Most Recent Messages in Conditions, Meds & Tests

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Cyclobenzabrine

Hey everyone. I've had a pacemaker for 3rd degree heart block since 2017. I was recently prescribed muscle relaxers for some intense neck and shoulder pain. My family doc knows I have a pacemaker but I usually remind her to confirm when it comes to meds because she's forgotten in the past. I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with this medication and if it is safe to take? I have high anxiety when to comes to medication, I tried calling a pharmacy but they pharmacist was una...

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Beta Blocker

Hi everyone! 

I'm still feeling pretty well. Had pacer check last month (the one where you see the tech from pacer manufacturer, not a doctor), and it is working as it should & still records no a-fib or other incidents. Some folks were wondering how we got a-fib to seemingly disappear, and that actually ties in with my current comment/question, so:

The "winning combination" for me seems to be an anti-arrhythmic (Tikosyn) with a beta blocker (Metoprolol). Oh,...

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tens

Thanks for your replies.  I am going to be on the safe side and will not use the tens on my back.  Why don't chiroprotors know this about pacers and not use them on a person who has a pacer.   

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tens

I have started going to a chiropractor for some lower back pain, the woman chiro used a Tens on my back, up and down, I had on a rather thick sweater and asked if I should take it off and she said no that the tens is quite powerful and will go right through the sweater.  I will be going back for a few more treatments of non surgical decompresson and wondered if that Tens could do something to my pacemacker.  So I called the pacer clinc where I go to a couple of times a year and aske...

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blurry vision in right eye

Get short bursts of blurry to no vision in right eye.  Is not always connected to fast heart beat.  Only lasts a couple of seconds.

Had the Carotid ultasound done still the same for the past 6 years at 45%.  The Echogram no change since this past July 2021.  This morning was called as the Cardiologist wanted a current pacemaker check.

Did have 2 blood tests done Sedimentation rate-Westergren 43 out of range 0-30. the other was C-Reactive Pro...

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Lexiscan Nuclear Stress Test Alternatives

My cardiologist wants me to take a Lexiscan Nuclear Stress Test. I had a dual chamber pacemaker implanted a year ago for complete AV heart block with no other known heart conditions at the time. My device is a Medronics W1DR01 Azure XT DR.
Initially (at my annual check last year) He did not feel that the scan was needed beacause my CT scan score was 9 from 2-3 years ago and I had no symptoms. I let him know that my endurance level was reduced since the PM implant. I don't
work o...

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Medical Update - Vestibular Migraines?

Hello everyone,

I know my title and main reason for posting isn't directly related to pacemakers (or is it, still to be determined?) but I thought I'd post an update for all of those that have been so kind to me and have communicated with me via threads on this forum and in my personal messages. 
 

I had my PM implanted last August after getting up from a chair and passing out -- days later an electrophisiology test revealed that I needed a PM. I was also bo...

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Quinidine / Idiopathic VF

Hi all - I’ve had an interesting experience with medication changes and figured it would be worth sharing. 

I was first started on propranolol after multiple episodes of syncope and polymorphic VT. Then flecainide was added after more episodes of PVT. This combination was terrible in that it made me feel very unstable and I started having panic-attacks. I had never had problems with anxiety or panic attacks prior to starting this medication combination. (Even after getti...

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pacemaker and arthritis pain.

also taking blood thinner. What can I take for joint pain?  Primary care says Tylenol., 

does no good.

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update to my vision change

Who knows why or how my vision has changed?.  Will be getting new glasses in hopefully 10 days. 

The reason am having trouble with the glare is the coating is peeling off the lenses.  Told a new type is out which is better will get that.

new to pace

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same symptoms as before PM

Hi,

I got my Bitotronic Edora8 DR-T October 2021, due to SSS and AV block with bradytachicardia. Using it 95% according to last check. 52 Male otherwise healthy. Did Cathererism, MRI, Ultrasound and all fine before PM

First few weeks/months I was doing ok, but after my 1st checkup they made a adjustment and from there it went downhill. Experiencing almost the same symptoms as before. SOB, AFIB, Fatigue, can't walk for 300 meters without being tired.

Went 3 times so far t...

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vision change

I was wondering if anyone has had a vision change.  The reason i ask is mine seems to go and come.  Noticed these past couple of months been having a hard time reading street signs.  An this small font in these forums.

Did see the retina specialist who said my vision was 20/40.  Otherwise my eyes are in good shape.   Am scheduled for a vision test on the 11th.

Have also occasionally have floaters, mine seem to come when a bit dehrydated.  Looking...

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Arrhythmic Storm and ICDs

For the ICD folks who have experienced arrhythmic storm(s) (i.e. multiple episodes of VT or VF over a short period of time 24hrs):

What drugs/actions made it better? What drugs/actions made it worse? What is your current diagnosis? What do you do when you feel an episode might be coming on?

For me:

1.Isoproterenol and overdrive pacing at 90bpm make it better.

2. Amiodarone and Lidocaine don't work. Beta blockers (propranolol and IV esmolol)...

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Hormones

Has anyone worked with an endocrinologist to understand the if hormonal fluctuations may be causing arrhythmias. I told my electrophysiologist that there seems to be a correlation between my cycle and cardiac events, and he said it’s possible but he didn’t know how to interpret hormone levels. 

I’ve had metabolic panels run in emergency type situations, and nothing has come back out of range. With that said, the timing of my cardiac symptoms and cycle seem su...

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Help for my mother-in-law

Hi all - As I have a heart issue my family ask me advice from time-to-time on things. I am conscious that although I know more than them I do not know on some heart terms, having only suffered one type of heart issue I do not want them to get bad information from me to take back to the GP.

My mother-in-law has palpatations and has recently received the following results from a 72 hour holter monitor.

Sinus Rythm

Frequent ventricular ectopics (1%) with rare...

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Dentist Chair

I'm 83 years old and I have been scheduled to have two dental implants. On my first visit to the dentist my blood pressure went up to 200 and the dentist called an ambulance. I stayed in the hospital for several hours. On my second visit my blood pressure went up to 175/110 in 10 minutes. The procedure was cancelled. I didn't fee particularly stressed since I have had dental work done for over 70 years without problems. I have 100% heart block and I'm on my fourth pacemakers. I ha...

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update to when to turn pacemaker off now on page 2

Just to update everyone his brother passed finally on March 24.  Pacemaker was turned off after hospice got with him on the 22nd.  He had not eaten or drank anything for  nearly 10 days..  Guess his heart was stronger.

new to pace

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CT angiogram with contrast

Has anyone with bradycardia ever had the CT angiogram with contrast test? Sometimes a drug, which lowers pulse, is administered? Did anyone have side effects from that? Since my pacemaker is to help my pulse, im concerned about that 

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update to my previous post now on page 2 about " AF- either surgery or blood thinners " also triggers

I saw the cardiologist today and she and i spoke at great lengths.

Watchman or other types of plug/cut off surgery: One can have at any age.  If I want one of these surgeries, i have to be taking blood thinners first.  Then if having trouble  tolerateing and would like to stop Medicare would then pay for surgery.  If not taking anything I would have to payout of pocket.  That is not a choice for me.

I will try and  do  deep breathi...

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Tachycardia

Hey everyone I'm Abi, it has been a while since I have been on here but I have recently been diagnosed with tachycardia and I was hoping to get a bit of input and advice.

Just a little about my pacemarker journey (to give some context). I am a 22 year old college student and I have had a pacemaker since I was 7 months old. I was born with a large hole in ny heart and when they were repairing it they completely severed my AV node, giving me bradycardia. I have had a pacemak...

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You know you're wired when...

You forecast electrical storms better than the weather network.

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