Most Recent Messages in Checkups & Settings

Post Message!

Understanding my settings

I have been so grateful for this group and have found many answers here so far. My pacemaker was placed in early December for vasovagal syncope. We are still trying to find the right settings. It seems like my heart rate has been much higher than it used to be. Resting heart rate before was probably mid 60s. Now, simply walking down a hallway at work it will easily jump to 130. In addition, there are times that my heart feels like it is pounding, and sometimes when it is pacing me my chest fe...

Read More...

Optimizing settings

I will actually see the EP doc in two weeks, 5 1/2 months after implantation. I plan to ask my settings be optimized for exercise. I have also started running, and will be cycling when the weather gets better. I have a BiV CRT because of persistant bradycardia and an EF of 50%. The rate settings are 60-130, which Ipresume are the default settings. When I run/jog, my HR gets to 130 and my Garmin watch is calculating my VO2 max at 28, which gives me a fitness age of 69. As I am only 62, I would...

Read More...

First check up

I am nearly six weeks post pacemaker implementation. Have first check up next week. Concerned that some on the forum say that when the technician placed the wand over the site that you feel "funny". Is this purely noticing a difference in heart beat?  Thanks to all  

Read More...

E/Fraction rate

Today I had my 6 month check up echocardiogram with my ICD. 6 months ago, I had an efraction rate of 10. I only take carvedilol. I was so excited and happy to see what my rate was now. It was only a 15. Has this happened to anyone else on here? I don't want to cry. But I am an emotional mess. I have to take my meds now three times a day instead of two. 3.125 is the dosage. My hopes were for a higher rate. I need some uplifting, please?

Cheryl

Read More...

first checkup

I had my PM implanted Dec.11,2019. I go tomorrow for my first cardiologist follow up appointment (I have seen my PCP already). I am hopeful my driving restrictions will be lifted. I got a little anxious yesterday when I was lightheaded for about 15 minutes and my pulse went to 118 just walking, but it went away fairly quickly, but will mention it to my doctor. Much of the time I dont think about the PM and go about my day. Caught myself strecthing my left arm above my head a few times and wai...

Read More...

First Device testing

Happy New Year all.  
 

On 12/11/19 had CrT-d implanted.  I had no symptoms prior, worked our regularly,  age 67, EF% 34, LBBB - QRS 174.  Docs suggested CRTD, so leap of faith, we did it.  Before device, my standard resting heart beat52 to 54. (Meds, ie Metoprolol 25mg, keep it low) I noticed post implantation it rose to 60ish.

Yesterday at first device check, they said one of the leads moved a bit but was still in "safe zone"., n...

Read More...

Buttons?

Does my pacemaker have buttons on it? I tend to touch it a lot and I wonder if maybe I should be mindful of buttons or settings that I could be messing with.

Read More...

How happy patients become unhappy

I'm in the EP clinic having a micro-adjustment to my PM's settings - one of which excites some interest from the EP tech (boring electro-physiology stuff).   My box does a fantastic job for me, and I'm very happy with it.

'Oh,' says the EP tech, 'you have Minute Ventilation enabled.  We normally turn that off,' he continues in a nonchalant way.  And this in a centre where I had thought that they use a lot of BostonSci PMs.

Oh, good g...

Read More...

called in to see cardiologist

 

Was called this  Monday morning to see cardiologist, for an appointment for  Tuesday which is tomorrow. Kept asking why she did not know.   She finally asked  the someone it is for an irregular heart beat. (Did think that might have been the reason,but wanted them to tell me).  Shoud i be worried?  First time called since implant Aug.21,2019.  Which is one of the reasons for the PM.

  Can think of a few times over...

Read More...

First pacemaker check

Hi all

I am 50 and two weeks tomorrow post pacemaker   Check up 13/1  what should I expect from this appr? As new to the pm world ! 

 

Read More...

Pacemaker settings

Hi I really appreciate all the information I've got from this group 

I've got left bundle branch block and right bundle block branch  I just had dual chamber  Biotronik pacemaker fitted..They have Set it so my heart does not drop below 60 just want to know what happens if my heart misfires at 100 ?  Or higher when I'm training.

And how long must I keep the arm sling on to prevent me from lifting my arm 

 

Read More...

11 month follow-up

Hey guys I haven't been on here in a while, but I've enjoyed reading everyone's posts on their follow-ups and wanted to share mine...I'm glad to hear all of these success stories. I had a biventricular pacemaker defibrillator put in December 26th of last year. My EF was 20-25%...I've had two echos done with one a couple of months ago and one today. My EF is now 45-50%. Thanks to God, all my doctors, Entresto and my Boston Scientific ICD!! Also I will be turning t...

Read More...

Rate Response

I need the help of all the techies out there to help me understand what I just did.

Last Friday my EP turned off the Rate Response (acclerometer) in m St. Jude Dual Chamber device. Since its implantation, I have never felt whole or even close -- labored breathing, tiredness etc. Almost immediately, I felt better, and I'm into my 5th day. 

Even though I didn't have the condition for which a rate response was needed, the EP said turning it off would not improve my...

Read More...

Antivirus Support

With an antivirus solution in place, the device will remain safe and protected. Not only will the data remain secure and sound, but the user's identity will also not get stolen. Norton is one such antivirus which offers comprehensive protection that can be availed at norton.com/setup.

norton.com/setup | norton.com/setup | mcafee.com/activate |&n...

Read More...

Settings

Just had pm implant Dec 2/19.  Have 3rd degree heart block but dr. recommended only one lead.  Cardiologist who did implant said she would have put in 2 leads but for my dr.'s recommendation.  I still have same symptoms I had prior to implant - weakness, heavy legs, etc.  I will ask when I see people at post-op pm clinic next week but wonder if the # of leads would have made a difference or if this is a setting issue.  

I have spent a lot of time on this sit...

Read More...

Inching closer to right settings

I've decided to post everytime I have a setting change on my St. Jude dual chamber pacemaker/ICD witn an accelerometer. The reason is that I have learned more from the collecive experience on thie Forum than I have from my EPs/cardiologist. My hope in posting is that others can take a bit of information away or can contribute their experiences. 

Before yesterday, the PM portion of my box was set in the DDDR program. That is a setting that the four EPs I've gone to ...

Read More...

Not sure I understand this

Greetings to all. So here's a weird thing. I got the surprising info at a clinic appointment last January that I had complete heart block and needed a PM. In my infancy on the subject, I actually thought "oh, that's cool, level 3, good thing it's not level 1, that would be worse".  Lol--like I said, my infancy.

Since then, I've made my peace with it all, and know it's part of my reality. Seems like I've had it forever.

At an appointment...

Read More...

Settings

Does anyone know what it means to have output setting of 3.5 100% on pacemaker?

Read More...

First pacing check

I had my first Pacemaker check after 8 weeks on the 29th Nov , my lower rate was increased from 60bpm to 65 bpm & a DDIR mode was enabled (Complicated stuff to explain what it does) but I reckon it's a Sports/Turbo setting because I sure feel like I've got more "Get Up & GO" & hope it lasts. 😂😂😂Best wishes

Read More...

Rate Response

I'm hoping for some help here. In my effort to get my dual chamber pacemaker/ICD working for me (it hasnb't for 17 months), I'm going to ask the doctor to try turning off my rate response. I have read posts here and listened to PM engineers on the subject. Based on the information and my symptoms, it may be the answer.

What I really need is the ICD because I have had  ventriciular tachycardias. But the beauty of having a pacemaker as part of my ICD is that if/when...

Read More...

You know you're wired when...

Three months of free Internet comes with each device.

Member Quotes

I have had my pacer since 2005. At first it ruled my life. It took some time to calm down and make the mental adjustment. I had trouble sleeping and I worried a lot about pulling wires. Now I just live my life as I wish.