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had pacemaker defib less than 90 days

after kidney stone operation 2 meds caused massive heart attack and death revived and one stint 3 strokes next 30 days all in 2007. 2008 brought blackouts and seizures and 20 hospital stays, chemically coated stint became 65% blocked with scar tissue and seizures on cath table stopped repairs. 2009 brought more blackouts and seizures finally given amiodorne and controlled them long enough to get new stints 3 of them oct.2009 then nov.2009 pacemaker/defib. Questions: since implant much pain at...

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Overseas Travel

Hi All,

I had my pacemaker fitted almost 7 weeks ago. Before this I had been planning a trip to Vietnam 2010 - Nothing booked so far... Being new to all of this I am a little apprehensive about travelling abroad and passing through airport security, not only due to the magnetic metal detectors, but the airport security staff handling the situation in the correct manner (language barrier difficulties).

I have searched this site already, but not found anything specific to wh...

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Pacemaker and Angina

Hi, I haven't been on for a while and wish everyone a very healthy new Year. I have a question, has anyone experienced having a pacemaker and then having Angina. My pacemaker works very well and I exercise , walk the dog a mile daily, watch my diet etc but have bouts of Angina treated with Nitro and Calcium Channel blockers. Would appreciate a reply from anyone with similar symptoms.
Thanks Muff.

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Ablation time

Well, I have had an eventful last two weeks. I have been to the ER twice due to passing out at work for a-fib and passed out again two days after last ER visit. Saw my doctor yesterday, and he has scheduled me for my first ablation procedure on the 18th. I am a bit nervous due to the fact that my heart didn't react normally during the EP study, but I am a little hopeful. God knows something needs to change, I can't keep living like this passing out multiple times a week.

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Pacer replacement

Well, its final. I have a voice mail from the cardiologist office that he wants to replace the pacer next Thurs. That's the day he does checkups and has the Medtronics tech in town. I'm glad he is doing it now. It is getting close on batteries and it affects plans for being out of town. I don't intend to have anything other than a local anesthesia so its no big deal. I was looking at some of my notes from when I had the original put in and I went for a 1/2 mile walk when I got home from the hosp...

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Juvenile Diabetic with active lifestlye

I’m 28 years old and have a VERY active lifestyle. I am also a Juvenile Diabetic (26yrs) and have an insulin pump. I have been diagnosed with sick sinus syndrome and have bradycardia mostly at night when I sleep. My cardiologist recommends that I get a pacemaker. I am pretty much ok with the idea. I already have the pump so I’m not really phased by having another electronic device hooked to me. I came on this site when I first found out that I needed a PM and was relived to see so many ac...

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Medical ID Bracelet

Hi all :) Well I thought I would just share that I got my new Medical ID Bracelet today
and I love it....I don't know if I can say where I got it....but um maybe you would like to check laurenshope.com...
I got a nice white fiber optic bracelet..and it looks very nice.
it has a small charm "hope" that comes with it..then I added a small cross...very nice .... they have all kinds for women and men and kds:)
Take a look :)
breezy

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Medical ID Bracelet

Hi all :) Well I thought I would just share that I got my new Medical ID Bracelet today
and I love it....I don't know if I can say where I got it....but um maybe you would like to check laurenshope.com...
I got a nice white fiber optic bracelet..and it looks very nice.
it has a small charm "hope" that comes with it..then I added a small cross...very nice .... they have all kinds for women and men and kds:)
Take a look :)
breezy

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Again...

Hello pacemaker friends! Sorry I haven't been around in such a long time. I hope this new year is finding everyone in good health!

As many of you know, I have been battling with this crazy heart of mine for well over 2 years now. I was hoping that things would settle down after having open heart surgery this summer, but it seems that things have only gotten more complicated. I have been hospitalized a few times with fluid on my heart, and after a visit with my surgeon this week, I wi...

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Electric Frank please advise

I noted that you had answered someone talking about PVC is that the same as ectopic. I know I panic and believe me I took all your advice and I do think my pacer is OK now. It is just when I get these runs of ectopics all day for about three/four days it sets me back.

My dad died when he was in his 50's and likewise his mum and dad and I think my problem lies there.

If you can advise I would be grateful.

Many thanks Julie

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Need one or not?

Hello! I am looking for similar cases. My husband is 32. He currently has a biventricular pacemaker and a mechanical valve in the aeortic position. His cardiologist here in Pittsburgh says he needs a defibrillator because he has had several non sustaining episodes of ventricular tachycardia and by having the defibrillator if he would have one that put him into v-fib then it would shock him. The Cleveland Clinic is saying he does qualify for a defibrillator because his ejection fraction is a...

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RV lead low impedence and insulation fracture

Hello! My husband is on his 2nd pacemaker. He is now showing a low impedence and insulation fracture. If it quits working he has another lead that will work his pacemaker but he will have symptoms from it such as palpitations and shortnes of breath. His local cardiologist suggests we get the lead extracted and get a new one now. The cardiologist at The Cleveland Clinic said we should wait until the pacemaker needs changed because it will increase his risk of infection if it is done now due...

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VTACH Study

Hi there,

this is for all the Defib patients out there, especially those who suffered a heart attack:
Catheter Ablation Prior To Defibrillator Shock Reduces Risk Of Recurrence Of Ventricular Tachycardia (VTACH Study)
Link: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/174929.php

Prof. Kuck is my EP, and I heard him speaking about this study at a national experts meeting in October. Was highly interesting, and the results were very convincing.

Best wishes

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body scanner vs pacemaker/defib

:
Answer from my letter on the use of body scanner if you have implanted device
Thanks for writing.
I am told that we do not know that the pacemaker’s performance will be impacted by such a small level of ionizing radiation exposure from the scanner utilizing backscatter technology. However, you should consult with your physician who implanted the pacemaker for more information on any safety concerns you may have regarding your specific pacemaker and potential interference from...

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Dental X-ray and drills

Hi All,

I have just got back from the Dentist and had to under go root canal treatment. This mean that there was lots of drilling and and x-ray. I did advise the Dentist that I had a PM and she said it was ok...

I'm still new to this only had the PM for 6 weeks, any advice would be great, as I have to go back in 1 week for phase 2 of drilling and more than likely another x-ray... I have a PM checkup tomorrow, so will ask there, but I don't seem to get definitive answers ab...

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Pacer birthday

Today is my first pacer birthday! Ive had no trouble(knocks on wood quickly). I still hate the thing because its uncomfortable wearing seatbelts and some clothing and I need to be protective of the area when being real active, but mostly its been a positive thing. I have begun pacing more often since my implant but they say its normal. Im not parinoid about it anymore. lol I go days now and forget its there. NEVER imagined I could forget its there.lol
Hope everyone had a great holiday sea...

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Sick update

Hi guys,
I am home after spending the afternoon at the medical clinic. I don't have the flu but something is making me very, very sick. I was very dehydrated so I was given an IV. I was also given some meds to help to stop the vomiting. yeah.

Now, the test show that my immune system is in overdrive. ???? The Dr. has no idea why. He is running a lot of test, blood for one. I still feel awful, I look like someone drove over me. My face is bruised from getting so sick for so long....

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Dreading the Day

During my last interrogation I was told I had nine years left on my pacemaker. I have no problem having my pacer changed. I don't even give it a thought. What I dread more than anything is having to wear the hospital johnnie. Anybody with me on this? We have multimillion dollar pieces of medical equipment and brilliant medical minds and yet we can't improve the johnnie. Janet Jackson almost ruined her career due to a wardrobe malfunction and yet we walk around in these things and no one s...

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Pacemakers and Marine Environment

I received a pacemaker in late December due to a slow heartbeat. So far so good. I have been unable to locate any information on pacemakers and equipment used on boats. I am very active during the summer boating season on boats which have marine radios (both hand held and fixed), GPS, and radar. I was wondering if there will be any problems with being in close proximity to this equipment while operating small boats. I would appreciate information that anyone may have. Timberhitch

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I have had a PM for 30+ years

I would like to chat with PM people that are around the age of 35-39. Email me @ repwork@gmail.com

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You know you're wired when...

You read consumer reports before upgrading to a new model.

Member Quotes

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.