Heart Rhythm Conditions – Welcome to the group

Hi, my name is Frank and I live in NE Ohio. I have had health problems from a very young age. I am now 39. I have POTS in addition to all the other symptoms that go along with POTS like dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, headaches, ibs, visual disturbances (stars), dry eye, etc. I also have many nerve entrapments all throughout my body, which nobody else seems to get in the POTS community. I have been working my way through many surgeries (30+) for mostly bilateral nerve entrapments. I think the worst one is pronator syndrome. Unfortunately, I cannot afford to pay the Dellon Institute physicians to do the surgeries, but I was diagnosed with 30 or so entrapments by them. I have been going mostly to plastic surgeons nearby with mixed results. I just wish things were getting better, but it seems to never end. I believe I have some overarching condition causing problems, but it probably isn't going to be diagnosed in my lifetime.

Watchman device procedure failed. Surgeon tried 3 devices but none of them would seal the opening. So now we wait for the next generation of watchman devices. Surgeon said he talked with the makers and they claim there will be some new and improved devices out some time in Feb or March. I was put on the list to get a shot at the flexable device. Will post more when I get more information.

@deb2020, Hi Deb, welcome to the wonderful world of pacemakers. I had one for about 10 years prior to my transplant and I'm familiar with some of the things you mentioned. Mine was a Boston scientific so the exact feel might be a bit different in dimensions but mine was about 2 " wide by about 2.5 " long with the wires attached on top. Most of it was smooth except on top where the wires attached which felt a bit bumpy. There was a plastic like hood where the wires were and that's what felt bumpy.
Being it's only 2 months there may still be a bit of healing yet but as to the tinginling feeling I was asked that and I know it was common but I didn't Kno ice it. All great questions for your Doctor.
Now PVCs I was told they weren't an issue and unless they were many in a row at least for me that would probably not need treatment but if they are bothering you than I would bring them up. As to other issues as to treatments over the years I had many adjustments depending on what my heart was doing. During a checkup they would put a wand over the device and download to see if there were any issues and at the same time they made adjustments. Not painful and except for some tests they did to make sure it was working ok not unpleasant. For me it was always interesting that they would thru the pacemaker speed me up and down to check the wires and that was a bit of a weird feeling. The short of breath for me usually ment my heart was having an arrythmia and the pacemaker is adjusting for it. Definitely mention that and if it's real bad I would see a doctor asap. Mine were sometimes bad enough to call the on call doctor or 911. If you have one of the bedside remote devices the Doctor can get a download right away and see if he or she needs to see you. Hope that helps and any other questions please ask away.
Have a Blessed Day
Dana

Hi @deb1020, welcome. I'm tagging a few experienced warriors (as you so nicely put it) like @fighter @vickinlowe @danab @yoanne @maryrohrer1 @corjianne to see if they have experience to offer.

Deb, in Oct 2020 you had a bi-ventribular pacemaker implanted and you're concerned about ongoing side effects such as dizziness and shortness of breath, as well as a sting or burning sensation. When do these symptoms appear? Have you talked to your cardiologist about them?

Hello! I am Debbie, 69, with CHF. New bi ventricular pace maker/defibrillator implanted Oct 2020. Area is still sore to touch, cannot wear strap over it, feels bumpy not smooth (keloids?)still experiencing dizziness and shortness of breath occasionally. Have Medtronic device. Feeling a sting/burn...from 3 secs to 15-20 secs! Usual???
Small frame so arm movement across implant is painful. Last few days am having PVCs. But not like before implant..very few. Any words of advice from experienced warriors? I have always been a happy person but this is terrible.

Thank you. I have my covid test saturday so if that comes back negative (I'm sure it will) that we are a go for the 22nd. So ready to get this done.

Best wishes for a successful outcome. There's nothing better than a well informed and proactive patient. A good team of physicians is very important too. Take care and let's know of the progress.

Hello to everyone
I am a 73 yr old man (74 in Jan 2021) who is scheduled to have the Watchman installed on Dec 22, 2020. i have had AFIB for more than 20 years. I have been having talks with my Cardiologist and my GI team for more than 2 years about the Watchman. I have issues with internal bleeding so my GI team has not been in favor of the Watchman because of the blood thinner use. I finally have my GI team on board now and they agree to this procedure. It is very important to me that all my medical team members are on the same page. So, after a lot of research I have decided it is time to get this done. I just had my first TEE which went very well. The surgeon is pleased with what he saw. I am very aware of how the procedure is done and what to expect during and after. I am very aware of any possible side effects. I am going into this as a fully informed patient. I am very thankful for this blog and all those who have posted about their procedures. It has been very helpful to get this much information before the procedure. My procedure will be done at Scott and White Hospital in Temple Texas. I trust my team and know I am in good hands. Thank you Mayo Clinic for making this board available and for all the great information. Thanks again for all of you that have posted here. One can never have too much information. I will post again after the procedure.

hello, I posted a few things when I had other problems, but apparently. health problems come one after another in the last month or so i feel/have lots of palpitation especially when I am sitting down, my blood pressure is high, I was already taken Micardis 80mg and now i was given PMS-Hidrocholorothiazide 25mg today i took one pill but the blood pressure is high i also did an Echocardiogram I don't have the results yet too soon, hopefully i will get a response

Thank you