Most Recent Messages in General Posting

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follow up message

Thanks everyone for your input. It really helps to see what others are experiencing with their PM. I have had to reduce BP meds but will go see the surgeon tomorrow and talk with him about everything. I'm just so weak. If I walk up the stairs or exert any amt of energy, I can feel it. Hopefully, it's just having the surgery last week.

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recent surgery

I had my implant on 8/26/13 and I wake up dizzy and I hurt under my armpit,bad. I feel like I can see clearly, everything now, though instead of in a foggy drowsy way and I'm still resting a lot. Is all of this normal? I won't have a checkup until the eleventh of September.

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Still sore

I had my pm implanted this July 15th under my right collar bone. Most days it still feels a little sore, especially when I exercise or when I am more active. Does the soreness eventually go away and will I be less aware of my PM as time passes?

Also, my cardiologist prefers implanting the pacemake on the right side. Seems counterintuitive to me. Wish I had found a cardiologist who could have done it on my left side since I'm right handed. Is it common for doctors to choose the right...

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Thanks

Thanks for the encouragement and for taking time to respond, this is a scary thing when I don't know what to expect.

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Progress

I learned a lot here , but have not posted in a while. I taked about changing Drs. I did! It proved to be a good decision. My UCLA Dr. Spent a lot of time with me and alleviated much anxiety.
After the first appointment he set up a treadmill test with an EKG and tweaking of the Pacemaker. No miracles occurred. The PM was working as it should and I had little difficulty with the treadmill.. Only breathlessness, but that was the intent. I had the tech guy from "Boston" as well as the EKG...

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Handicap card

I've had my pacemaker for 7 years now. My aunt asked me today why I don't apply for a handicap parking pass. I told her just having a pacemaker doesn't automatically qualify you for one. Plus, I like walking. It's good excercise. I was wondering if anyone on here has a handicap plate just because they have a pacemaker, no other medical issues.(I wouldn't apply for one anyway)

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New

My mother just had a pacemaker put in Friday she is 77 she seems to be doing good, but I have a lot of questions, I think I am being Anel about. This but she almost died, first of all howling will it take for her to get strength, is it normal for her to still be tired, no it's not tired, but weak, I Am a bucket case and don't know what to expect, she can burp and I have a particular attack, please some one that has had one let me know,,,,what next
Thanks
Chicken granny

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New to this process

I received my PM late April. It was set at 80BPM - I have three leads - I was told I would get used to it and I think I was getting used to it - except for the shortness of breath on occasion and not sleeping, only with a sleeping aid. I read that they can set a rest # and when I went in for the adjustments two + weeks ago the rep set me at 70 (for rest also) and also adjusted a sensor rate for motion. This was uncomfortable and I went in last week for another adjustment. The third lead was...

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confussed

Just had a pacemaker put in on Aug. 1 this year so things are new for me. They set my my rate at 60 which is higher then before but i still feel tired. If I get up and do something I start gaining energy and if I stop I get tired again. Any suggestions? Thanks everyone.

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To cans624 ZIO PATCH

I continue to have difficulty responding to messages on this site. First of all, I can't even enter the site via aol.com. I have to use goggle chrome. When I access the comments made to my posts, it doesn't allow me to respond. Instead, I have to click at the top to go to "Post Message". Then, I have to sign in again!

I live near Springfield, IL. I got my ZIO patch from the cardiology office at Springfield Clinic. It was a blue silicone looking device that was easy to use. It...

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Licorice and cinnamon

I have been told by my heart specialist that i should not eat licorice. Unfortunately i did not ask why. Also every day i drink and infusion of honey and cinnamon and have read that the cinnamon could also be a problem, can anyone clarify this for me.

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Pacer runners

A shout out to paced runners- what was your first race like after getting your pm? Were you nervous? How did that first post pacer race go? Doing Maine marathon (half) October 6 and am a little nervous about it.

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Breast ultrasound

I have a St.Jude CRT-D. It is implanted under my breast and chest muscle. It is big and I am small breasted. A mammogram will squish it. I have had breast ultra sounds along with mamograms in the past. I have a history of breast cancer so I can't skip this check up. This will be my first breast check since the ICD was implanted 7 months ago. The breast cancer was not on the side the ICD is. Will ask my breast specialist but wondered if any of you have some thoughts on this. I was thin...

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Hello

Hi,
I'm new to the site and I'm not sure what I am allowed to do. I don't really know how this all works. I'm not even sure if I will be allowed to post this... Is this a free site? I know I was able to sign up for free, but I don't know if I need to pay anytime else? Am I allowed to even post for free and comment for free? Or do any of those things in general? Please help! I'm so lost! If anyone can take the time out and explain how to navigate the site, that would be so helpful!...

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Sinus infection

Woke up with pounding face pain and swollen eyes. I have a sinus infection and have never been so happy to have one. The low grade fever was from that. So thankful to have a reason beside a pocket infection for fever. I was scheduled for sinus surgery last spring for frequent acute and chronic sinus infections but cancelled because I didn't want to take time off work.

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Number Four


My fourth pacemaker was installed yesterday. The first three were medtronic, now I have a St. Judes, not sure what model yet I dont have my id card yet. Doc said it should give me more battery life. I am still considered a young patient and will have at least a few more pacemakers depending on how long I live. Not really in any discomfort at this point (so long as I dont bump it or use that arm of course), I dont remember the recovery on the other ones, perhaps this is why (it wasnt a...

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Pocket pain and fever

Should I be concerned about recent onset of pocket pain and low grade fever? The site is not red, warm, swollen, or draining. The pm has been in for 8 weeks. I left a message with my EP about it this am. His nurse called back and said he isn't worried about it and to take Tylenol. I'd be a little less concerned if I had a cough, sore throat, earache or other symptoms that might explain a Temp of 100.1. It is so tender I couldn't wear my stethoscope around my neck at work yesterday, it's almost...

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Jean & All. Pacemaker is out.

Hi everyone. Quick message. I'm almost 24 he post op extraction of "Lucky". Site was "cleaned up" wound left open and "packed"
Site must be unpacked and flushed then re packed (dry) 3x daily which is the worst pain I have ever felt even with all the drugs I can take. Thanks for all the support. It is the bright spot in my day. More when able.
Minnesota

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New memeber scared for PM surgergy

I am 36 and scheduled to have my first pm placed in this coming monday...I have fought for 2 years with bradycardia in low 30's and 40's and arrythmia. I have also had numerous more than I can count passing out episodes. I have had ongoing liteheadedness, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, leg weakness and extreme fatigue issues. Over the years I have seen several cardiac and electro specialists and they have decided I need a pacemaker. I have lost 50% of my lifestyle. I can't drive, work, ca...

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Jean and all- So long Lucky....

Hi everyone. I'm on my way to the hospital where my first pacemaker of 10 weeks "Lucky" ....(probably not the best name...). will be extracted. I have battled an infection since implant and its time to go. I will be treated in the hospital and when I am cleared will have new device implanted on right side.
So wish me well and my best to all of you and thank you for your
postings as we all take something away from them. Support,
Empathy, humor, and much more. I take it all with...

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