post a episode to worry?

my pacemaker was implanted 3 years ago(sick sinus syndrome). I had 3  episodes before my problem was diagnosed. A couple of weeks ago just after dining in a restaurant... dejevu.. I couldn't believe it .. I  did manage to avert passing out by getting down quick.  I just came up to Quebec to stay for awhile. I do not have Med ins here but I do back home(calif). I usually go back once a year for medical appointments.      If I call the office I think they will say not to worry or they will tell me to come in. Should I call my doctor? or wait and sne see if they are anymore problems .I was just wondering if that just happens sometimes?..after implant-    I was due for a test (via phone)  I have tested since the incident.  I was thinking if there was an abornormality maybe it will show up and my dr. will call me. Also I did take 1.25 mg Levsin aprox an hour prior to episode. Don,t know if there is a connection but am afraid to take it again.  thanks hope i said enough and not too much .

[CCF-M.D.-CRC]

Dear dia,
You don't say what your symptoms were but I assume that you were passing out and this is why they placed a pacemaker.  I would also need to know what diagnosis they made when you had the pacemaker implanted.  If it was for complete heart block or sinus node dysfunction then I would suspect pacemaker malfunction.  If however the pacemaker implant was for vasovagal syncope then I would not necessarily suspect device malfunction.  Regardless the device should be interrogated to make sure the function is normal and the battery is still good.  A pacemaker battery lasts 3 to 7 years so this may be the problem.  

If the device was placed for vasovagal syncope then it is important to understand that pacemakers do not help this condition all the time.  In addition to the pacemaker you need to follow other recommendations by your doctor such as increasing salt intake, taking medications like beta-blockers or levsin as needed and avoiding situations that trigger your fainting.  In any case you did the right thing by lying down quickly and avoiding fainting.

[smurf]

Are you saying that you have not had routine pacemaker follow up? A PM should be checked via phone or in office every 3-6 monts- epending on you doctor. Mine is checked via phone every 3 months and interregated every year. sooner if problems. You need to have your pacemaker interegated. you could have an inulation break in a lead that is causing your symptoms. At teh very least call your cardiologist now. so not delay. This needs to be checked out. I had a similar incident and it was my pacer lead. I had to have a new lead placed and no problems since. that is why it is so important to have routine follow up. I hope this helps and you will seek help soon.

[dia]

I do have my pacemaker monitored every 3 months - I used to do it in the office but now over the telephone. But I guess you are right , I should give my cardio doc a call - I just wasn't ready to either go to new doctor up here or fly back.

[dia]

All I was ever told is that is it called sick sinus (and bradyocarda (sp) that my own heart's natural pacemaker was  not firering right -- should I have a more specific name for my condition ?  In the past prior to pacemaker my heart rate and pulse both plunged and I would faint- Today my doctors office called me to say that they saw nothing unusual on my pacemaker test that I did 4 hours after this last worrisome episode. suggested to check with my gp.  I know me and I will probably wait until it happens again before I do anything. What do you think?

[sukumar794]

A related discussion, Not having preferred pacemaker implantation option was started.