Most Recent Messages

Pacemaker check ok, however

Received a bi-ventricular pacer in September of 2007. Reason was I had developed fatigue and breathlessness so extreme that I couldn't walk 10 yards without having to stop and rest. Quite debilitating to say the least. Electrophysiologist determined that I had developed congestive failure secondary to right ventricular decompensation.
I have done fairly well on this new device until recently...I now seem to be developing what, I can only describe as, surges in the 2nd or 3rd intercostal sp...

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Metoprolol 50mg

Hi everyone :)
Just some quick questions
what is this medicine? is or has anyone been taking this?
if you are or have what kind of side effects are you having if any
and do the side effects ever go away?
I may have to take this.... so could you post for me
Thank you once again :)
Blessings
breezy

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Just had my PM implanted 2 days ago

So I just had my PM implanted 2 days ago, and I am feeling a variety of things, excited that I may finaly havea normal life again, overwhelmed, I have 2 lil ones that are not cooperating and hubby works a lot and i am in pain, I have lots of questions, no answers, scared, uhmm lots of things. I was diagnosed with bradycardia back in June, but my card. seems to think I have had this probelm for a few yrs. I would drop down to the low 40's even 30's at times, pass out in strange places, very lat...

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wire extractions

Does anyone have any experience with pacemaker wire extractions. I am pacemaker dependent and currently have 5 leads inplanted with a fractrued atrial lead which needs to be replaced. Due to crowding in the superior vena cava, before the doctors can replace the broken atrial lead I need to have some of the older leads removed. I think this may be a relatively newer procedure and I fear complications. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

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new pain

My PM went in on the 23rd. It will be 3 weeks on Tuesday. I am having some pretty intense pain on the inside where the leads attach to the PM. I am farely thin & you can see the bumps where they attach. It is a constant 3 on the pain scale that jumps to a 6 or a 7 when I move sometimes or when it is bumped. There is no swelling, redness, pus, or anything that would show signs of infection. It is just very tender on the inside, and only on the edge where the leads attach to the PM, the rest of it...

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How often is the 'norm' for a pacemaker test?

I have not been for a pacemaker test for nearly twelve months, I am having one in May, but I have had several 'episodes' of rapid heartbeat and weakness over the year which will probably not be recorded.
I am not on any medication, apart from half aspirin every other day.

I had my pacemaker January 2008, I do not see a cardiologist anymore so wondered if anything was not quite right how would I know !!!

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Medical cards

I recently had a pacemaker and got my medical card to carry around with me, the ony thing is it's a peice of paper with a bit of information on it folded up and shoved in a plastic wallet. How is that something that I can take seriousley? Has anyone else from the UK had thus issue?

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Question for the ladies only

I normally wear my shoulder bag on my left side, straps on my left shoulder. After your pm's did you switch the side you wore your handbag on? I am almost 3 weeks post surgery and didn't know if it was safe to carry the weight of the handbag on that side.

Yes, I know I will clean it out and get rid of the extra weight. lol!

Thanks

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one yea later

At age 69 I could walk on my hands 50yds (I was a gymnst), after the operation (ICD and pace) I started back in two weeks and had to have a wire replaced. O.K. now I can stand on my hands, but not yet walk. The operation I was told by my Dr. was optional, but I would live longer. I could always hear my heartbeat in my ear and it was ierreguylar; diagnosed as an enlarged ventrical, so I had it done and am now amazed at my heart's regularity. I used to walk/run a mile every daty, but moved aw...

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Guidant Class Action

Since getting my 2nd letter about the Guidant class action I am really concerned.My model of pacemaker is listed and I wonder what happens if my pacemaker fails as they say it could. Apparently it can be very serious for the patient.Does anyone have any thoughts on this if you also have a Guidant pacemaker.

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pm vs microphone

those wif pm shouldn't go near to a mic? is that true? wat could happen?

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Removal of Icd

Anyone here had their Icd removed. I just went through 3 surgeries. The Vascular Surgeon said he goofed and thought it was funny and he's on the top 10 of Florida.
Yes my wife filed a lawsuit. When fixing a loose lead he did not connect the other lead properly which also let to stripping the icd which had just been replaced a few months ago.
I want it removed as soon as my heart is strong enough but my heart was weak when it was first put it. I don't have high cholesterol or hypertensi...

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average # of years post implant

Has anyone researched the average # of years patients live post surgical implant? Tried to access via the net and so far see between 3 to 8 years average for defib's.
Is there anyone out there that has a defib who has survived past 10 years? thanks M

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Anyone had a PM implanted on Medicaid?

I have applied for Medicaid and I am under the care of a cardiologist for bradycardia. I recently switched to a new cardio and who is doing testing to determine my need for a PM. We briefly discussed my need for one it at my initial visit to his office based on my files from another office.

If I am approved for Medicaid, I am hoping that this will enable me to become an "official club member" who sports a pace maker. I'd like to know if any members have gotten their PM's while on Medi...

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NCP

It has been quite some time since I have been on this site. I am so discouraged to know that there is nothing that can help. I have a metronic pacemaker and have so many heart rate drops (it drops 40-50 beats in a second) I have what I call them "my spells" every 4-5 weeks when these severe drops occur. I am extremely tired 2 days before and have mild drops (get sweaty and slightly lightheaded) . They severe "spells" start in the early morning (3-4 am) once they start they continue to occur e...

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It's great!

I've found a great product to reduce the look of my scar! It's called bio oil and it's great! The redness of my scar is fading quick and it's only been 2 1/2 months! I seriousley reccomend it!

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Coping, A little better today

Hi, I wanted to share with you that I am feeling a little better today about my incision. It has not changed any, but I am trying to look at the brighter side of things. I have a fantastic husband and he is very understanding. I can see how much he loves me, but I can also see that the entire pacemaker ordeal has changed us. He is so thankful that I am alive and in other areas doing well.

This winter has been very hard on me I have been sick since January and I have been hospitalized...

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Constanly on Guard

Greetings fellow Cyborgs

I have not posted in quite a while. As I moved from Buffalo, NY
to Brooksville, FL and was without internet access.

My latest PM was implanted on 10/9/2010 and it now has been relegated to the background.

What I mean is that it is not felt or thought about by me except in rare instances.

How ever I must always be on guard. Recently I went to the VA
hospital for a hearing loss check and the Audiologist scheduled me...

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highblood pressure

hello before my pacemaker ,implant in 2007 i was a normal guy,im barelly 29 ,question does me heart or device have to do ,before i was ok now since this i have high blood pressure why ?i had a block type 2 ,what ever that means .question the ultrasound tech he dint know my history when he was scanning my heart he goes do you have high blood pressure i said yes ,he saids i can tell .question what did he saw ? he dint tell me,please answer all questions if you can thanks club. god bless

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Daylight Saving Time

Get a good nights sleep tonight. Tomorrow night you will have to get up at 2:00AM and set your clock to 3:00AM.

DON'T FORGET TO RESET YOUR PACERS TIME!! (:

frank

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You know you're wired when...

You have a $50,000 chest.

Member Quotes

I am very happy with mine. I am in the best shape of my life. I lift weights, compete, bike, golf and swim.