Internist Checkup

Well I just came back from my monthly visit with my internist. I was concerned because I am still experiencing some lightheadiness since getting he pacemaker on 2/4/10. Well at the last visit she explained it may be caused by my circulatory system adjusting to my higher heart rate. Today she did a cardiogram, heart rate is 70, and is stopping my hydrochlorthiazide ( water pill) and potassium supplement. The water pill can cause lightheadiness and we will see if this helps.

She also wants me to use a cervical collar in the house especially with the computer use. My fibromyalgia is likely causing some vertigo and the collar should also help.

I did mention to her that I felt my heart rate go somewhat higher the last few days and with some skipping. She is not concerned and also said that after my next visit with her next month we will decide if I need the pacemaker interrogated sooner than my appointment on May 19th.

I feel better after getting the cardiogram. I think some of the higher heart rate was due to worrying about the lightheadiness which works into a little panic attack.

So other than that just the usual fibro pain but starting to feel a little bit more normal and back to myself for the first time in months.

Hope everyone is doing okay. Thanks for listening.

2 Comments

Thanks for Feedback

by MAXI1439 - 2010-03-26 03:03:14

Thank you Juan for your feedback. When I went for my first checkup after the pacemaker insertion, I had most of these symptoms. The specialist said everything with the pacemaker was fine and the lightheadiness was due probably to my fibro and possibly medications. My internist said when I asked her today about skipping beats, explained that I may notice this every so often because the pacemaker is not working 100%.

If these symptoms do not get much better after being off two of my medications for a few days I am going to schedule an appointment with the specialist sooner than May 19th.

Once again, thanks for info, it is greatly appreciated.

Don't Wait

by Juan - 2010-03-26 12:03:18

Why wait until May 19th. If there is a possibility you will NEED a pacemaker checkup then you probably need it now. Pacemaker settings that are not right for you can cause problems like you describe.

You know you're wired when...

You trust technology more than your heart.

Member Quotes

The pacer systems are really very reliable. The main problem is the incompetent programming of them. If yours is working well for you, get on with life and enjoy it. You probably are more at risk of problems with a valve job than the pacer.