Breathing Impact from Implantation

I had an ICD implanted in September 2010. As soon as I got home, I realized that I got out of breath a lot faster than I did before. Still do after four months. Just going up a flight of stairs makes me breathe harder than before, and walking takes more of a toll than it ever did. My cardiologist was surprised; he said my lungs seemed fine He just told me to keep doing exercise, but not to overdo. I'm 77 and play tennis. The Boston Scientific rep couldn't find a problem, either, and opined that maybe the sedation given me at implantation had an effect. Seems unlikely. Anybody have a similar experience?

4 Comments

stress test or holter

by MSPACER - 2011-01-20 09:01:30

Maybe you should ask for a stress test or holter monitor. Do you have a pacemaker/defib combo or just a pm? The settings may need adjusting.

breathing

by riodog - 2011-01-20 10:01:28

P.S. I have to tell you I'm 73 yrs old, 5'3" tall and weigh 113 lbs.

gretchen

breathing

by riodog - 2011-01-20 10:01:49

I know what you're talking about. Had my CRT-D implanted Mar. 2009. Every checkup I've gone to since I've complained of SOB. Yesterday I had another checkup and got the only Medtronic tech that has listened to me. I explained that due to my husband's health, I can not afford that any longer. Thanks to following the posts on this list, I had an idea of what to say, suggest, etc. She listened to me and agreed it sounded like a rate response problem. She's the one that figured out after about a year that altho the RR was on, it was turned down so low it didn't function. She upped it and it helped a little but when I had to start loading and unloading a wheelchair and do everything two people used to do, it just wasn't cutting it. I was willing to accept that perhaps my physical condition was such that nothing could be done. But----she upped the rate for me again yesterday and so far I am thrilled, thrilled I tell you!!!! After two years of living with being tired, out of breath and just struggling with things. I feel what I think I remember normal felt like. Check out the posts on rate response in the search of archives, especially Smitty and Franks contributions. On the other hand, are you on meds? If you take amidarone, get yourself off it ASAP. It can permanently damage your lungs. I was on it a year and my primary Dr. got me off it, the cardio was not thrilled. I think I do have some damage from it but I think now I'll find out for sure. Today I ran all over town to get a cotter pin for the wheelchair caddy on the back of the car. Came home loaded everything including my husband up and got him to the Dr. for a checkup. That's 4 breakdowns and setups of the chair alone. Tonight--wait for it--I still feel good!!!!
So, even after two years there is hope. I am praying this improvement for me is lasting. We'll see--right now I'm enjoying. it.

gretchen

Response to Gretchen and MSPACER

by Domer 55 - 2011-01-21 02:01:52

Thank you so much for your responses. They seem very relevant. I have an appointment with my cardio guy in three days, and will discuss your experience with him, Gretchen. MSPACER: I have an ICD (combo defib and pm). Primary objective is insurance against fibrillation, which I am not prone to, but which the cardio guys say could be fatal if it occurred, due to previous heart damage, causing a low ejection fraction (20-24 range). Will report back after January 24.

Bill

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