strange sensation

Good morning everyone,

I wonder if what I am experiencing is a "thing", or my imagination, reflux, or?

I am 2 months post pacemaker implant and Post TAVR. Medtronic, two leads, 99.9 percent paced in ventricle; .1% atrial.

Frequently, when I bend over, I perceive what I can only describe as a pulling or tightening in my chest which disappears rapidly. Has anyone heard of the leads stretching? being too short? Can this be PM related?

Incidentally, I have had a persistent cough for a year. Clear X Rays. Told at various times it might be post nasal drip, allergy, asthma, cardiac related.

I happen to have a pre-scheduled physical with my local PMD/cardiologist Monday. 

Many Thanks, and Merry Christmas and Happy and HEALTHY New Year to all.

Fred

5 Comments

Sensation

by piglet22 - 2023-12-16 10:17:49

Definitely worth getting it checked.

When the leads are installed, there should be a loop in both leads to allow free movement.

I had some chest X-rays over the years and requested copies which arrived on a CD.

Very interesting to see the pacemaker inards and the lead configuration.

Sensation

by fredaosss - 2023-12-16 11:50:41

Thanks Piglet 22. Great suggestion. 

sensation

by fredaosss - 2023-12-16 13:03:48

Rz D2,

Thanks. your comment is very helpful.

The only cardiac related meds I take are atorvastatin and bystolic.

Fred

Sensation and cough

by The Rose - 2023-12-17 02:40:47

I had the same issues. It was horrible.  I was told everything was fine. However, it was not. My leads clanged around like a church bell after service. My arm kept falling asleep.  
 

Sleeping was elusive as the leads crashed into esophagus and other body bits as I moved in my sleep, the pacer kept banging against my clavicle.  Even lightly touching the pacer caused pain for days. Scratching the itching around the pacer and nearby leads caused at least 3 days of pain throughout my chest. I learned never to scratch near the pacer.  Constant chest pain as I never experienced was the norm.  

 

During extraction, the Dr found scar tissue around my pacer. He cleaned it up.  
 

i was told if I ever needed pacing again, they'd use a leadless pacer.  

Since the pacer and leads were removed, no clanging around and no similar coughing (except a bit as a result of tubes sent down my throat)

Sometimes, with heart issues, there's a dry cough. But the pacer cough is different.  It's also gone as is the extra sinus stuff. 

Perhap see another Dr. regarding the issues.   One heart told me i shouldn't feel anything.  I contacted Medtronic's for a list of nearby drs who matched my type/issue. I was told I had a RBBB type 3 block.  I did not.  Because of the new specialists, I learned a great deal and was very pleased with the Medtronics suggestions.  I think each maker keeps a list of qualified drs by locations.  It requires some research and the top dr may not necessarily be the best. But do get another opinion as a different Dr may have experience with your situation.


Do know, I spoke to long term Medtronics employees who knew the software and the pacer components, as well as possessing experience with various reactions.  They were super. I did not deal with the usual phone people. That escalation to seasoned staff was a fabulous shift for me.  
 

Hope this helps. Sending prayers. 

Sensation and Cough

by fredaosss - 2023-12-17 08:12:30

The Rose,

Thanks for sharing your experience. It must have been terrible. 

Glad you are feeling better.

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Yesterday I moved to a new place in my mind and realized how bad I felt 'before' and the difference my pacemaker has made.