Pacemaker recipients: Looking for support from others

Jer, Happy Halloween to you as well !

I had a Medtronic pacemaker implanted in April and have had no issues. I’m not aware of it even being there now. It transmits periodic readings to my pacemaker clinic and I have heard from once since it was placed because I was throwing svts. Even then I wasn’t aware what was happening but the pacemaker recognized them and alerted the clinic. I went in and discussed changing the medication. All good since then. I also had bradycardia before which prompted the pacemaker. I had more and more episodes of suddenly losing consciousness. That has stopped completely with my implant. No more waking up on the floor of the market! I have just found out that I’m scheduled for a scan (for an issue not related to my heart) and Medtronics plans to have someone there to disable the device before the procedure and then restart it after. Life becomes far more complicated as we age but I am thankful for what technology can do for us. I have several friends with pacemakers and they, too, have gained better life with them. Be kind to yourself, utilize deep breathing or meditation or prayer now to prepare yourself. Wishing you the best.

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.

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.🎃

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

@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.

@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.

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

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.

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.

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?