Not Feeling Well After PM

Hey everyone, I am 36 and just had first PM. For a few years now I noticed my heart rate dropped to 40 and sometimes lower. I felt sick and had many symptoms but they came and went. I honestly thought it was just me not feeling well such as depression or something of that sort but many days and even weeks at a time I felt as healthy as ever. The last few weeks that finally convinced me to see a cardiologist, I was extremely tired, very short of breath, tingling and almost numb in my extremeties and always felt bloated after even the smallest meal. I was told I have Sick Sinus Syndrome. It has been one week since my PM. I had high blood pressure the first few days (before it was also very low) but it has settled down somewhat. I still feel short breathed and a heavy sensation on my chest. So needless to say I am not feeling better yet. Is this normal for some of us? Or should I be feeling better already. I am a little scared. I also feel like I have a sore throat or something. I told all of this to the ladies that did my device check after 1 week but no one seemed to concerned. They just said I need to follow up with a family doctor on the HBP. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

6 Comments

Not Feeling Well

by SMITTY - 2010-07-15 01:07:56


Hello Stacey,

I don't think there is any doubt that you have SSS based on what you say about your heart rate going down into the 40s. A low heart rate such as this is a typical symptom of SSS. I'm not surprised about the high BP after you got the pacemaker. I'm guessing that may have been due mostly to anxiety over having the pacemaker. Many of us are anxious when we first get our pacemaker. And as others have said, it sometimes takes a few attempts to get the best settings for a new pacemaker.

However I'm going to be surprised if the pacemaker does much for tiredness, short of breath, tingling and numbness of the extremities and the bloated feeling after eating small meals. (Are you also more short of breath after eating?)

I've had most of those symptoms in my long running (29 years since first diagnosed) battle with heart disease. The first and most noticeable symptom I had was the shortness of breath and inability to do anything physical for a couple of hours after eating. My problem was diagnosed as cardiac insufficiency which simply means the heart is not able to pump enough blood throughout the body.

Of course there are many reason for symptoms such as yours and only a doctor can tell you the reason(s) for yours. But since some of your symptoms do parallel mine my suggestion is that unless your get to feeling better soon, see a cardiologist.

Good luck to you,

Smitty

smitty

by stacykay1 - 2010-07-15 02:07:00

Thank you for your response. I have seen a cardiologist and they know about all these symptoms, but the only one he seemed concerned about was the low heart rate of course which is what prompted the pacemaker. But since the other symptoms have not gone away then I have begun to wonder if I have another kind of heart issue. Some others that responded seem to think feel it takes time to get used to the PM, so I don't know, HOWEVER, they took my staples out yesterday which a few hours later I felt a big difference and so far today I feel a whole lot better. I guess I will just see how the next few days go and see how I feel since it has only been 8 days. Thank you everyone!

Sorry your not feeling better

by janetinak - 2010-07-15 02:07:27

the sore throat may be from a tube being used during the procedure. I had several cardioversions & once the anesthesiologist used a tube while I was out. I had never had the sore throat after so I asked the nurse & she told that that doc like to use an ET tube. Probably better safe than sorry. That may be it. If your cardio is not concerned about your symptoms then see your regular doc. Everything may settle down soon but best to check. Frankly I felt so lousy for 2 yrs before did the PM & I felt so much better that I can't tell you what is normal or not. Some of the sensations may also be that PM needs to gets adjusted & regulated to your needs & that takes time. Go see your regular doc. & let us know how it goes.

Janet

Not Feeling Well

by Meema417 - 2010-07-15 03:07:03

Gosh, our pre-pm symptoms sound so very much alike! Feeling fine one day and then can't walk at work the next day. Not wanting to drink too much water or eat too big of a meal because it made me feel uncomfortably full. Yeah, I thought it was anxiety attacks--never dreamed it could be an electrical heart blockage! Anyway, anxiety is very common after any surgery, but especially after heart surgery. I had such shortness of breath and pressure in my chest, I went back to my cardiologist and was prescribed Xanax for anxiety. As much as I hate to take it; I do, and it has helped me tremendously. I've always been one to get all worked up about things & it's no different after my pm. I don't feel "high" or dopey on the Xanax, it just allows me to breathe and draw some deep breaths. It takes away that clawing fear I feel in my head. You might just want to ask your dr. about it. I don't take it every day, but I know it's there if I need it. God bless.

meema417

by stacykay1 - 2010-07-15 04:07:00

Well now that you have mentioned anxiety, I remember after the PM when i felt bad a few times I took half a Lortab that they sent me home with and I would feel better for at least 5 or 6 hours. I did not take the whole Lortab because I don't want to be drowsy or lazy while I am taking it easy. Like I said earlier, today I have felt the best of all days so far. I am so glad I came across the support group, I have been pondering upon many questions over and over but no one has been able to help because I don't know anyone personally to talk to.
There are so many people going through the same or similar things, I never imagined. Thanks again!

call your family dr

by Tracey_E - 2010-07-15 10:07:13

Are you on any new meds? They can affect your bp as can stress.

I'd get a throat culture. If you had a tube during the procedure, that will definitely give you a sore throat for a bit but it's also possible you picked something up at the hospital.

Who checked your device? If it was a nurse just trained to look at the basics and check for red flags, she was just looking to make sure the pm is pacing. There's a big difference between working and being adjusted properly to work its best for you. Sometimes a small change in the settings is all that's needed to fix the shortness of breath. A lot of drs like to leave the settings alone for a few weeks until we get used to pacing, so I'd make them aware you're short of breath but wait it out and let your body heal for now. Some feel better right away, some take a few weeks, we're all different. If you're still sob easily after your next check, be more persistent.

Welcome to the board! It's normal to be scared but it will get better. If you have questions, please don't be shy.

You know you're wired when...

You have a 25 year mortgage on your device.

Member Quotes

My ICD/pacer is not a burden. I still play tennis and golf.