Most Recent Messages in General Posting

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Going to Europe, Paris and beyond, issues?

I'm heading to Europe with the family this summer, my first trip abroad since I had a pacemaker put in 16 months ago. I've traveled a bit domestically recently, so I know the pat downs I'll be getting going through the airport, but I'm curious if anyone has been to Paris since the attacks at the end of the year. I know they are increasing security, I'm hoping that not every museum has a metal detector, but I'm wondering if any one has any hands on experience lately?

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No luck getting treated. Seeking input.

Hello, I'm a 35 year old male, diagnosed with SA node dysfunction/sinus bradycardia(same thing I think). My resting heart rate is typically 40-41bpm, but I've seen it as low as 36 while awake.. I was instructed to document my HR when I'm feeling especially symptomatic. I've got a HR/BP machine at home.

I've probably had this problem since birth, I've always had a low pulse. When I was a kid, I remember passing out many times after standing up too quickly, maybe there's some orthosta...

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I believe this is On topic

there is an android app for smart phones it lets you put in medical information and is accessible even if your phone is locked, it can be found on Google play store here is a URL to take you to the same place. http://medical-id-free.android.informer.com/
OH I am brand new to the group.
Thanks

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Lead issue in 6 days

Hi
Had my pm implanted on 1/28. Everything went great and I recovered very quickly. Feeling much better. Then i started having thumping in my chest - it would start and stop. Before the day was out it just never stopped thumping. I went to hospital and it turns out the ventricular lead was not in place and apparently the pm was trying to do its job. Just kept trying thinking my heart was not doing its job. It was a bit scary. They stopped the programming to that lead for now and Tu...

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Planned Obsolescence ?

There is an interesting report in the UK press this morning where comments from two UK cardiologists are reported.

Both state that the business model for PM manufacturers is not working in the best interests of pacemaker patients.

Batteries used in PMs last usually between 6 and 10 years, then the PM is replaced and that is where the manufacturers make their money. The manufacturers are refusing to use batteries with a much longer life ( and these are available apparen...

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Heart bearing above minimum rate

Over the past few months my heart has been beating at up to 84bpm when at test, even though my pm is set at a minimum of 60 bpm. My GP read my pulse at 84, thought this was strange and sent me off for an ecg, which showed 68. And I was sent to see the Cardio. The pm was tested and declared OK. I tried to get an explanation about the high readings, and was told that these may be due extraneous factors, such as a possible virus. Generally however the pm was working very much within the norm...

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PM and cancere radiation

I may have to have radiation to my chest, and was wondering if any one here is a cancer survivor and undergone radiation to the area of the pacemaker. I am concerned the PM may burn out, short circuit, or something worse, during or because of the treatments

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Anyone wear med alert bracelet?

Wondering if most folks with a PM wear a med alert "charm' ...not sure if I should...

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"Just a Little Heart Attack"


Below is a link to a youtube video made a few years ago by AHA and Elizabeth Banks (a comedy actress) on women ignoring warning signs for a heart attack. She does it with humor but the message is "Listen to your body".

I would think this should apply to men as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JI487DlgTA

Grateful Heart

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scales that check body fat

Is it save to use a bathroom scale that measures body fat with a pacemaker?

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Do I take the risk?

Hello, My name is Miranda and I am currently 26. I have an irregular heart beat that is called PCA's. PCA's are not life threatening, but they do make me feel lightheaded, out of breath, and VERY tired. I have been dealing with this since I was about 20 years old, and have had 2 EP Studies with ablations. After my second EP study failed and the PAC's returned I was placed on Metoprolol to take as needed. Long story short the medication is no longer working and my electrophysiologist believes tha...

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ECG

Will a portable ECG work with a Pacemaker? I have been looking at some on ebay.
Cheers Roy

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Home with #5

Got my shiny new St Judes 2240! Checked in at 6am, was headed home by 11am. Inhaled some lunch, took a nap, did a quick client project that came in this morning. Haven't had more than a tylenol so far, tho the local hasn't worn off yet so I may change my tune later.

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Soft touch

I'm a new member, just got my CRT last week. Has anyone ordered the soft touch seat belt attachment or the Hercomfort pad that hooks to the bra? I was wondering if they help with the uncomfortableness.

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Pacemaker - Still having Pains

Hi All,

At 37, I had a pacemaker fitted back in June 2015 (Complete heartblock/2 leads) as I had a low heart rate of around 30 and had constant chest pains throughout 2014(and being nagged to get it all checked up by the wife & work). I personally feel it has nothing to do with the heart and could be my lungs/stomach as they found no scaring on my heart with my MR Scan but they couldn't find any problems and believe raising my heart rate would improve things. Since having the operati...

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Feeling great

Just wanted to say that after 2 months with my Medtronic dual lead pacemaker I am really feeling close to normal. It took awhile to get the kinks out and there's still a minor one now and again. I am back to running; up to 15km at time and increasing. Weights at the gym are working great. Shoulder is being a little stubborn but all in all I feel 90% back to normal.
So those that are new to this forum there really are some good stories out here. I was starting to be so pessimistic I had to...

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Anti vibration car seat

Hi. I have had my pacemaker going on 3 years. It had to be adjusted several times by a Medtronic rep after initial install to where it worked properly for me. The ONLY problem I have had since then is vibration when traveling in my suv. The pacemaker rate response has been adjusted as much as it can be and I don't want any more trial adjustments since all has been good. With all that said...I'm trying to find some type of a seat cushion that could be used to absorb vibration. We are lookin...

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First Pacemaker just fitted

Hi I am new here I have just had a 2 chamber Medtronic Ensura pacemaker fitted two weeks ago and every night at approximately 1.05am it activates 4 times, I can feel it quite strong it feels like cross between someone is flicking their finger directly at my heart quite hard and sort of butterfly type feeling not terrible but not something I look froward to either, I do not go back for a checkup for about another 4 weeks but wanted to know if this should be happening and if it is normal to feel...

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Elective Replacement

I posted a few months ago, confused by something my rep said, that I would lose rate response when it switched to ERI. That didn't make a lot of sense to me and was not like my past experiences in ERI but sure enough, it switched modes and RR turned off. Some other things turned off also, but that's the only one I can feel, and then only at the gym. I found out I use rr a lot more than I thought! Working out has been quite the challenge because my rate doesn't get over 120 on my own, who knew. G...

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Why did I not know!


My implant was a total surprise..I thought I had stumbled, fell and fractured my wrist but during surgery my heart rate fell and it was determined I had actually passed out. Three days after the plate was put into my wrist they implanted the pacemaker.

After my surgery I was desperately trying to find a support group or anyone that could help me process what happened, but, unfortunately I did not find this site until today-almost two years later! However, I am grateful I found...

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You know you're wired when...

“Batteries not included” takes on a new meaning.

Member Quotes

At age 20, I will be getting a pacemaker in few weeks along with an SA node ablation. This opportunity may change a five year prognosis into a normal life span! I look forward to being a little old lady with a wicked cane!