Pacemaker checks

[Prudences]

Hi. Just wondering if anyone with a pacemaker experiences the lower chamber checks that the pacemaker is programmed to carry out, which in my case 5 times a week! The sensation is quite weird, its like a ticking sensation, and lasts 1-2 minutes. I also get this same sensation when I crouch/bend down, to pick something up for example? Does anyone else get this?! I have a Boston Scientific pacemaker fitted in Oct.

[ParrotLover22]

Hi. I've got a Boston Pacemaker as well and yes, now and again, I get exactly the same sensation. I agree though, it's weird when it happens!

[Hidden]

Dear you,

I have the Medtronic one fitted and can also feel very similar sensations like you stated in you post, a quick phone call to your rhythm team will tell you if all is well with your pacing.

But it sounds normal to me { not medically trained }

Take care

[Hidden]

I have the Boston ICD and get this sensation too. I’ve only had it 8 weeks and when I mentioned this at the clinic they weren’t sure what it was and came to the conclusion that it was the device checking itself. Only query I have is my ECG on Apple Watch shows a different rhythm when the clicking is happening, but my device says no therapy has been given so that must be it.

[Hylda2]

I have a Biotronik pm. I know it sounds odd but can you hear it clicking? In hotel room the other night, heard very loud ticking, thought I’d never sleep because of clock but then it went and I thought it must be pm.

[Prudences in reply to Hylda2]

hi, no I can’t hear it ticking, but my pacemaker does not not do a check at night. There are 5 different times depending on the day, Tues to Sat, and then of course the random checks when I crunch down or move my arm/chest really quickly!

[Hylda2]

aah. Mine checks at night but it doesn’t like bending down. Have a meeting with Biotronik technicians next Tuesday. Hope I remember to ask

[Prudences in reply to Hylda2]

it will be interesting to see what they say, night checks would wake me up I’m sure! I have been trying to keep fit lately and I’m wondering if that is why I am getting more random checks, as using the arm more.

[Faub]

Yeah I have a medtronic and every night at 23.57 it does its thing and it feels like my heart skips a beat or slows down for a moment. At first I thought it was my heart, but then I realised it was happening at the same time every day. I mentioned it at the pacing clinic during a check and they confirmed it's nothing to worry about.

[Classof1988]

Interesting. I have had my pacemaker just over 3 years and knew nothing about these checks! Obviously I haven't felt anything unusual.

[Deejay62]

Hi I know what you’re talking about. I have Boston too and I mentioned it at device clinic and I was told that kind of twitching feeling, I call it, is when pacemaker hits my nerve system. I didn’t question it. They tweaked it on their system and it’s not that bad anymore. Every now and then someone would change the settings when I visit the clinic for 6 month check, thinking they’re doing a good thing, and it would start again, so I would have to go back and have it put back to original setting. It’s just annoying that’s all.