Good to go

I had my first checkup Wednesday for the Guidant PM Implanted 5/16. The female technician who was an LVN ran all the tests in my cardiologists office and assured me everything is looking good. She did not make any adjustments. She merely printed out a report for the cardiologist and scheduled me for another scan in four months. However, I have an appointment with the doctor in two weeks for a followup.
My cardiologist, who has been treating me for CHF for three years, set the PM for 60 BPM initially based on my history.
My "wound" healed successfully, and I have been feeling marginally better at 78 years of age with no sleep problems, although I do wake up around 5 AM occasionally for no apparent reason. I have had no fainting spells, but still tire easily. I am not up to walking more than a block yet, but looking forward to it.
I do have a home bp monitor which I use daily and keep track of bp and heart rate. I take a printout of the results when I visit my doctior. He is used to it by now.
I appreciate all the encouragement I have received on this site and I hope my positive experience so far will help those who are on the fence about opting for a PM if they have a choice.
Sincerely, Don

3 Comments

Excellent News

by Pookie - 2008-06-13 06:06:54

Hi Don!

Good to hear things are going smoothly. I private messaged you earlier today, but am glad you gave us this update.

My pacemaker is set at 60 as well. I also have it set to go down to 45 from midnight to 6am while sleeping. Saves on battery and doc told me that I don't need 60 beats to sleep. Some doctors do this, some don't. The waking up at 5am MIGHT be the self test going off. I asked mine to be turned off.

It takes time to heal physically so the walking part will get better. Glad to hear that you're not fainting!! I too tire easily but that is what naps are for.

Keep us posted.

Pookie

Sounds Good!

by richan - 2008-06-14 06:06:38

Hi Don,
I have a Guidant 1280 PM. Great to hear that you are progressing well.
Interesting comment from Pookie. I didn't know about the self testing part - it may explain why I also wake up sometimes like you do for no apparent reason.
I think you are doing very well - you are only about 4 weeks post-insertion!!!!!
Hang in there,
Richan

newcomers

by junebinflorida - 2008-06-15 07:06:58

hi, Don
I appreciate your update. I have my first checkup with the doctor's assistant tomorrow. My ICD was put in two weeks ago. My recovery just parallels yours. It was good to hear that you are doing well.
People like yourself have been so helpful; my surgeon just doesn't give me much info. I see my primary heart doctor in several weeks. Why do they wait so long after the implant to start monitoring? Anyone know?

juneb

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I'm 43 and have had my pacemaker four weeks today. I'm looking forward to living another 50 years and this marvelous device inside me will help me do that.