Diaphragm hiccups

Hi everyone,

I am a new, but not new to devices. My BIV-PM is my first, but I have had 2 ICD’s. My question to you all is:  my diaphragm is driving me crazy.  Is this normal?  Will it finally settle down?  I have been to the doctor twice since my surgery and they have done some adjustments. They changed some of the settings for the diaphragm and some other settings because I was feeling very weak throughout the day. The answer I got was the PM is going through it’s daily checks.

I have been told maybe another surgery for lead placement. When I got it put in they had problems finding a vein that would not cause problems with my diaphragm. I feel like they want me to deal with this. I want to sleep on either side, bend over, and be able to walk and sit down without this happening. Sometimes this last for several hours at a time. Any suggestions or help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much.

5 Comments

Typo

by agelbert - 2011-01-10 09:01:23

Sorry for the typo:
huiccups should be hiccups.

Diaphragm

by agelbert - 2011-01-10 09:01:52

I am not a doctor. I read on the internet that huiccups can be caused by the ICD or PM inadvertently 'pacing' the diaphragm when it is pacing your heart. I understand it can be either adjustment related or lead position related.
Another poster here recently was implanted with an ICD and is having hiccup problems. If she reads this, perhaps she will share her experience with you.
I hope this helps.

Diaphragm stimulation

by ElectricFrank - 2011-01-11 01:01:49

You might get a copy of the interrogation report and check to see if the pacing mode is set to unipolar or bipolar. If it is set to unipolar the pacing current returns from the heart in body tissue rather than in the lead wire shield. This can stimulate any musculature in the pathway.

Unipolar is not normally used in modern pacers unless there is a problem with a lead. The pacers revert to unipolar if they detect a lead problem. The idea is that pacing is maintained for safety until a replacement can be made.

The only way adjustments can help is to lower the pacing voltage. This lowers the diaphragm stimulation, but also lowers the pacing current to the heart giving less margin for good pacing. It is rarely a satisfactory solution.

Now for the more controversial part of the situation. If the doc knows there is a lead problem and it should be replaced what does he/she do. Often a lead replacement isn't paid for by insurance as they claim it is part of the original fee (sort of a warranty). If the doc can get you to buy a story about a problem with your veins then he/she may be able to hold things off until the warranty runs out.

hope this helps

frank

Hiccups

by ratsyp - 2011-01-11 11:01:46

I also got the hiccups. The first few days after I received my pm. They have subsided. I'm getting only an odd one now. So perhaps they will go away on their own. If not let your Dr. know. I will be going for my first visit in a couple days I will mention mine to him. I will let you know.
patsy

diaphragm stimulation

by Celest - 2014-01-09 11:01:39

I was told that they have set my device to as low as they can set it, based on my safety. The diaphragm stimulation went away for a short time, but came back. My only other optionis surgery or to just get use to it... I have yet to decide?

You know you're wired when...

Your pacemaker receives radio frequencies.

Member Quotes

I am active and healthy and have been given a second chance.