New to having a PM

Fluttering

by Penguin - 2023-12-19 16:27:10

Hi and Welcome to the Forum, 

With a 3rd degree AVB diagnosis you will be receiving rather a lot of ventricular pacing.  I don't have your diagnosis and pace mainly in the atria but when my pacemaker was first implanted it also paced from time to time in the ventricles.   This feels different.

Ventricular pacing feels exactly as you describe it - like a prickly sensation.  

When you first get your device they turn the amount of current up initially to help the wires bed in.  This can mean that the sensations are a little stronger for a while. 

When you lie on your left side you may feel it more. 

I think that this is what you are describing. It sounds like the most likely explanation to me. 

I'm told by forum members with your diagnosis that they are able to tune out the sensations of v.pacing as time goes on and they get used to being paced.  You may also find that the mini shock like sensations improve when the current is turned down after a few weeks. 

If you're finding it very uncomfortable you could ask for the current to be turned down a bit at your first appointment. 

Best Wishes

I have it too

by Aintgotrhythm - 2023-12-19 17:06:34

I'm not at all sure that it's "normal" but I have it too. I routinely have an odd "fluttering" sensation in my chest and also a periodic "gurgling" sensation (I'll try to describe further) that makes me cough.

The gurgling sensation is really hard to describe. The best I can do is it feels like I've swallowed an effervescent tablet ("alka-seltzer" here in the states) and it's fizzing in my chest. Not that strong but noticeable and as I said it makes me cough.

I've an appointment on Thursday with my EP and a Boston Scientific rep. The main thing I'm going to see if they can correct is periodic HR spikes during light activity but I'm hopeful that I can get these symptoms addressed in the future.

Fluttering etc

by piglet22 - 2023-12-21 07:33:32

In an ideal world, getting a corrective device like a pacemaker should restore normal functioning.

Now and again, something comes through that the device cannot correct - ectopy is a good example - and these can appear if or when your condition deteriorates.

The fluttering sensations are something you might have to get used to. I know exactly what you mean.

I sometimes get the "whoa" one that pulls me up sharp.

Sorry to hear about the car incident but it does illustrate what can come out of the blue.

We should always be prepared for the unexpected and that includes driving, climbing stairs and even getting up from sitting. Pacemakers are good, but not perfect.

Forceful flutterings

by Xtrabeat - 2023-12-21 15:12:45

I have had my pacemaker for almost exactly a week and I have had strange sensations most days. Occasionally large heaves that almost make me jump and quite a lot of ectopics. I went back to the cardiac technician who made some minor alterations and slowed the response threshold. This as stopped the beats at night but I am constantly vigialnt. On testing it seemed that some of the strong sensations occured when the atrial lead "fired" and somewhat to my surpise I was told the device had been working 17% of the time. I monitor things on an Apple watch - in fact this also made the diagnosis of intermittant complete heart block when I became very faint. I feel I am at the bottom of a very steep learning curve and trying to get as much information as possible.