PM checkup

Just wondering if it is normal to not see the doctor when you go in for a PM check? This is the first time I have not seen him on a visit and I have had my PM for over a year. The tech said he was at the hosptial. She did not know anything and could not answer any of my questions! It was very frustrating.
My main concern right now is that I can not sleep. I found out from the tech that when I went in two months ago to see the doctor when he changed my RR he also raised my lower limit to 80. He did not tell me he did that but I had noticed that it never went lower than that anymore. The tech told me and said that his notes said it was to try to help with my irregular beats. I told her I can't sleep with it that high and asked if there is a night setting or something. She said she did not think so. I feel like long term 80 may be too high for my heart to beat all the time. What do ya'll think?

6 Comments

PM check

by dottodot - 2010-08-06 07:08:22

Some of the pacemakers have a sleep mode. My Medtronic Adapta does but in my case they don't want to turn it on because they don't want my heart rate less than 70 because at lower rates I have more afib. The person doing the pacer check should be able to explain some of those things for you and I always go in with written questions specific to my pacemaker. I only see the EP if I would have problems otherwise once a year now. I always get a print off before and after the check and because I also do some checks by phone I request a copy of all the information transmitted plus a copy of their dictated notes. They should not be making changes without explaining why a change is needed and how it will benefit you.

THanks Heidi

by nat36 - 2010-08-06 12:08:22

I had heard that some devices have a sleep mode but when I asked her she said she did not think so but did not really know for sure. I think if they are going to check your device they should know all about them:) Don't you?

Sleep Mode

by Heidiglassmeyer - 2010-08-06 12:08:28

Hello,

I had a similar issue and my EP turn on my sleep mode and set my HR to 50 from 10pm-5am. That solved my sleep issue. Everyone's condition/PM need is different but worth asking. As far as a DR being present, the only time mine was not there was when my appointment was for a device check only and I was told he would call if there were any concerns.

Good luck to you,
Heidi

PM Check

by biker72 - 2010-08-06 12:08:45

I see the doctor officially once a year. On occasion I will see him very breifly during the PM check.

During my PM check I ask a lot of questions. My opening statement to the tech is "don't change anything". The tech I've use most of the time will tell me what's going on without asking.

I've got a great working relationship with the whole office.One of the staff actually calls me back the same day I call them with my concerns.

Sleep Mode

by Heidiglassmeyer - 2010-08-06 12:08:55

Hello,

I had a similar issue and my EP turn on my sleep mode and set my HR to 50 from 10pm-5am. That solved my sleep issue. Everyone's condition/PM need is different but worth asking. As far as a DR being present, the only time mine was not there was when my appointment was for a device check only and I was told he would call if there were any concerns.

Good luck to you,
Heidi

I never see the doc

by i_nurse99 - 2010-09-27 07:09:52

I've had my pacemaker for 15 months now and I haven't seen the doctor since my 6 week check up. my device has been checked in the clinic twice, at my 6 week appt and 1 year appt, and every 3 months by telephone. None of my questions get answered and at my clinic visit a couple weeks ago the tech was on his cell phone during the entire visit. Actually told who ever he was talking to to hold on while he told me everything was fine with my device and I'd get a letter when it's time to transmit in 3 months. I was already mad, because I thought I was seeing the doctor and then this. I see a pulmonologist at Barnes Hospital in St Louis and he has questioned my lack of cardiology care also, so I've asked for a consult for a second evaluation. I will see an electrophysiology physician at Barnes next month.

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