living with RA and a PM

Hello!

I am new to this board as of yesterday. I had a pacemaker put in last Friday. I als have RA for most of my life~I am in my 50's. Finally solved the problem after two years of looking, tests, and Drs. I am glad to have an answer to why I felt so miserable after surgery in 2007. I was supposed to feel good not passing out, lightheaded, dizzy and rejecting RA meds etc...

My question is I have RA and a pacemaker, what are some options to safely treat RA? My right hip is in serious pain and am scheduled for some x rays in July plus a new rheumy with more experience than the last one. I am hoping cortisone shots will help, but if not I will have to start thinking on how to solve it. I currently do not take anything except 4 mg. of prednisone for the RA.

I am active, ride bike to stay in shape, and am open to suggestions...
Thanks so very much and am glad I found all of you so soon!
Sami Jo

4 Comments

Living With A Pacemaker

by SMITTY - 2009-06-20 09:06:49

Hello Sami Jo,

Welcome to the Pacemaker Club.

I am guessing the RA you refer to is rheumatoid arthritis and if so there should be no connection between your pacemaker and treatments for RA. The only exception I can think of is if the doctors ever want you to have a MRI to check on the progress of the RA, you can't have that. Cat scans, X-rays and the like should be no problem. Currently, people with pacemakers have to avoid any devices that use strong magnets, or create a strong electro magnetic field. Other than that I know of no medicines or treatment for RA that would have an adverse effect your pacemaker.

I've had my PM for 9 years and during that time I had several cat scans, numerous X-rays and periodic cortisone injections for back pain and none have bothered my PM. Come to think of it, I've never had anything effect my PM. As a result of my experience, I have reached the conclusion that a PM is not as fragile as we are often led to believe.

Good luck

Smitty

Me too

by sputnick - 2009-06-21 07:06:34

I also have Rh. A. I have had it since I was 17 and am now 56. I can't think of any difficulties with either meds (I take Meloxicam, an Nsaid), but check with your rheumatologist. The only link btween having heart issues and Rh. A I know of was when my G.P mentioned that the disease could possibly cause nodules to form in your heart and that could cause heartblock, but I want to check that out with my cardiologist when i see him in Sept. I had read a long time ago that as well as attacking your joints, it can also affect your oter organs in rare circumstances, but bcos I have always felt pretty well until recently, I never did too much research on it.
I can't see any problems if you need any op's but best to discuss it with your new rheumy.
All the best Jan

Just saying Hi!

by Hot Heart - 2009-06-21 09:06:47

Sorry I dont know anything about your condition, but i wonder if swimming would help with the pain and the stiffness that you probably get from RA. Hope things go well for you!

HH

RA and a PM

by Sami Jo - 2009-06-21 11:06:05

Yup RA is rheumatoid arthritis and a very probably cause for the need for a pacemaker. I am hoping to solve my hip dilemma very soon too. Thanks for the input and have lots of questions for first appt. on Tuesday. I do feel a whole lot better than I did, so am hoping for better days ahead! The last two years were to say the least very frustrating. I even had to quit teaching first grade :0(. Just didn't have the energy to function without passing out. Not a good role model for 6 and 7 year olds, lol.

Happy thoughts and Happy Father's Day!

You know you're wired when...

You take technology to heart.

Member Quotes

I'm 43 and have had my pacemaker four weeks today. I'm looking forward to living another 50 years and this marvelous device inside me will help me do that.