Post Pacemaker Implant

meds?

by Tracey_E - 2023-01-24 17:08:10

It's possible the settings need adjusted. They send us home with a good guess but they will need to be fine tuned once you heal to meet your needs. They also turn things up (so to speak) until the leads are settled and the heart gets used to being paced, then they optimize the settings. 

Are you on any pain meds? Those can cause dizziness. 

I'd give them a call. Nothing about being paced should cause dizziness. All it's doing is making sure the ventricles beat when the atria does. 

No meds

by Shop Girl - 2023-01-24 17:32:42

Thank you! That makes sense. No meds ... so it's not that. I appreciate the insight. I feel good otherwise! I'll get it checked out. 

Similar

by Persephone - 2023-01-24 21:02:55

Yes, I was still very foggy still in the early weeks and into the early months. I'm sure you read all of the advice to stay hydrated, keep fairly active but not too much, and eat well, but you do say that you're recovering from a long period of improper blood O2 levels, so treat yourself gently. One step at a time. Ask your EP practice for help.

Dizzy

by Good Dog - 2023-01-24 21:08:11

Tracy has it right. Just be sure that you let your Doc know "exactly" how you were feeling and also what you were doing when you were feeling spacey or dizzy. In-other-words; did you feel that way when you were just sitting? relaxing? laying-down? walking? all the time? The point being, are you feeling that way all of the time or just at certain times. Obviously, the more specific info you can provide the doc the better. However, as Tracy indicated, your PM may simply need to be adjusted. I don't know if you are aware, but there is an activity monitor (often referred to as "Rate Response") in you PM that can automatically adjust your rate with activity if your heart isn't responding well on its own. You may or may not need it, but it would be good to ask the doc if it is "on" or "off," just so you know (for fuiture reference). In any case, this website is a great place to learn from others and find answers to questions you may have in the future. Don't hesitate to use it. Everybody trys to help everyone else here! There are lots of smart and experienced folks that are happy to help when they can. 

Just try to be patient, because the PM and your body will go through an initial adjustment process that may take a little time. However, the day will come when you will forget you even have this device in your chest. That is the goal!

I wish you the very best!

Sincerely,

Dave

Dizzy

by Shop Girl - 2023-01-25 09:17:22

Thank you everyone for all the great advice. My appt is tomorrow and will let them know. Dave, thanks for all the great insight and will be sure to ask about the rate response feature. Grateful I found this community. I will post tomorrow with an update. Be well! 

Follow up

by Shop Girl - 2023-01-26 19:30:24

Hi Everyone, I had a great appointment. Everything post op looks great! They can not see any reason for me to feel dizzy but said to ensure I'm getting enough hydration and eating good. If things don't improve by next week, to call. I'm not as dizzy today but still somewhat ... hoping this continues to improve. No need at this point to make any adjustments since all is working well from their end. The rate response is set to "on". It felt great to walk into the hospital this time with no need to sit down and rest! Hopefully, the dizziness will improve and I will be back to my old self. Thanks again for the suppport. I needed a bit of hand holding! :) Lori

So nice

by Lavender - 2023-01-29 21:24:31

What a nice report! You will adjust. You may just have a bit of residual anxiety after all you've experienced. I think you're going to be just fine!

🌸