Can anyone else feel the pacing?

I had my pacemaker implanted in 1996 after flat-lining in the ER. I apparently not only have bradycardia, but also have an abnormal reacgtion to sevre stress/anxiety - my blood pressure and pulse drop even further. However, they set the floor at 40 bpm, and it apparently hardly ever had to pace me.

Up until a week or so ago, I pretty much ignored the pacemaker, as it never went off - or only in a deep sleep. It then went off ca. 255 times in one day (max the memory will register) and I was able to feel the shock each time it went off (went from 40 to 100 for two minues, then dropped again).

My chest hurt bad all week, and it seems the PM is working more now than before. As such, I feel it more.

My PM has finally run its course, and will have to be replaced this Friday. (Leads are staying). I am curious as to whether anyone else feels the pacing. Since I am not used to this thing working, it kind of freaks me out.

Thanks.

3 Comments

Pacing

by scadnama - 2008-08-09 10:08:21

Hello!

I too can feel pacing. I am paced 100% in the atria, and don't ever notice it, but when I am paced in the ventricle, I can always feel it. It doesn't hurt, it is just sort of an uncomfortable thump.
Apparantly if you can feel pacing, then some adjustments to the pacemaker should fix it, but we've tried all different settings and I still feel it occassionaly. It doesn't really bother me anymore, in fact it's kinda nice to have the reminder that my little buddy is working.
I would mention it to your dr. when they place the new one and see if there is anything that can be done for you. Good luck with your surgery and take care!

Amanda

Pacing

by PBrennan - 2008-08-09 10:08:37

Hi!
Thanks. What you say akes sense, especially thinking of the pacing as a reminder that things are working the way they should. I'll try to keep reminding myself of that.
I have mentioneed this to my doctor, and he seemed suuprized that I could feel it. They tried to drop the voltage, but couldnot any more. The leads are not 12 years old, and have a bit more resistance that when implanted, and apparently more resistance than new ones.
I'll make sure the doctor this week is aware of my concerns for when they do the initial set-up. Thanks again.

Patrick

pacing

by debbie54 - 2008-08-10 01:08:35

Hi
I can feel the pacing also. Since my rate was at 20, the doctors set me at 60 and now it feels like my heart is beating out of my chest. I guess I have to just get use to it. They've adjusted me 4 times in the past 6 weeks (I'm new to this), and I think the last adjustment has done the trick.

You know you're wired when...

You fondly named your implanted buddy.

Member Quotes

I am just now 40 but have had these blackouts all my life. I am thrilled with the pacer and would do it all over again.