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Update on new pacemaker settings

I have 2nd Degree AV heart block.

It has been a week since I have moved from minimal pacing (13%) set at VVI40 (my ventricles will not beat any less than 40bpm) to DDD 100% pacing.

My heart thuds stopped immediately. The long wait before pacing (1.5 seconds on blocked beats) is now gone. So that is really good.

I feel a little less fatigued but not a step change so let's see how that progresses.

Exercise is more complicated. I have now done three runs at these new...

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Not a good year

As bad as last year was, I was hoping this year would be better. So far it hasn't work out that way. The year started out with the implantation of my pacemaker in January. That turned out OK as I was feeling better after years of fighting almost constant AF. Spring arrived and there was still hope for a good year.

Then May came and I had my annual CT scan to check on the cancer I had so far beaten for 9 years. Well, my luck ran out and a mass was discover in almost the exact same sp...

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Flecainide

Hello all, hope all is well, I have a question about flecainide for afib, I went to see an EP about 5 months ago who suggested I have an ablation for my paroxysmal afib and at some point remove my pacemaker because of my low percentages which was very much concerning to me so I opted for a second opinion. This other EP from the boston location came highly recommended and said ablation would be a last resort so he put me on this medicine and lowered my pacing rate to 45. He also stated to leav...

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BPM

I have had a PM for a year.   Without the PM my heart beats in the range of 28-32.  The PM is set for no lower than 60.  This morning I woke up and it was beating at 48 BPM.   After about 25 minutes (and a cup of coffee) it was up to 66 BPM.  Should I be worried.  I feel fine once it get up to speed.  I have a cardiologist appoint at the end of this month.

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Usefull links

A couple of useful links

https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/ectopic-beat

https://bpac.org.nz/2017/beta-blockers.aspx

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Pm into 3.5 year old

Hi all, 

questions about 3.5 year old- he has complete heart block and his time for a pm has come! Because he is small (3.5 years old) the leads will be placed externally on the heart (if that makes sense)- any tips on the recovery period? How many stitches? any tips on how to prevent a toddler from raising his elbows above shoulder levels etc for 6 weeks. I shudder. Any tips on how to recognise issues w the pm in such a young kid - his language is a bit behind, so don't be foo...

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Airport security

Hello, I'm new here and so glad I'm on this forum.  I feel a little lost no one in my family or my friends have had a pacemaker. 

My question is: how to handle security at the airport.  I live in California and probably security at airports are different in other states.  I do have my pacemaker card.  But, what's the procedure?

Thanks, Kari

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Atrial Bigeminy

Hello from New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment

I recently have become acquainted with the term Atrial Bigeminy.  For some months I was pretty sure I spent a good deal of time in A-fib.  Had all the symptoms plus my Kardia Mobile confirmed.  Even my doctor was convinced after reviewing my phone log of possible A-fib events of which there were a good number.

However, very very few a-fib events showed up on my home monitor report or in office interrogation.  Almos...

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Aveir™ DR dual-chamber pacemaker availability US

Hi all,  have any one here heard since its FDA approval in July when this new dual chamber leadless PM will become offered on a more general level around the US? and will it also be offered to younger/middel aged patients since it has a retriveable function? From what I have been able to read some of the doctors in the trial believe this is doable. Br MG.

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3 year old - congenital heart block

Hi all!! 

First post for me- and first off I am delighted to have found this site and have read all posts I could find regarding complete heart block. Before I ask my questions I will recount some of my son's story- and mine, to give reassurance to anyone that may be frantically googling for information after being given this diagnosis of their unborn child during pregnancy.  (Jump to last paragraph for the questions)

That is what happened to us- CHB was found d...

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Swelling

I had a CRT-D device implanted 3 weeks ago. Everything seems fine except for some swelling above my collar bone at the base of my neck. An ultrasound sound was done and a blood clot was ruled out. At my post op earlier this week my nurse said it may have been caused by an injury when my arm was moved during surgery. This really doesn't feel like a muscle injury. Has anyone else experienced this type of swelling after an implant? 

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New to the club.

I've been a part of an online heart valve replacement community for many years, so when I found I was getting a pacemaker/ICD implant and AV Node ablation, I was glad to see there is such an active group for this new experience in my heart-walk.  I have had a St. Jude mitral valve for 32 years.  7 years ago I got atrial fibrilation.  The doctors felt, due to my heart history, that cardioversion and/or ablation would not be successful, so for the past 7 years they've tri...

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New To PM And Have Questions

Hello everyone. I know that many of you have had you PM for a while and I'm new to the process.I have posted on here once about regrets a few days after my implant. Everyone who responded to me was very friendly and I want to say I appreciate that. Now I have questions and even more questions. Yesterday was my first follow-up after surgery and they removed the bandage and staples. The implant site was healing real nice and other than the emotional effects after surgery, I was having physi...

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Medtronic ERI/Safe Mode changes - GOOD NEWS

In the event that you are not already aware, I thought I'd share this:

If you have been living with an older Medtronic pacemaker implanted over a few years ago (I do not know the exact date of model changes), chances are you will be subject to a mode change when you reach the elective replacement/safe mode (ERI) as the battery nears depletion. At that point your pacing rate changes to a constant 65 bpm and VVI mode (ventricle pacing only). Generally, it is n...

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mammogram

Has anyone out there had a mammogram after a pacemaker? I had a pacemaker Nov 28, 2022 and i"m scheduled next week for a mammogram and have read that leads to a pacemaker have ben damaged by having this procedure. is there anything I need to know about this before my procedure? 

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New covid vaccine booster

Do most of you think it's a good idea to get a covid booster when you have a pacemaker  or not.?

 

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Micro device

I have a medronic pacer for rate drop. Installed 2009 and it's still working although they keep saying 1 to2 years left. I'm hoping eventually they'll switch  to a micro device that's not visible.  The one I have is big.. anyone know if a micro would be suitable?

Also if so, how is the process to remove the old style and put in the micro device?

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Sleep apnea inspire device with PM

I have had my PM since 2018, with a clap shortly after. I'm considering having the inspire sleep apnea device implanted. Does anyone have one this device? Does it interfere with your PM?

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Roller coaster

There is a simple wooden rollercoaster in New Hampshire at a park called Storyland. It is a wooden roller coaster that uses magnetic force to start it. It's approximately 1 1/2 minutes ride. I have a micra implanted pace maker. My dr is on vacation so I couldn't ask him. Has anyone else gone on a coaster like this? Is it safe?

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Recalled Medtronic Devices Attesta And Adapta Vs Latest Medtronic Azure and Advisa SureScan MRI Devices

HI all, am new here and posting for someone else. They currently have a Medtronic Advisa pacemaker installed in 2012 and due for a replacement. They are quite senior at age 84 & based in India.

After some research online noticed reports of Medtronic's recall in 2019-20 about certain models such as Adapta, Attesta, Solara, Astra, Serena etc so, was a little concerned. I know we're in 2023 but have the bugs in the software for these models been sorted out? There...

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You know you're wired when...

You need to be re-booted each morning.

Member Quotes

So, my advice is to go about your daily routine and forget that you have a pacemaker implanted in your body.