Most Recent Messages

Not pacing correctly during exercise

I'm a 59 year old male and had a St Jude PM2272 pacemaker implanted 5 years ago.

I play racquetball regularly and my heart rate averages approx 140 bpm during play, pacemaker is set at max 160. During the last few weeks I noticed something was not right and started to feel slight dizziness during play. The heart rate on my watch was holding steady at around 100 bpm when it should have been 130-140. Any ideas on what may be going on?

Thank you.

Read More...

Cardioversion

It seems I have developed persistent atrial flutter. I have been paced for complete heart block since Feb 2010, then in Jan 2023 was outfitted with a Medtronic CRTD since it was discovered that I had pacer induced heart failure. The Crt only helped bring my EF up to 40 to 45%. 

Now it seems I have developed persistent atrial flutter and my doctor (EP) will perform a cardioversion in about 2 weeks when I have been on blood thinners (Eliquis) for 4 weeks.

Can anyone tell me wha...

Read More...

New Pacemaker

Hi,

I am now 3 weeks after PM implanted for complete heart block after TAVR.

Should I be feeling anything due to the pacemaker, in any way?

I'm less out of breath, I assume due to the new aortic valve. But, otherwise I'm not aware of any physical sensation, slow or fast pulse, either good or bad.

Thanks.

Read More...

6 week Post Op Check Up

Hi, yesterday I had my 6 week check up of my CRT-D implant. I thought I'd share my experience with you on this forum so that others will know what to expect although I'm sure other hospitals do things differently. Also I'd like to hear your comments if you have them.

I was seen on time and after checking that the wound was fine, the 'header' was placed on my shirt above the implant. ECG type stickers and leads were placed on my body at various locations. The technici...

Read More...

Exercising after pacemaker

I've had my pacemaker for over a year now, and unfortunatly I haven't felt any significant improvment.. Aside from my heart beating up to 160bpm, my max pre-pacemaker was about 90bpm on the stress test. Anyways, I have been struggling to pushing myself and get exercise  with my pacemaker. I have anxiety and fear that has been holding me back from  just see how far I can go. This is partly due to the fact that, in previous attempts at working out (brisk walk/jo...

Read More...

A new arrival!

Hi all - just about 2 days out from my implantation (10/23). A little backstory: my team's been following me for a few years as we waited for pacemaker time (bradycardia + sick sinus syndrome + a few structural abnormalities, all congenital).  I could feel that everyday things were getting harder, so I did a 30-day monitor earlier this year to get more data (and a cardiac MRI to get images of the structural things for my EP).  The whole team agreed it was time.  So it was n...

Read More...

Pacemaker question on fatigue

Hi everyone, I had a pacemaker put in two months ago. On my 4 week check up they made an adjustment which cleared up my flutters and twiching.  For the next month I felt more energy and was doing well.  Now it's been about 3 weeks I'm back to feeling tired like when I first had it put in.

The incision is still sore to the touch but healing up fine. Is this normal to experience fatique again?  I am in my 70's and maybe it's just old age?  Any idea...

Read More...

General information

Hi 

I'm a 32 year old male and just got a pacemaker last week. 

I'm looking for general advice on do's and don'ts when it comes to lifestyle choices and how to carry on as normal. I have no underlying health conditions that led to my pacemaker I was however passinging out due to my heart stopping for periods of time throughout the day. So far everything is working out fine but I am still in the recovery process. 

I would just like to know if th...

Read More...

SAM event - respiratory sensor disabled

Hi!  I got a call from my pacemaker clinic about my last remote interrogation on my crt pacemaker  and they were telling me that the sensor that is in place for monitoring respiratory rate was disabled due to interference and noise.  It was interesting because all I was doing when it was disabled, was most likely laying in bed.  It's called a SAM or sensory artifact moniitor and is programmed to turn off if it detects any interference or noise.  It's on the at...

Read More...

Aerobic Exercise

Hi. 61 yo, received pacemaker just over 2 weeks ago due to several cardiac arrests from SND. Also managed to get cracked ribs and sternum from CPR and an aspiration induced pneumonia on the way to getting my pacemaker (Medtronic W3DR01 Azure S) so not a fun time. How long before I can start doing non-weight bearing aerobic exercise? Am walking reasonable distances now (up to 5 km) but not tackling any hills.

cheers

Read More...

Pulmonary Vein Isolation (PVI) for Afib with Complete Heart Block and PM in place

Hello everyone I hope your day is going well.

I had initial cardioversion in 6/22 that reverted to Afib by 10/22, and finally got dual chamber  PM 3/23.  Another cardioversion in 7/23 reverted to Afib after a month in mid August. Talks of ablation began which is now scheduled for 10/24/23 two days from now. It’s a little frightening to think they will be on the left side, where any small particle could cause a stroke in my brain. One of the thing...

Read More...

Maximum pacemaker leads

Hi all

 

new to the forum and wanted to ask if there is anyone out there that has the maximum amount of leads fitted for their pacemaker? I have four sets of leads following 10 implants over 37 years. I'm 52 now and have four years left on my pacemaker battery. Just wondering if anyone has experience of having four sets of leads! And whether a different procedure has taken place to put new leads in so a replacement can be implanted.

hello, so the pacemaker is to my...

Read More...

new recipient of a pacemaker

Hello I am 4 days in to my Dual Chamber  pacemaker .   I had bradychardia, no fibrillation The procedure went well and the discomfot is improving.  I wear an Apple Fit bit watch and as expected I have noticed   my HR has increased from 45 BPM to 49 BPM.  I have done a gentle walk  and I think my breathing is easier but it is eaarly days. I guess I am a bit anxious and over checking things but  I have 2 questions which some of you mig...

Read More...

NEW TO CLUB

Getting a pacemaker on 11/10 for bradycardia. Have had a slow heart rate for 40+ years. Now that I'm 67 my electrophysiologist is recommending a PM. Also had some asymptomatic Afib and Aflutter. It'good to find an online group to chat with. Looking forward to exchanging experiences.

Read More...

9 year old with heart block

Hello there, my lovely little girl who's 9, born with complete heart block has been at a steady 56 bpm unpaced since she was born! However on Saturday she was crying and I asked what was wrong and she said that she was worried she was going to die in her sleep because her heart was too slow. 

Monday morning came and I phoned the consultant just for reassurance really, her appointment was due in November, they were lovely and just said could I bring her in on Tuesday and they wi...

Read More...

How many leads do you have?

Hi, I am very curious in this group how many leads everyone has that is past 2 pacers, and how many got extractions.  Thanks so much.  Trying to determine my next steps and fact gathering.

Read More...

Node & ablation and Afib

Hi I will probably end up having a node and ablation but I have a question please for anyone who has had it done.

I know any atrilfibulation will still continue in the left atrium but can someone tell me what this will feel like and how it effects you if your ventricles are driven by the pacemaker?

Thanks, Graham. 

Read More...

Exercise & Rate Response

Hello, had my pacemaker replaced in January of this year (27F, 3rd degree heart block, based in UK), got a Boston Scientific one, had the rate response adjusted but still feel like I am getting out of breath when walking (not only on hills just out in general if trying to go fast), trying to do spin classes at the gym. I am going to see my tech next week to see if I can get some adjustments but not sure what I should ask for, am I wanting  them to increase the rate response? I also...

Read More...

fitness watch

Hi everyone,

My PM is two weeks old now, and I'm happy to have found this site.

I have read here and elsewhere that the Fitbit Versa 2 does not contain a magnet. I have also read that wearables containing magnets or using bioimpedance technology might conflict with a pacemaker. Problem is where to obtain the tech specs?? 

I tried chatting with two different fitbit reps over two days, but the best info they can give me is to check with my doctor. Fitbit must possess...

Read More...

Flecainide for Arrhythmogenic Mitral Valve Prolapse?

Hi all! I'm 37 and I have Arrhythmogenic Mitral Valve Prolapse (and an ICD). I saw my cardiologist for my annual visit today and he recommended to change my medication a bit...because he has seen other female patients (with the same condition) do well on the combo he's recommending. The idea is that I would change the medication and then do a Holter in 3-4 months to see if there's any improvement with my arrhythmias. He's mainly concerned because at my last device check (which...

Read More...

You know you're wired when...

You’re officially battery-operated.

Member Quotes

I'm still running and feeling great.