Device Check

Well, I had my first device check yesterday. I was very impressed with the PM tech. I decided to ride my bicycle to the appt., (parking there can be a nightmare). She was very knowledgeable, and took the time to explain everything about the tests she was performing in simple terms. She also told me where everything is, the pm, the leads, and where they were implanted.

I passed the tests with flying colors. My battery, will last another 8-10 years.

4 Comments

Carolyn65

by Carolyn65 - 2009-10-27 06:10:44

After reading "dancemom" comment to Quemal, I am confused on my "persons" who I have seen pre-PM & post-PM at Heart Hospital complex in downtown Austin. I know I saw my cardiologist/EP for a few seconds before implant, his associate for about 5 minutes early the next a.m. (Saturday) at the overnite hospital observation & then a Boston Scientific person came in. Anyway, he said his last name, plugged in/logged into a computer in my room at the hospital. I had an appt. at my cardiologist's office a week after the implant. Did not see my cardiologist., but was sent into a lil' office with a woman who hung something over my PM implant, piddled/read the computer & said see ya' in 3 months! So I guess I am wondering now, who did I actually see at my first visit back to my cardiologist's office? She did not introduce herself as a nurse and/or a PM tech. I guess I am of the ol' school, just go where they "herd" me, sit, wait, listen & keep quiet, then leave. Back when, ions ago, the Dr. was always right & you never dared to question! I go for my INR check 10/29/09 at another office in SW Austin, same Heart Hospital "chain", different Dr/techs/nurses. I will ask to be scheduled with "their" PM tech while there for the INR. A Heart Hospital PM tech visits that office once/week; maybe he is more "talkative" & I can ask questions. Thanks for sharing all your experiences & advice, Carolyn G. in TEXAS GO UT LONGHORNS! ( :

Old School

by ElectricFrank - 2009-10-27 09:10:31

Just be sure you accept what goes with the old school approach.

I have several friends here in town that don't want to know what is happening with their heart and pacer. They just want to have the experts keep track of things and get on their way.

Actually, they are doing quit well and I can't fault their decision. The important thing is to have a staff that you feel you can trust and leave it to them. Then there is me. I pretty much study the whole thing, expect them to give me copies of checkups, and above all to make sense.

Where the problem comes in is when we put one foot in each boat and want both worlds. That just leads to being uncomfortable. So my suggestion is to decide what you want and then go for it.

By the way, the old school hasn't changed. The docs still would rather you just let them make the decisions, but they are having to adapt as well.

frank

Carolyn65

by Carolyn65 - 2009-10-27 11:10:07

Quemal: You are soooo lucky. Everyone should be so lucky to have an "impressive PM tech". My PM implant (10/2/09) & recovery have gone by the "story book" so far, except, the cardiologist and the PM tech has no "bedside" manners. The other thing they might have is "loss of words". Neither one talks/speaks/tells nuttin' ~ just when to come back & the cardio. did not even tell me that! I am just a lil' orphan sittin' out here ~ LOL.

I am taking the advice of "Snitch" & finding me a new cardiologist/EP. My cardio Dr. right now is both. I have until Jan. 2010 to look around, then it is back to the PM tech who saw me the week after PM implant.

Hang in there all & keep those success stories coming. You do not know how much hearing a "success" story helps the ones of us who are pre-PM or newbies @ post-PM. Good Day to all, Carolyn G. in TEXAS GO UT LONGHORNS! ( :

device check-another question

by dancemom - 2009-10-27 11:10:51

Wow, rode your bike to the appointment??? I had mine 'installed' 2 weeks ago and can barely drive, let alone bike anywhere. My first device check was yesterday as well. PM tech was great, nurse was definitely not. Doc was not even there.
My test did not go so well, in that even at almost the lowest setting possible, I still feel it in my diaphragm. Anyone have any advice if this is right or not?

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