1. < Heart Rhythm Conditions

Pacemaker recipients: Looking for support from others

Posted by balubeje @balubeje, May 25, 2016

I am coming on a year post op having a pacemaker placement for bradycardia. I would be interested in a support group with the same concerns. I think a support network would be so beneficial.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart Rhythm Conditions Support Group.

gram0322 | @gram0322 | Oct 31 7:20am

I had a Medtronic pacemaker implanted for bradycardia last February. A nurse educator gave me basic instructions while I was in the hospital and sent me home with literature to read. I have called the device clinic to get answers to my questions. All in all I feel well informed and haven’t had any problems. The pacemaker has eliminated my feeling faint. I have my energy back. I am so happy I got the pacemaker. Good luck to you.

REPLY
cottagecountry | @cottagecountry | Oct 30 11:00am
In reply to @jer22 "Hi all Pacemaker recipients They tell me the newer ones are OK to be buy microwaves,..." + (show)
@jer22

Hi all Pacemaker recipients
They tell me the newer ones are OK to be buy microwaves, and cell phones as long as you keep away around 6 inches?
I will be getting my 1st one in December.
Any comments would be great
Thanks and Happy Halloween
JP

Jump to this post

Hello jer22

Here is a link from the FDA that might answer some of your questions.
https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/cell-phones/magnets-cell-phones-and-smart-watches-may-affect-pacemakers-and-other-implanted-medical-devices
I would also advise you to contact the manufacturer for advice. I have an Abbott device but I am guessing you don't know what manufacturer you are getting yet. But when you do, they are the "go to" source of such information .
In an earlier post in this thread, I also included a link to Medtronic's , another major manufacturer of cardiac devices, technical support site where they answer questions such as yours.
Finally, good old Google can often link to either the manufacturer's or a government site where you can find reputable information.
And of course there are the folks on this thread (hopefully soon to be separate support group), who can offer some practical information.
Hope this helps.
Happy Halloween to you ,too.🎃

REPLY
jer22 | @jer22 | Oct 30 9:53am

Hi all Pacemaker recipients
They tell me the newer ones are OK to be buy microwaves, and cell phones as long as you keep away around 6 inches?
I will be getting my 1st one in December.
Any comments would be great
Thanks and Happy Halloween
JP

REPLY
2 replies
jc76 | @jc76 | Oct 29 6:29am
In reply to @tct "Any ICD/Pacemaker recipients using electric blanket? It’s my winter bed cover to keep the cold out...." + (show)
@tct

Any ICD/Pacemaker recipients using electric blanket? It’s my winter bed cover to keep the cold out. I’ve use it about 8 months out of the year. Is there a potential problem with electric field interference with the ICD ?

Jump to this post

@tct
This is an important question for your EP and/or cardiologist. My novice reply was be very concerned with any electrical devices located near or on your pacemaker.

I have a boston scientific device and on my 3rd one from Mayo Jacksonville. I have been told over and over including information from Boston Scientic about being careful with electrical devices near your pacemaker. And devices like cell phones ,etc.

You can always reach out to the manufacturer of your device to ask the question. I have done that many times with Boston Scientific.

REPLY
jc76 | @jc76 | Oct 29 6:24am
In reply to @brightwood "Thanks for posting the Mayo link, which I dad to compare it to my own experiences..." + (show)
@brightwood

Thanks for posting the Mayo link, which I dad to compare it to my own experiences nearly two years ago. My extreme episodes of breathlessness while out walking and light-headed ness ( which I blamed on pandemic anxiety) led me to 30 days wearing a Holter monitor, which reported to my physician that I was having partial “blockages” — actually electrical issues within my heart. After one episode where I had no beat for 4.5 seconds I was referred to a cardiologist who sent me immediately to ER and subsequent admission for an emergency implantation of a two-wire pace-maker. When they could finally work me into the surgery schedule three (hospitalized) days later the actual surgery was under general anesthesia and only took 30 minutes. And I’ve been grateful for it ever since. I have about 9 yrs left on my battery. My advice is to be sure to schedule the procedure at a hospital that does high volumes of the surgery, where the doctors are very experienced. Good luck, all! 🙂

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@brightwood
At hospitals and clinics like Mayo and Cleveland Clinic the procedure is done at outpatient and not under general anesthesia.

I am on my 3rd one and all have been done as outpatient. I have a AICD/Pacemaker.

I agree with your recomendation to have your surgery done at an experienced facility with experienced EP and/or cardiologist doing the procedure.

REPLY
1 reply
tct | @tct | Oct 28 5:19pm
In reply to @cottagecountry "Hello tct I don't know what make of pacemaker or ICD you have , but here..." + (show)
@cottagecountry

Hello tct
I don't know what make of pacemaker or ICD you have , but here is a link to Medtronic 's website where they offer guidance about the safe use of things like appliances, tools, etc. Most of the manufacturers have similiar information available online.
In my experience, if one manufacturer states an item is safe to use, the others do , too.
https://www.medtronic.com/en-us/l/patients/electromagnetic-guide/household-hobby.html
Hope this helps.
All the best

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Thanks, I have a Medtronic device, so that was helpful!

REPLY
jillianas527 | @jillianas527 | Oct 28 3:09pm
In reply to @cottagecountry "Hello jillianas527 I had my device implanted a little over 2 years ago. Before the surgery,..." + (show)
@cottagecountry

Hello jillianas527
I had my device implanted a little over 2 years ago. Before the surgery, I was the least anxious person I knew. But, now for some reason, I do experience a heightened sense of general anxiety. Why? I do not know. My device works very well and I feel very well.
I do find it essential to get good quality sleep and enough of it. That alone has a huge impact on my state of mind.
In addition, I practice deep breathing at least twice a day. And I started doing mindfulness meditation each day. I do a 15 minute session each morning. I have been doing both of these things for a little more than a year and they have made a tremendous difference in my overall quality of life.
Perhaps others out there have other suggestions they can share. But take some comfort in knowing you are not alone in feeling this way.
All the best.

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How lovely hearing from you cottagecountry. That is so helpful. I too was the least anxious person and it has come as a surprise that I now am - hopefully not for long! I will take your advice and begin tomorrow to try meditation and deep breathing. I am most grateful, thank you.

REPLY
cottagecountry | @cottagecountry | Oct 28 2:52pm
In reply to @jillianas527 "I had pacemaker fitted two weeks ago. I now feel a sense of anxiety and apprehension..." + (show)
@jillianas527

I had pacemaker fitted two weeks ago. I now feel a sense of anxiety and apprehension although physically better since the fitting, does anyone else have this feeling?

Jump to this post

Hello jillianas527
I had my device implanted a little over 2 years ago. Before the surgery, I was the least anxious person I knew. But, now for some reason, I do experience a heightened sense of general anxiety. Why? I do not know. My device works very well and I feel very well.
I do find it essential to get good quality sleep and enough of it. That alone has a huge impact on my state of mind.
In addition, I practice deep breathing at least twice a day. And I started doing mindfulness meditation each day. I do a 15 minute session each morning. I have been doing both of these things for a little more than a year and they have made a tremendous difference in my overall quality of life.
Perhaps others out there have other suggestions they can share. But take some comfort in knowing you are not alone in feeling this way.
All the best.

REPLY
1 reply
jillianas527 | @jillianas527 | Oct 28 2:27pm

I had pacemaker fitted two weeks ago. I now feel a sense of anxiety and apprehension although physically better since the fitting, does anyone else have this feeling?

REPLY
1 reply
cottagecountry | @cottagecountry | Oct 28 2:20pm
In reply to @tct "Any ICD/Pacemaker recipients using electric blanket? It’s my winter bed cover to keep the cold out...." + (show)
@tct

Any ICD/Pacemaker recipients using electric blanket? It’s my winter bed cover to keep the cold out. I’ve use it about 8 months out of the year. Is there a potential problem with electric field interference with the ICD ?

Jump to this post

Hello tct
I don't know what make of pacemaker or ICD you have , but here is a link to Medtronic 's website where they offer guidance about the safe use of things like appliances, tools, etc. Most of the manufacturers have similiar information available online.
In my experience, if one manufacturer states an item is safe to use, the others do , too.
https://www.medtronic.com/en-us/l/patients/electromagnetic-guide/household-hobby.html
Hope this helps.
All the best

REPLY
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