Pacemaker

I had my procedure done twice. The first time the Doctor didn't place the leads deep enough into the heart so 4 weeks later it was redone by another Cardiologist. The second one was done approx. 3 weeks ago. I have pain at the site which I expected from the cutting. What I didn't expect was that I get a shortness of breathe every once in a while that lasts for maybe a breathe or two.  I didn't expect my back muscles behind the area of the pacemaker to be sore. I didn't expect to feel nerve tingling in the effected breast, shoulder and arm area that comes and goes randomly. I didn't expect the itching in my left armpit. Has or does anyone else experienced this and does it go away? If so, approx how long does it take? One major problem I have is I used to sleep for 8 hours a night; now I only sleep between 3 and 4 hours and not very deep. This leave me very tired during the day. I assume this is because my heart rate is so much higher now.  I had this done because my resting heart rate was at 41. Otherwise my heart muscle is strong. Did anyone have a problem sleeping?

3 Comments

Sleeping

by CDSmith - 2018-07-24 22:00:29

I have a pacemaker for Bradycardia, my heart rate was between 40 and 45 when sleeping. With the pacemaker, I had trouble sleeping too. In the morning I was tired and lacked energy. My cardiologist increased the baseline rate from 60 to 70. Much better now.

Response

by lmhause - 2018-07-24 22:06:40

I am just over two months out and I am still having similiar issues as you described.  I have pain and numbness in my arm as well continued irritation at the implant site.  I am pretty sure the PM itself is on or near the brachial plexus.  I am also hoping it gets better over time.

Thank you

by Jerryraiber - 2018-07-25 15:28:22

Thank you for your response.

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A properly implanted and adjusted pacemaker will not even be noticeable after you get over the surgery.