First check up

Hi all,

So glad to have found this site. I'm just over 4 weeks post implant and it's definitely been a roller coaster. While I'm really happy to have the PM the hospital made it sound as though recovery would be so easy. Just take a week off and then everything will be fine! That made me feel as though I should be doing so much better than I have been, I was being really down on myself for struggling. It helps so much to know that what I'm going through has been shared by so many other people on here. Thank you!

I've got my first pacemaker checkup at the end of next week - is there anything I should be asking about? What happens at this?

2 Comments

Questions to ask the technician

by carol76 - 2015-09-17 01:09:11

When the cardiotechnician is checking your pacemaker and looking at the computer screen, ask him/her which chamber of the heart is missing beats enough to activate the PM. And what percent of the time or heartbeats are being missed and thus replaced by the PM. This might also show the amount of battery life estimated until you need a replacement. That's worth knowing!

Also, if you have any pain, or twitches, or discomfort related to this device, tell the cardiotechnician and the cardiologist. You may need a few more weeks than the average PM receiver.

Just take your time, start eating and exercising carefully, and it will come out all right.

I always ask for ...

by Theknotguy - 2015-09-17 08:09:09

I always ask for my PM report. I can't read everything on it, but it's nice to have. It's nice to go back and compare. Sometimes you can trace patterns and see how you have progressed.

I started a note book. Kept track of questions and answers I got. I don't take the notebook in, just a small sheet with the notes. I'll print out questions and answers and put in the notebook along with the PM report. That way, if someone asks how long I've experienced a problem, when something started, or when something stopped, I can go to the notebook and quickly get the answers.

You might also ask about your settings. See if they have the voltage set a little higher at first. And, if they do, when will they drop it. Just get basic facts.

Hope everything continues to go well for you.

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