Most Recent Messages in General Posting

Post Message!

Newbie

Received a pacemaker on Thursday last week, due to a sudden bout of bradycardia.
Still getting used to the idea of having the device inside of me.

Really appreciate all the postings of people who have been in a similar position.
Thank You for this site - Rob

Read More...

Nervous patient

A very nervous gentleman was just about to have his first pacemaker implanted. When he saw the needle for the sedative he screamed that he could not stand needles. So they wheeled in a gas and air machine and told him to put on the mask. He baulked at this saying he would not be able to breath. The doctor then gave him two blue tablets and told him to swallow them. Whats that asked the patient, Its viagra said the doctor. What good is that asked the patient. Not a great deal said the doctor, but...

Read More...

BEYOND Frustrated!

Sooooo for me this whole pacemaker thing came out of nowhere last Aug/Sept. Whenever I climbed the stairs to my front door I would lose my breath - be doubled over trying to catch it -feel light headed - my heart felt like it was racing - and... the tops of my legs burned as if I had just run a mile. When I was finally able to get insurance after the first of the year, they did a lung function test that came back ok so then they ordered an echo stress test which was supposed to take about 45 min...

Read More...

Scared to bits about the prospect of warfarin

Oh dear! I don't know my away around the block yet with this website, but I have joined to try and find some support with this latest tribulation of life. Six days after days implantation, I am feeling very optimistic. At the same time worried about the implications of taking warfarin. I am a committed vegetarian and have been thriving on watercress, soya-based products, brocolli, spinach and all the leaves plus asparagus. You name it, my diet has been very high in Vit K. Also, I rea...

Read More...

crt and av node ablation

Well 2 days ago I received my new crt implant along with an av node ablation. It is the first time in years that I truly have a peaceful heartbeat. My heartbeat has been so chaotic for so long I feel like I'm in a new body.

Read More...

paced pacemaker being used 90%

hi my son is 4 and has had his pacemaker since birth .recently I've been checking him and have counted his rate in the 60 and 70 and den a min or two later it will be back to his paced rhythm of 85 etc .Just wondering if this a sign his battery is depleting or am I and my finger pulse machine just totally off .tia suzanne

Read More...

Login question

I tried to log in my account and it said no such user. I have been on here since around 2001. What happened to my old account?

Read More...

Low blood pressure

I have a pacemaker and recently my blood pressure has been running 80/65. I thought the pacemaker was suppose to keep it from getting to low. Just wonder what your thoughts are on this low blood pressure.

Read More...

Basketball & Swelling Around PM

I've had my Medtronic dual-lead PM for 7 months and just noticed what appears to be swelling around it. I've always been able to palpate the edges of the device at the top but now I seem to be able to feel the entire thing and then some! It is not hot or red. The site itches but that's not really something new.

I have also been experiencing a radiating tingly sensation around the PM periodically for the past few weeks. It actually feels good! but now that I've got some inflammat...

Read More...

living by high voltage power line easement

I am looking to purchase a new home and looked at a gorgeous one but there was an electrical power line easement a couple of doors down. There were now transformers, just power lines. If I had to guess, the lines were about 50 yards away and do not cross over the property. Does living this close present a problem for folks who are 100% paced like me?

ksig

Read More...

am I crazy?

So for the last past few years I tend to feel this strange yet not life threatening sensation in my chest. I know sounds weird but it's true. It happens when ever it wants it's like a heavy fast beat. Like a drum pounding in my chest. I'm starting to feel it more than usual but my pacemaker never reads it. So I have been thinking about asking my cardiologist for a heart monitor at home, just to be sure and get a 2nd opinion or am I crazy? Would my pacemaker read the fast beats? Anyone experience...

Read More...

Thank you

I wanted to take a minute to say thank you to all the wonderful folks on this site who have given me advice and encouragement over the past 12 weeks. I have finally come to the realization that my pm was the cure, NOT the problem. The pain is finally gone! Going to counseling was the best advice you gave me! Visit with the boss last week was uneventful-thank goodness. I even flew to Georgia for a business meeting!! No tears, no anxiety, no worries. Finally looking forward to the rest of...

Read More...

Maybe working to heard?

Last night I was moving our big chicken coop. It was hot and muggy. I also had to move about 4 slender blocks... I was out of breath a bit but nothing scary. .. then all the sudden I felt my heart start racing. ..it seamed to go on for ever, but was probably 90 sec max.
It felt kinda like when they speed my heart up during device check up. But stronger.

I go to ER and they say all my test come ask fine and send me home.

SO I have CHF with a pacemaker/defibrillator....

Read More...

2 Years

You know, I just realized while reading the new postings that today is August 7. August 2 was my two year anniversary. Guess that shows I don't even realize I have the PM anymore if I go right past the anniversary.

Good PM, good life!

Jerry

Read More...

NewGuy

Medtronic ADAPTA Dual Chamber 2 weeks. Reason AFib and slow (48-50) rate (age 85). Setting 70. After 4-5 days rate increase to mid-70's - mid 80's. Seemed strange, some chest awareness.
Phone response by nurse vague. Apmt next week. Anyone have anything similar? I'm puzzled by rate increase...maybe heart reaction to 'intrusion'? No change in Sotalol dosage. Otherwise looking forward to much improvement in general. Glad to be aboard.

Read More...

Misconceptions

I mentioned to my Vice President I was closing the clinic early tomorrow to head out west to meet my son for some hiking and rock climbing. He said I don't want to mention this but ...you have a pacemaker, that doesn't sound like a good idea. I was laughing to myself thinking how much of a better idea it is with a pacemaker than passing out from sinus pauses without one. Lots of opportunities out there for educating people about how these devices enhance our lives, not hold us back.
Wishi...

Read More...

6 months

Today I celebrate my 6 month rebirthday! I would like to thank all the people on this site for the wisdom and support freely given throughout my recovery.
Jim

Read More...

Thanks to All of You

Wow, what a wonderful support group! Thanks to all of who responded to my post-- your words of encouragement have lifted my spirits.

Best wishes
Shelley in San Jose

Read More...

Like Nan, like grandson!

Grandkids wanted me to take their BP's with grandpa's monitor. 16 year old said he often gets dizzy when standing up quickly. BP normal, but heart rate low. I took his radial pulse which was very erratic and missing beats. Told his mother, who took him to doc. Holter monitor for 24 hours. Lots of problems found so he is going to a paediatric cardiologist, and GP says he thinks he will end up with a pm. Grandson is so worried, I have been able to put his mind at rest with all the lovely sto...

Read More...

Roughousing with kids

I have a 10 month old who loves crawling all over me. He's stepped on my pacemaker and managed to grab me just right so his finers gets a grip on it. Usually it's not an issue, but the last few days I've been sore around the pacemaker, similar to when I first got it (9 years ago, and replaced in 2012).
Is it possible it's shifted at some point during him crawling on/grabbing me?

Any other parents with young kids experience similiar things?

Read More...

You know you're wired when...

You participate in the Pacer Olympics.

Member Quotes

A properly implanted and adjusted pacemaker will not even be noticeable after you get over the surgery.