Not Right

I have had a pacemaker since April 19 of this year. At first, I felt not too bad but I gradually felt worse. I experience weakness and queeziness in my stomach. I can't do much excercise without having to go lay down. Can't play golf or walk very far and am so frustrated. I was to a pacemaker clinic at my local hospital and the doctor adjusted my pacemaker saying that there was a conflict between the two leads. I felt great for about 3 weeks and then back to feeling bad again. Can anyone please suggest to me what might be wrong. Desperate in New Brunswick.

2 Comments

I agree

by ElectricFrank - 2010-07-20 02:07:47

One other suggestion is to get a copy of the pre and post programming report from the checkup. This will document what has been happening since your last checkup and what changes they make. You have a right to a copy of the report so don't be put off.

Several of us here can help understand the report and often spot what is happening.

It also tends to keep them honest as far as problems or settings. There are cases where a lead has detached or failed, and rather than replace it they try to program around it. This never works well.

frank

readouts

by shieldspf - 2010-07-21 01:07:49

As you know, everytime they interrogate your pacemaker, there is a readout that shows all the settings that they put in your record. Ask for one while you are still hooked up and they will run another one for you. Take it home with you and keep it. Then the next time you go, take it back with you. When you get the settings you DO want, tell them at the beginning of the session, and then when it's over and you get your new readout, you will later be able to compare the two to see whether or not they did what you asked, or whether they made some other "wise" change that caused you new problems. I can't tell you how many times I've had to talk them out of changing my intervals.

I should have said first that it took me weeks and at least a dozen trips to the pacer technician to get my settings right. I felt awful the first time around, and when they kept telling me that I shouldn't be having the symptoms I was describing, we kept changing and changing until we finally got it right. Remember that that is their job and you shouldn't be shy about going back as many times as you need to get it right. You should be able to go about your life without being aware of your pacer all the time. If you have non-pacer heart issues, your doctor will tell you. But if it relates to pacer settings, then the technician should meet with you as often as necessary until together you figure it out. It's worth it.

You know you're wired when...

Jerry & The Pacemakers is your favorite band.

Member Quotes

Life does not stop with a pacemaker, even though it caught me off guard.