on top of things. I wouldn't be worried about it (easy to say).

PM Syndrome

by maureen.coxsey - 2021-03-24 10:48:54

Hi

Poor you the syndrome is hard to cope with.

I was diagnosed last year,one of my leads broke and it was decided that I could manage with one lead but unfortunately I went on to develop pacemaker syndrome,heart beats all over the place thudding in my neck and sleep was impossible Dr put a new lead in and reprogrammed the PM and I am fine now.

Go and see your EP stand your ground tell them you can't cope with the symptoms some times you have to be a bit more assertive if your leads are intact they can sort this 

Getting a diagnosis

by Gotrhythm - 2021-03-24 16:12:07

Don't get hung up over whether you have pacemaker syndrome or not. The fact is something is wrong, and you know it. I had symptoms similar to yours and was diagnosed with pacemaker mediated tachycardia. PMT is kind of like pacemaker syndrome, except it can happen with a dual lead pacemaker. 

I'm not suggesting that you have PMT or pacemaker syndrome, simply pointing out  that pacemaker syndrome isn't the only condition in which the heart isn't responding to being paced exactly the way it is supposed to.

Although Agent86 is correct that an EP should be able to diagnose pacemaker syndrome and PMT, in point of fact, there is little motivation for the average EP in private practice to go searching for the rare diagnosis. Hopefully, the Cam patch will show exactly what is happening, in a way that's easy to spot. 

In the meantime, for as long as you have the patch, do absolutely everything you know how to bring on the symptoms. Stress the system. Run up stairs. Drink caffiene. Get a little dehydrated. The more instances recorded, the better the chances the doctor will be able to identify what's causing your symptoms. If you feel like you might pass out, and there's a soft place to fall, let yourself pass out. It's the squeaky wheel that gets the oil, so let yours squeak as loudly and often as it will.

Good luck on finding some help and starting to live your life actually feeling as good as a pacemaker should help you feel.

 

Average EP

by AgentX86 - 2021-03-24 17:41:08

Wow, I didn't know that there were that many quacks out there!  My cardiologist and EP both love challenges.  I guess it's like other professions, some are there because they live the work and others because it's a paycheck.  Others are just burned out, I suppose.

The lesson of the day is, find a good one and hold on for life!

new pacemaker worst night ever

by shiningwater - 2021-04-11 12:34:06

I just got an afib ablation last Tuesday and a 2 lead pacemaker last Wednesday. For three nights it seemed like things were getting a little better but last night was the worst night I've had. Period. Felt like waves of energy were running amok inside me,  super dry mouth, had to pee several times in four hours, big toes and part of both feet tingling, 

Feel "ok" right now, but a little dizzy and scared. Is it the pills? Am I wired wrong? Really felt the worst I have since last August when my afib, tachy/brady kicked into high gear.

Is this "normal"? Called the number they gave me. They woke some doctor up who really didn't want to be bothered... No help there. 

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