Most Recent Messages in General Posting

Post Message!

European pacemaker identity card - Medtronic

Further to Electric Elise's post a few days ago on the surprisingly low-tech official European Pacemaker identity cards, as I am also in the UK, as suggested by Ian MC I phoned Medtronic's UK office yesterday.  They are the manufacturers of my pacemaker, fitted September 2014.

Having navigated my way through the automated phone system to Heart Devices, I only spoke to one person, who was really helpful.  He took down a few details, including my device's serial numb...

Read More...

First day home with Pacemaker

Hello...this is my first time posting. I just returned home today after going into complete heart block after my second Aortic Valve Replacement and getting a Pacemaker.

I was just wondering what are some good things to do to learn to trust your pacemaker?  I am having trouble sleeping and just worry about it a lot.  

This site has already helped...

Thank you!

Read More...

Hello

Hi folks - why didn't I know until now this place exists? I'm really interested to see how others are coping with life with a pacemaker. I had mine implanted at 19....which I think was quite young - I'm 41 now and it's still in there! Everything is so technical now, talking downloads and firing out acronyms for this that and the next thing....mines is mechanical in comparison. All fascinating. Anyway, just thought I'd say hello! :)

Read More...

Flying and suitcases.and backpack

I just got my PM a week ago. I am booked to fly to Europe for a river cruise in 7weeks. I am assuming that all will be good at 6 weeks so I can get medical I surance and travel. My question is about wearing a backpack and lifting/dragging a carry on in the airport and plane. Is it still too early to do such an activity? 

Read More...

Day 15 exercises

Day 15 after my CRT-D implant and things feel pretty good...are there any exercises or movements that will help to loosen or help my shoulder stay loose?...I can move it pretty well but keeping it basically below my shoulder seems to have tightened it up...almost feels like it pulls when I move it too far...any help will be appreciated as I would like to get back to golf when I get past the 6 week or appropriate recovery period...

Read More...

European PM ID card

Dear fellow European PM holders,

Is there anyone out there who has managed to somehow beat the system and get hold of a decent ID card (as opposed to the flimsy, long-enough-to-not-even-fit-world’s-largest wallet, thin cardboard monstrosity that hospitals claim to be “standard EU”)?

If you exist, please do come forth and illuminate us wretched souls who still have to carry that abomination along into the 21st century.

Mu...

Read More...

Grateful PM newbie

Just wanted to say a quick hello to my new online family! 

I had my first PM implanted last week and I admit I’ve been browsing the forums weeks before - and after - without actually participating. Not to sound creepy haha, I just think it took longer than I expected to admit to myself that “this is actually happening” and to simply get used to the tremendous change in my life. 

Without your even knowing it, you have all helped me with the mes...

Read More...

My Story and how it led to my Invention

I had my heart attack on Christmas eve, had a temporary pacemaker put in Christmas morning and had my permament Pacmeaker inserted on  December 26, and was home that evening. 

Read my story and see my Pacemaker Incision Pad at www.Pipspetals.com

Read More...

Short of breath and weird feeling

I went into ER 3 days ago and ended up having a pacemaker put in last night. I am home now and have really strange fluttering/thumping in my chest and I am very easily winded. I am so new to this and still can't even wrap my head around it. Are these things normal?

Read More...

Low heart rate with PM

I had a PM put in a week ago. I had low heart rate in the 30s and 40s. I was dizzy. light headed, tired, and actually throwing up from it all. The PM is set at 60 so I thought that imy hear rate would stay steady at 60 in a resting state.  Every time they checked my heart rate at the hospital it was in the 40s but they didn’t seem to be concerned. Now that I’m home checking it it is still in the 40s and I still feel like crap. What’s going on?

Read More...

Palpitations

My pacemaker was installed Sept 2017.  I've had no problems until today.  I had palpitations that were not as extreme as before the pacemaker.  Is this normal?

Read More...

Pacemaker change to 3 wire pacemaker from 2 wire.

My Cardio Doctor stronly sugests I change to a 3 wire pacemaker. I've only had current 2 wire for 3 years. He says it will make a big difference in blood flow.

Anyone experience this situation?

Read More...

Preop clearance

Haven't posted in a while but wondering how hard it is to get preop  clearance? Knee scope scheduled in 10 days and they say I need ep clearance. I haven't been following with one or doing device checks, no issues, but have to go to get clearance.  So starting over with one in network with my insurance and hoping he won't delay the surgery. 

Read More...

Tachy - brady syndrome , Do i have to get a pacemaker ?

Hey guys, 

Im a 19 years old girls, last year i was diagnosed with cancer... so because of that i spent quite much time at the hospital.... so during the controls and treatments  ... they found out that my heart is not okay....  my doctor just told me that i have tachy brady syndrome... they didn't tell me too much about this.. my next appointment is in two weeks ... but im tooo curious to wait until that so.... i started searching  on the internet...

Read More...

Newbie

Hi, I'm new. I have not yet had my surgery but was told yesterday that I would require a PM with 2 leads as my heart has stopped for up to 16 seconds at a time, apparently when I am asleep as well so guess who is a night owl all of a sudden, gah!

I've been fainting on and off for 15+ years now and finally after having an implantable loop recorder inserted in early May, it's become apparent that 'Bradycardia' is my nemesis. I just wanted to tell the members here that...

Read More...

paced beats vs pvc

Hi All,

I have a medtronic dual chamber pacemaker. I know this might sound like an unusal question but if there are any knowledgeable people here i need your help. If the ventricle is paced intermitently, can you differentiate between a premature ventricular contraction or a ventricular paced beat on a ecg or holter?

Read More...

PACEMAKER/DEFIBULATOR IMPLANT

I had my Pacemaker/Defibulator installed November 3, 2017.  I am 86  years old.  My recovery has not been what I expected.  Yes I have gotten color back in my face, but I find I can't "go for a walk" without tiring and feeling "shortness of breath".  I don't expect too much improvement because of my age, but would just like to be able to move around a bit...go for short walks.....I use to fast walk at least a mile a day...I was given Entres...

Read More...

Quality of Life

 I was diagnosed with six sinus syndrome and my doctor has recommended that I get a dual chamber pacemaker. I’m only 42 years old so this came as a bit of a shock. But my grandfather and aunt died of this in their sleep, both before the age of 50. So I know it’s something that must be done. My question is, has anyone else with this condition had a pacemaker and then had improved quality of life? The reason I was diagnosed with this was because I was exhausted, short...

Read More...

Pacemaker technology wired vs wireless and single vs dual chamber (i don't want to be physically restricted)

I am due to have a dual-chamber pacemaker implanted on 20 July. I have slow sinus disease - bradiacardia. My resting heart rate during the day is in the 40's and lower over night.

My cardiologist said i would get more benefit from a dual-chamber pacer then a single chamber but didn't really explain this. I am interested to hear peoples experience and thoughts.

I am also considering a wireless pacemaker (micra wireless) but this is not yet available in a dual chamber.

Read More...

balance

I am having a severe balance problem 6 weeks post pacemaker implant.  Anyone else had this problem.  Is my low set point possibly set to low.

Read More...

You know you're wired when...

You always run anti-virus software.

Member Quotes

I love this new part of me, and very, very thankful that this technology exists and I know that it's all only going to get better over time.