Medtronic Rep Madison, WI

Like many posts I've read on here I've been having problems getting my PM programmed correctly. I have been to the PM clinic several times complaining about PVCs (lots of them) and other symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue. They kind of implied that I really wasn't having PM problems because the PM wasn't recording any episodes.

For the last 10 days (I've only had my PM a month) the problem kept getting worse until I nearly ended up in the ER and then they finally began to take me seriously.

It turns out I was having some retrograde p waves which were tricking my pacemaker into thinking my atrium was beating just fine. (It was actually way more complicated than that...but there is a limit to my understanding of all this) but here's the part I've wanted to tell everyone:

Beside my Dr. and regular PM tech there were two reps from Medtronic present in the room. One of the Medtronic reps told me has a pacemaker and it was such a relief to finally meet someone else (in person...no offense intended as I'm grateful for this group) who has a pacemaker. His calm demeanor and absolute certainty about my being able to resume a normal life has been like a weight lifted from my shoulders. Although I had been shown a video prior to my pacemaker implantation it really did very little convince me that things were going to be ok. It would have helped me to meet someone who actually has a pacemaker and to hear about their life.

It just occurred to me that since he has a PM, that he might be reading this post. If so I’d like to extend a heart felt THANK YOU for sharing today.

3 Comments

Medtronic Rep Florida

by Carol - 2008-06-12 08:06:32

I just had to comment because it was my Rep who literally changed my life around. I had my PM placed in Oct of last year and went thru 5 months of feeling like I'd never be well again, Numerous complaints to my EP and regular PM nurse got me a couple of event monitors, a stress test, an echo, and a label of "nervous pacer". On my last PM check-up, and as I was making the decision to get a second opinion, a new PM nurse suggested I meet with the Medtronic Rep the next morning. I am not exaggerating when I say that within 15 min. of meeting her I was able to walk to my car without all the symptoms I had been experiencing and which my Dr had attributed to my "being overly sensitive" to the sensation of pacing. To me she is priceless as my life has returned to near pre-PM state. Some days I forget I even have a PM. I don't frequent the site as much as I used to,,,,,,,,as it seems neither do alot of the members with whom I started. I hope it is because like myself we are all much better and find ourselves getting back into the rhythm of life (no pun intended). And, for all of you new pacers, have faith that you will get better, if you feel things aren't "quite right" be persistent with your healthcare provider, we all have the right to feel as well as possible and our doctors have an obligation to help us get there.
Best wishes to all,
Carol

It would be interesting

by bambi - 2008-06-12 11:06:32

to hear other members input on this subject! I have found my best answers, been treated with respect, and have had many problems solved with the St. Jude rep who interrogates my pacemaker. I know I can get honest straight answers from him and he never makes me feel like I'm too sensitive, too stupid or too inquisitive!
Bambi

I third the motion.

by ElectricFrank - 2008-06-13 01:06:47

We have 3 different Medtronic reps that rotate coming to out out of the way desert town. My experience with all three has been great. They always seem to have plenty of time to answer my questions and aren't threatened by my knowledge. It is good to see there are still good reps doing this sort of work these days.

frank

You know you're wired when...

You take technology to heart.

Member Quotes

As for my pacemaker (almost 7 years old) I like to think of it in the terms of the old Timex commercial - takes a licking and keeps on ticking.