First check up

Hi had my inplant 5 weeks ago pretty much on the mend, im 46 years old and i go for the first check up, what can i expect? will it make me feel ill? just dont know what to expect thanks steve

2 Comments

easy

by Tracey_E - 2012-10-21 02:10:39

They probably already did it in in the hospital. The white thing that looks like a mouse that they put over your device? That's it. Sometimes I feel a little funny while they test it, sort of like the feeling when an elevator comes to a stop, but it goes away as soon as they stop. Shouldn't be any more to it than that and check the incision.

FIRST PM CHECKUP

by SMITTY - 2012-10-21 07:10:30

Hi Preggy,

The following a comment I made for someone getting their first checkup. I wrote this comment in Mar '12 based my checkup experiences and if I were to write it today I would change nothing. Maybe it will give you an idea of what to expect.

A pacemaker checkup is somewhat like an EKG. except my PM checkups are done while I am sitting in a recliner.

I usually have to unbutton or remove my shirt so the technician can put 3 or 4 electrodes on my chest. Then they sit at a computer monitor/keyboard and put in various information on my PM. This may take from 5 to 10 minutes. A magnet is then placed over the PM. When the magnet is placed over the PM you may feel a change in your heart beat. This has never been uncomfortable for me, but it is a change in heart beat that is noticeable for a few seconds. Some have reported discomfort here. With the magnet in place the PM is operating in magnet mode which is where it must be to make any changes needed and to download information the PM has stored. This part may takes another 5 to 15 minutes. After which the magnet and electrodes are removed.

This is the time I'll ask questions as I avoid doing so while the technician is at the computer and may be making changes to my PM settings or reading the downloaded information. I want them to be able to give that part their undivided attention.

At the end they usually make a hard copy of the data obtained and any changes they have made. I always ask for a copy of that printout. Not that at I will understand much of what I see there, but it is a very good place for me to refer to for questions. Also, on my printouts any changes made in settings are marked by (>). I will take quick look at the print out as I can spot the (>) marks easily and since I know that indicates a change in some setting I'll ask what and why.

After that it is time leave. My total checkup time is usually less than 30 minutes.

Good luck,

Smitty

You know you're wired when...

You have a 25 year mortgage on your device.

Member Quotes

A pacemaker suddenly quitting is no more likely to happen than you are to be struck by lightening.