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palpatations

Hi been getting palps for a few days now .could a new setting on my pm correct this problem Thank you Richie

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Best device for underwater diving (scuba)

I suspect that decision will soon be made to implant a device. In my research thus far I am finding it difficult to find information on tested pressume (ATA) for these devices. Guidant does rate their units muh better than Medtronic (you give up diving with a Medtronic), but St Jude may also be certified for higher pressure as well.

I am hoping that those of you on this site will have better knowledge than I do about this. To give up diving simply due to a lack of certification see...

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4 Week Check Up Questions?

Thanks to everyone who responded to me re trying to come to terms with it. The help is much appreciated. The swelling and bruising is going down but the pacemaker is quite raised in my chest - particularly one side. I can feel the corner sticking out - I really don't like it.

I have my first proper check up on Monday with my cardiologist. I have been seen briefly a couple of times because of the severe swelling and the fact that I am short of breath. I had another exercise ECG w...

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Can anyone feel the pacing with a Biventricular ICD

I am about to have a biventricular ICD implanted and was wondering if anyone has any experience with feeling the ventricular pacing that occurs during Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy? I currently have a two lead ICD, and can feel the right ventricle pace. My doctor said there is a possibility that the pacing could be felt, and also that it could stimulate the diaphram. Would appreciate any information you have.

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PM Manuals online

Manuals for Medtronic devices are actually posted online.

If you want the actual manuals, call customer support and ask them to guide you through the website to access this information.

For me, it was a life-saver because I discovered my surgeons did not understand the devices bioelectronic parameters and one of them installed totally inappropriate and dangerous settings.

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friend with rbbb

I just found out that a friend of mine who is 18 has a right bundle branch block (rbbb). He is going in for a cath to check for any blockage and to see if he needs a pacemaker. Does anyone have this? and what are his chances of needing a pacemaker?

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Sorry!

I apologize to those offended persons by any joke I posted.

My only intention was to maybe brighten up someones day.
I think this a great site and many of you have helped me since I joined a couple of weeks ago. Thanks!

At any rate, there will be no more joke postings by me.

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What a week!

I just returned from a business trip and read about the flare-up over a member’s joke, which offended some other members. The sequence of events went something like this: joke posted, harsh words spoken, apology posted, more harsh words spoken, members leave site and then a number of “off topic” jokes were posted to try to ease the tension.

I’m sad to see a couple valuable and well liked members leave because of this. Written communication, especially jokes, can easily be misi...

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silly i know

I know this is prolly silly but I gotta ask! I know I should ask my doctor but can't get ahold of him and I wanna know! hehe Is it okay for us to go tanning with a pm?!? In a way i think yes can we can lay out, but the tanning bed is powerful! lol Thanks!

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lead

Hi anyone have a lead pull out of heart wall and if so is it a big deal to correct.Thank you P.S have my pacemaker 3 months

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Doctor Appointment

I have an appt. with my PM doctor next Friday. I need some advice from you all on my condition.

1st PM in 2002, 2nd PM when battery died in 11/2007. No problems much at all with 1st PM. I have had no problems with this one either, but the problem is how I feel.

1. I have good days and bad days.
2. On bad days, I feel very bad and can't walk anywhere without feeling like I am climbing Mt. Everest.
3. I am not holding fluid and am taking all my meds.
...

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Doctors

Is there anyone out there who lives in Washington State living with a pacemaker who could tell me who their pacer doctor is. I am in Tacoma, Washington, I have had a pacemaker for 30 years. In August 07 I had a lead replacement and haven't been myself since. I had a couple good months (Dec/Jan) and then things went sour. After my surgery in August I ended up in the ER with complications and couldn't get in to see my pacer doctor for 4 weeks. Two weeks ago my pacemaker stopped, I ended back...

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Dissappointed

I have not visited this site for months and returned today in search of some information. In any case, after reading recent posts I have to say I am very much dissappointed. I've come across posts unrelated to the issue at hand "Pacemakers". It seems to me if people wish to post unrelated messages (i.e. jokes) that they do so on another site or send them personally to those who wish to receive them. When I come to this site I am coming for one purpose and one purpose only - questions regardi...

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Helen from North Qld

We have had terrible floods again here in the north of the main island. I am wondering how Helen is. If you can let us all know Helen we would all be pleased to hear how things are.
Billie

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Where to go!

Okay as most of you know I just got my pm in Jan. Im doing okay. Well ur right maybe im not! I tend to sugar coat things. I feel like CRAP!! There for a while I really felt okay. Now that they changed my rates and stuff I seem to feel worse. Im super tired and have this pressure in my chest that only seems to go away for 5 to 10 mins then its right back! Is this normal or is this just another thing that i get to deal with being so lucky and all! lol I really hope it gets better soon im so ready...

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Another Quick Question, please??

How much information is really obtained when they do those PM interrogations. I have asked and gotten a copy of the printouts before but it is like all "gobbly-gook" to me. Can someone tell me a simple answer?

Also, is there a "Dummies" book for PM people?

I was always taught that the only silly questions are the ones not asked and so some of my ?? may be a little on the silly side but I just thought I would ask and see if you know the answer.

Thanks for all...

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High heartbeat rates

Hi
I had my dual lead pacemaker fitted June 07, with a resting beat of 60bpm. This was to combat dizziness whilst resting and HB rates as low as 35 bpm. The rate funtion was not activated.
After approx one month the rate function was activated and I found it much too sensitve with resting beat sometimes at 90bpm and action (walking) beats at 130bpm sometimes with slight angina.
The pm was desensitised and all was well until recently and I again get 130bpm ,sometimes with slight an...

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Pain under arm

Is it normal to get a sharp pain under your armpit on the side of the pacemaker.

Jules

PS What is happening with Smitty, why is he leaving I cannot find the joke and what it is all about. I have always found that Smitty is helpful.

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The Immediate Future of PMs

Anyone know of what, technologically, might be coming down the road as far as treating arrhythmias goes?

I'm looking forward to thumbnail-sized PMs that are barely there but can do everything current PMs do and then some.

Any word on the rendering of PMs--and even pharmaceuticals-- obsolete at some point and treating arrhythmias with some kind of laser surgery or something?

What 'miracles of science' do we have to look forward to?

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Question

I have had my pm since June of 05. Since then I have noticed that while I am asleep, I involuntarily flex all my muscles at the same time I swear you could use me as scafolding and I clamp my jaw so tight I think I am breaking teeth. Its so bad I wake up. Never did it before the pm and after reading some stories about twitching from the pm....just wondering?

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You know you're wired when...

Muggers want your ICD, not your wallet.

Member Quotes

It made a HUGE difference in my life. Once I got it, I was finally able to run, and ride my bike long distances.