first check

I’ve just been sent a date for my first check and wondered what to expect, as it tells me to take suitable foot wear, am I likely to have an exercise ecg during the check?

1 Comments

First PM Checkup

by SMITTY - 2011-08-15 01:08:57

Hi Liz,

My guess is you will be walking on a treadmill, but why not check with Dr on that. The PM checkup itself does not require any exercise, in fact you have to lie or sit still. I guess as for a pacemaker check about the closest thing I can think of for a comparison is it's like getting an ECG.

Having been getting one every 3 months for 11 years I can tell you exactly what my checkups amount to. When I go in I am parked in a recliner and told to unbutton the top buttons on my shirt. Then 3 or 4 electrodes (same kind as used in an ECG) are attached. The tech then fiddles with the computer and hums a little tune (God, I wish that women would learn some decent songs). She then places a magnet over the pacemaker. When that is done you may feel an irregular heart beat for a 3 or 4 seconds. The magnet shifts the PM into a different mode and allows changes to any settings necessary. If changes are made, you will not feel anything. After that the magnet and the electrodes are removed and I'm ready to go as soon as I get a copy of the print out.

Getting a copy of the printout is easy for some and difficult for some so don't be surprised if you ask for one and run into resistance. If you are like me, you will not understand all the information on the printout, but I get mine so I can see what changes, if any, are made. as changes will marked with a (>).

Also with that printout if I have a question for Electric Frank I can give him specific information.

Good ,luck,

Smitty



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