Bells and Whistles

• by clemsongirl
• 2008-03-24 01:03:33
• Checkups & Settings
• 2095 views
• 3 comments

Hi all. It's been 10 week since my Medtronic Symphony defibrialltor/pacemaker was put in. For several weeks after the surgery I felt worse than I did before - and not just from typical surgery recovery issues. My heart would race to over 100 when I was simply walking on a flat surface. Anything with an incline was much worse. I was exhausted all the time. Granted I didn't feel 100% before the surgery due to heart failure, but you're not supposed to feel worse, right?

Come to find out this device comes with all sorts of options that you may not need. In my case, the manufacturer turned everything on after the surgery. I found that the device was dictating how fast my heart should beat and if I exerted myself (even just normal walking), it would make the rate faster. That's fine if you have a low heart rate - that's the point of the pacemaker. But, if you're like me and your heartbeat is normal and steady, you may not need these functions.

At a PM visit they had me walk up a flight of stairs. By the time I reached the top I was out of breath and could feel my BP dropping. Then they turned off some of the device features and I was able to go up two flight of stairs without much problem. The difference was immediate and amazing.

Thanks to those on this website who gave me advice when I wasn't feeling well. If you're feeling worse after the surgery than before, call the PM clinic. The solution may be as easy as the click of a button (it still freaks me out that I can be controlled by a laptop)!