New PM and diabetic

I am new to this area, got my ICD-CRT (Medtronic Consulta) installed 10/14/09. It was originally supposed to be just a defibulator, but the electrophysiologist said I had some left branch bundle block and thought the PM part would help that. I have not gotten that magic burst of energy that some have spoken of. I continue to be dizzy and short of breath, especially in the morning, am still sore and swollen, though the clinic says I am healing well with no signs of infection. I feel thumping in my diaphragm sometimes, especially in the evening. When I went in for my first checkup, the techs said I should basically get used to the thumping because if they turn it down any lower, they will have to just turn it off. Sorry, don't know the exact numbers.
I also have Type II diabetes, and take long-acting insulin once a day at bedtime.My feet are more numb than usual. My numbers have not been great, but not off the charts either. Does all this seem normal? I feel like I should be feeling better by now. Anyone out there have experience with both PM and diabetes?
I am so glad to have found this site--it has helped me tremdously so far. My family and friends are trying very hard to understand and be supportive, but I feel sort of alone!

4 Comments

welcome

by Tracey_E - 2009-11-01 01:11:00

You're not alone, you have all of us! No two of us have the same exact things, but that doesn't stop us from lending support and sharing experiences.

Was the doctor aware you're still dizzy and sob, or did you just see the technician? I don't know how your dr's office works but I see the nurse briefly and she asks about any symptoms then I see the pm rep. All the nurse does is ask the questions on her list, all the rep does is check on what the pm's been doing. My doctor sees a copy of the report later, and if I've had any symptoms he usually calls a week or so later to follow up.

You also might want to check in with your internist and whoever monitors your diabetes. It's easy for us to blame everything on the pm but you can't always assume it's cardiac.

I found a heating pad on the lowest setting for about ten minutes once or twice a day helped with the swelling. It should gradually go down on its own over the next week or two.

Diabetes

by Jack - 2009-11-01 12:11:58

I have had type 2 insulin dependent diabetes for years and got a pm 2+ yrs. ago. I never felt anything different or even equated the two.
Just hang in there and be very attentive to your total health. Get those A1c #'s down and you'll really benefit from it.
Jack

new pm and diabetes

by riodog - 2009-11-02 01:11:06

Your comment caught my attention because I also have the Medtronic Consulta, which was implanted Mar 09. I have never had the "burst of energy" either, which is a disappointment cause I sure could use one. I also have the SOB only mine strikes in the evening around 5 pm and upon exertion which leads to angina. Is it the Consulta MO or have other Consulta users had better results? At my last tech app't he supposedly upped the heart rate to 80 bpm. So far my heart rate is still in the low 70"s, never been near 80 bpm. Is the tech pulling my leg or did he actually adjust it? Card. app't Nov 9 and I'd like some good questions to use on him. I'm also dizzy when I bend over and turn at the same time.

burst of energy

by Tracey_E - 2009-11-02 02:11:55

Not everyone gets it! If you don't pace that often or need it because your rate doesn't go up high enough, then you probably won't notice a huge difference. Those of us with av blocks and a low hr are the ones who feel the sudden change. My hr went from the 20's to the 80's. It's hard to miss that, I felt it from the minute I woke up in recovery, literally drunk on oxygen.

riodog, why do you have the pm? Push them for answers, it could easily be that you just need the settings tweaked. Without knowing why you have it, I can't help with questions to ask. If you have problems on exertion, sometimes asking for a stress test will help, get on the treadmill so they can see what happens.

You know you're wired when...

You run like the bionic man.

Member Quotes

This is my second Christmas with my pacemaker and I am so happy to be with my family.