Most Recent Messages

Lead Dislodge

I had my first visit today since having my ICD put in on Oct.30, 2009. The doctor advised me that one of the leads has dislodged and I need to go for another surgery to correct this situation. I have an appointment with my surgeon on Wed. Dec. 16, 2009 and will probably have surgery soon thereafter. Has anyone else experienced this? I have a Medtronic ICD. Good luck and Happy Holidays to all.

Read More...

Coumadin

I recently sent in a pacemaker reading. They called me back and said that I had 18 episodes of Atrial fib, half of them less than 30 seconds, but some lasting up to 4 minutes. I have had a pacemaker since 2002, I had a new one implanted in May 2009. I was originally diagnosed with sick sinus syndrome. I am 81 yrs old. My doctor wants to put me on Coumadin now, so far I have been taking 81 mg aspirin daily. What are some of your experiences with Coumadin? Will I have a lot of bleeding pro...

Read More...

Do I have to get a pacemaker?

Good Morning!

I was recently told by my Cardiologist that I need a pacemaker ASAP.
During a 24 hr haltor recorder, my heart stopped for 4 seconds while sleeping.
There are other symptoms as well, such as shortness of breath (dypsnea?), a bit lightheaded at times.
Diagnosis is Sick Sinus Syndrome with Heart Block.

I am not too excited about getting a pacemaker, because it has implications in my professional career- aviation.

I am getting a second op...

Read More...

How long will PM store information?

Do the pm's store information for 3 months only? I think I have missed an interogation.

Read More...

Update on my brother

Everything came out very well with my brother on his bypass surgery. He had a rough nite friday due to reaction to pain meds put in his IV which induced vomitting. Nurse for some reason didnt contact doctor and she is in big trouble he was po,d very very mad. I wonder why. but everything is going very well now, they moved him to step down unit saturday afternoon. Thanks for all the prayers and thoughts you directed thru the surgery I know it helps. Thank you my friends, thank you.

dav...

Read More...

wireless pacemakers

My grandson recently watched the new wireless pacemaker being inplanted. My question is I do know that they communicate with the doctors, but do they have lead wires? Does anyone out there know? I am very curious. He is only in high school but hopes to one day become a cardiologist and was allowed to "scrub" in and watch but was not able to answer that. Would love to know. aldeer

Read More...

Prayers

Hi there - I am asking if you could give a little prayer for my neice Karen at the age of 50 being diagnosed with breawst cancer.
She has gone through tests and biopsies and not said a word to anyone until this week. She did not want to upset the family and xmas is a sensitive time for us with family losses, loosing my dad xmas day and my twin brother 2 days after xmas, my uncle committing suicide to name but a few.
She had a iliostomy performed at the early age of 18 and been very b...

Read More...

Shortness of Breath after Pacemaker Placement

I had a pacemaker placed 36 hours ago due to possible sick siuns syndrome. I had never experience shortness of breath before (only dizziness and close to fainting), but now I am experienceing shortness of breath. Is this a problme I should get checked out immediately, or is it just my sytem getting used to the device? Thanks for any feedback you can give me.

Read More...

finally right

I ment to say the pain tickings and most of the pacs are gone sorry i put it wrong Sue

Read More...

finally right

happy holidays to everyone I just would like to tell everyone that is new or fairly new to the pm life that it is now 6 months since my implant alot of adjustments and weird feelings but I am now back to my old self Not sure if that is good pain,tickings afew pac but all in all I feel good just hand in there and keep calling your dr untill it is right good luck Sue

Read More...

Pacemaker and Coal Mining

Was wondering if you can work in a undergound coal mine with a pacemaker?

Read More...

PVCs

I have had my PM since 2005 and have really had no problems what so ever,I have tachy/brady syndrome and a fib,For the last couple of months i have noticed I have been having a lot of PVCs I alreadt take potasium and magnesium which has been prescibed andway i have had several events you could say in the middle of the night i wake up with my heart feeling like its beating out of my chest I have been short of breath and a few times very dizzy is this anything to be concerned with i do have a Dr...

Read More...

Came across something

I came across this quote while looking for helpful hints about my stress/anxiety.

I wanted to share this with anyone working through the same issues.

“Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness. Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing. Use the pain as fuel, as a reminder of your strength.”

Read More...

PAC's

Are there any vitamin supplements I can take to lessen the PAC's?

Read More...

Panic and Anxiety

I've come here before...for the same reason. And I'm sorry that I'm coming here again....just have nowhere else to turn.

I'm having PAC's, still on Xanax and still scared to death. I've come to figure out my tingling hands and feet are from hyperventilating due to the fear.

I feel cripled with fear since the pacemaker was implanted. I know it's there to help but I am more worried now that ever before. I've been praying everyday...everytime I close my eyes to sleep.

Read More...

3 weeks and a few questions

Hello all - I am 3 weeks post PM placement. How long do the implant site and surgical site stay sore to the touch? Just wondering what is a reasonable expectation on my part.

Read More...

CRT-D Implanted...finally!

Hello everyone,

First of all, all of you who share your stories on this forum and to those who shared their experiences and advice with me will never be forgotten, this forum made my personal ordeal much more manageable.

Secondly, three days prior to my surgery, I got a prescription for XANAX from my PCP...never had it before. I took my first dose as soon as I got it and from then up until the surgery, what jitters I did have were cut in half...so for me that was good thin...

Read More...

To the ER Again!

I'm 83, and never had any kind of heart problem until just a year ago. Had a PM inserted because the Holter said my HR dropped to 30 at night, and they wanted to get it up so they can give me AFIB meds. I'm on sotolol and warfarin. I've seen the EP doc a number of times - he seems baffled.
Went to the ER a couple of days ago, the eighth time in a year. My pulse was at about 150 for over an hour so I called 911. They came right away and took me to the ER, where they know me well. I've never...

Read More...

Happy hollidays all

Hope everyone has a nice Christmas season.Looking forward too another year with all your great advice and support.Good luck all

Read More...

Leads Removal

I am having my pacemaker changed next Tuesday, and there is a strong possibility that my leads will be removed also. Could you please tell me how this is done? Is it done as open heart surgery or does the same physician removes the leads at the time of the pacemaker change? I would appreciate your help. I have lupus also that may complicate my life. Thank you. Ariela

Read More...

You know you're wired when...

You have a T-shirt that reads “Wired4Sound”.

Member Quotes

I just want to share about the quality of life after my pacemaker, and hopefully increase awareness that lifestyles do not have to be drastically modified just because we are pacemaker recipients.