Please help, am I having strokes?

[slhlovescats]

I am a 27 year old female. I have mobitz II and was bradycardic (in the 30s). For this problem I received a pacemaker but I still have problems that I have NO answer for. It usually happens while I am sitting at rest, I get a sensation of gravity that pulls at my head and chest, my left arm gets weak and heavy (cant lift it, feels like someone is pushing it down) my left side of face gets numb and tingly around my temple, eye, nose and cheek, feel like I cant breath, head feels tight like my skull is closing in. During this my heart feels extra slow or sometimes extra fast not as much though since getting the pacemaker. Most recently it got more concerning to me because I felt like I coudn't talk, the words were there but I was stuck, I just couldn't get the words out. Went to ER they did cat scan and said it wasn't a stroke. Scared though because the syptoms get stronger with each episode. If its not a stroke, what else could it be?
Please help?

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
A pacemaker is generally implanted under the skin. The nerves are too deep. Generally pacemaker implantation does not cause such problems. However do consult your doctor once.
Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[slhlovescats]

Thank you for your resonse! I will be sure to bring this up to my doctor on my next visit. All of the pain mentioned seems to fit, I do get pain in my fingertips which also makes them twitch a little. Though my headaches are more front, centered and through my temples but I'm assuming that TOS can effect everyone differently. Can I ask you one other thing? Could it be caused from getting a pacemaker, like maybe the pacemaker is hitting a nerve. Thank you again, and yes I will keep you posted.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the forum!
There is a chance that along with the heart problems you have thoracic outlet syndrome. “The common symptoms depend on which structure is being compressed.  In neurogenic TOS, the symptoms are pain, numbness, tingling, and/or weakness in the arm and hand. Also common is a tired feeling in your arm, which is made worse by working with your arms raised over your head. Neck pain and headaches in the back of your head are also frequent symptoms. Another common occurrence is pain that starts in your shoulder and runs down your arm, as well as pain in your fingertips. Unfortunately, the symptoms of neurogenic TOS can be vague and non-specific.  Venous TOS is distinguished by swelling in your entire arm, plus pain and dark discoloration. Arterial TOS presents with pain, coldness, and a pale discoloration of the hand.  Cramps occur when using the arm for activity. “ Refer: http://www.vascularweb.org/patients/NorthPoint/Thoracic_Outlet_Syndrome.html
It is difficult to comment beyond this at this stage.  Please consult the trauma specialist regarding this.
Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!