Most Recent Messages in General Posting

Post Message!

EJECTION FRACTION

I have had a pacemaker since I was 38, now 69. I have had 3 pacemakers and now 3 ICD, due to a v tach 10 years ago. I had a echo done in May this year, my ef was 43, had one last week 37. Iam now scheduled to have bi-ventricular on installed. Dr. said it was caused by having a pm for a long time, I am dependent. I am worried about all of this, should I be? Anyone else similar problem? What to expect

 

Thank you

Read More...

Pacemaker

I had a pace and ablate done last December, but a side effect is heart failure.  I have been given furosemide 40mg and amiloride 5mg. and told to reduce my fluids and increase the fursomide to 80mg if needed. Although I am doing this and my breathlessness is less I am no better than when I started two years ago.  The damage done to the muscle in the left ventricle from high bloodpressure means that it is thickend and is not pumping efficiently.  Do accept what I have or is it w...

Read More...

New member

 Hello.  I'm a new member who received my pacemaker unexpectedly 6 days ago.  I have sutures that I know I can't get wet.  I don't see the specialist  until the 28th.  Have been taking sponge baths but not sure how to wash my hair.  Any suggestions? 

Read More...

Is it normal?

Is it normal to feel little electric shocks every now and then? Will I get used to it. It's still a little alarming.

Read More...

Apple Watch Series 4 EKG technology recognizes pacing!

I wanted to share some interesting news. A few months ago Apple released it's EKG feature on it's series 4 watch. This feature consists of single lead EKG capabilities. Both myself and my electrophysiologist have been amazed with how advanced this technology has been. Since recieveing my ppm I realized this watch can pick up on both atrial and ventricular pacing spikes. It's helped me correlate my symptoms to my new pacer. I was able to figure out I was feeling "deep palpitat...

Read More...

CareLink Heart server down for maintenance

First, let me say how absolutely reassuring and supportive it's been to find this group. I'm almost 3 weeks from an afternoon visit (not urgent on my part) to my regular clinic doctor to discuss a slight lightheaded feeling at the top of stairs I thought was stress-related. Low heart rate was there too (&, in hindsight, maybe I wasn't feeling 100% but everyone has non-100% times, right?) but I could barely believe, after a quick EKG, that he (correctly) diagnose...

Read More...

Medtronic Class I recall for dual chamber PM's

https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ListofRecalls/ucm631470.htm 

If you have not yet been notified by your physicians, contact your doctors if you have one of these devices. 

Grateful Heart

Read More...

Pacemaker and wearable

Hello,

    I would like to buya Xiaomi Mi band 2 and I am wondering if there is any complication with my pacemaker. 

Read More...

Pacemaker optimization

It's official: Prior to PM optimization, LVEF = 15 - 20%.   Post optimization: 35-40%. That's what optimization will do for one!

--Dave--

Read More...

Pm leads

I had my pm fitted 3 weeks ago and was told to take it easy with no excessive shoulder movements etc. I think I've succeeded on the whole, but how would I know if I have pulled a lead out of place?

Read More...

Help! Multiple perforations/multiple revisions/recurrent left sided muscle twitching with palps

Ok so I will try to make this brief. Medtronic pacer placed in 2011 perforated within 24 hours. Lead revised. 2016 small voltage setting change lead perforated again. Leads and generator replaced. 2018 small voltage change again and again perforation. Entire device including leads replaced May 2018. After all this having multiple episodes of left chest twitching with associated palp causing nausea and left sided pain. At 11:53 every night strong chest twitching. I’m sure this is pa...

Read More...

Pm pain in winter

I’m 10 months out from having my pm implanted. This is my first winter in Canada with my pm and I have noticed an aching around/ in my pacemaker during extremely cold days (  -20 degrees Celsius and below). It’s a dull ache but definitely noticeable. Wondering if anyone else has noticed this with theirs. When the weather warms up the discomfort goes away but returns when temps drops again. 

 

Read More...

itching

I got the PM on thanksgiving 2018 and had a lead revision 8 weeks later.  I itch all the time now.  The first time around, I attributed it to the steri-strips but my EP did not use them the second time and I still itch!  Tops of the shoulders, a bit around the PM wound, my upper and mid back.  I try not to scratch but it's really bad!  Has anyone else had this and could it be a reaction to having a foreign body?  I've been using CeraVe that my dermatologi...

Read More...

Dilemma Revisited

A snowstorm is coming to the North East US.  So tomorrow there will be snowmen cropping up all over town.

So I am going to build a snowman.  My dilemma is.....what do I use for the PM on my snowman? I don't have a spare.

Any suggestions?

Grateful Heart

Read More...

Electric Recliner

Hi.   I've just bought new furniture. I had manual recliners but have upgraded to electric motor recliners with USB port for charging mobile phone in armrest. Never even considered any effects on my pacemaker device. Anyone advice on problems i may have to look out for. Just goes to show how you can completely forget you have a device. 🤔

Read More...

THEME PARK RIDES

I know these questions have been asked before but hubby has ICD and we are so excited to be visiting Florida in April with the grandchildren and wondered if best avoid a couple of the rides(Big Thunder Mountain and Terror Tower).?Also staying at one of the Disney hotels where you have magic bands-is it advisable to not wear one of them with an ICD?Any comments appreciated.

Read More...

How do I get it back??

I got my pacemaker replace last year, I had a Medtronic one. I had to replace it because the battery was low and it's been 10 years. I asked the doctor if I can keep the old one, they said no cause they have to use it for testing. It's been a year do you think if I asked they would let me have it now?? 

 

Thanks youu

Read More...

Edema

Hi all, 

A question about edema. I recently took off a pair of socks That left a really deep indentation in my lower left calf. Now I know that socks leave indentations but this one freaked me out. It was super deep (thugh not painful) and lasted for a really long time. The thing is, my feet and ankles are not swollen at all and when I did the thumb test it didn't leave an indentation. But when I tried a pen cap or anything hard, it leaves a deep indentation that last a long ti...

Read More...

February is Heart Month.

There are many ways to celebrate heart month.  For example, 

- walk more
- join the gym
- eat healthier
- wear red
- donate to yout local heart association

Share how you're celebrating Heart Month.

Read More...

Arm Sling

What is the proper orientation of my arm in the sling? Horizontal or hand rasised to just below opposite shoulder?

Read More...

You know you're wired when...

You participate in the Pacer Olympics.

Member Quotes

It's much better to live with a pacemaker than to risk your life without one.