New to this crazyness

I had an St. Jude ICD installed 3 weeks ago and am trying to mentally cope with my new situation. I have been extremely active my whole life and get depress at the thought of my new limitations. I'm actually very uncertain of my limitations!

In my 2 week post surgery visit, my doctor gave me a Merlin monitor to use at my bedside.
Are these monitors necessary? Are they just an monthly annuity stream for the doctors? Does the daily monitoring consume the battery, and if so is it significant?

5 Comments

Same boat

by jimkirschvink - 2014-03-23 10:03:02

I had the same concerns when I got my PM 7 years ago. You will be blown away with how good you feel once everything gets adjusted. I was running marathons, and that may have contributed to my heart issues. I'm getting an ablation next friday to correct the a fib that developed since the PM was installed. The only limitations you will likely have are the ones you set in your own mind. There will be changes and adjustments, but in year or so you won't even think about it.

Hang in there! You are not alone!

JimJim

New

by GrandmaD - 2014-03-24 12:03:25

Welcome to the club! It is hard to mentally deal with this situation, but you have to keep in mind that this is a life saver ,not a limiter! Once you are physically over the initial limitations placed on you, you will be able to do almost anything you did before. Maybe even better! As far as the Merlin they set it up as they feel is necessary and is a good eye in case of trouble! There is no extra wear on the battery so no worries.
I am sure that once you heal from this and get use to the idea you will be glad you have it! My thoughts will be with you.

Thanks

by Carmine - 2014-03-29 12:03:43

Thank you for your comments!

Does anyone else have comments on the Merlin Monitor?

New

by cropduster - 2014-04-02 03:04:09

If you can, don't let it get to you. I do exactly what I want to do & don't let the PM stop me doing what I want.
I consider myself fortunate.
Once you have the right PM settings for you & no limitations, get on with the rest of your life.

Merlin Monitor

by Carmine - 2014-05-04 11:05:36

Hi,

I have an St. Jude ICD for a few months now and was given a Merlin Monitor to use at the house. While it may be a good idea, this really necessary with all the self diagnosis the ICD has?

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