Most Recent Messages

Pain

Since implant Sept 08, can't distinquish if I have more energy or not.What my problem is the surgery area, namely the raised device. I am predominately "left-handed" and the unit is practically up against my shoulder bone. This area is always sore. Last 2 nights the pain wakens me after I attempt to turn to another position. Is anyone else experiencing this? I'ts been 7 months since implant. Will the unit settle into my chest cavaity? I'm only 5'8 at 168 lbs. Thanks.....Chuck

Read More...

Firefighter again

Thanks for all of the feedback. For those who are worrying or concerned, I don't have my PM to keep me alive, on the contrary, it just keeps my resting heartrate above 50. I have no exercise issues and never have. I would not go back on the job if I were a hazard to my crew. I have discussed this at length with my specialists. My heart functions great when exerting. If I were to break a lead at a fire it wouldn't affect my heart rate because my reart rate would be above 50 due to the adrenal...

Read More...

Thanks

thanks everyone for your comments i think i will return the bracelets and find something a bit safer,my dr started me on celebrex so hopefully that will help,also i did say on the bracelet package not to wear if you have a pm/df so its best to hede this warning..once again thanks

VALERIE mytrose4 4444
this is a wonderful site with wonderful people

Read More...

phone line montor

Hi everybody,
This is my first posting although I've had my pacemaker since December 2005.

I just recently received my CareLink home monitor and sent off my first transmission to my cardiologist's office about a week ago. Does anybody use this method of reporting rather than an in-person evaluation? And, if so, do you feel it is as effective as in-person visits? Makes me a little nervous for some reason.
Phyllis

Read More...

Rowers and scullers

Have not seen any problems from anyone who row or sculls with pacemaker. I have had Medtronic Kappa KDR901 implanted in 2006. My running since the implant has caused me no problems but my rowing after 20min exercise my h/r would decrease.

After discussions and tests it would seem that the Medtronic unit has inbuilt motion sensor that detects the vertical motion of running okay but with the rowing not imparting this motion. Anyone out there had any experience?

Tonym

Read More...

Camp for kids with PM

I'd like to respond to the message sent requesting information about camps that are offered to kids with PM's. The hospital for Sick Children, which is located in Toronto Ontario offers a summer camp to kids with Pacemakers. The camp is open to children that are pacemaker patients at the hospital. It is fully staffed with doctors/nurses etc, and is a great opportunity for the children to meet with others with similar medical concerns....and just to give a little info on the hospital, "Sick Ki...

Read More...

new member

I want to thank whoever put this website together. I received a PM three days ago and am slowly feeling better. My story begins 15 years ago when I had radiation therapy for Hodgkins disease. The reaction to the radiation came 4 months ago when I developed pericarditis. That lead to atrial fibrillation which I was put on meds for. A week ago the pericarditis returned and in the hospital my heart was monitored as pausing for 6 seconds once and 4 seconds 2 other times in the night. A PM was...

Read More...

military question

Hey peter
i've just read your message. OMG.... LOL.... as my wonderful teenage sons' would say. Actually, if they find out I just used them, they will NEVER say them again!
Always damn fine to read something that actually makes me laugh on this site
By the way, for some reason, your PM Club 'private' email is not working
Take care
Sasha/ Gonzi

Read More...

Lead Extraction Recovery

To anyone who has had leads extracted. Can you tell me your recovery time and share your experience with me? I posted awhile back asking exactly what a lead extraction is and thanks to those that replied! Now really looking for how long it took to get back to work and feeling normal again.
I will be having 4 leads removed from my upper chamber within the next month. Does it depend on how many are being taken out and how they are removed?

Thanks in advance-
Tracie

Read More...

Battery Change and AV Node Ablation

Hi,
This is a great site and hopefully some has some insight re: my question.
My family member has a Biventricular pacemaker and ICD, placed in 2002. Anyway, the battery is up for replacement, but in the meantime my family member has also had an av node ablation (as such pacemaker dependent).
Does anyone know how they change the battery/unit while still keeping the heart paced? Has anyone else had a similar replacement?? I would appreciate any comments.

Read More...

gees peter, bring a firefighter down

You SO have to be a Pom, or pommy born. Harsh, to the point, hold no punches, gees boy, lighten up a smidgin ( still made me laugh with the other comment tho!)
Gonz
by the by, my pacer is sub muscular
Gonz :->

Read More...

battery replacement

Have had my pacemaker since 2001. I am due soon for a battery replacement. Does this take a stay in the hospital. Would appreciate info from others. The pacer is working fine!

skwimgal

Read More...

Sick Sinus Syndrome.

Hello all. My name is Brian and I am 25 years old. I have always been an active person, however lately I do not have enough energy to stay awake for an entire day. About a month ago I went to the doctor with nasuea, while I was there they found that I had a low pulse. I had several EKG's and all revealed a low heart rate. I have also had two echocardiograms which show my heart as healthy just slow. I ended up in the hospital with chest pains and was admitted for 3 days. While there and being mon...

Read More...

URGENT - advice on INR test in Canada

I am going off to Toronto in a couple of days, and my INR test for my warfarin / coumadin? has increased today and my doctor has asked me to get mt blood checked while I am away.

So I am looking for any advice on how this is carried out in Toronto, would I need to contact a medical centre, or go to a hospital?

Obviously it would cost me, any idea how much it is likely to be?

I can only access this site until 8am UK time on Tuesday morning, so do not respond after...

Read More...

Military Service

Hi my name is Scott and I am 27. I have had my pacemaker since I was 18 and have had one Pulse Generator replacement. I was born with a complete heart block.

I have been disappointed that I have seemingly been blocked from military service due to my device, and here and there I read all of these stories about military folks with pacemakers. What gives? Also, recently I found out I may not even be allowed to become a police officer with my pacer :(

Does anyone have advic...

Read More...

airport security gates

The written literature I've read says that you should not go through the security arch/arbor when entering the gate area at airports. Instead, you should alert security people that you have a pacemaker.
That leads to a special, time-consuming examination of your person, wand waving, pat-downs, etc.
I phoned Medtronic and was told it's ok to pass through the arch/arbor, but not to pause on linger inside it.
I've passed through now, with no problem.
Any other experiences you...

Read More...

Unexplained ups and downs in general health

My pacemaker was implanted because of chronic atrial fibrillation. The procedure was AV nodal ablation -- the only procedure suitable for my age. For the most part I am pleased although I do on a semi regular basis suffer from frequent skipped beats, low energy, internal agitation and unreasonable fatigue. These symptoms can sometimes last up to a month and then suddenly disappear and I may have several weeks of perfect health...energy, regular uninterrupted heart beat, and no internal agit...

Read More...

pacemaker problems?

Dear Gudrun

I too have had a av node ablation due to chronic atrial fibrillation. You are two years older than I and other than that our conditions seem to be identical. I havent had exactly the same symtoms that you describe but I havent felt well since I had the orginal problem almost two years ago. I have had my pm since Feb. 2007. I have had a lot of shortness of breath and funny movement in the heart area that i cant explain. I was however on Adivan for anxiety for one year...

Read More...

Brain Dead

Hi all. I have had a pacemaker for about 18 months with no major problems. Tonight I was working in my little shop putting away some small parts. They were in a small metal magnetic parts tray. I put the tray on my left arm, sitting on my arm, across my chest, and was using my right hand to sort the parts into bins.
I started to feel dizzy, and weak, then realized the strong magnets were right below my pacemaker.

I moved the tray and the feelings stopped right away.

It...

Read More...

Benign please Lord--Monday...

  • by bunnykin
  • 2008-04-27 12:04:39
  • 859 views
  • 5 comments

28th is the date for my husband's surgery. It's been a long dreadful week but the weekend has been tranquil. Thank God. Church was usual but there was peace in our hearts after the service. Paul and I had many friends from the cell group who helped pray and so did our pastors.(Little mercies...God is good).
We are both very aware that you folks out there have been so vigilant thinking about us lately and we're comforted indeed.

Tonight I shall try to have a good sleep even if it...

Read More...

You know you're wired when...

Your device makes you win at the slot machines.

Member Quotes

Hi, I am 47 and have had a pacemaker for 7 months and I’m doing great with it.