How long does it take to get used to Palpatations

I am 41 and just had a PM put in due to a 3rd degree block, which started last week, but I had symptoms for awhile. My PM is set at 50, and I can really feel it when my Heart Rate drops and it kicks on. The resulting palpatations, turn to anxiety and lightheadedness and more palpatations, which my Dr. says I will get used to.

How long does it take to get "SOMEWHAT" used to this?

7 Comments

It's different

by wenditt - 2010-07-11 10:07:28

Hi,
It's different for everyone. I have the same diagnosis as you and swear I never had palpitations before the PM. Now I get several a day especially during stress. I had mine sine September 2009. I'm still not used to it. Been a long road for me....but others bounce back quickly. I hope you are one of those!

Best of luck

Palpations

by SMITTY - 2010-07-12 01:07:11

Hello MHF,

This is one of those things we are never told is a possibility because not everyone gets them. But your complaints are very common for people getting a pacemaker. Actually, it is not just getting a pacemaker, in my opinion, it is any procedure that involves the heart.

My first experience with palpations was in 1982 after bypass surgery. Over the years since I've had 17 heart catherizations which included getting 4 stents With most of these the palpitations would start up again. Fortunately they have most of the time been of short duration, but some times they have gone on for several months.

I have had medications prescribed that were supposed to stop them by slowing my heart rate so much that my man made pacemaker had to supply all the impulses to make my heart beat. Didn't work for me, although I have seen a few people say it did work for them. In fact the medicines made me feel like I had just run a marathon that I never got rested from. I was extremely tired all the time.

Please don't be offended when I say I got a chuckle out of your quote of what the doctor said, "The resulting palpitations, turn to anxiety and light headiness and more palpitations, which my Dr. says I will get used to". My thought was, yep that doctor doesn't have a pacemaker or palpations and has no real feel for what you are going through. My guess is he had no idea why this is happening to you but he cannot tell you that.

All I can tell you is try to not let the palpations get you down. Other than being uncomfortable, or slightly painful, they tell me they are harmless, unless that are making you pass out. Since you mention getting dizzy, you may want to talk to your doctor and see if he will agree to some changes in the low setting on your pacemaker. Increasing the low setting on mine helped a good bit.

Good luck to you,

Smitty

palps

by LS - 2010-07-12 02:07:55

For me....I doubt I'll ever get used to them! I HATE them! LOL
I must say I rarely have them any more but when I do??? They SUCK!! LOL
I've been experiencing them all morning. Just picked up my grandaughter from piano lessons & took another 1/2 of the metoprolol. @@
that helps.

Thank You for your time and concern

by MiamiHeatFan - 2010-07-12 04:07:00

I read all of the comments. You all were very helpful. My Dr. explained that he wanted to keep my device set at 50, so my heart does not get lazy. When my HR drops from 90 to 40, like is did on the hospital, that is when I feel lightheaded etc. etc.

At the hospital, my heart stopped several times during sleep for extended periods, (3rd degree block.) It happened regularly during the past year and I chalked it up to a bad dream or being anxious. I am very lucky and try to remind myself everyday. However, the palpitations freak me out. It happened 2 times during the past week.

Still wrapping my head around having this new implanted device.

Dan

Palps

by sputnick - 2010-07-12 04:07:12

I have had my pm for 18 months now. It was implanted for heart block and pauses of up to 10 secs.I felt such strong thudding beats straight away that really unnerved me! I remember lying in bed at night not being able to sleep cos I felt like my heart was going to jump out of my chest! I also had what felt like really wierd palps, I used to describe it as a strong flip-flopping feeling.
I have gradually got used to the strong thudding ( Iwas told it was because I was pacing 99% ventrically), and the flip-flopping almost dissappeared after a pacer check when the tech made some adjustments after picking up that I was suffering from Pacemaker mediated tachycardia. It may be worth checking this out. It has made such a difference to how I feel. I hardly notice I have a pacer now!
best wishes Jan

afib

by Hot Heart - 2010-07-12 04:07:45

hi i agree with what the others say, but just check with your doc that what you are feeling isnt atrial fibrulation. I get afib sometimes.

HH

One more

by Lulu Moppet - 2010-07-12 12:07:09

I had almost the same diagnosis as yours, too. I had mine implanted a week ago tomorrow and have more dizzy spells than before, plus palpitations (new) and a feeling like my heart's jumping up and down in my chest. So you're not alone. Love your doc's comment, "you'll get used to it." I know there must be kind, sensitive cardiologists out there, but many seem to be notable for their lousy bedside manner.

Lots of good responses and advice here--I hope you feel better soon.

You know you're wired when...

You run like the bionic man.

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