1St Follow Up Appt, What Questions Would You Ask

Start with questions about the settings

by Gotrhythm - 2017-06-05 12:18:17

I wish I had asked for a printout of my interrogation report, and asked for a basic explanation of the settings. I didn't because I thought I wouldn't understand it anyway, and I believed they would tell me anything I needed to know about my settings.

I was wrong. Even very small changes in the settings can make a big difference in how you feel, but you will not neccessarily be consulted before changes are made, nor will the need for the changes always be explained.

Don't be intimidated by a bunch of arcane looking numbers. Someone here will help you interpret them. You don't have to learn everything but if you even understand the rudiments, you will communicate better with the doctor and techs, and they will include you more in their decisions.

Sharon

by IAN MC - 2017-06-05 13:24:50

Having a print-out is only useful if you understand it. They are quite complex.

The questions you need to ask are :-

- Have there been any worrying episodes of any kind recorded since you had your implant ?

- What percentage of your heartbeats have been generated by the PM, and what percentage generated naturally by your heart ?

- At the present level of usage when will I need a replacement PM  i.e. how many years will it take for the battery to wear out ?

- Are you going to make any adjustments to the settings ?   If so,  what changes and why ?

- If you were me , would you be encouraged by what you see from this check-up ?

- Finally  discuss the way you have been feeling ... e.g. .I am slightly worried by  "x" , or don't understand  "y"; would you please explain what is going on !

- If you want to prolong the whole experience ask him if there are any cheap kidneys around.

Best of luck

Ian