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What happens when...

I am  CRT-P pending (May 1st).  In my meeting with my EP he said the Medtronic device I'd be getting will have a max of 160bpm.  I didn't think to ask at the time, but what happens if my heart rate exceeds 160?  I ask because for years now if I engage in aerobic activity for more than a few minutes my heart rate regularly pops up to over 160.   I understand that part of the reason is because my EF is below normal so my heart is beating faster trying to ge...

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Physical work

What is your experience with hard/physical labor jobs that have a lot of arm movement and lifting heavy objects? Does this cause pain/swelling over the site or problems with leads detaching? I'm worried that it will affect my job, my E.P said it's all good but I struggle with swelling and some discomfort after a long day and I haven't even started working yet... 

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asking for help

Since i did not want to hijack another's query.  Thought i would put my comment of this separtely.  To me asking for help is a sign of strength.   We all know how hard that is to do. I have found in recent years when asking make sure you are clear about what it is or where the  help is needed.

This past Nov. - March i had to hire a lawn service to pick up the fallen leaves.  Was unable to do becuase of torn tendon, arthritis in base of thumb and finger...

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Much more frequent pvcs and pacs four weeks after implant

Since I had my pacemaker implanted four weeks ago I have had many more pvcs and pacs which are uncomfortable.  My Apple Watch picks them up and I have about 4-6 per 30 sec. ECG  and they are fairly constant.  I just want to know if this is common after implant and if experienced, when does it seem to calm down.  My first doctors appointment after implant isn't for another 4 weeks. I did have  checkup with the nurses in the clinic after 1 week and I did experi...

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My thoughts on therapy...

I know many of you have encouraged me to get some therapy for my healing process, of which I have taken under advisement. However, I wish to clarify some reasons as to why I'm really not keen on the idea of seeing a shrink. You'd have to really know me to fully understand my reasoning, but I'll try and explain myself so you can at least follow along.

First: I'm extremely introverted. Yes, I worked for most of my life, usually in some form of customer service, which only...

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CRT-goodDog

😊 

Hi Dave, hope your good experience continues ❤️ and good luck 🤞🏻 

Best wishes for your next venture 🥰 

Michelle 

 

 

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Ear buds

Is it generally safe to use wireless earbuds.?

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My upgrade from a dual chamber to a CRT

Finally have my upgrade to a CRT with a new lead (3-lead) on this Tuesday at the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus in Cleveland! Had my pre-op testing yesterday with all my results posted to my Chart within a couple hours. The people there for the testing are wonderful; especially the Pacer Tech. Probably the most knowledgeable and nicest that I've ever had. The way that I judge that is; I felt better (mentally) leaving her office than before I walked-in.

BTW: I am hoping...

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Anyone else with total heart block?

Hi all. Just wondering if anyone else on here has a pacemaker because of total heart block? Wondering is there a connection between that and random nerve pains I get. Could be down to my open heart surgery also but ever since I've had it I get terrible nerve pains in my arms feet basically everywhere. It's not all the time but I tend to suffer them for a period then it calms down again then few months later bang it's back! So painful feels like I'm being prodded with hot poker...

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Patient App

Has anyone figured out how to get the Patient App to work?  I just get a message saying there's a problem with the connection.  I tried everything.  I would appreciate any help you can give me.  I have an iphone SE.

 

Thank you!

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Help for after surgery

My mom (77) just had pacemaker surgery. She will be going home tomorrow or the next day. What are some "things" you wish you had right after your surgery?  Or things you did have that highly recommend?  How can I help make things easier and more comfortable for her?  
I did buy her some front closure bras and some button up shirts. Someone suggested a bidet- so I've got that ordered too. 
The cardio Dr makes it seem like it''s not going to b...

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And the Count Down Begins

  Finally have a date for my CRT-P placement:May 1.  Yep, only 8 weeks away.  *sigh*  That's soonest available (short of an emergency which to date I'm not).  But I will be very busy during these next 8 weeks still exploring other options. 

I need to get a second opinion from a different system with regards to pocket placement options actual device.  My EP is knowledgeable but really, really, really does not want to do anything other than...

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Tricuspid Valve repair/replacement

Does anyone have any suggeastions or experience in getting their tricuspid valve repaired or replaced?. What questions should be asked of the potential surgeons. I am seeing three different surgeon for opinions over the next two weeks and want to be informed as possible.

Tony

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Alcohol ablation

Getting ready for my first battery change out on my CRTD in the next month.  I had an ablation last December and now my electrophysiologist want to do an alcohol ablation since my PVCs are coming back.  Has anyone ever had one?  Thanks!

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You Can Prevent a Stroke Book by Joshua S. Yamamoto and Kristin E. Thomas

I couldn't find any references to this book on the site (I tried searching by author and by title). It's not about strokes, it's about the heart and the cardiovascular system; lead author is a cardiologist. It's short, very simple, easy reading and probably doesn't contain anything that people on this site don't know. I'd still recommend it because of the focus on the systemic plumbing rather than particular systems. I suspect it's mostly aimed at people who ar...

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Cataract Surgery

Before Covid set in I was promised cataract surgery in both eyes over a period of a few months, but only managed to have the right eye done before all appointments were cancelled.  Today I attended a long awaited pre-op assessment of my fitness to have the cataract removed from my left eye.

The nurse seemed unusually concerned about my pacemaker.  She didn't seem to know I had one, even though I had my right eye Cataract removed at the same hospital with a p...

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Under pec muscle

I asked about getting a micro device but since I have an older style Medtronic device they said surgery would be brutal removing the leads etc. They suggested a new device placed under the pectoral muscle so I wouldn't see it.  Anyone have this done and was healing easy as before?

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Average heart rate

Hi just checking been doing alot walking and jogging average heart rate 166 and a peack of 203 for a 6km walk is that bad. How a post a picture of the heart rate 

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Indigestion??

Many times I have had an uncomfortable episode, often after eating. My heartbeat is slightly irregular, my throat and upper chest are tight and heavy and I feel light headed. Afterwards I burp quite a lot and I have never been a burper.  I spoke to my Doctor about this and she prescribed 20mg Omeprazole once a day which helped as I was getting episodes much more often during the day. I think the pills have helped.

However, I am scared. I have to go to the hospital for my yearly&nbs...

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Pacemaker Check Feedback

Hi All

Thought I would feedback a couple of pieces of information from my device check last week in case it was of interest.

I have posted previously about my sensitivity to the acceleration and deceleration of the heart which normally occurs as part of the pacing checks.  After I explained that I had felt unwell during and after these tests last time, the EP told me that it was not necessary to conduct these tests until I was close to battery replacement or there had been a...

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You know you're wired when...

You have rhythm.

Member Quotes

Good luck with your surgery. It will improve life amazingly.