Thankyou.....

Thankyou to the folks who responded to my "Big Mess??" post.

I did call back and spoke with the fellow in charge of the clinic.

He had my chart, told me that they "don't usually" put anyones' pacemaker to 140, they've written "at my insistence" in my chart and then he explained how "to get more out of your pacemaker".

Apparently, my stair problems, walking problems, etc. can be handled by using "arm movements" to let the pacemaker know that I'm moving about. It sense arm movements long NOT leg movements.....why don't they tell you this at implant time?

He suggests "arm movements" before going on a walk, cause I can't get around the block with my dogs. To keep swinging my arm while walking.....the reverse when watching tv, keep my arms still.
I thought that was a silly comment, til I watched tv and was aware of how much I lift a cuppa, pick up and put down the paper etc.

He also told me that a pacemaker takes a lot longer to slow down, so that I might feel (and do) a bit tachycardic but it's the higher setting.

The *only* thing she changed was the upper heart rate, he doesn't think it's dangerous between now and my Aug. 20 appointment, says to try it and if I don't like it, they'll change it then.
They'll also have a record of how it affects me, to help with the decision-making.

Apparently, they prefer to keep pacemakers at 125 or 130 tops and that's why she was asking for advice and checking the "handbook".

The other patients that I've seen there, seem to be older and many are in wheelchairs.

I was sooo happy when this was first done but dragging an anchor has pulled me down a lot.

Hope I feel fabulous again, soon.

Thankyou very much for your support, you're all sooo wonderful.

My Hubby says to thank you too, he was getting all concerned again after our nightmare-ish last year.

Hugs to everyone.

Bionic Beat



2 Comments

What great news!

by tcrabtree85 - 2008-08-01 10:08:09

I am glad you got in contact with the office. Please keep us updated on how you are feeling. Take care and know your in my prayers!

Tammy

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by Tracey_E - 2008-08-02 03:08:30

"The other patients that I've seen there, seem to be older and many are in wheelchairs."
I know what you mean! I live in a retirement mecca and feel like the only non-retiree in the waiting room. 130 is fine for them but for someone active, it may not be enough. I don't think it's that they don't like to go higher, it's just that most people don't have a reason to. They started mine at 130, a few months later bumped it up to 140. That worked out fine through three batteries. In the last six months I started maxing out when I work out so now I'm at 170. It's rare to be set that high, but they assured me it's not dangerous. Btw, they didn't move it to 170 at once. They did it in increments of 10 and I'd go to the gym and try it out.

You know you're wired when...

You are always wired and full of energy.

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As for my pacemaker (almost 7 years old) I like to think of it in the terms of the old Timex commercial - takes a licking and keeps on ticking.