Anyone ever experience this?

Hi guys!
Haven't posted a question in awhile, but have been having some problems in the last week, so "I'm Back!!!".
Some past history- Medtronic Dual Chamber PM implanted 10/1/07. Have been having lots of problem with "feeling the PM pace". This has been documented as I'm wearing an event monitor which revealed "fusion beats" and the addition of PAC's sometimes 3-4 in a row. Seems I feel worse when I'm pacing in the atrium and ventricle, then of course sprinkle in the PAC's and I get breathless, and at times feel weak and feel I need to sit down. When I sit my rhythm steadies and I feel ok again.....Can't sit ALL THE TIME and DON'T WANT TO!!! This has all been caught on monitor and the RN in the pacer clinic has been awesome, has tried widening the AV delay as much as she can and tried other things which I don't really understand. At one point the EP said to the nurse that "I might just have to learn to live with it". This doesn't happen ALL the time and some days are better than others but seems to happen at least daily. I'm already taking 100mg of Tenormin which helps but not always. I have requested an appointment with the Cardiologist to discuss this as my quality of life leaves alot to be desired right now. Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. I also was diagnosed with Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia (IST) a few years back, and from postings on the Heart Rhythm Forum it seems that sometimes people w IST have trouble after PM placement.
Sorry for the long post, but again, any info might help when I go into see the Doc. Happy Holidays everyone, and be well.
P.S. On a lighter note and trying to keep my sense of humor...I'm saving alot of money by not shopping as much this year!

3 Comments

Had similar problem...

by dward - 2007-12-09 05:12:40

I had similar problems... at first.
I could feel pacing, and that was not a good thing!
One of my PM Tech's said, "Oh you're one of those people who don't like being paced."
Then they thought that maybe one of my leads was stimulating a phenic (sp?) nerve.
I also get Premature Ventricular Contractions, and I feel those too.
I've controlled those pretty good with diet and letting everybody else stress (I chose not to anymore!)
My Cardiologist said my PM will not correct PVCs (swell!)
My PM was installed in May 07, and I've had some adjustments done on my PM since. I can tell you that I no longer feel the pacing. I can't tell you if it's the changes in settings they have done, just getting used to it over time, healing, or a combination of the three.
One thing you may wantr to consider (if you haven't already, is keep a log of what you eat, what you're doing, etc. - when you have a good day AND when you have episodes. You may find that there are factors that contribute to both... I even found that cold weather seems to bring on my PVCs.
ALSO
You could take the info you gather to your PM Tech check-up.
In any even, I would also try and let your Doctors know how you feel, and be persistent! I have been told by sooo many people (both MDs and PM recipients) that you should not feel pacing.
Good for you for keeping a positive attitude!!! Trust me, that will help you in the long run.
Good luck and I hope you're feeling better and NOT feeling your PM!

Cheers

Hi Karen

by Carol - 2007-12-10 12:12:26

The way it was explained to me by my Dr is that a Fusion Beat is the simultaneous initiation of a heart beat by the Pacer Wire and My own Ventricle(of course at the same time). They tried to fix it by widening the AV interval but I still experience it. It's uncomfortable to me and I'm sure the stress of it doesn't help the addition of PAC's. I have been told that I am just too sensitive to the inner workings of my body....can't deny that but will take awhile to overcome if I really am going to have to learn to "live with it".
While I'm posting, just wondering if anyone else ever noticed any particular activities that seemed to initiate your heart block? For instance, in the pacer clinic the other day the nurses noted that certain upper body movements like reaching for something or turning my torso caused my block to occur and my pacer to kick in. I have a second degree AV Block intermittent I guess as my Pacer interrogation showed about 18% Pacing. Thanks for previous and any new comments. Carol

Feeling pacers working

by SusanBrookhouse - 2007-12-10 12:12:26

Hi Carol
Just to let you know that my first pm I could feel working all the time. With this second one I cannot feel anything at all. Doctors said maybe it is the position it is in. First one was in my right shoulder and this one in my left shoulder slightly higher then 1st one.
The only thing is that I have not felt so good with this one a Medronic pacer. I feel lethargic and dizzy at times. My partner even agrees with me on this. At my pm clinic they have said for me not to worry as long as pm is working that is fine. So I have to go along with them and tolerate.
I am nearly 60 years old, is it because of my age that they dont really want to know, or purely I do have to live with it.
All I can say is that I would not be here today if I did not have my pm. they say a dog is a mans best friend, but quite honestly my pm is my best friend.
Sue

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