SPELLS OF FATIGUE AND MALAISE AFTER 10 WEEKS

pacemaker report

by marylandpm - 2017-07-09 21:43:32

  I would get a device check and get a copy of the device report. Study the report and  learn as much as you can about your condition. Make sure you are not going into AFib and if you are learn as much as you can about it asap. 

Educate

by TBrous&Chip - 2017-07-10 07:29:18

I agree with both comments. Food additives affect us-MSG, salt, etc.

Be your own advocate by educating yourself about your health status and about your pm settings and pm capabilities. Then write down your concerns to bring to your next appointment.

When I tried these steps I got much more interaction from the pm rep and got even more education through discussions with the rep.

I like having a copy of the interrogation reports to compare results. This causes me to learn even more about my heart health status.

As to your 'spells' you need to address this with doctors.  I have mostly great days and few not so great days but I am blessed that I can function whereas before the pm I could not. Example:   I did not drive a car for almost 6 months before pm implant for fear of blackouts.

I hope you can get resolution for your spells.

They better know

by The real Patch - 2017-07-10 17:55:19

The doctor damn sure better know what you are talking about...not to frighten you but much of what you are describing are symptoms of heart failure worsening. Call your Cardiologist and let them know...

Advocate for yourself.

by Gotrhythm - 2017-07-11 13:42:09

I can sympathize. I had "spell" days too. In fact, there is a condition known to Southerners as a "sinking spell" and that was a pretty good description of what I felt. Part of living with a heart condition is that some days you feel better than others. However, what you're describing sounds like more than that. You don't have to just accept it as part of living with a pacemaker.

In my experience cardiology folks will answer any direct question, but they will volunteer nothing. And not once, ever, has anyone begun a pacemaker interrogation by asking me how I was feeling, or how I was managing now I had the pacemaker.

You need to advocate for yourself. That means it's up to you to tell them what's going on. Keep a diary of both good and bad days. Record when the spell comes on and how long it lasts.Add any BP, HR, Oxymeter data you have, as well as medications and what time you took them. As Robin says, you might discover some lifestyle patterns that will enable you to help yourself. But even if you don't, you will have some hard data to show rather than just vague (to them) feelings.

Also, the better educated you are about your condition, your device, and your device settings, the better questions you will ask, the more respect you will garner, and the more complete explanations they will give.

Finally, do not accept "Your pacemaker is working fine." I'm sure it is, meaning the pacemaker is working the way it is programmed to. But it might not be working in a way that is optimal for you. Or you might be having PVCs, PACs or other arrythmias that the pacemaker is misinterpreting. That's where doing your homework will help you know what questions to ask.

Be sure to ask for copies of all interrogations. Someone here will help you interpret them.