First check up

Hi everyone I wonder if anyone could tell me what happens at the first check up post implant? I have mine in a few days after having a dual chamber pacemaker fitted almost 3 weeks ago.
thanks.

4 Comments

check up

by sarge - 2011-09-27 03:09:10

Hey Sarah, I echo pretty much what Smitty said, my check ups last about 15 minutes. The one thing that bothered me was when they increase your heart rate with the magnet. It does not hurt it is just weird sitting there and all of a sudden your heart rate doubles. But it only last for maybe a minute if that. After that they print out the results that tell them what's been happening with your heart (whatever the PM can capture) So no big deal really, it takes longer to park and walk in than the check up takes. This is a good time to let them know if you are experiencing any issues such as SOB, lightheadiness, etc...this will be the time they make adjustments if needed. It's all good, dont worry.

PM Checkup

by SMITTY - 2011-09-27 11:09:17


Hi SarahB,

This is about the way it goes when I get a PM checkup.

I'm escorted in a room that has two or three computers. I am seated in a recliner. (I understand some people lie down) I unbutton the top two or three buttons on my shirt so they can put on three (some get more some get fewer) electrode patches. The wires from theses patches go to a computer console. The technician sits there and using the computer keyboard gets various images on the screen that resemble an EKG tracing.

After a few minutes of this a magnet is placed over my PM. When this is done my PM shifts into the magnet mode and I will feel a change in my heart beat for a few seconds. This is not painful, but was a surprise the first time it happened. With the PM in the magnet mode any necessary changes in the PM settings can be made. All of this takes from 10 to 20 minutes. The tech then removes the magnet and the electrode patches and I'm ready to go home.

At the end of the checkup a printout of the findings is made and I suggest that you ask for a copy of this. If you are like me you will understand very little on that print out. However any changes made in the settings will be marked with a (>). Then the next time you will have the results of this checkup for comparison.

I should point out that I never see a Dr during my checkups. However, the PM Clinic I use is part of the Scott & White Hospital in Temple, TX where they have 6 or 7 EPs and between 10 and 15 nurse/technicians that do PM checkups. So while I don't see a Dr. you may.

Good luck,

Smitty

agreed

by rvrs708175 - 2011-09-28 06:09:54

I too echo what Smitty said. same routine. I am always (so far) told that everything is alright. no problems. I don't see a doctor either. I have never been adjusted yet. It is a simple routine. I too went to a Texas Dr. Office with a pacemaker clinic) in Amarillo. I am very happy with the surgeon and the cardiologist. Best wishes to you.

Check

by lessachs - 2011-10-07 06:10:42

I have a Medtronics Sensia implanted in February of this year (2011).
My first visit was with a Medtronics technician. He placed a black cup like thing over the PM. It takes some sort of readings. He did make some adjustments which caused my heart to pickup speed. That feels weird. He told me I was ok. My next checkup is next month. I feel fine. My settings are 60/130. I exercise everyday and routinely hit or exceed 130 with no problems.
Good luck.

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I've seen many posts about people being concerned about exercise after having a device so thought I would let you know that yesterday I raced my first marathon since having my pacemaker fitted in fall 2004.