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djt
hi everybody i have just had a pm fitted two weeks ago and i am experiencing like an uncomfortable pulse every 3 hours day and night so bad that it can wake me up i can set my clock by it as it happens 13 minutes to the hour every 3 hours. has anybody any ideas.
thanks
djt
7 Comments
Hi djt,
by Gellia2 - 2008-09-28 09:09:13
It sounds like it's your impedance check. The pacemaker sends out a higher voltage signal every three hours to check the wires.
I didn't need mine so I had it turned off. They can also have it check only once a day unless it is necessary to check more often.
You'll have to see your doctor about this. They may be able to "tweak" it so you don't feel it as much as it does require some reprogramming .
It's nothing to worry about, though. Just feels weird.
Hope this helps.
Best to you,
Gellia
Self Check?
by heckboy - 2008-09-28 09:09:49
Hey,
There is a self check on your PM that if turned on could explain this as it slows down your heart. As far as I know, the max setting is twice a day, not four times.
self check
by GrandmaD - 2008-09-29 10:09:56
It sounds like what everybody syas, a self check. Another tweak on the story, I am 100% dependant on my PM, but still was able to have it turned off. I am super sensitve to it and could feel every check. I was told that it could not do any damage, but (at least in my case) would prolong battery life. Differant models and people are differant, but here's another take on the whole thing
Deb
Self Check More
by ElectricFrank - 2008-09-29 12:09:59
The Medtronic rep told me he could set the self test for as often as every hour. I would guess it varies between manufacturers.
Your sensations are very consistent with the self test. In some cases your HR is programmed to a higher rate like 100BPM during the test in which it also causes skipped beats. There is nothing risky about the routine, but it can be disconcerting. Mine is set for once a day at 3:00AM and I rarely notice it unless I happen to be awake.
If it is bothering your sleep you can tell them when would be OK during waking hours. Once a day is plenty often.
By the way, be sure and ask for a copy of the pre and post interrogation printout at your next checkup.
It will provide a clue as to what is happening after changes in the programming. There are several of us who can help you with understanding it.
frank
many thanks to you all
by djt - 2008-10-02 04:10:19
I am so glad my son found this site for me it has helped me so much to come to terms with the medical problems I experienced over the last few years, many thanks to you all for the advice and chat
djt
returned to doc
by djt - 2008-10-08 04:10:41
I went back to the hospital to tell them about my pm going off 8mins to the hour every three hours and now it goes off every 13 mins every three hours, but I have to say not quite as bad as it was but I still have to make sure I am not coming down stairs or holding anything hot cause it still makes me jump when it goes off, the hospital have asked me to go back again in two weeks time so this time they might get the right setting I can hope eh. thanks for listening all
good health to you all
djt
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Consult your technician
by admin - 2008-09-28 03:09:51
The ideas above seem reasonable to me. I encourage you to see your doctor/technician. Regardless of the cause, they will need to adjust it.