Pressure on mid back causing AF to come on.

[Alphakiwi]

I was diagnosed with af maybe 4 years ago. Because mefications made me unwell i was finally fitted with a pacemaker in prepation for AV node ablation. Once the pm was fitted i was able to forgo the node ablation. In the last few months ive been getting especially at night short breathed and coughing and onset of af if i lay on my back or sides and sitting with my back against the armchair. It feels horrible and i have to move around to find a better position or get up. Its affecting my sleep .I have not been able to see my doctor for sometime as she went away but will be seeing me end of this week. Just thought i might find someone who has ecperienced this. Thanks Colin.

[Rambler398]

Hi Alphakiwi

The positional relation to your symptoms and the AF makes me wonder whether the pacemaker tip has dislodged very slightly.

That would be pretty unusual since the tip normally becomes quite adherent.

Nonetheless it might be an idea to ring the pacemaker clinic to see what they think.

Your GP may want you to have a chest xray. Amongst other things, it may show where the pacemaker tip is lodged.

Have you experienced any chest pain when taking a deep breath or coughed up any blood? If you have, I would suggest asking the GP to bring your appointment forward.

[Alphakiwi in reply to Rambler398]

Iwas at the pacemaker clinic yesterday and was told all was working as it should. Not coughing blood at all. No chest pain. Just this lumpy feelin in my throat and chest feeling making me coughif i foll onto my back. It feels like its inside the lumber spine area. I guess thhe doc will order up an xray of that area of my spine. The lower part was xrayed a month ago and shows i have a lot of wear and tear along with scoliosis. Thanks for your suggestions.

[Sunny-fl in reply to Alphakiwi]

I am having a similar issue and have been for some time…while laying in bed on my back or leaning back against a hard surface heart rate jumps from my resting 60 and gets stuck on 80. Just recently saw a new EP and was diagnosed with Inappropriate Mode Switching and noise from a lead. He turned the sensitivity down which has helped but I am still having episodes, like last night. I also feel a lump in throat and upper chest. My next appointment is several months away. Have had a dual lead pacemaker for SSS since 2017 and always had trouble with irritation and pain from the leads. Best to you.

[Alphakiwi in reply to Sunny-fl]

Always interesting to hear of others with similar probs. I see doc tomorrow so can tell her its not in my imagination lol. Thank you for reply.

[SwayzeCrazy7777_ in reply to Alphakiwi]

My only suggestion is if it's in you lumbar spine area please make sure you go to a Neurosurgeon… I made the mistake of going to a orthopedic surgeon and two surgeries later had no relief so went to spine surgeon and I now feel great in my lumbar spine area…

[Alphakiwi in reply to SwayzeCrazy7777_]

Was he able to help without surgery ?

[SwayzeCrazy7777_ in reply to Alphakiwi]

unfortunately not.. Surgery was required.. Surgery was last year and I am still doing good..