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Compatability of backpack leaf blowers & pacemaker

My new backpack leaf blower instructions say to check with Dr. before operating if I have a pacemaker. What have been your experiences with using a backpack leaf blower?

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Questions

Hey guys! I have 3 questions, all of which I think are very important.

First, AM I WEARING A TARGET?!?!? You know how on Monday my brother elbowed George? Well, on Tuesday, my next door neighbor pushed me (we were rough housing) and she hit me @ the implant site!!!

The second question is serious, but still has to do w/ the first: Should I contact the doctor if I get hit there again? I'm starting to worry although I feel fine. Just wondering...

And lastly, what...

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SWINE FLU ? PNEUMONIA

Another thought is that there is a Jab available for pneumonia which is available for free to the ederly and patients at risk in the UK. As death from the swine flu is often from the onset of pneumonia as a further complication it is probably well worth making sure you are fully protected. This jab I am sure is available in the US and elsewhere. Cheers Peter

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Swine Flu

Hi
I am fully dependant on my pace maker ,and a little worried about the current outbreak of swine flu is there anybody out there who can tell me what possible effect of catching Swine Flu might have on me other than the usual high fever ,aching limbs etc.
As I apparently got my heart problem through catching pneumonia you can probably see my concern
Regards to all
Stuart

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Paralized Diaphram

My husband had bypass surgery a year ago, we are now just finding out that his diaphram nerve was cut during the surgery and his diaphram is now paralized. He is on oxygen and well he states that he cannot get his deep breath. He had to retire early with medical from his job due to this and due to the bypass. He seen his pulmonary Dr. today and out of the ble he brings up this surgery and starts confirring with the Dr. taht damaged the diaphram about surgery. My husband does not want this, he fe...

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Link between heart rate and stomach problems

Hey Guys and Gals! I have asked you questions several times and you have always come through with some great answers and advice! Well, I have got something for you to think about. I was diagnosed first with Celiac Disease. Celiac disease is a glutten sensitivity. All my life I had been sick and couldn't figure out why. After being diagnosed and altered my diet is when I began to have heart problems. it was within a year from the celiac diagnosis that I had my defibulator implanted. I hav...

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Ablation

I'm very thankful that through technology that my doctors are able to get to my heart without performing more invasive means such as open heart surgery, but I am sick and tired of people I know down playing ablations as if it's no big deal and the equivalent of getting your teeth cleaned.

I think people think that since it's just called a procedure and not surgery, they consider it less of a deal.

I'm just venting, mostly, and speaking for everyone here that has been throug...

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L shoulder hurts

Hi all:
A newbie here.

I received my 1st PM just a couple of months ago. Had a syncope episode and they are able to see conduction issues with EKG. During a heart cath the electro-physiologist checked it out and there are no blockages, no clogging, no damage, etc. I am 45+ yo male. I have been active and used to be a hard core athlete thus my resting heart rate is typically in the 50s, sometimes lower. I was unaware of any problems before hand, no SOB, dizziness, LOC, etc. After...

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PM Leads

Help anyone?? I had my left chest 17 year old PM site restoration done 5 weeks ago. The excess lead terminals were left intact and now one end is almost eroded. Prior, another Cardiologist who did my new right chest dual lead install said the leads have to be clipped and capped. My other Cardiologist of 17 years said "no way" as he advised a Plastic Surgeon to do the job which I had done. Now that the Surgery failed, admittantly lead work has to be done as complete removal is also out of the...

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Plane Travel

Hi,

I have been told by my doctor after testing that i need a Pacemaker fitted. However iam due to travel to Canada in 2 weeks for a big family wedding which i have booked back in March 09.

The doctor has advised me not to travel on a plane until the pacemaker is fitted, however the NHS appointment for the opp is not until 3 weeks (ill be away around that time)

From experiance i undertand why the doctor said not to fly just in case some thing happends he cant...

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Voltage on PM

I had a PM implanted 1-1/2 months ago. I've healed up real good and I'm just about back to normal accept for one thing. Occasionally, my heart rate skyrockets. At first, when I called the doctor's office to report what had happen, they said I was most likely going through an adjustment period.

After several episodes, I kept track of dates and times and what my activity was at the time. These "episodes" were lasting up to 20 - 30 minutes at a time. I would feel a "ticking" at the...

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Pacers Unite!!

Hi Gang,
Well, my "installation" date is officially set for July 27th. I'll be getting my Medtronic Bi Ventricular Pacemaker on that date. I've been on the site for about a month when I got the news, but the date has been up in the air.
During that time, I posted quite a few messages under "drpod89". . . but I changed user ID's because I did not want anyone to think I was a doctor. I do try to give advice and perspective to other postings when I have time. . . and I appreciate all th...

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Yeh. Keep on going!

Just had my third annual PM check up.

Still paced 100%, but then that's no surprise as I have no electrical pathway between my atrium and ventrical!

Good news is I have 146 months of battery life left. Thats just over 12 years!

Good ole ELA!

Lotti

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traveling to Colorado

Hi I was wondering if anyone had experienced any problems at high altitudes. I am planning a trip to Colorado for two weeks after pm replacement surgery and was wondering about the altitude in Denver. My cardio says shouldn't be a problem however his answer for nearly everything is no problem.

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Recovery Process

Good Morning!

I have a questions for you guys...my mom received her pace maker about two weeks ago. Her recovery is going well but she still experiences pain in the incision site. I was wondering if this is normal and how long it usually takes for the incision to heal and the pain to go away?

Thanks :)

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Rate Response

I have a question...I have a medtronic enrythm PM. When I "flop" down on the couch or when I stand up quickly, my heart races uncomfortably for 15-20 seconds. Is this the rate response kicking in.
Thanks!

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MRI With a Pacemaker

Hi!! I am new to this site and wonder if anybody has had a MRI since they had a Pacemaker?

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I think my mom is worse!

My mom is 56 years old and had a pacemaker/defibrilator inserted about 3 weeks ago.  She has about 15% use of her heart and congestive heart failure.After the surgery, the doctor said she should feel a little better, but actually I think she is worse.  She can not walk very far, she can't sleep, everything tires her out from making dinner to just walking up-stairs to bed.She used to watch my 4 year old son, but now doesn't seem very interested.Just wondering if this is a depression phase or if s...

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Financial Assistance

Hi Everyone!!!

Since I was a patient at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota back in February of 2007, they send me brochures and letters about once a month; and, of course, look for donations, which is to be expected and I donate when I can. But....

The interesting part is this: (or at least I never knew it existed because I always donated to a specific disease like MS, etc.):

"The Rochester Methodist Hospital Good Samaritan Fund helps dispel uncertainty and rekindle...

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ICD still at 2.6 and 91%pacing

Nurse put me at ease and answered some questions I had !

They usually change it when the battery is at 2.45 and usually one day in hospital because they just slide out the old and plug in the new ICD. The wires are already in place. A longer stay may be required if you're on coumadin.

This may go on for a year at 2.6 or next month. They just dont know ...so the battery gets checked monthly.

The nurse then gave me a thump......yes a thump not a h___p :) just a lit...

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You know you're wired when...

You know the difference between hardware and software.

Member Quotes

I can bike a 40-50 tour with no trouble.