Most Recent Messages

Post Message!

Airport Security

Hi everyone,

Sorry I haven't been around lately, Hubbys' been really sick but we're going to LA for the rest of his recovery.....some sunshine ya know! lol

Living in Canada is great til you're housebound in January through March!

My question is this: I cannot remember the security measures for someone who is pacemaker dependent. I know I don't walk through the magnetic thingy but do I let them 'wand me' or insist on a pat down??

I'd really hate it...

Read More...

Anxious

I am new to this so hope I do it right. I have a pacemaker. Have had it for almost one year. So far everything seems to be working great. However, It paces at 20% the top of my heart and 98% on the bottom of my heart. I can't seem to get an answer from a doctor on what will happen if it goes out all of a sudden. Like if we are camping way back in the sticks. Does anyone know how much time I would have to get to medical help before I would be in big trouble?

Read More...

Shocks

  • by Beef
  • 2009-03-08 07:03:52
  • ICDs
  • 2018 views
  • 4 comments

Hello all. I'm new to this club and here's a bit about my experience in this subject-
I have been unlucky enough to have had 38 shocks from my ICD in four separate episodes of VT over the past 8 years. Recently I had six shocks in Jan 2009 whilst on my way to the hospital to have an procedure called an Ablation because some recent irregular heart activity.
I am glad that I have the device and I will say that I consider myself lucky to still be alive today because of the treatment I hav...

Read More...

Hello To Everyone

Instead of typing a private message to everyone that I have met and has supported me, well, I thought I'd do it all at once

how are you guys doing????

I can't believe the amount of people I have met:

Cathryn B, Stepford_Wife, Boatman50, RVRS, Nukka, Bambi, Cherthom, Gelia2, Fluzy Suzy, Justwatchme, Neat, Bionic Beat, Jessie!!!, Magster, Paba1950, Bionic Man, Jalapeno, J-M, Cabg Patch, kish, Peter C., Electric Frank, Smitty, Plumberman, Triana, ABC123, denmna70...

Read More...

Will Anyone Tell Me???

To Whom It May Concern,

Will anyone help me know if the HEARTBEAT INTERNATIONAL is sending used pacemaker to indigent patients? Was it allow for a patient to use a used pacemaker or old pacemaker? Help me please?

Read More...

Arrhythmia's and Shortness of Breath worse during menstrual cycle

Im 22 and have had an ICD for 5 yrs. Each of my 4 shocks and any syncope episodes have been on my menstrual cycle. I also recently developed heart block which causes extreme shortness of breath during my menstrual cycle. I just got an upgrade to a dual chamber device to try and reduce those symptoms and help the heart block. I am now waiting a couple weeks for my cycle to come so I can see if it works!

Any women out there that have this direct correlation too?

Read More...

Junctional Rythym- Update

Hello All,

A couple of weeks ago I had an appt with my Cardiologist and the Medtronics Tech. At that time they said I now have Junctional Rhythm. They had me wear the holter monitor for 24 hours. The nurse called me this week and said that a different Dr. in the group had read the results and says that I have normal sinus rhythm, I do have 5 irregular beats per hour and that my heart rate was on average 64. My pacemaker is set at 50. I am going to see my Cardiologist on Tues. Hopefull...

Read More...

CHF @ 24?

Hello everyone!

I have had my pacemaker for over a year now, but recently I have been experiancing some strange symptoms. I have been having issues with fluid retention in my face and neck, and also in my legs and feet. I seem to get short of breath much easier than I did just a few months ago, and I have a hard time breathing when I lie down.

I informed my EP, and he told me to stop taking Florinef (which I already had) and to just keep an eye on it. I had an appointment...

Read More...

Forgot someone,OOPS!

Electricfrank,

I wanted to be sure to thank you as well for helping me to understand the mechanics of my pacing.
Have a great day!
Mona

Read More...

need for pacemaker

Hi BillMFI,

It's funny that you should say that my history was a complicated one. When I went for my 1 year check my EP said exactly the same thing. But now he feels that everything is as it should be and that I can now alternate every 3 months between the pacemaker clinic and the phone check and not see him for a year. Good news for me! Thanks to you and bowlrbob I have a better understanding of things.
Have a wonderful weekend
Mona

Read More...

You people are smart!

I first posted a couple of days ago, and got some very helpful responses regarding golf and gym workouts after my surgery scheduled for Tuesday. Thanks!
Since then I have been reading a lot of the postings and comments, and realized that I know very little about what is about to happen to me. It's much more technical and complicated than I realized. So, if you will indulge me, let me tell you my story, so that when I go for my pre op visit on Monday I will be able to ask better questions...

Read More...

Help ???

Does anyone know of any PM/Heart disease conventions , I would to know about them so that I could meet more teens like myself .

Read More...

Chat =)

Jesse, care for a chat???? =) Please????
Pacergirl

Read More...

Link between heart block and migraines?

Hi, I hope you'll be able to help me.

I've been suffering with migraines since I was 8, I'm now 21. I used to get them whenever I ate chocolate (worst few years of my life, lol!!) but then they stopped for about a year when I was 14. After that I got them more regularly, about once every 2 or 3 months. It's not related to my period, as I kept a migraine diary at my GP's suggestion. He gave me medication to prevent the migraines, and the only one that really seemed to help was proprano...

Read More...

Help deciphering?

When I went to have my PM checked yesterday, the technician said my heart was being paced 79% of the time. He also said it was set at 2.5 volts, and also said something about 0.7 volts. Is the 0.7 referring to my heart only producing 0.7 volts or did I get the wrong end of the stick? I'm looking forward to the first scheduled PM clinic (yesterday was because I had some concerns) so I can get some more in-depth figures.

Is 79% a lot of time to be paced? I have 2nd degree heart block,...

Read More...

Reprogrammed now new symptoms

I had a new dual lead Guidant fitted in November ( previously had a single lead Medtronic ) and developed twitching. That has now been sorted but I still don't feel 100%.
Initially after having the new dual lead fitted I felt great...almost back to normal ( that was December/early Jan )...now after the tweaking to get rid of the twitching, I feel very dizzy at certain times and also feel that my heart starts racing especially after eating. My whole body appears to shake/tremble. Obviously I...

Read More...

ICD Experience

  • by GAC
  • 2009-03-07 02:03:55
  • ICDs
  • 1902 views
  • 1 comments

I had a Medtronic ICD implanted on December 15, 2008 after a V-Tach attach. I have had three Trerapy Shock since then. Jan 4. Feb 5 and Feb 27. I just started Sotalol medication last week at 80mg. I don't know what to espect at this point. I can't drive and work from home. My doctor says it's wait and see.

Any comments?

Read More...

Chat??

Jessie go to chat I am waiting. bowlrbob friday night11:17 your time. BOB

Read More...

Follow up question

In my last posting I mentioned that I had an EnRythm pacemaker. I really don't understand what it's purpose is.
What would cause it to kick in. I know it is a good sign that it is only pacing at 18-20% But I guess I just don't understand the workings of it. I have tried to research the EnRythm but can't find any info on it. Everywhere I search leads me right back to this site. In my mind that says quite alot for this site.
I actually mentioned this site to my EP's nurse and she wanted...

Read More...

Is it normal?

I have had my PM now for 7 weeks. I was wondering if any of you have had your PM site feel sore to the touch at 7 weeks post surgery. Mine is sore (feels bruised but doesn't look bruised) when even the lightest pressure is on it. I suppose that might be normal during recovery, but it didn't feel that way to begin with.

Other than that, I am going for my first data dump on Monday.

Read More...

You know you're wired when...

You run like the bionic woman.

Member Quotes

I feel so blessed to have this little gem implanted in me. When I think of the alternative it is quite overwhelming sometimes.