How did they find out you needed apace maker what were your systems before it was inserted

 

Thank you...I sent you an e-mail regarding placement.

 

My EP plans to put it in under my breast...he did mention going in from the side or the top.....I thought the side might hurt more and get in the way of an underwire......he said it was up to me.

ANY thoughts as to which might be better? The EP doesn't seem to care which I chose.

Is your in your abdomen? Hmmm....not sure which would be best.

Thank you, Holly

 

My 18 mos old had her pacer checked yesterday and the doc did some adjustments. He said everything looked good but that he had increased the voltage.

Last night she had a real rough night. Could it be because of the new settings?

 

Hi all,
I am going in this afternoon to meet with a high-risk ob/gyn specialist for a 'pre-conception consultation' to assess my risks for pregnancy with my condition and pacemaker, etc. My hubby and I want another child (ours are 10 and 9) but we had been waiting a long time to get my fainting spells with my NCS/VVS under control, etc. The pacemaker one year ago has been a lifesaver!!!! It is great to have a pulse and oxygen to my brain!!! Now that I am 'under control' with the pacemaker, we are hopeful that there won't be any problems with trying again. Anyways, wish us luck, we are getting very excited!!!

 

Hello Everyone, I am new to this club and have now realised how little I know about my condition and why I have my pacemaker. I was born with congenital hypertrophic cardiomyopathy of the left ventricle. Up until I had my 3rd child I never really experienced any difficulties with my condition until about 20 years ago. I started to get arrythmia and was commenced on Flecainide twice daily which seemed to keep the arrythmia at bay. When this stoppped being effective I had a pacmaker implanted as my cardiologist said that it would help stop the progression of the cardiomyopathy and stop my arrythmia. I have now had 3 devices implanted in the last 11 years and conitnue to take Flecainide 100 mg twice daily and 50 mg daily. I have been told th...

 

I had a pacemaker installed in January 2008. Can anyone tell me how to make the scar less noticeable?

 

I have been taking beta blockers for the last 2 weeks to blunt my natural heart rate so that the pacemaker has to do all of the work. As far as my heart is concerned I am feeling great, but I have really low blood pressure while taking the beta blockers. With my doctors advice, I have tried lowering the dose, and lowering the frequency of the dose. So far, that hasn't worked, when I try to take a smaller dose, I start to get palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath...all of those horrible things that we were trying to avoid with the beta blocker. When I take enough of the beta blocker to keep my heart under control (only 25 mg 2 x a day), I get low blood pressure (sometimes as low as 75/35). The irregular heart rates were causing me t...

 

It is hard to believe we have been here in Victoria nearly two weeks. I had my cardio checkup at Geelong Hospital yesterday with the specialist there. My PM check is on 1st September. I happened to mention if they checked Ela PM's and he said "NO" good job I mentioned it as they have made arrangements for the tech to come down to the PM Dept that day.

The sp was really good said my heart was in good cond and gave me some BP tabs with a diuretic in. I had been complaining to my GP about a swollen ankle and leg and that I found it hard to bend etc. Also that in an effort to get to the phone quickly the other night I was left puffed. The sp told me that high BP can make one feel breathless. There is no reason at all ...

 

Sorry, I don't quite get the settings. I think I get the lower setting.
BUT..the high set point.....is that the one that they set at like 170 and if your heart beats to fast it will slow it down? I thought thats what the dual chamber did.
I have sick sinus syndrome.My biggest problem is that at rest...this includes any time I am not actively moving..my HR is around 34...and pretty much stays there until I get up and move or get upset....something to raise it. It then stays at a good rate..60s to 80s. HOWEVER if I go jogging or exercise..it will shoot up to 170-180 in one minute..and I feel like I am going to pass out..and get short of breath.
So the doctor was going to put in a dual chamber PM.
Then he mentioned I woul...

 

Why would the doctor put you on beta blockers so that you will pace more....I thought the idea was to let your heart do what it can on it's own. I was just reading that and am confused.

Holly

 

I appreciate your responses. I know no two of us are the same...but we are still going through similar experiences.
I don't think that I would say I don't trust my doctor....It's just that before I listen to him tell me what it feels like...and what it doesn't..I would think someone who has one would know better than someone without one.
And I agree about the dual chamber....I don't know why he would want to give me meds instead of placing two leads to begin with.

I do NOT understand about the settings.....if you only have a single lead....would there not only be one setting?
I thought there would just be one setting that would make the pacer kick in when my HR drops below that number they set it for.
Like ...

 

I wanted to know if anyone of you had your heart working only 15%, and if there is a way to make it work harder or higher.
Do the meds fix that. I was told that it can, was just wondering. Thank you all, you have already made me wiser to this new problem that I am going through. Thanks again

 

hi everyone

This is my first message for a long time and as you have all said when I first joined I would learn to live with my pacemaker. Well I have. I have started exercising but have one question, hopefully Smitty or Frank can answer. I was told to run for one hour twice a week. I have done this, on Sat I ran the hour came home, had lunch, cycled to my friends and then returned to go in swimpool. Later on I felt as though I either had ectopics or that I could feel my pacemaker in my lower abdomen. Any good advice.

 

I am so thankful for this site! I am getting so nervous !!! I go on Friday morning for my pacemaker!

My EP has not got called me back...I have questions about the settings and recovery time etc.

Soo, I am hoping to get some answers from you. I trust what you tell me more than the doctors anyways. If there is one thing that seems to ring true while I read the post in this site....it's that "they do Paint a Rosey Picture".

1, Will I be able to walk go for a walk the next day? Will I be in a lot of pain. I am getting it placed under my breast...so I know it will be more painful....but better in the long run.

2. I want To make SURE that I get my setting set where I want it before I leave....Can't th...

 

Yesterday I went in for my 8 month checkup..I died during my EP study and zapped back....I have less than 30% Ejection Fraction, a 100% occluded right main coranary artery, 40% occluded left main coranary artery, & Guidant dual chamber pacemaker w/ 2 wire ICD. Anyway, at the followup yesterday he said I have had 3 paced events since implantation, The first time was 2 weeks after implant @ 3 am, the second was in mid may @ 10:30 pm, and the third time just last month in june @ 1:05 am. Now I'm concerned because it's happened 2 months in a row, and the last 2 monts at that.

All three times I was asleep, I had my lung doctor check for sleep apnea, nope, that's not it.. Are dreams upsetting my heart rythmn? Not breathing enough whi...

 

Hello! Last night my heart beated very fast. I woke up to have a rest and the HR became ok. I am wondering why it often does this during the nights.

The doctor ordered me betablockers but we later decided together that I do not have to take those because my HR has been ok.

I wonder how long period does the Metronics PM memory have data. Is there any devices available to read pm memory at home?

 

greetings all:
i had my medtronics dual lead ADDR01 pacemaker implanted in 12/07 and have relatively few real concerns (okay, more just after the implant!). but all has been well. i had it implanted for sick sinus syndrome and take florinef to increase my blood pressure as it is usually very low. recently, maybe 3-4 months, i seem to be having some memory problems-shortterm recall mostly. i have always been very sharp, excellent with numbers, you know, math calculations in my head were no problem and now it is much more challenging. i am only 50 years old. anyone else with this same feeling or other information?
thanks.

 

Anybody know if the new body scanners (like the millimeter wave scanners at O'Hare) are safe for pacemaker patients?? I looked at the TSA website but couldn't find any info on precautions or contraindications.
Thanks.
-- Jenn

 

I have an appointment with my cardiologist tomorrow and my first interrogation of my pacemaker. Are there any specific questions that I should ask? I am new at this and just seeking advice. Thanks so much!

 

ask again
Comment posted by TraceyE on 2008-07-17 07:56.
It can take more than three tries to get the programming right, ..

Rate response?
Comment posted by bambi on 2008-07-17 12:11. ...

Dear TraceyE and bambi, thanks for your advices! this helps me a lot. and many thanks to members of this pm club. This is phantastically friendly and helpful community. Good luck to all members and visitors. Mikhail

 

I am so nervous about my decision to have a replacement for the PM just put in February 2008 or to leave it alone.
The PM was larger, does not sit right in the pocket, leads felt and outlined in chest, floating PM to under arm.
I thought everything would be the same as when the first PM was installed without incident.
The original surgeon stated he would reposition the pocket, put leads under the PM and make me more comfortable.
It is driving me crazy to think about going through this again.However, it is my decision as he stated the PM is functioning well. What to do? I would need to make the appt ASAP as I need to go back to work. On a scale of 1-10 the uncomfort is about 7. Could I live with this...I'm sure I could ...

 

Hello,
I have had a PM for 11 years and now on my 3rd device. I am interested in having breast augmentation and was wondering if anyone knows if this is possible with a pacemaker in place. I have spoken to a surgeon who tells me that he would need to ascertain where leads where and that generally pacemakers are in the same muscle as the breast implant so this may lead to infection etc. Are you aware of or know someone who has had breast augmentation when there has been a pacemaker in situ?
Thanks

 

Hello everyone, I am a 53 year old and I live in Finland. I got my pace maker two weeks ago. My healt has been quite good. But I have been tired during the last 6 months. During one morning I had three blackouts. The last one was a 15 sec heart stop (which was recorded by ambulance people). I also had a strange pain in stomach area which dissapeared soon. Doctors diagnosed FA paroxysmalis & sick sinus syndrome.

There has not been found any special reason for this occasion. The coronary arteries are ok. Everything in my blood is ok. My doctors recommended me a PM. I didn't have very much time to think about this and here I am with the PM.

The implanting looked and feeled quite simple. One of the leads was too short an...

 

Does anyone use a Total Gym? I'd like to go back to using my machine but I'm afraid it may pull too much on my pacer.

 

Pacer girl
Comment posted by allanrogers on 2008-07-21 04:46.
You have a very similar medical history to me
Radio active iodine to get rid of over active thyroid
Did your heart problems start to surface before or after your radio active iodine treatment?
Is your afib under control?
Are you on your first pacer?
Are you on beta blockers?
If so what dose and how often do you take them once a day or twice a day?
How often do you get your pacer checked out?
I have just started on st johns wort which is supposedly ok with my current medications thyroxine each day 125 mg and atenlol(beta blocker) 25mg although last night I was sick of uneven heart beat so I took another atenlol to help control i...

 

I'm 30 yr old, and just had a pacemaker installed a week ago. I've got no problem giving up rugby and other contact sports, but I can't give up skiing. I've been teaching skiing for many years now, and recently taken up ski mountaineering. The doctor assured me that mountain climbing and skiing wouldn't be affected by my PM.

After having it installed for a week, I'm surprised how close to the surface the PM is. I'm worried about the use of a heavy (50-100 lb) backpack, especially on multiple-day trips, pressing against the PM. My thoughts are either obtaining some sort of padded shoulder armor, or modifying the shoulder strap to create a "pocket" around the PM, by adding and removing padding.

Any thoughts on ho...

 

i sent you messages hon jess

 

HI all,
I have not posted in a few weeks. I get my St. Jude Pacemaker this Friday morning.
I guess i thought if i didn't think about it.....it would just go away.
I am so tempted to cancel...I realize you all didn't want one either.
So of course I am sitting here trying to think of why I should NOT get it.
BUT......I really do need to find the answer to this....if any of you have had this issue arise.
WHAT IF......I lose my INSURANCE ? I would have a PM that needs maintenance and I will need check ups and on and on...it's a never ending bill!
Does your EP see you if you have lost your insurance?

I was already told that a pacemaker will not entitle me to SSI.
Thats fine...I don't want...

 

Hello folks,
I had a pm put in two weeks ago due to low pulse rate that's been diminishing for the past two years. Always had a mid- to hi 50's all my life, but it had dropped to 49 - Tiredness, plus 2 atrial fib attacks in a year - Doctor wanted the pm in to help with tiredness AND to be able to administer a beta blocker to reduce chances of atrial fib attacks.

After PM implant, next morning I haven't felt that good and alert in years. Other than soreness of implant incision site, felt great, but did have several lo-grade headaches during the day.

I had been checking my bp and heart rate at home - and what I noticed:
1. For the first time in my life, my bp had risen - Prior to PM, it ran an average of 11...

 

What is wrong with me I am 41 had a pacemaker for 8 months was diagnosed with sinus bradycardia and also paroxsymal (intermitent a fib) just when i am getting used to pacemaker and beta blockers i start getting these small dropping sensations in my heart Is it the return of afib?
i am finding it hard to get a good nights sleep and my pacemaker clinic wont give me any more check ups as i have been back 5 times since October
I paid for a private doctor last week £150 and also for a 24 hour heart monitor £190 should get results this week .Honestly the back up care in uk seems to be an up hill struggle i mean it took me ten years for any doctors to believe there was anything wrong with my heart in the first place - with usual comme...

 

check your messages.


Elisa

 

I have recently been diagnosed with an autnomic system problem that results in a low heart rate when resting and a rate that is higher with low blood pressures after climbing stairs, etc. The cardiologist I am seeing has nailed the diagnosis and is now treating me with a medication that reduces the blood pooling in my lower extremities and the lightheadedness I was experiencing is greatly improved. I am not, however, able to tolerate exercise well and this really bothers me. I love to bike long distances at a reasonably fast pace 17-20 mph and have been unable to do so without getting very winded. Does anyone who has exercised a great deal prior to experiencing problems of this nature have any experience? Is a pacemaker the best optio...

 

My 92 year old aunt might get a pacemaker. She is also on the blood thinner, Coumadin (could be misspelled....) Does anyone know of any complication with this med and a pacemaker? Thanks. Sara

 

Hi there guys and gals. I live in England and driving laws diffo in my country to other countries. We do not have to wear seat belts in my country if we have a pacemaker implant because if a collision occurred, the impace on the implant site could be quite harmful. So I am wondering about air bags that inflate on impact inside of cars. Any info would be totally useful to me
Thanks for any help
Fluzy Suzy

 

I had my pacemaker planted 3 waaks ago, since than I feel funy.I feel pulsation in my abdomen and some discomfort in my chest. when I went to the doctor he checked everything and said i was Ok. I feel like this is not OK! Thas anyone have similar problems?

 

Hi everyone!

I was doing some research on dizziness here on this website and found the following information. I find it very interesting as a lot of members seem to mention dizziness. Hope this helps.

Dizziness is the second most common complaint heard in doctors' offices (after lower back pain). Dizziness has many causes other than inner ear dysfunction.

Visual disturbances can result in lightheadedness or dizziness. Some people feel dizzy while adjusting to bifocals or a new eyeglass prescription, or from reduced vision due to cataracts.

Hyperventilation can cause temporary dizziness. During rapid breathing, more carbon dioxide than normal is expelled and the level of carbon dioxide in the bl...

 

Hello everyone

I received my pm just over a year ago.In the beginniing I was afraid too even get out of bed in the morning.But each day is another learning opportunity.

I would appreciate any thoughts or comments.

 

Do most of you have an electrophysiologist or just a regular cardiologist? I was diagnosed in '70, before I think there was such a specialty. It never occurred to me to change to a doctor in the subspecialty.

 

have paroxsymal atypical atrial flutter and have a pacemaker implant with the heartrate set higher than my underlying natural heartrate.

My cardiologist states that he hopes that this pacemaker setting will prevent the rogue heartrate being allowed to step in. I have until recently been free of any instances of irregular heart activity for 5 years - so the logic is undoubtedly sound.

However he states that if atypical flutter does manage to creep in, the pacemaker will close down until sinus rhythm is detected so as to prevent conflict. However following a recent instance of AF the hospital detected that the pacemaker was pacing me whilst in AF.

In addition to the PM I take 5mg Bisoprolol daily and Warfar...

 

I have paroxsymal atypical atrial flutter and have a pacemaker implant with the heartrate set higher than my underlying natural heartrate.

My cardiologist states that he hopes that this pacemaker setting will prevent the rogue heartrate being allowed to step in. I have until recently been free of any instanes of irregular heart activity for 5 years - so the logic is undoubtedly sound.

However he states that if atypical flutter does manage to creep in, the pacemaker will close down until sinus rhythm is detected so as to prevent conflict.

Does anyone else have such a setting on their pacemaker?

 

Thankyou for your explanation of gall bladder surgery.

It sounds awful, as I'd expected.

Going back to see the Liver Guy in mid-August, he'll book it at that time, unless it suddenly gets a whole lot worse.

Too bad he can't use the laproscopy on me, sounds so much easier.


I feel fabulous!

Bionic Beat

 

Want to thank you all for the comments, on pacer/defibr.
Went to my cardio. yesterday & he did a EKG on me, also blood work, don;t know the results of B.W. yet. EKG was fine.
I felt like a drunken person, so lightheaded, felt like I was walking side ways. Awful feeling. Memory is terrible, since I had heart failer, & surgery. Feel a little better today. Thank You All.
Rayan

 

Hi Everyone,

I just got out of the hospital for the second time in a week went in last Tuesday got out on Saturday then went in on Monday and back out yesterday.

Just wondering if it is possible for the leads of my pm could be rubbing on anything to be causing this.

They told me that there is only two causes for this to be coming back alcohol and gallbladder I don't drink and had my gallbladder taken out in 89 so I am puzzled.

Thanks
Denise

 

If you are around I will wait in chat for you Billie

 

All,

You helped me in my crises and now its time for us to pull together. There is a young lady out there who is need of all of our support. Here name on the site is Brooklyn. She has posted a few times and could use if nothing else good whises
for better times. Her life like many over ours has changed dramaticly with her instalation and she is having a very hard time of it right now so if any and all of use could simply say we are here for here and she knows that that there are people out there that do care and will lend an ear it might just make her feel a little better. I suppose this is a type of pay ahead.

Thank You my freinds

Greg

 

anyone know what i can start doing this type of exercise again (6 weeks post implant) plus also wondered if punch bags are safe too ?

 

Hi,new member here.I just had st. jude pm installed 5 days ago I am glad I finally found this site,I kept getting textbook info and I wanted to hear from people exprricing pm placements I just read that some man is getting his 4th pm,scary! I am 74 have a leaky mitral valve with left branch block etc. nice to meet you ,I will enjoy hearing from you and sharing the ups and downs.Hey now that i"m all wired up,when do I get my super powers? lol

 

I'm 33 and getting myself mentally prepared for yet another med change. My EP doc swears this is the last one. If this doesn't work than it's a pacer for me, which I'm at peace with. (I've tried everything, except Amiodarone which I refuse to try because of the side effects.) My EP, who is wonderfully charismatic and skilled has decided not to do the AV Node ablation/pacemaker insertion unless I get a second opinion from another EP. This reassures me that my doc really does care about my wellfare. He just wants to make sure that he's not missing something since ablating my AV node is so final. So during my 3 day hospital stay (4 hours away from my hometown) for Tikosyn, my doc has arranged an EP consult with another doc. This will be the 2...

 

Hi Everyone.

I’m keeping up the tradition that was started a couple of years ago, to post Greetings to member(s) on his/her/their Birthday.
To do that, I need to update the existing list.
If anyone wants to add their name, user name, birth date, ( no year necessary, unless you want to, ) please feel free to do so, I will add it to the list.

Thanks people, keep on pacing.

~ Dominique ~

 

Hi all,

I just wanted to thank those of you that responded to my post regarding my new pacemaker. As I mentioned previously, it's been a difficult adjustment for me and your comments have been really, really helpful.

I mentioned I was getting dizzy after running and a few of you suggested I have my rate response turned off which makes sense to me. It's currently set so that if I'm not exercising, the highest my HR can go is 120. However, I think there's a motion sensor which allows my heart rate to go up to 170 when I'm exercising. Some of you said I should contact my PM rep, but I'm not sure how to go about that. The only contact info I have is for my EP. Should I start there? Also, is there any good reason wh...

 

Hello!

My boyfriend's EP has recommended this model, and he's getting it implanted on Monday. His last two PM's have been St. Jude's, which have been lemons in terms of battery life.

Would love any feedback anyone has on the Medtronic, espcially for a young, active person.

Thank you!

Best,
Katy

 

I have a St Judes pm (not sure what model I got last time) that maxes at 180. I'm currently set to a max of 170 but keep bumping it when I work out. I saw the cardiologist yesterday and he suggested maybe going with a different type next time I get it replaced, one with a higher threshold. So, (if you know) what type do you have and what is the max it can be set at?

 

I must make a decision as to have the pacemaker that I had a battery changeout on Feb 2008 to be replaced with a smaller one, repositioned, leads tucked under and with the pocket to be stitched properly or to leave it alone. As it is now, it floats to under my arm and the lead is poking my skin. I have pain if I sleep on the left side or after exercise. I just don't know what to do.
Any one have any suggestions?

 

I had my pacemaker inserted on June 4....have not been feeling alot better than before it was inserted...had an ecco done last week and have a mild to moderate aortic valve leek...my doctor has not check the settings or done anything with the pacemaker as yet...is this normal...when do they first check them out...any feedback would be so appreciated. vtlaney

 

There is a recall on some difibulator leads that Medtronic used.
They Fracture and can cause shocks or not shock when needed.
My Cardio. Doc has stated I need to have the lead removed and replaced with a new one.
I have asked that the Battery be replaced at this time as they are going to have me opened up anyway.
I have read alot about the procedure and there is posibility of problems but have found very few listed anywhere.
I will be having this done on July 29, 2008. They are thinking of doing another procedure that will fix my AFIB, this would be to go through my grion and use a laser to bun the node that gives signals between the upper chamber and the lower one.
Then the PM will control the heart rate for ...

 

Hi everybody,
Long time no join with this great community. I miss you all.
last June was 1st birthday of maine. Everything going well.
I was busy to do the Coal Terminal Project at Borneo Island.
Now our team making plan to do outing for refreshing. We will play the Pain Ball dan 12km Rafting (Grade 3 for non profesional rafter). Does anyone experienced with those games? What must be prepared before playing the games?

Ela girl, Chatryn B and Smtty how are you?

Best regards,


Gandara
(from Indonesia)

 

check your Private message

 

Hi Guys,

First off I do appreciate everyone's help the last month or so. You guys have been very helpful. I'm still researching and getting 4, 5, opinions before committing to get a PM.

Just another thing came up today when I saw my cardiologist who did the tilt table test. He said that my heart stopped for about 10 - 15 seconds and that I had seizures during this time. Has anyone else out there experienced this? If so, I presume you all have PMs? I'm guessing this is why he's suggesting a PM.

 

The end of this month, I finally going to Seattle to see a Orthopedic Specialist for my left knee. I also found a Malpractice lawyer and after reseach, he stated I have a darn good case against the Doctor who did my left knee replacement in May 07.....

I need this trip not just for my knee but to get away, as yoy all know, my family has been through sever stress with my youngest being diagnosed with sever mental Illness.

Last nite, we had a bad scare, and my blood pressure shoot up to 201/124. Then this morning I woke up looking like te good year blump, due to the CHF. So I need to get away for a few day. My hubby is worried about me flying and not being near him for a few days. but It will be ok. I'...

 

Hey gang! New to the world of PM, Just had installed last Friday. I am 42, in shape but was always tired and winded.Had a tilt table test done on Tues.July 8 and my heart stopped for a full 22 seconds. Now that I have the PM, I have had a severe case of acid reflux. Talked to the cardiologist about it today and all he could suggest is that I developed it all of a sudden magically! I have been on Nexium for sometime, but he put me on Keflex to keep away infection while in the hospital. Then he suggested Mylanta, no help either. Can't sleep or eat without severe pain and blowback. Any suggestions would be great.

 

Hello everyone. How have you all been lately. Its been awhile since Ive been on here. Just finishing up with college almost have my AA degree. I am so excited. Well I have to say this will be my most crazy post ever.
I was watching ghost hunters the other day and randomly heard them talking about Ghost putting off Electromagnetic fields. I was wanting to know if it would be possible for a Ghost to interfere with our pacemakers since we are told to stay away from Electromagnetic fields. Only being random with this post. You don't have to comment if ya don't want to . I was thinking about going on a few Ghost walks with some friends for fun so though id see what you all have to say about it.

...

 

Can you private message me to let me know how you went on 14 July You have been in my thoughts and I have been wondering how things went. Say high to the gang on MSN for me. I miss you all. Billie

 

Does anyone take bata blockers and have a pm?
My Doc. wants me to start taking them so I will become pm depented. I am only using it about 20% of the time but I am having pvc s. Ans they want me to take them I am only 31 and have 3 kids I need to be wide awake all day not sleepy. I feel that this is to much for me.

 

I have recently had a pacemaker implanted and have been out of work going on 2 1/2 months now. I am trying to find out the NFPA's definition of (pacemaker dependant) I have a call in to them presently to try and get an answer, if I can get one I will post it. I was sent for a second opinion from work after my cardiologist released me for full duty. I have been a paid FF for 27 years, I was diagnoised with Hodgkin's disease 22 years ago and have had no problems at work. If & when I can get an answer I will post it.

 

can anyone tell me if its ok to use a cordless (rechargeable)battery operated black and decker grass strimer 18v?

 

It feels like forever without being on here to check in on my great friends. I am officially in the Chicago area now it still seems weird to be here. To all who have prayed for my move thank you it means a lot.
I just wanted y'all to know you are in my thoughts often and I miss talking to a lot of you. I hope things are well and that life is going well.
To all the recent birthday people on the site who I have missed. I hope your special day was great and very blessed. Dominque thank you for keeping up with the birthdays.
Many thoughts to all the new members I have not met. I look forward to getting to know each of you very soon. Until I am more settled in talk to you soon.

Blessings and L...

 

Thank you to all for previous responses to my posts of "replacement battery, and Dr. reaction. I was happy to find this site as I was thinking that perhaps these things were in my mind...however, I know how my body feels is something is askew.

 

I had my consultation after months of not getting answers.
The original surgeon did in fact state that the pacemaker was moving and that there were leads felt through the skin.
He stated he would move the pacemaker/and or replace with a smaller one, rebuild the pocket and place the leads under the pacemaker.
He, of course, gave me the negatives to the procedure.
As I had the replacement done in Feb. 2008, I would be doing this all over again and then some. He did say that the current situation would not affect the functionality of the current pacemaker. However, when I asked further questions about skin erosion from visible leads, more movement and more pain, he stated that would be something that would be monitored.<...

 

Not sure where to post this so I chose Conditions ...

Just a short update: Saturday will be 9 weeks since ICD install and I feel so much better now than I did at week 2 or 3 it is amazing. Last Friday I got to spend an hour with the PM tech and he made some adjustments which got rid of that winded feeling when I went up a flight of stairs.

For those not feeling right - keep learning, asking questions and being a pain. No one else is out there that is going to advocate for you.

Since I joined this club the abbreviations have given me fits, so here is a list that I have collected since joining.
It is not complete. I hope that it is accurate but review and comments welcome.

I will p...

 

My name is quique, I'm from Spain (sorry for my English), I need a pm because after an ablation I have a complete AV block. I used to make lots of sport, mainly climbing and hiking. I don’t know which kind of pm will be better for me, and if I would be able to go over 220 pulse when necessary.

Any idea??

thanks

 

ROB ( radiebold ) is 84 today! July 17, 1924.

So, you're 84 huh? Don't worry, at most retirement communities, you're considered a youngster!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROB! You little whippersnapper!

~ Dominique ~

 

I was wondering if anyone has had the same feeling as I have been getting. I have had my PM for a year and a half and something new has come up. I will be doing my normal daily routine and all of a sudden I'll feel like someone has just given me a shot to make me so tired where I have to lay down and close my eyes. I haven't went all the way out but I was having a hard time driving. I will be sitting at my desk and all of a sudden I can put my head in my hand and fall asleep. Also has any one heard a a censor going bad in the Pm and what happens if it does? Thanks

 

Hi:
I am a new member & would like to know if someone has some answers. I had the device put in 4 weeks ago, but seem to have the same problems. Shortness of breath, dizzy & very tired, headache all the time. I feel worse than I did before I went in. Wanted to add that I was told that I would have a defib. only put in, when I came out I had a pacer/def. and so big. they put athe device right on my collar bone, hurts all the time, especially when sealt belt is on, bend over feels like it will fall out. They can't get my heart beat from the chest area because the device is right there, now I have have another surgery on the 24th of this month,to correct the problem, have a funny feeling about it.I also was told the defb. would be small...

 

Recently I went to Dubai and Egypt. It was the best vacation ever because I was prepared.
Egypt and Dubai have metal detectors everywhere, even to go into the Hard Rock Cafe.

So I took a note from my doctor, had it translated in Arabic and carried it with me everywhere. It was probably the most amazing thing I ever did.

It did suck having to try and explain to a security guard who didn't want to listen but as soon as I handed them the note in Arabic, voila!

So I would recommend that.. Your doctor would be more than happy to do that.

 

Hi All,

I've been reading through your posts and I see this is a very supportive gathering!

Some background info on me. I'm 32 and I had my pacemaker implanted just over 8 years ago for asystole. From early childhood I used to have fainting attacks 3-4 times a year. I was misdiagnosed with epilepsy as a teenager and generally done the rounds with many cardiologists and neurologists in 2 countries (Ireland and the UK). Then a marvellous cardiologist thought she knew what the problem may be, but in order to find out for certain I had to have a reveal device implanted. Sure enough, I fainted, took a reading and there it was.. My heart slowed and stopped for approx. 28 seconds! The duration of the episode in total w...

 

Hello, I am 46 years old and have got one month ago my responsive ELA pacemaker with two leads, after having a complete block (to say, I have an history of successful aortic valve replacement, four years ago; and the appearance of a partial block was also identified with ergometric exercises about two years ago). The implantation procedure was Ok as well as the pacemaker test itself. However, I have a distinct problem with my physical shape. I am much weaker as compared with the pre-block and surgery period, becoming quickly exhausted in a walking. Walking with a small elevation is a problem for me. Sometimes, even a smallest physical effort may result in an unexpected jump of pulse which makes me completely un-functioning (without any pro...

 

Just wanted to express my thanks to all for the many wonderful suggestions and tips regarding Mammograms and PM's. I was concerned with the potential for damage to leads, but feel better in knowing that so many have had it done without incident. I will be sure to show the tech just where the lower margin of the PM is. Wish me luck! Thanks again...Carol

 

March '08 diagnosed with Tachy Brady ... low pulse while running was the start, over the next three weeks ''normal'' pulse declined 30 bpm to surgery.

After 1st month pacing 100% of the time. With first adjustment that went to 50%. A second adjustment to help me get back to running and the pacer remained at 50%.

Now one month later, I'm told i'm pacing at 5% for both upper and lower chambers.

I did not get any explanation from the cardiologist, only the question what had I done differently in the past month?

Is this possible? Or is it more likely his equipment was not functioning correctly?

 

My husband is scheduled for a catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia. His ICD has gone off approximately 5 times in the last three months. Has anyone had this procedure done and if so, what were the results. There will be three EP's in attandance as well as a representative from the mapping company. I am worried sick and would appreciate hearing from anyone who can provide some insight into the procedure. Thank you very much.

 

I have a Guident 2 lead PM, implated in October 2007. Everything had been going very well, until a month ago when I started getting a slight fluttery feeling in my chest with an irregular heart rate. I went to the PM clinic to have it interogated. They told me that nothing was in the event recorder, but that I had over 1200 PACs since my last interogation. They called an EP in to look at the readings, he and the Guident tech were talking, saying something about the impedence being high on one of the leads, when the EP turns to me and asks "Did anyone ever tell you that on of you leads is not working?" I said no, no one ever had, in fact I had been told at my last interogation that I was pacing 100% on the lower lead and 2% on the upper...

 

I have not seen this one yet. Since my pacer implant 2 years ago my right shoulder on the pm side has been sore and stiff. It has not stopped any type of activity but is just uncomfortable. In the last 3 weeks my right hand has had a numb feeling when I sit at the computer or drive. I went to the pm clinic today and had a good 45 minute with the cardiologist and the pm readouts and ekg are all fine. He thinks the pm case could be pushing on a nerve or that scar tissue is causing it. Any comments?

 

Thanks to all of you for your support. I called my cardio's office and talked to the nurse. She said that leads come in all different lengths and what is left after they hook up the pacemaker to it is curled up behind the pacemaker. She said that sometimes they can come uncurled and start moving about. She said for me to watch that area of skin under my arm and if it starts turning red or breaking down before I come into the office next month to come on in but as of now there is no real danger, just the discomfort. She told me to be sure and tell the cardio when I go to my visit. I really don't think I will forget!! Thank you for all of the advice.

Pacie

 

I was just wondering if anyont had experienced rapid weight gain after their implant. I have gained 20 pounds in one month! Granted I could have used a couple extra pounds on me, I never expected to gain that much...Does it ever stop or am I just going to blow up like a baloon? I exercise and eat right, even minimally but it won't seem to go away!

 

Hi Everyone,
Got a pacemaker 2 years ago because my heart rate was dangerously low. Been fine for 2 years...excercising, lost some weight, health has been good (I also have Atrial Fibulation but I rarely feel it and so far it is only 1% of the time).
Recently used a friends blood pressure home device to check my BP and pulse rate. BP always comes up fine but pulse rate is constantly 59,58. My friend said that's good and the the low rate is probably my areobic excercise paying off. However, I have a pacemaker because my heart rate went too low so this may be the result of my medical condition and not a sign of excercise.What bothers me is that the reason I checked it was because I have on occassion felt very slight pre-dizziness w...

 

I have just had some guy called Martin who works at the western general in Edinburgh
who was my ep technician at my last visit refuse for me to be seen as he feels as i have visited clinic 5 times since last October and that there is nothing wrong with my pacemaker that I should be better going to my doctor.I am horrified to think that I have a device inside my body that I cannot get checked until a year from now.Especially as it is a good way of reassuring me when I visit the clinic to check my afib percentage.The guy was patronising and rude and made me fl like a hypocondriac ansd spoke to like i was a child.Surley it is a persons right to be able to have there pacemaker checked .Is there a private way of doing this as i hate to ...

 

Robin, ( littlerob ) is having a Birthday today, July 16, 1951.

I hope your Birthday is a sweet-tasting, wish-making wonderful day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBIN!

~ Dominique ~

 

Stephanie, (sboissonas ) is having a BIRTHDAY today.
July 16, 1974.

I've sent a lucky Birthday star shooting through the skies to you. So, close your eyes..... make a wish..... and may all your Birthday dreams come true.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEPHANIE!

~ Dominique ~

 

Copied from "Medscape".

CT Scans May Cause Medical Device Malfunctions

Yael Waknine
Information from Industry
Assess clinically focused product information on Medscape.

July 15, 2008 — Direct X-ray exposure from computed tomography (CT) may cause some implanted and external electronic medical devices to malfunction, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned yesterday in a preliminary public health notification.

"We are continuing to investigate this issue while working with device manufacturers and raising awareness in the healthcare community," according to the FDA. "To date, no patient deaths have been reported from CT scanning of implanted or externally worn electronic med...