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Any climbers out there

I am new to this site and have posted this thread on two other forums before I found this sports thread. Sorry
I just got my ICD defibrillator 8 days ago for Vtach diagnosed last year, VF two weeks ago and external defibrillation . 55 years old . I have been a avid rock climber for over 30 years having enjoyed all aspects of the sport. The last few years I mainly sport climb (5.12a/b)and boulder. Does anyone still climb as hard as they did before surgery? How about indoor training , any...

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hi, new teen

I'm marisa, i'm 14, i have a congenital (born with) heart problem, I have gone through 8 surgeries and 5 pacemakers, my last surgery was october 2006. For anyone who has just recently got a heart problem and is trying to cope with their peers like i have over the gazillion school years dont stress and be self councious of others staring at you.

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Stress

I am scheduled for an EP study 9/4 and a biventricular pacemaker/ defibrillator implant the next day. I have an extremely stressful job - but not one that is too terribly physically demanding, I have been told I will be able to return to work on the Monday after the Wednesday implant. (9/10) Is that realistic? If I am going to be out much beyond that I need to try to plan in advance as much as possible. Thanks.

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Talked to Valerie!

I know many of you have asked me if I have talked to Valerie. I talked to her yesterday. She still isn't feeling well so continue to lift those prayers up for her. The power of prayer is amazing. She has been in out of those doctors and the ER many times from the last time I talked to her though I know she is a fighter like the rest of us she will get through things.
More than anything she really does appreciate all of your thoughts.
Take care and blessings my friends,
T...

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Is Angiogram necessary before PM fitted

Hi Everyone Windway here after a little difficulty logging in but helped by the marvellous Blake (Thanks Blake)
Friday 30th June 2006, I went to my GP (doctors) on a regular three monthly blood pressure check with the nurse. It was fine but heart rate under 50. She did ECG and called the doctor to the room who repeated the ECG. She read it, said "Don't move" dialled 999 (America 911) for an ambulance which took me to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff. I had had no symptoms of heart...

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Still not myself

I had a dual chamber put in on May 24th with a diagnosis of SSS. I had passed out my whole life and it was always attributed to a vasovagal response as there was always a precipating event. I always felt good and had a high level of energy. The last time I passed out I was sitting at my desk at work eating lunch. The stress test and cardiac ultrasound were normal but the holter picked up a HR of 18 for several seconds. They told me a pacer was needed. In the initial weeks after surgery, I h...

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Who's Online? list

What does it mean when a member's name is highlighted in red on the online list? I'm still learning....Is there any way to tell who's in chat?

Does anyone have any thoughts on comments I made today in response to the "To Smitty" post 8/22 by auntiesamm re religion and pacemakers (comment #3) and my comment (#6) in response to "What 65 means" post by Misty on 8/20? Do my daughter's numbers look good (What 65 means)??? I'm a very nervous Mom... Mary Jane

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Anyone hear of something like this?

My dad had a device (pacemaker/defib.) implanted a few years ago and towards the end of July his device went off--not once, not twice, but almost twenty times. From what they can tell, the problem was with the leads and it "leaked" electricity causing the device to read the heart rate as 3x faster than it really was causing it to continuously go off. At the hospital they finally got it to stop by placing a giant magnet on his chest until they were able to get a St. Jude employee to come over an...

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How Careful Do I need to be?

I got my PM three weeks ago and now that my surgery wound is getting much better and I am getting more active, I have begun to wonder just how careful I need to be about the implant site. The only information I received was to not engage in activity that results in "pressing" on the PM site. How easily can damage occur? If I bump into a wall, slapped on the chest, or hit during a pillow fight....will those things cause damage? Any insights?

Jack

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Thanks for the infomation

I started reading the posts from this site about a month ago. You all have certainly helped me prepare for the big event and know what to expect. I am a 56 year old male with sick sinus syndrome. Had the PM implanted on Friday August 16 . I was in OR for about two hours. Doctor had said it would be take about an hour so my wife and daughter were definitely getting concerned. It is a strange feeling being awake during the operation and talking with the doctor and nurses. I could feel some...

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Valerie??

I haven't seen a post / reply from Valerie in a long time. I also didn't get a reply to a PM. Has anyone heard from her? Maybe she's away...


Suze

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Phone

Due to the increasing amount of cordless phones, does everybody think the check-ups will change with the pacemaker checks ? I found its getting harder and harder to find a land-line phone when I shopped for one.

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Just in time for hunting season!!!!

Howdy from Texas,
I'am new to this game, Been told a pace maker is in my future, will see the doctor oct1 for the determination. This pm might end my career in the fire dept. I also love to fish and hunt. Any hunters out there?.

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Very basic question

OK so I'm confused.
I'm getting a pacemaker in a few months time for a compete congenital heart block (I'm 34 and asymptomatic so it as a precaution rather than an immediate necessity).
My health insurance is up for renewal and I was asking my insurance company where and what I was covered for...and I couldnt answer any of the questions they asked. Whats the difference bewteen single/dual/bi pacemakers and the number of leads. And do you have any idea which type I'd be getting. (I'm no...

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its o.k!!!

all of you afraid kids out there that is goiong to have surgery you will be just fine i am 11 yrs. old and i have a PM also i got my first PM when I was about 3yrs. old i just got a new PM in november of 2006 and looking at me now doing everything a normal kid would do!!!!!!!!!

DONT WORRY YOU WILL BE FINE
GOD BLESS!!!

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Shortness of Breath

I had pretty severe shortness of breath which was my primary symptom that led to the PM. I have been fine for a year with my PM. Over the last two weeks or so I have had bouts with shortness of breath again and they are getting more frequent. My PM was just checked on Thursday and they say it is fine. Anyone ever go through this? I have an appointment with my PCP on Friday.

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pacemaker location problem

hi all,
this is my first post here,as i felt that this was the place where i could share my concerns.my 2 yr old niece was born with a slow heartbeat.after doctor's advice ,a pacemaker was implanted on her leftside on 07/13/07.after a month, today the doctor tells them that her tissues are not growing,so they have to relocate it somewhere near the stomach in a couple of days.she is in India,and is being treated at the best hospital from a doctor who studied here in the U.S.we are all ver...

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To Smitty

Hello My Friend,

Thank you for your recent postings on several subjects and your words of wisdom. When you post it makes everything right in MY world. I especially like your last posting under the Religion & PM debate. You summed it up extremely well and I appreciate how well organized your thoughts are. I tend to be all over the place. This topic has created some of the most interesting responses in a long time which is very healthy. The number of "reads" is really up there! W...

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Anyone here from Vegas

I am going to Las Vegas next week and just wondered if any of our members are from there. It would be fun to get together with someone from out of my area to talk to and meet while there. It is nice to meet people with similar problems and find out we are not alone. I have Bradycardia and VVS. No other heart problems. If you reply I will send you a private message and let you know where I will be staying. Bowlrbob

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strage feelings

hi everyone already put this essay on but in wrong place. Its been 4wks now since l had PM put in,had check up with doc tor, had check up with clinic,all seems fine, so why is it that l still get the strange feeling l used to get before l would blackout? Which l can only descibe as a swimming in the head and tingle in the ears,hot sweat up my neck and hands last 3/6 seconds. l'v mentioned this to docs and techs they say l might be over sensitive but it is a worry should l be more concerned or is...

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You know you're wired when...

You participate in the Pacer Olympics.

Member Quotes

My muscles are very sore but each day it gets better and my range of movement is improving.