What Causes Crunchy Sensation In Ribs After Fitting Dual Chamber Pacemaker?

Posted on Mon, 16 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 16 Feb 2015 Answered on

Thu, 5 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : After about 4 years of fairly persistent atrial fibrillation the medication for which I reacted badly, I was fitted wit a dual chamber pacemaker (October) and then mid-Dcember had one failed AV node ablation (node damaged) and six weeks later 4 FEbruary a successful one. I am not feeling much better: walking is very slow and exhausting and I still have thumping in my left ribs which started after the first AV node ablation - a bit like having the furniture movers in. i there anything I can do to improve progress?

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
A short course of steroids will help

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam.

I understand your concern.

The crunchy sensation could be related to possible pericardial damage either insitu or as a response to failed AV nodal ablation.

This can elicit inflammatory reaction in the form of such discomfort sensation.

A 2 D echo can help to locate such lesions if any

A short course of oral steroids will help to resolve such sensation.

Post your further queries if any.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad