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3 weeks post-op (and counting)

Looking for support and advice on what questions I should ask the doctor today. After lying awake with pain since 330am, I'm heading into the walk in clinic to evaluate why and whether I should still be in pain 3 weeks post op: dual chamber pacemaker insertion for a healthy heart that gets interrupted by swallow syncope with a 5 second AV block  

I have near constant incision pain that is tolerable during the day (2 out of 10) but keeps me awake at...

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Newbie

Wow - implanted 10-22-2019. Trying to heal physically and wrap my head around this new reality. 

Prior to I was a racquetball competitor in pursuit of a league championship at my club . I played 3-4 days a week and was known for my mobility and stamina. 

Ive been slowly sticking my toe in the water walking 2-3 miles a day . Yesterday I ran a little on the treadmill - I felt kind of scared . 

I am wondering why my heart suddenly started beating so slow ? My con...

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3 Months!

3 months ago today, I was rushed into hospital following syncope, and had a PM implanted for a Mobitz Type II block.  As a result of cuts in NHS funding, my local hospital is extremely busy and after an overnight stay I was discharged without a proper consultation with a cardiologist.  It was only by reading my discharge papers that I knew what was wrong.

Luckily, I am a Biomedical Scientist and have a good knowledge of medical terminology, and was, therefore, able to get a lo...

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No body mentioned an anxiety disorder would develop with heart problems!

I nearly died three weeks ago with a stage three heart block. Heart rate was 20 bpm. I am a 61 year old female being treated for mild heart failure cased by left-bundle-branch block. I was taking carvedilol (Coreg). The dose was recently slightly increased which caused the heart block. At first, the beta-blocker was the primary cause. Then they put in a cardiac loop, and that recorded my heart stopping twice. I learned this on a Friday and by Monday I had a 3 wire CRT put in.  I’ve...

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Tachycardia that's not fast. One in a million--that's me

Is there such a thing as Pacemaker Mediated Tachycardia without the tachycardia?

Background: back in the early days after I got my little friend, I developed pounding, pain, and if I tried to push through it instead of sitting down, I would collapse.

After two years of steadily getting worse, I was finally diagnosed with PVC induced PMT. (But only after I demonstrated the collapsing part while in the EP's clinic.) Since there was no heart block, the sinplest solution was...

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Can not sleep

I’m 6 days into living with my pacemaker.  It was diagnosed with Bradycardia and sinus node sickness.  I’m an avid cyclist, hiker, swimmer etc so I always have had a very low pulse so definitely a shocker that I need a Pacemaker.  My pulse rate is now set at 60 (prior to pacer night pulse in low 40s).  Last night my heart went crazy and I could not sleep.  It felt like it was racing, pounding would not stop and settle. I need to sleep!

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VAT

Actually VAT can be claimed  in the UK if you have a pacemaker ,  but only if the purchase is relavant to the pacemaker.  Can't think of anything that could be relavant though apart from perhaps medical alert jewellery.  Worth asking

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Pacemaker to ICD

Hi. Been diagnosed with cardiac sarcoidosis, and due to the high risk of vtac and heart failure the cardiologists are talking about upgrading my 3 year old 2 lead pacemaker to an ICD. Appointment in 2 weeks but I have some questions I’d like to get on top of beforehand. Can someone tell me if this means extra lead needs to be placed and can they still use the existing leads from my pacemaker or will I need all the leads removed and replaced. Existing pacemaker is a medtronic s...

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Two weeks away from getting a PM

Good morning everyone. I am a 55-year-old female without any exterior signs of having anything wrong.  I was told I need an ICD by two different doctors. I going to have a procedure Tuesday before Thanksgiving. I have elected to have it put in under the muscle. As I'm sure all of you were, I'm kind of scared. I feel I'm too young but I have to listen to my doctors. Anybody currently have one that was put in under the muscle? I could really use some words of encouragement. It&...

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Horse back Riding

I'm getting a PM implant on this Friday and am a bit indifferent about it. I understand it is what it is and I cannot predict the future, I do trust the Sovereignty of God, however I'm yearning to get as much information as I can regarding my surgery and recovery. I have ignored it up until now as though it might just fix itself but Friday just keeps getting closer!!  I'm a very active and an avid horsewoman and Grandma. I ride everyday and haul to co...

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Sub Pectoral

Good morning!

Yay for PM Club!!

I'm getting a PM implant on this Friday and am a bit indifferent about it. I understand it is what it is and I cannot predict the future, I do trust the Sovereignty of God, however I'm yearning to get as much information as I can regarding my surgery and recovery. I have ignored it up until now as though it might just fix itself but Friday just keeps getting closer!!  I'm a very active and an avid horsewoman and...

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Leads

Had leads replaced in Aug because two ventricular leads malfunctioned. Got pocket infection. Still treating w/ antibiotics. After surgical healing a very thin membrane was apparent and lead could be felt. 2 days ago lead became exposed thru the tissue. Any idea how long I can go before lead has to be extracted. All cardiac units closed because of weekend and holiday at the hospitals. Nearest center 2 hrs away and don't have appt yet. As stated- still covered by antibiotics

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I-STOP-Afib study

FYI - I have no affiliation with this study. Just posting this for those that might want to participate. Just got this in my email today.

Announcement below.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Help us fight AFib, NOW INTERNATIONALLY AVAILABLE!


Thank you to all of you who wrote to our study team interested in participating outside of North America, we are now available world-wide! Please download the app per t...

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VAT

Is it true that if you have a pacemaker you can be exempt iof VAT on purchases?

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Humming

Good morning, I was wondering can anybody else hear their ICD humming? I can only hear it out of my left ear and  it just has recently started since my implant on July 3rd. Thank you for sharing.

cheryl

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pacemaker

Have a new pacemaker as of last week. I have to admit I'm a bit intimidated and uncomfortable knowing that my heart relies on this tiny machine to function. I was in A-flutter and A-fib. medication no longer worked and that that had worked in the past was too damaging. SO- here I am, new to this world.

I don't know what to expect, what is normal, or abnormal. I have read the book twice and still have no peace of mind.

This type of anxiety is something I have not had b...

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Myeloproliferative Neoplasms/Polycythemia

Hello!

I am wondering if any members have a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) such as polycythemia vera (PV). If so, have your doctors made any connections between hypercoagulability and your heart condition? Did your MPN status change anything about your diagnosis, pacemaker installation or programming?

I have polycythemia vera and was diagnosed with sick sinus syndrome in July 2019. I had a single lead atrial PM installed then. My resting heart rate has been...

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Battery change

Hi all I'm due my first battery replacement 5th of dec 2019 I'm scared as had a bad experience when first fitted!!im a painter and decorator at the moment in a factory which is very dirty so worried about infection!!work want to no how long I will be off !! Any ideas don't think I'm having the leads changed but not 100%!! Any ideas from people who have had this done thanks Carl 

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Cardio band to wear on the chest

Dear All

could someone tell me if a cardio frequency band (the ones that are wearable on the chest)

can be used by a subject with an implanted PM? Could it interfere with the PM?

Thank you in advance for your feedback 

I wish you all a great time. 

G

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Cardio band to wear on the chest

Dear All

could someone tell me if a cardio frequency band (the ones that are wearable on the chest)

can be used by a subject with an implanted PM? Could it interfere with the PM?

Thank you in advance for your feedback 

I wish you all a great time. 

G

Read More...

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Your kids call you Cyborg.

Member Quotes

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