Worried

Thank you so much to Ian and the Mother who answered my post from yesterday - I appreciate your time and advice very much. I scheduled an appointment last week to see my regular cardiologist - it is tomorrow. I have worn my Garmin continuously to give him information about my heart rate, have taken notes and have also taken my BP with a wrist cuff as the BP is very low at times as well. The chest pain feels more like a headache in my chest and is at times accompanied with nausea and the dizzy feeling. I have had trouble concentrating at work and forgetting things which has been very frustrating. Can either of you tell me if the PM would show through the skin. I am a very thin athlete with a small chest and shoulder area. Also, will I be able to swim, bike and run without any problems? In answer to Ian, I have had every test imaginable thanks to my wonderful doctors and can verify that my blood work and thyroid and other tests are all within the normal range. This has been very frustrating for me so again, thank you for giving me feedback. Last Friday I went for a 60 mile bike ride with my girlfriends and the last two days I've felt awful- it's a hard adjustment. Thanks again, Kelly

1 Comments

Yes!

by Chels - 2013-05-27 02:05:34

You will be able to do all of the above (I have done all of the above!) I also am a very small person and there are two ways they can implant the device in the chest area, either just under the skin or below the pectoral muscle. I have mine just below the skin and yes, I can see a lump there but I'm not sure that other people notice it. Some people's show very distinctly. If you don't want it to be noticeable I would just ask your doctor for the option of under the muscle.

The only physical restrictions you will have are for 6 weeks afterward, you can not lift more than 10 pounds with the arm that is the side the pacemaker is on and you can not extend your arm. Of course your doctor might have his own restrictions for that time period. After the six weeks everything is fair game. I have never, ever had my pacemaker stop me from doing an activity I wanted to do. Let us know how the doctor appointment goes tomorrow!

Chelsey

You know you're wired when...

Muggers want your ICD, not your wallet.

Member Quotes

Sometimes a device must be tuned a few times before it is right. My cardiologist said it is like fine tuning a car.