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Positive ANA test

Hi,

I have congenital complete heart block and have been paced since 1998.  I am 39 years old, on my 3rd pacemaker, and lead a very active, healthy lifestyle.  Last week I was diagnosed with Reynaud's Syndrome, and today I found out that the results of my ANA blood test were positive.  My PCP has referred me to a rheumatologist.  The rheumatologist will be in the same large university health system as my EP and cardiologist.

 Are there any other a...

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SSS

I am one week post op of getting my PM.  My hospital (IU Health) has a patient portal where I can view test results,  summaries,  etc.  I had my first Appointment Monday at the Pacemaker clinic and with My Dr's Nurse practioner.   I was curious and went searching on the summary of Her Notes.  Farther down I saw Dr Kilra's notes of his diagnosis.... SSS.   Before my Pacemaker surgery the Attending Dr (i had went to the ER for slow...

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A Frayed Lead

So, I have a frayed lead. I'm barely paced, like way less than 1% of the time. I've had my pacer for 15 years. I also have a cow valve AVR. I am 52 years old. 

To leave the lead, or remove it? That is the question.

Any experience?

Thanks!

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Latest Heart Failure Medication Recommendations

I am 34 yrs old and have heart failure (EF 35-40%) and ventricular arrhythmias (post ablation and left sympathetic denervation surgery).  I have a CRT-D (my 5th defibrillator/pacemaker) and complete heart block, with a history of clots (PE).  I was taking carvedilol, lisinopril and warafin for several years.

Last year, I went to Mayo Clinic Rochester for a second opinion and have since locally transfered my EP and Heart Failure cardiolog...

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Pacemaker magnet

I am a nurse. I have been in a new position for about a year. A new floor. We do colonoscopies. I assist the doctor. So I'm standing next to the doctor at the patient's bedside. The anesthesiologist comes in to check this elderly sickly woman. Woman has a pacemaker. Anesthesiologist decides she needs the magnet applied to her chest and the code cart pads. Code cart pads are not usual and I have never seen anyone with a pacemaker  have to have the magnet placed.  Underst...

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upper lead replacement

I have been told that my upper lead is not working and needs to be replaced.Anybody have any info on this type of procedure.I am 69 and nervious about the idea.

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AV block Progression.

14 months ago, I was diagnosed with type II AV block and had my pacemaker fitted.  At my first check-up six weeks later, I was being paced 17 % of the time in my right ventricle.  I had a check-up today, and I am now pacing over 70% of the time, so I now have stage 3 block, which frightens the life out of me.  I know that my PM will take care of it, but battery life will be reduced (8.5 years left) and if anything goes wrong, I'll be in big trouble.

I know this really...

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Numbness around Pacemaker

I recently am having numbness  and soreness on  and around my pacemaker. I have had it for 5 years and never had this feeling. Anyone have any idea what is wrong?

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Cupping Therapy

Is cupping therapy ok? I keep getting mixed answers from various people all of which do not have pacemaker conditions.  Please advise. 

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Pacemaker Manufacturer

Are there Biotronik users in this club, or all Medtronic?

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All of a sudden high pulse on husbands pacemaker

Hello,  My husband has a pacemaker which was installed in April 2020.  It has been keeping a constant 60 pulse but just recently has a pulse of 106 even at rest.  He does have a flutter and this is not new.   Also, ever since having this pacemaker installed he has been having periodic chest pains.  He just recently had two more stents put in but still has chest pains.  They go away with nitro. Doctor said chest pain should go way in time??  and gave him...

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Update on first Medtronic transmission

Today I went for my device check in my EP’s office following my first data report. His office had called and wanted me to come in today while the Medtronic rep was there. So pleased to hear that my VP rate is 12.3% and the AP 18.1%. There were no arrthymias and the leads are stable. He said my high VP of 93% on June 30th were just an adjustment period for my heart. The rep told me it’s called Intermittent Heart Block. My intrinsic heartbeat is working 80% of the time. I’m fe...

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Pacemakers

My doctor advises on a Biventricular pacemaker.. I have several questions before I decide. I can't find the answers on-line. Maybe someone can answer.

Can I pick my own Biventricular pacemaker company and model.? If no, why not?

How can I be sure I am getting the latest model? 

 

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Young People

Hello! I'm Eva and I got my first pacemaker fitted when i was 11, I'm now 22 and have recently had my first replacement surgery. I realised i have never met another person with a pacemaker and I am wondering if there are any other young people on this forum who would like to chat/ exchange stories. Nothing against older people, i'd just love to meet someone around my age who has similar experiences! Bonus points if you live in Scotland :)

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Body Image

Hello! I have recently had my first replacement surgery to fit a dual lead pm and the box seems extremely visible which i'm really disappointed about. I wasn't told this would be the case prior to surgery (my previous pm was under the muscle and entirely non-visible - except the scar) so i'm finding it a bit upsetting and hard to accept.

I have discussed this with my pm tech but I live in Scotland and everything is on the NHS so it's not something the...

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Chest discomfort & pain while sleeping

I am 41 year old female who was diagnosed with Complete Heart Block. I have had my PM for a little over a year now.  For the last few days I've had a tightness and uncomfortable feeling in my chest as well as an achy feeling in my left shoulder and upper back. For the last three nights, I have been unable to sleep on my left side. When I turn to sleep on my left a shooting pain starts under my left breast with a burning sensation. Close to unbearable and I must immediately get o...

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inappropriate shocks

I believe that the more I learn, the less anxiety I have.  I am now trying to learn from experiences.  Facts and experiences work best for me , which is why I feel that this forum is "quality of life saving". 

I have read that most ICD shocks feel like a kick in the chest. I had several shocks over a six hour time span. They were diagnosed as "inappropriate" shocks.   However, they did not feel like thuds nor kicks in the chest . That is...

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Moving position of pacemaker

Hi there!

I've had a pacemaker almost all my life and it's always been submammary. 

I'm due for a battery change soon and have been chatting to my surgeon about changing the position of it. Reason being is I'm thinking about what the surgery and recovery will be like the next time it's changed over (maybe in 10 years time) when I'm a bit older and maybe not as fit as I am now.

Has anyone moved their PM from submammary/sub...

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First Appointment at Pacemaker clinic

I had my first Pacemaker clinic appointment along with the Nurse Practioner for my EP Dr.   Found out my Settings are 50 for low and 130 for the high.  NP said that i have only had to use the PM for Maybe less than 3% Since i got home.  She also said that my incision is foing good and told me only air now...no bandage.   

Now... if I can only relax and learn to rely on my PM.   

I had issues with fainting and dizziness for so long that i hav...

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NEW GUY ON THE BLOCK

A HEALTHY HELLO TO ALL MY FELLOW PACEMAKER RECIPIENTS. i HAVE RECENTLY  PASTED THE FOURTEEN MONTH MARK SINCE MY PACEMAKER IMPLANT. i ORGINALLY WENT FOR MY REGULAR SCHEDULED  APPOINTMENT AT THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION, I HAD BEEN HAVE DIFFICULTY WITH SHORTNESS OF BREATH THAT WAS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. ON THE PRE-CHECK WITH THE NURSE A HEART BEAT OF 30BPM WAS DETECTED. i WAS IMMEDIATELY TAKEN TO EMERGENCY AND THEN TO GEISINGER HOSPITAL FOR SURGERY THE FOLLOWING MORNING...

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You know you're wired when...

You have a $50,000 chest.

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I still feel great today and can’t stop feeling excited at my "new" life. Modern day miracles through medicine and electronic devices are amazing!