Question

Hello everyone,
I am one week post pm implant, 46 y.o. who for the past 2 years had passed out several times after exercising. I had a Reveal monitor placed in August and it only took a few weeks to capture the events that lead to the pacemaker. Diagnosis: Sick Sinus Syndrome. Fortunately I work with about 60 cardiologists so I have had great care. Just a quick question, I have a single lead in my atrium with a Medtronic device. It sometimes feels as though my heart is out of sync, is this a normal feeling at the beginning? It only happens when I'm walking around. Doesn't seem to raise any eyebrows at work when I ask but it sure feels weird.

4 Comments

In agreement

by Carol - 2007-11-02 08:11:06

Hi and welcome!
I would just like to agree with Smitty. I have had my PM in for just 4 weeks and have been back to the Pacer Clinic x3 and I think (knock on wood) that we finally have it tuned to my liking. I too could "feel" it and same as you I only really noticed it when walking around. I have a dual lead Medtronic, and I was feeling the ventricular lead pacing. Some of the Docs will tell you that you can't feel it, but as my Pacer Nurse (who has been doing this for 20 yrs) says some people can and do and therefore she has been very helpful and accommodating in helping me find the right settings. Best wishes and go see your pacer as you're probably at the "factory settings" at this point in time. Carol

Answer

by SMITTY - 2007-11-02 08:11:43

Hello Ouimet,

If this is your first trip to the PM Club site, let me say welcome.

Now, your problem could very well be your PM of out sync. I have been there and know that it does happen. Some fine tuning on your PM settings should take care of the problem

Now, I'll add one more thing. If you can ever feel your PM something is not right. I think your cardiologists will tell you that a PM is not supposed to be seen, heard or felt.

Good luck,

Smitty

Hi and Welcome!

by tcrabtree85 - 2007-11-03 10:11:28

Hi Ouimet,
I wanted to welcome you to this amazing club. I find it awesome that you spend your days working with cardiologists. I am sure as you now are facing a heart problem yourself you will be listening in a lot more closer.
I agree with Smitty that you will need some tuning to get it completely adjusted to be comfortable for you. This can take time for some. I have had my pm for a while now and still have trouble getting it tuned. They do say the younger you are the more your body feels. I find this to be very true.
I feel a lot of stuff and could tell for the longest time when my pacemaker was going off when I became 100% dependent on it I didn't notice everytime but whenever it would decide to go above 70 I would be able to instantly tell.
If things don't seem to be normal then go get a pm check. I recommend that you always get copies of everything and have them explain to you the changes. I always make them circle any setting changes they do. That way I can tell how I have improved etc.
Ok, sorry this is long. I was planning to just say welcome. Smitty gave you all the answer. I wish you luck and please keep us updated on how your recovery is going.
Blessings,
Tammy

Thanks

by ouimet - 2007-11-04 07:11:32

This was a very pleasant suprise, everyone's responses so quick. Fortunately I am able to pop in to the pm clinic during work so I will take everyone's advice and get it checked tomorrow. It's funny that for the last 8 years I have patients who live with a pacemaker but I never expected to be one of those patients. I really think my biggest challenge is in front of me in dealing with the mental part of having a mechanical device helping me for the rest of my life. Today I went back to walking 4 miles and am so happy that I did not experience any of the symptoms I had two weeks ago. I pray this is a good sign. I look forward to coming to this sight and learning from all of you. Thanks again.

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Try to concentrate on how you’re able to be active again and feel normal, rather than on having a machine stuck in your body.