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Side Effects

My mother had a pacemaker implanted last year. It was a Guidant 1290 and she has been having side effects like tiredness, dizziness (when standing up), blurred vision, shortness of breath, and ringing of the ear. I am trying to help and find out if anyone who has had a pacemaker implanted has had the same symptoms. I'm reading up on a conditions called a Sick Sinus Syndrome, which is a result of taking meds like Warfarin and Metoprolol. Would anyone be able to tell me her side effects may be...

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New member, new pacer

Hello to all! I recently had a pacer implant 2/26/2007 and am happy to say that I am on the mend w/o any complications thus far. I had experienced "episodes" that would often involve seizure like activity. One recent episode was witnessed by my son which
scared the living daylights out of him. I had recently changed PCP and mentioned this to him upon a follow up for a back injury. He quickly made referrals to an EP and a neurophysiologist after the results of a Holter. One test led to...

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Hello everyone!

I had my visit with the new EP and it was the worst check up I had in all my pacemaker checks. My heart is very sensitive to my pacemaker pacing my heart. My pacemaker is on stand by. The new EP was trying to figure out why my heart beats was acting up at a certain heart rate. He was puzzled and asked me does this happen all the time. I said yes and away he went trying to find out the problem. After countless tries I said to him, " Doctor you have to stop this, I know where Benlauden is,...

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Unecessary Defibrillation

I have had my defibrillator for over two years with no problems. I had one shock within a month of the implant and my cardiologist raised the threshold slightly. No more problems until a group of VA doctors got a hold of me and made a lot of adjustments in the device two weeks ago. Last Thursday while cooking dinner the defibrillator decided to start going off and it proceeded to defibrillate me over 60 times in a matter of 35 minutes. The printout showed the only heart change was Atrial Fibrill...

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Displaced Lead

Has anyone left a displaced lead (it is apparently caught on to a place in my heart where is is not supposed to be, not free floating) in for an extended period of time like months or years? The Atrial lead is shut off for now and I am having minor symptoms, but nothing too uncomfortable. I am wondering if this can be a long term solution or if another surgery is inevitable. Thanks always for the feedback and support. Shanna

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ICDs & Amiodarone

On Feb 21st,2007,my husband passed away. In June,2006 they implanted an ICD and a week later he got 5 shocks,one so bad he felt like it was going to knock him out of his chair. They put him back in the hospital & put him on Amiodarone.They sent him home and he started having trouble breathing. I kept calling his heart Doctor and he did nothing except a chest xray & said his lungs were fine. From June till Feb I was complaining to the doctor that he was having trouble breathing. He did nothing.

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Help

Does anyone know the proper protocol for administering a Stress Test to someone who is likely to experience sudden cardiac arrest , has only 1/3 of her heart , a completely defective ICD acting as a time bomb in her chest, needs a heart transplant , is deeply depressed and stressed to the max ?

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Getting used to it!!

Hi Blake,
Thanks for the new website.You did a great job.I was a bit confused at first but now I have worked it all out!
I love all the "youre wired when" jokes.
Regards from Kay(rewiredaussiegirl)

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Sick sinus syndrome

My husband Stu has SSS he received a pacer in Jan 06 for bradycardia and now requires ablation for atrail flutter. He has been expereincing breathlessness and chest pain. The balation is set to take place on Wednesday. Are there others who have had similar expereience. Would love to know if and how they doing.
Regards Donna

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New Pacemaker

I recently had a "new" medtronic pacer put in. The batteries on my old one pooped out. I feel like this pacer does a better job.
I have noticed during exercise that I am less short of breath now, then I was with the older Medtronic. Could this be possible or am I just imaginging it?

Another question.

Are life expentancies the same with pacemakers or are they lowered?

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Help, I need input!

While on Chemo, I was put on Amiodarone for Atrial Fib. After chemo I wanted to get off of this nasty drug. Since then I have been on Propafanone, Flecanide, Tikosyn and 2 ablations, I am at the point of either another ablation (if I have the courage) or a pacemaker with AVNode ablation. The rock and roll effect of the AF has decreased quite a lot, so I am more comfortable, but the energy level and stamina is crappy. I would like to hear from anyone with a pacemaker or someone with similiar...

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My Lump

Hi, my name is Paul and I live in Austin, Tx. I just received my device 4 weeks ago (st. jude #365) and its been very difficult. I found this site and viewed some postings and see that I am far from being alone! My device moves when I lift my arm just like the other member was saying....phew glad to hear that. I must go find a job now, although I get tired so easy I am scared. I am glad that this site is here and I wish fellow members a hello and smile. Thanks for allowing me your time. Paul

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New, improved website!

Hi Everyone, WOW - this new website is fabulous but I am having a heck of a time using it. I feel very awkward, most likely because I could almost navigate the old site with my eyes closed (exaggeration). It will take a little time to get accustomed to the changes but the site looks very professional and is extremely well done. Great job, Blake!
Sharon

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New Website

Hey

To post a message, click on forum and scroll up to post a message. (for those who did not notice it yet) The new format looks nice Blake.

Millie

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You know you're wired when...

Airport security welcomes you.

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.