Shocking & pacing

Could some one please explain to me about the shocking & pacing. I have had a Medtronic pacemaker that is set at low 60 and high 135. I really don't feel anything other then an occasional "twinge" or slight pain in the chest area if I am stressed or over do it. At one time while doing the backstroke in swimming, I did or rather think I did feel the pm move. Is that possible? How can you tell if you pm is pacing? Thanks for any info. aljdeer

3 Comments

shocking & pacing

by Janice - 2007-12-06 10:12:51

Hi Aldeer.

I can't explain to you about shocking because i don't get shocks, I understood that only the ICD can shock you. But I could be wrong, I'm still fairly new at this myself (Sept 07). I am set at 45 and 120. I have the occasioinal twinge sometimes too. As far as moving goes, I asked at my last check up about the pacemaker moving, and the Tech told me to think of it as "change in your pant pockets" It doesn't stay in one place and either does the pacemaker. When it is inserted, the surgeon makes al little pocket that it sits in, and it is normal as you heal she said for the PM to move a bit. Sometimes, there are times when it moves quite a bit, but I think it is rare. I don't feel my PM pacing, but every once in a while I do feel the flutter. When you have your pacemaker check up, that is when the Tech can tell you at what percent your pacemaker is pacing. Mine at last visit was pacing at 3%. Hope this helps a bit, I am sure some of the other pacers that are more knowledgable will be able to answer you a bit better. take care
Janice

Pacing & shocking

by Vai - 2007-12-07 01:12:59

A PM does not shock your heart. Only a ICD perform that function. A PM assist to regulate your heart rate when it goes below the prescribed range (in your case lower 45 bpm).
You are not supposed to feel the PM pacing. You may feel the occasional flutter and twinge of chest pain but it is not always directly attributable to the PM. It could be just a muscle twitch. Generally nothing to be concerned about.
As for the backstroke swimming, just remember you are stretching those pectoral muscles that are nearest your PM (assuming it is implanted just below the left collar bone). It is natural that the PM will move with such regular intensive muscle movements. No need to stop the swimming but give it a rest if you feel any untoward pain.

twinges

by mferrie07 - 2007-12-08 12:12:44

I have a PM I had mine done 2 months ago. Mine is a St. Jude Dual Chamber. I do feel a twinge in my chest. I feel a heaviness in my chest and a difficulty in breathing, this only lasts for seconds. Then I feel my pacemaker pacing. This mostly occurs when I am upset or cold. Of course I have been told that you can not feel a PM. Well, yes you can, although it is not at all like a shock of an ICD. Hope I have been of help.


Margaret

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I'm 35 and got my pacemaker a little over a year ago. It definitely is not a burden to me. In fact, I have more energy (which my husband enjoys), can do more things with my kids and have weight because of having the energy.