New member/ New to Pacer/defibrillators

Hi:
I am a new member & would like to know if someone has some answers. I had the device put in 4 weeks ago, but seem to have the same problems. Shortness of breath, dizzy & very tired, headache all the time. I feel worse than I did before I went in. Wanted to add that I was told that I would have a defib. only put in, when I came out I had a pacer/def. and so big. they put athe device right on my collar bone, hurts all the time, especially when sealt belt is on, bend over feels like it will fall out. They can't get my heart beat from the chest area because the device is right there, now I have have another surgery on the 24th of this month,to correct the problem, have a funny feeling about it.I also was told the defb. would be small as 2--1/2 dollar pieces. Even the dr said they put that in you, my card. made that remark adding we can fix that, because I was so upset.Dosen't that make one so grrrrr.

3 Comments

dizzy, etc...

by Pookie - 2008-07-17 02:07:56

Hi and welcome to the club.

Shortness of breath, dizziness, tiredness & headache..

here's the first things that come to my mind:

1) low blood pressure
2) diabetes
3) neurocardiogenic syncope
4) hypotension intolerance
5) thyroid
6) present medications

ask your doctor for a complete blood panel & ask your pharmacist if any of your present meds can cause any of these symptoms.

hope this helps
Pookie

pacer/defib

by tigger_2 - 2008-07-17 11:07:08

welcome, defibs are larger versions of pacemakers and have the ability to jump start the heart. they not only have all the parts of a pacemaker but the capacitors and circuts to defib the heart. I am five weeks out and still have some dizzyness. It seems that the placement of your device was poorly thought out

PM/ICD

by candi51 - 2008-07-18 09:07:03

Hey there-
The way I was told is that all ICD's have a pacing function. Even though it has a pacer built in does not mean they will use it. Mine has only one lead and will only "pace" after a defib. The Dr said after a shock the heart is "sleepy" and needs to be paced until it comes back up to norm. For my condition they can add up to 3 more leads if they decide to pace me later with only adding the leads they want and doing some reprogramming.

As far as the placement- if it is that uncomfortable, have you discussed sub pectoral placement? Mine is under the skin but I am not a small person (farm girl) and it doesn't stick out too much. It has actually gone down more and more as the weeks go by. It was probably 4-5wks before all of the swelling was completely gone. Sub-pectoral is placed below the muscle and leaves a smaller bump. It does however have a longer recovery time and more risk but you can discuss it with your Dr to determine what is best for you.

Best wishes!
Candi

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Member Quotes

I have a well tuned pacer. I hardly know I have it. I am 76 year old, hike and camp alone in the desert. I have more energy than I have had in a long time. The only problem is my wife wants to have a knob installed so she can turn the pacer down.