How long does it take to get back to 'normal' after PM impant?

I had a PM put in early September, after the hospital diagnosed SSS - though I'm still not convinved that's what it really is. Pulse was down at 36, so there was definitely something wrong with the system somewhere.
I'm supposed to be taking betablockers as well, but the doctors have never given me a good reason to do this, and my GP doesn't recommend it. I'm 46 and the thought of being on Betablockers for the rest of my life doesn't entrall me, so I'm giving it a try without them.
I've been back at work for the past two months, but I lack the energy I had before. I can exercise with no problem - 30 mins at 150-160 heartbeat, and higher energy levels are there - but I just get so tired. Falling asleep at 9pm is not the way I want to lead the rest of my life.
Is this normal? How long until it might improve?

My GP is still looking to see if she can find something else (apart from the underactive thyroid that we're now treating as well)

Dave

6 Comments

why betablockers?

by Tracey_E - 2008-12-03 04:12:07

Why does he think you need the betablockers? That's usually given to slow you down when your heart is too fast or fibrillates.

I think postural hypotension can be treated with medication.

Depending on your overall health, it can take up to 3 or 4 months to feel yourself again, but 6-8 weeks is average. It can also take several trips back having our settings tweaked before they get it just right.

It sounds like something else is going on. If you're able to exercise, the pm is doing its job and exercise should leave you energized. I assume they've checked your bloodwork, things like iron levels? How long does it take thyroid treatment to take effect? It can make you tired if your thyroid levels are off.

me too :-(

by sculptor - 2008-12-03 11:12:35

Hey Dave,

I had my PM put in 11 days ago and I haven't felt very good since. I was never dizzy before the pacemaker but I am now. I'm also exhausted and had to smile (ruefully) at your comment about going to bed at 9pm - that's the longest I can stay awake also. It's very frustrating. They changed some settings on my PM but it didn't help. Have they tried that with you?

What brand pacer do you have?

pacemaker brand

by bavariandave - 2008-12-03 12:12:34

I had the 3 month check yesterday, and they played around a bit with the settings - hopefully the switched on the winter/summer time switch as well - but as yet I have seen/felt any changes.

I've got a Biotronik Phillos II - german make, since I live near Munich.

I had the dizzy spells before - some days they are much worse than before I had the PM fitted. With me its postural hypotension - so its only after I get up after sitting or lying down for a time. Mostly I can cope with it, as its only for a few seconds, but occaisionally have to do a controlled slump :-(
Dave

Why not try the betablockers?

by Angelie - 2008-12-03 12:12:53

I had a pacemaker implanted in August for SSS. I also take 100mg of Toprol XL (betablocker) every day.
I'm only 33 and I don't like the idea of being on these meds for the rest of my life either, but I do what I have to do.
The betablockers can help with arrhythmias, but sometimes (rarely) can make them worse. Betablockers are relatively safe on the drug scheme of things, and have a low amount of side effects. They also lessen the workload of the heart's contraction so that the heart doesn't pump quite so forcefully.
I'm sure there was a reason behind the other doctor suggesting the use of a betablocker. I would ask for the reason why (in detail) and just try it and see how it goes. At least you can say that you tried it.
Betablockers could have a tendency to lower your heart rate, but since you have a pacer, (like me) it won't matter. The pacer will compensate for the drop in heart rate.
My pacemaker and the betablocker TOGETHER is what is keeping my symptoms at bay. The combination of the two has given me the ability to do some things that I never imagined I'd be able to do before. (like running a 5k this Saturday).
I still have days where I feel very tired and fatigued. But not anywhere near what they were before my pacemaker implant. You just have to listen to your body and do the best you can.
-Angelie

Why Do u Doubt?

by walkerd - 2008-12-04 06:12:18

Did you have any tests done to tell the drs what condition you have? How did they come up with the diagonosis of SSS? They must have had a reason to suggest what they did. If you cant trust a doctor than I dont know who you can trust, I know alot arent trustworthy but with your health I dont know who you can trust. I dont have a medical degree and if i wouldnt have trusted the doctors back in july i probably wouldnt be here. but you have to do what you have to do tho. I guess im lucky i have a couple of doctors whom i trust with my life and so far i guess its paid off. Not working now but im still alive to type you this messege. I wish you all the luck Dave with what ever you deceide. But in this world you have to find someone to trust.
dave

re: why betablockers

by bavariandave - 2008-12-04 07:12:27

The betablockers were as a result of a postive result in the tilt-table test - back in August I reacted in around 5 minutes, but I would say that I don't have this problem any more. I get the dizzy spells very quickly after standing up, and they only last a short time - I don't have any problems standing up for a longtime any more (though I'm intending to try this out at home again some time soon).

I've had enough blood tests for them to identify anything in the bloodwork front. I've been on thyroxin since the beginning of November - I don't think the under-function is serious enough to cause big problems, but the endocrinologist seemed more worried about long-term imapct of low thyroxin levels. I'm going back to have the levels checked (and to have the lump in the thyroid scanned again) in mid-Jan.

The PM certainly works, and I haven't seen any problems with it per se. What I do notice is that when the PM cuts in all the time (i.e. when my natural pulse would fall below 60) that this when I don't feel so great. So I suspect that there is some irregularity somewhere that is affecting the sinus node as well as the rest of the cardiovascular system. Problem is the body is not like a car where you can just tweak something and it runs perfectly again - too complicated ;-)

Today I'm feeling pretty good, and exercise has left me energised, so looking hopeful.

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Member Quotes

My eight year old son had a pacemaker since he was 6 months old. He does very well, plays soccer, baseball, and rides his bike. I am so glad he is not ashamed of his pacemaker. He will proudly show his "battery" to anyone.