Weird sensations

I have a question. Yesterday I saw a cardiologist and got my pacemaker adjusted (I've had it a little over four weeks). Ever since it was adjusted I've had a weird sensation, sort of like PVC's - heart in my throat. It happens about 2-5 times per hour, and is worse when I bend over. It absolutely started right after the pacemaker "tune-up". Has anyone had this happen? I don't know if I should go back to my cardio, or just wait it out.

Thanks!

Michele C

8 Comments

I had a very similar problem

by dward - 2008-12-26 07:12:11

Mine turned out to be the setting of my rate monitor.
Getting a report is good and fine, but make sure you call your hospital or clinic (where ever you get your PM checked) and let them know you are having a problem.
They can;t help you if they don't know there's a problem.

thanks dward

by sculptor - 2008-12-26 08:12:16

I think it has to be a setting, that's the only thing that makes sense. It started IMMEDIATELY after he changed the settings and I even told him about it, so he put the magnet back on and checked the readings and said everything was fine. :-/ If it gets any worse you can be sure I'll go get it checked out, thanks.

Copy of report

by sculptor - 2008-12-26 08:12:24

Electricfrank, I have been bumped around through three cardios because of insurance problems. The one I saw on Wednesday was new, and the one who put the pacemaker in neglected to get my files faxed to the new cardio. I have also tried to get copies of the files myself and they keep putting me off, saying they're "way behind" and it will take weeks. To say that I'm furious is an understatement.

I did ask the rep for a copy of what he was doing and he did give me a print-out, but it doesn't seem very helpful. What type of info would you like to know from it? I'll see if it has what you're looking for. ANY help would be greatly appreciated.

I don't have a great deal of confidence in their software program as the printout says I have three episodes of high ventricular rate (219ppm, 196ppm, 196ppm) and the cardiologist read the graph and said the printout was incorrect - something about it reading skipped beats or whatever.

I don't know what to think. Thanks for your help.

Michele C

Reading the report

by ElectricFrank - 2008-12-26 09:12:15

Look first to see if there is a section that shows the changes that were made. That would give some input on what might be causing the problems.

Some of the common problems are with:
1. Upper and lower ventricular limits.
2. Rate Response Off or On.
3. Pacing voltages
4. Unipolar or bipolar pacing.

One thing to make clear to those doing the programming. If you are feeling the problem immediately in the office there is something happening whether he can see it or not.

I have found the printouts to be quite accurate and the problems are with the cardiologist not being that competent. You might ask for a session with the manufacturers rep. I have found Medtronics to be very helpful and from the posts here others find their reps the same.

frank

Get it checked

by ElectricFrank - 2008-12-26 12:12:52

From your description of it starting right after the checkup it sounds like something is wrong. Have you been getting a copy of the pre and post programming reports at your checkups? This is one of those times where if have the last report it would tell us what was changed. There are several of us here that could help understand what may be happening. This is much better that just telling the symptoms to the doc who may tell you that nothing in the programming could be causing it.

I suggest that you call the cardiologist office and ask for a copy of the report. Be sure you have both reports. One is taken at the beginning of the checkup and shows the settings in effect. The second shows settings after programming. My Medtronic also has a page that shows what changes were made.

Don't let them put you off on getting copies. It is part of the Patient Bill of Rights and you are entitled to it.

frank

Printout - Frank

by sculptor - 2008-12-27 08:12:42

Hi Frank,

The printout that I have says Parameters (permanent) and then also has Parameters (i suppose changeable). It is a very long list. Then it has IEGM Recording, Sensing, and Pacing. Under each of these headings is a lot of info that I don't understand yet.

Are there any of these that you'd like the info from?

The good news is that I am getting that sensation less and less. I think it was my heart's response to having the rate response turned back on - I think it was throwing some PVC's... maybe it was confused, LOL...

Is there a website or something that explains these printouts?

Thanks!

Michele C/Sculptor

report

by sculptor - 2008-12-28 10:12:52

Frank, I have a Biotronik. You can email me privately if you’re comfortable with that. I could copy the report that I have and send it to you.

I have cardiac Sarcoidosis, and the "official pacemaker diagnosis" is SSS SA Exit Block. My heart rate was in the 30’s with frequent pauses of 3-4 seconds.

I asked them to turn the rate response back on because I have NO energy. I have to say my energy level went WAAAAY up after they turned it back on. However, I’m going to call the cardio tomorrow because I’m still having trouble. I’m afraid they’ll turn it off again instead of adjusting the settings. The rep SEEMS to know what he’s doing... the cardiologist defers to the rep, I guess that’s the norm?

Anyway, should you want to do private email, you can send me a private message to get my email address.

Thanks,

Michele

Reading the Report

by ElectricFrank - 2008-12-28 12:12:21

I don't know of any site that explains the report. I had to find and download the technical manual for my pacer to find out. What make do you have?

Do you know why the Rate Response was turned back on? It can be responsible for a number of symtoms, particularly if it isn't set correctly. What is your heart problem that requires a pacemaker?

I wish there was was a way we could post a copy of our report here on the site, or include it with a private message.

frank

You know you're wired when...

Lifetime warranty no longer gives peace of mind.

Member Quotes

I am just grateful to God that I lived long enough to have my ICD put in. So many people are not as lucky as us; even though we sometimes don't feel lucky.