Most Recent Messages

response to CathrynB

I am a new "pacer" as of 11-7-07 and I also have discomfort that seeems to be increasing over the incision site especially when I am wearing my seatbelt. I did purchase the seatbelt adapter but it does not seem to help. I have also tried the sheepskin covers and they work somewhat but not after a long period of driving. Any suggestions? Is it too soon for me to start using the massage therapy suggested by CathrynB? Thanks for any info.


Read More...

Pain

Hi everyone, I am new to the site I found it looking up pain after pm surgery. I had a replacement on Jan. 3, 08 not wires just pm everything looks fine with the incision but the last 3 days I have been getting this pain in that general area and in my breast area in the same location. Now this pain goes from being faint to like a sharp pain it is very uncomfortable and I wasn't sure if I should be concerned. Has anyone else had this happen to them? Thanks, Roxanne

Read More...

I'm Implanted! - Day 1

Finally! I had a Medtronics Adapata (RDL model with larger battery-dual chamber paced at 60-104) implanted yesterday. I want to thank everyone here for their support and encouragement. My situation was a problem with exercise (sometimes just plain exertion of any kind) intolerance which led to a lower heartbeat. My real problems started after exercise when I would experience real brady. I also had started experiencing elevated BP (150/100) range.

I got the 2 month sentence (lol). I d...

Read More...

re: discomfort will go away for most

Vicki, and others - I would love to come to the place where I don't know my pacemaker is there most times. Actually, I don't usually feel my pacemaker. It's the incision and pacemaker leads I am having pain from. I'm an elementary school music teacher and pianist. My normal day includes doing things from "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" with kindergartners, to conducting string orchestra, to playing piano accompaniments for various school, church, and other ensembles. At the end of a serv...

Read More...

ICD lead fracture/symptoms?

Hello ICD friends, is there anyone out there who's experienced a lead fracture from his/her ICD before? Either ventricular or atrial lead fracture. Because mine is under recall and am PM dependent (due to no escape rhythm) I'm quite concerned lately and getting rather depressed and morose. If you have had a fracture, what were your symptoms and how soon did you find out before something was done for you? Was it an emergency when your symptoms were felt, and did you get enough time to get help? I...

Read More...

Neurocardiogenic Syncope and VasoVagel Syncope pacer setting.

I have been troubled lately seeing all of the posts from our members who have VVS or NCS. The theme lately is I now have a PM but I feel terrible. I am still getting dizzy and still passing out or blacking out. Seems as though the pacer is not helping. I have seen many of these posts during the last few weeks. I have tried helping by mentioning what my EP did for me in fixing my problem with this malady. It has been hard to tell each one and based on all that are writing in there must be many mo...

Read More...

Change in base setting affecting sleep?

I would love to hear from those of you that have had your base setting turned up. My son is almost 18 months old and has a pacemaker. Because of his young age, he cannot tell me what is going on. He has an EnPulse dual chamber, rate responsive Medtronic pacemaker. However, the atrial lead is fractured, so he is only being paced ventricularly (sp?) and it is set to motion. A very young child functions a bit differently than an adult b/c he doesn't engage in any sustained aerobic activity and...

Read More...

Funny or Not, It was Justice On The Spot

The following is from a story in the AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN on 1-11-08 By Claire Osborn

Defibrillator jolt scared off attacker.

A 60-year-old woman's cardiac defibrillator saved her from being sexually assaulted, according to an arrest warrant
released by the Austin Police Department.

When the North Austin woman awoke in her bed, a teenage boy was tying some thing around her neck and hands, saying,"You know you want it; just let me do it," according to...

Read More...

Movie night

Hello everyone,
I have just returned from seeing a movie that opened tonight. The title was "THE BUCKET LIST" It is a wonderful story about 2 men who become friends. I shall not tell you any more than that. It was a fantastic story and my hubby and I were both teary eyed. It was the first time in a long time that I could sit in a warm dark theatre and not fall asleep from being so tired. It was great and then we stopped for an ice cream cone. It has been truly a very nice day.
...

Read More...

pain in my arm and armpit

Hi everyone
Its been a few weeks now since my pacer was put in (dec18) i have still been having lots of pain in my shoulder and down my arm its not a constant pain , when it hits it hits very hard and hurts so bad , almost like a burning pain , i was wondering if anyone might know if that could be angina? i have talked to the nurse about at the doctors but she just dismises it at pain from the procedure. Im worried something else could be going on with my heart? On the brighter side i...

Read More...

Anxiety

Anxiety is an enemy to our lives. It has no care how old you are or when it decides to invade your mind and body. It will meet you in the supermarket. It's time of attacks will come in your quietest moments. It has a way of disrupting our will to have the peace of mind we all deserve. It will rob you of your happiness. It begins to attack your body more and more as the thoughts of doom is in scripted in your mind. It's been said that anxiety can brings you to a world of uncontrolled physical bre...

Read More...

Site is wonderful

I'm new to this site. Had a dual lead PM implanted a little over a month ago. I'm so glad I ran across this site because I was able to get some insight into the life of a PM'er before I got my own. It is comforting to know that there's a place to go for info and support.

Read More...

bradycardia

I posted awhile backBack pain - low
Back strain treatment about my current situation. Well, I have decide to go to the Mayo Clinic. My symptoms over the past couple of months have gotten alittle more narrowed and focused. I don't have the bucket of symptoms that I did before. However, I am experiencing daily:

HeartCongenital heart disease
Cor pulmonale
Coronary heart disease
Cyanotic heart disease
Depression and heart disease
Heart attack
Heart...

Read More...

Bradycardia

Sorry! I have been doing research on the internet. I have no idea why my posting got all disjointed. NO, I am not experiencing all of those symptoms. HAHA!

My questions for anyone that can help:
Has anyone gone to the Mayo for arrhythmia issues and how was your experience?
When seeking an another opinion, what kind of questions did you ask that were very important to you?

Again, I apologize for the prior posting.

Read More...

Doing better!

Well thanks to everyone who has been asking about me! Im doing ALOT better! I have pain, more then I thought I would but I called the doc and I have an apt. on Monday. He thinks I may have some kind of infection. I have been having alot of pain in my right chest and neck. (pm is on left) I thought maybe it was from the av node ablation but he said it shouldnt be.

I know I have told you guys thanks a million times but really you have helped more then you know. I wasnt in shock about a...

Read More...

Left arm pain

I got my PM in June of 2007. My left arm when I reach back or lean to side to reach something I get a very sharp pain that feels deep and goes down to right above my elbow. My PM site does not hurt but I have never had this pain in my life before. Usually the pain I have in my left arm is angina type. Not even close to that. I can lift things in front of me and I have no pain at all. If happens so often now and the pain is more intense I wonder what the heck it is. I need some help? It has been...

Read More...

Successful PM fitted 24 hours ago...

Guys, I am now home from having my first dual chamber PM. Sore and resting, will check back soon. Gary

Read More...

Panic

I've posted previously on difficulties with anxiety (I had thought that a panic attack may have been responsible for an episode of arrythmia I suffered). Now I believe there were several factors at work, but I cannot get rid of the anxiety that it can happen any time. I have been having extreme anxiety every time I leave the house---especially alone---which is immensely inconvenient. I am a very independent person (I love to see movies by myself, spend a lot of time walking alone, etc.) and I ca...

Read More...

SEP

Does anyone here go to Uva SEP or know someone who does? SEP means Summer Enrichment Program and Uva is University of Virginia. I went last year and am applying this year. It is soooooo much fun!

Read More...

Clueless

I am a 35 year old male I got my icd Jan.4 2007 I was active duty in the army. I was forced to med retire out. now i cant do the old jobs before military. i am not quit sure of the jobs i can do does anyone have a clue

Read More...

You know you're wired when...

The mortgage on your device is more than your house.

Member Quotes

I'm 44, active and have had my device for two years. I love it as I can run again and enjoy working out without feeling like I'm an old man.