Most Recent Messages

Interference

Four years ago I was told I needed a pacemaker. I got a second opinion from a rhythm clinic at a hospital where my husband was a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon. They said I didn't need one. Ten days ago I was implanted with a Boston Scientific for Sick Sinus Syndrome in Costa Rica where I live. I am extremely grateful for the information on this sight. Sometimes things get lost in translation. I have a lap pool with a saline chlorination system that uses electrolysis which is a sourc...

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Calcium in PM pocket

Someone posted a message here a week or so ago with a question regarding a lot of calcium his doctor was pulling-out of the pocket with his fingers during his device replacement. I responded that I never heard of such a thing and thought maybe it was a problem with his device that caused it, but that I really had no clue. I looked for that post so I could update my response, but it is gone. So hopefully he will see this.

So guess what? I am laying on the table during my 1st procedu...

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CRT-D and shoulder range of motion?

So I am just throwing this out there as a question.  Has anyone experienced decreases in range of motion in their shoulder or shoulder and back pain on the same side as their CRT-D?  I have had some serious left sided shoulder and back pain with decreased range of motion the last couple years despite exercising.  At first I thought it was posture etc but I am starting to wonder if it's related to the location of my CRT-D.  I am going to ask my EP about this but I am no...

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Defibrillator activation

My pacemaker was placed Aug 2023. It is a Medtronic CRT-D. 
Last Wednesday I was getting on my exercise mat to do morning stretches. Just got on my back when I experienced a shock which I initially thought was my demise! What a feeling. 
As recommended by my ep doc we called 911 and got transported to the local hospital. After several tests, ecg, xray, bloodwork etc. they checked my pacemaker memory and determined that the defib was triggered by ventricular tachycardia.&nb...

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Ear Buds

I need earbuds that will not interfere with my pacemaker! Had to return the power beats pro by apple. They messed with my pacemaker!! Any suggestions on a brand??

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Optimised AV Delay

Hi, I'm almost six weeks post implantation, had my post surgery follow-up at five weeks and I'm back for a pacing check in three months. I'm currently v-pacing a high percentage of the time and I'd like to know know if I should be requesting any specific tests at my pacing check.

In my five week follow up I mentioned my programmed av delay (250) might be one reason for excessive pacing, so my cardiologist (with guidance from the Medtronic rep) extended it out to 350 pace...

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I am back with gratitude for all the thoughts and prayers

I am overwhelmed by all the well wishes, thoughts and prayers that I received from all of the kind people here! I am filled with gratitude. Thank you! It made me feel so much better after a difficult experience. For all those that don’t want to read the following long book that I wrote, I understand and apologize. The bottom line is; I am doing fine and expect to continue feeling good into the future. However, after 3 days in the hospital I only have a new simple dual chamber...

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High heart rate after implantation

Hello everyone!

I have been reading so many posts on this forum since I found out I would need an implant about three weeks ago for sick sinus syndrome. Implant was placed on March 4th. I have been recovering at home but have experienced some issues. Since the surgery my heart rate has been much higher than before the surgery. About 15 beats across the board higher for sleeping/sitting/standing/walking. I went back to the cardiologist yesterday and my heart rate was 115 sitting and my B...

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Quick question, side effect of Coreg? Carvedilol?

A lot of you know I've been taking the 25mg twice daily Carvedilol/Coreg for two weeks now. I noticed with the previous dose that I'm getting blurred vision a lot. Now with the bigger doseage, it's really irritating. I have to take my glasses off because my vision is no better with them on. Will I eventually adjust to this side effect? Or will I end up taking less Carvedilol? Yes, I did send a message to my doctor, but he hasn't responded yet. 

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Having hard time logging in

Maybe it's just me. But the "app" I've always used and never had issues with - all of a sudden won't work without a considerable amount of tinkering with. This is just on my iPhone. 
Haven't tried my computer.  Will do that tomorrow.  
Any one else experience this.  

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Curiosity Question to all

I'm curious about how others "got" their device.  Was it something that was planned in advance as part of an overall tx outline or was it something that was required on an urgent basis secondary to a health crisis?  

I'm in the former category as I've been working towards my CRT-P for about a year now.

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pacemaker/stove top

Question.   I have to replace my stove top.    I also have a pacemaker.   I would like to have an induction stoptop installed.  Will it interfere with my pacemaker?

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Afib Catheter Ablation

Hello, question for those who undergone Catheter Ablation for Afib. Was the proceedure successful?Complications? Recovery time? Thank you!

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Metoprolol Succinate and Lopressor for Class IIB HFrEF

My cardiologist started me on very low doeses of both of these meds over the last six months as we began testing to determine if I was a candidate for CRT-P.  I understand that the meds are primarily preventative in my case but that they are still important.  I've been told that I will need to continue them even after CRT-P placement on May 1.  My issues are the side effects are really interferring with my personal quality of life - such as: weight gain, strugglin...

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Palpitations post Covid

I came down with Covid the second week of February. Looking back, the first symptom was a fast heartrate. It felt so strange, I grabbed my little pulse/ox meter. O2 95, HR 100. I'm pacemaker dependent, so a resting HR of 100 gets my attention. It stayed elevated about a minute then went back to the set minimum of 70. The same thing happened 3-4 times over the next several hours.

I woke the next morning definitely feeling unwell, took a Covid test and was positive. I was given Paxlov...

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Good Dog

Hello 👋🏻 

wish you all the best in recovery-healing ❤️ 

can't wait to hear from you  🔜 

but meanwhile just heal ❤️ 

Michelle 

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Fitness

Approx 3 months ago I began to exercise again after a very long period of problems with my pacing settings that made exercise very difficult and pretty daunting.  

Initially I over did it and this resulted in about 48 hrs with exhaustion and a worn feeling in my chest that concerned me.  On medical advice I calmed down and just walked instead. Walking is now going well after several months and although I’m still not great going uphills, my stamina is very much impro...

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Good Dog

Thinking of you today, Dave! Prayers it all goes well. 

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Rate response

A while back I posted about how happy I was with my PM settings.  I was getting really good response to my needs for higher HR during exercise.  Of late it hasn't been as good.   I think I've noticed though that wearing hard soled hiking shoes gets my HR up more than my running shoes which have a soft minimalist heel.  Is the PM responding to vibration from heel strike on the ground? 

Am I on to something or out to lunch? 

Thanks friends,...

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power recliner with massage

Will massage functions on a power lift assist recliner mess with the pacemaker?

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I am a 58 year old woman, race cars, ski at 13,000+ feet, work out daily, have become a second-degree black-belt in Karate, run a business - no limitations.