NEW PACEMAKER USER

Hello, I had a pacemaker put in on the 13th. I have TONS of questions but right now I need to know something that is scaring me. I *think* my doctor set my limit for 65. My pulse just registered 64. Does that mean the pacemaker isn't working?? Someone please answer. I'm scared.
Thank you.
Victoria
victoriab7@sbcglobal.net

8 Comments

Try to not be scared

by janetinak - 2008-10-24 01:10:13

Hi Victoria,

I know that what I said above is easy for me to say but please don't freak out (as the kids say). Not knowing why you needed the pacer I just can suggest you call you doc's office in the morning & get some answers & as time goes on this site & your doc's staff can help you understand more of what is happening.

Now with that said I believe that all pacers are set to a range so that for instance, my pacer is set for a pulse of 60-120. I can be anywhere in between these pulse rates depending on lots of things, such as exercise, etc.
I usually run about 64-68 when I am not exercising. But I fell down (on cement) last Sat. & when I went in to my Advanced Nurse Practioner's office my BP was up quite a bit & my pulse was only up to 74. I was pretty shook up but my pacer wasn't.

Sounds like if your pulse is a little different than what you think it was set at then it could probably wait until you can call your dr. Now if you are having dizzy spells, fainting or short of breath, chest pain I believe I'd go to the ER or call your dr's emergency # now. But if your pulse is only a few points off & feel OK otherwise its probably OK. What did your dr say to be concerned about when you checked your pulse?

Remeber too that there will be alot of adjusting on the settings at first. Hope this helps.


SOUNDS OK

by pete - 2008-10-24 03:10:16

Its easy to feel your pulse and register a beat or two away from what you think it should be. You may have your motion sensor turned off at the moment which would prevent your pulse rate rising when you move about. This is often the case if you have just had your pacemaker fitted. If you feel reasonable the best thing to do is realax and dont worry. You should be getting another pacing check soobn and you can raise your concerns then. Cheers pete

Question Away!

by chillks - 2008-10-24 03:10:31

Welcome to the club! And, ask all the questions you want. My PM is set at 60/120 and don't think it kicks in much at all. I am still in cardiac rehab and they tell me not to take my pulse or blood pressure too often...especially pulse that I count the beats! Too easy to get confused. That being said, if you are concerned, then you should call your Dr. and see what they say! You should not worry about this all weekend!

There are some great folks on this site that have an enormous amount of knowledge and compassion. We are all in this boat together so call on us whenever you need help...or just to let us know how you are doing!

If you feel OK then don't panic

by ixdes - 2008-10-24 05:10:24

Hi,

when I went for my last check I was told my PM is set at 40bpm min, but in reality my HR could go down as low as 36 - 37 while the PM registers and kicks in. Guess it depends how quickly your HR drops.

Also, like most things, although it is set at 65 there will be a small band either side of this so sometimes it may trigger at just over 65, sometimes just under 65.

As was said above, if you are not feeling well then contact your doctor or hospital A.S.A.P. otherwise just give them a call and ask about it.

Welcome to the club by the way. It may not seem like it now, but things will get easier.

Cheers

Simon.

averages

by Tracey_E - 2008-10-24 06:10:24

I know it's an easy habit to fall into, but as long as you're feeling good, try not to count your pulse all the time. It is too easy to get paranoid. :o) The odds that your pm is not working are extremely minimal, they are very efficient computers.

A minimum of 65bpm is an average, not a precise number because it's programmed by the beat, not minute. Sixty is an easier number, so let's use that as an example. If you can't get below 60, that means one beat per second. If your heart goes one second without beating, the pm will kick in. So, your hr may not be exactly 60bpm, but your heart will never go more than a second without beating.

If you notice your rate in the 50's, or if you have symptoms such as dizziness or chest pain, then give the doctor a call because the programming may need adjusted. This is normal, not a malfunction. But as long as you're more or less around 65 and you feel good, you are fine! The longer you have it, the more you will learn to trust it and feel comfortable having it.

Please don't be shy with your questions! We've all been there.

Thank you ALL

by booknbrdcrzy - 2008-10-25 02:10:20

Thank you all truly for your answers and comments to me.
I had Afib for about 2 years and was in the hospital last January for 4 days because my heart rate went into the 200's. This time I went into a very low heart rate of 40 on the 9th and was admitted. After a night of my heart rate hovering at about 28, I was diagnosed with Sick Sinus Syndrome and 2nd Degree Heart block so they had to put in a pacemaker. I am greatly overweight and have been working on it for 2 years and have lost 86 pounds but have a lot more to lose yet, so that makes me feel like I might die soon. I don't like to "borrow trouble" but I've read where some pacemakers stop working and then what?
As for me taking my pulse, I have a wrist monitor which measures my blood pressure and heart rate (pulse). To the person who said that I shouldn't take my pulse all the time, you are absolutely right. I will work on that. I DID call my doctor's office this morning and the nurse looked up my chart and told me that my rate is set at 60. So, I guess I am ok, but after having a collapsed lung right after the surgery I am scared that I'll use my battery up. Doesn't that sound stupid (I hope)??
Anyway, thank you so much for all of your replies and responses. I so appreciate them.
God bless us all..... Victoria :)

You sound better

by janetinak - 2008-10-25 03:10:16

Victoria, yopu sound better today. I am glad. It is all scary but the PM is there to help. I have Afib & was constantly in the higher #'s despite LOTS of meds. Well anyhow I got an ablation (in 2000) & have the PM since & am 100% dependent. I really, really worried about the PM just quiting & if fact had a special session with the EP's Advanced Nurse Practioner (he had already reassured me a lot) & finally I told her about my fear of PM just stopping. We all have taken a flashlight out of the drawer with a dead battery & of my G, that was going to happen to me then I'd be dead. Not so-you get plenty of warning that battery is in the last stages long before it quits. So make sure you keep up your visits to have it checked (either by phone or in office) & they can tell you how much life left in battery. My 2nd PM is now in its last 2 yrs.& I got it in 2003. Everybody & every PM is different but just an example. You can search our site for more info on the battery life & hear other stories.

Keep pluggin along & keep up the weight loss. Wish I could lose some weight but that is another story.

Janet

greek

by walkerd - 2008-10-25 08:10:13

When you guys start talking all these numbers on your pace makers you totally lose me, Im not the smartest cookie in the cookie jar, i look at all the stuff that the monitor reads at drs office and ask what they are and im more confused than i already am, so i guess i will monitor on how i feel and leave all the numbers to the docs and people who understand it.
yes im lost
dave

You know you're wired when...

You run like the bionic man.

Member Quotes

I can honestly say that I am feeling absolutely amazing!