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Posted 1/6/2007 2:13 AM (GMT 0)
I really am new to heart section.   Those that wear alters to check diff things.  Does it show up when you are on the computer.  If you get stressed and read too much about yourself, does your BP go up?  Since I haven't used monitors, I wondered.  You all have your own BP machines likely, so you can check yourself to see if your having a panic attack, etc.  Do you check yourself after you been on the computer?  Just wondered.  I mentioned that I had a pacer.   Used the wrong term.  I have a intrinsic defibrillator implanted.  Found the site to see what I should avoid.   Do you all use cell phones?   Thanks.
Posted 1/6/2007 12:29 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Annie, Some would think that these are odd questions but really they are not.  In our electronic world we need to be aware of what effects or internal electronical system.  I have a pacemaker and the paperwork I got with it said "no cell phone, no microwaves, beware of computers with wireless connect"  I am like "WHAT!!"  I cant live without my cellphone and notebook computer...are they nuts?

I too have blood pressure problems (low BP) and have a machine that reads it twice a day.  So far I havent had any problems with all my little gadgets.  I have wireless cards for my computer, high res. flat panal monitor for my PC, extra ports for my digatal camera...I can go on and on.  The only problem I have had was when our new Best Buy opened last month I set off their alarm going in and out...pacemaker I guess although I did have my cell on me.  I was sooo embarrased.

I would say that you should be fine.

Posted 1/6/2007 6:58 PM (GMT 0)
Dear AnnieInOz: Just a little "adventure to WalMart" that thought might give you a good laugh! I have a lot of arrythmias and for a long time was constantly being hooked up to halter monitors (twice to an event monitor which I had to wear 30 days at a time). Wearing them didn't stop me from going about my work and daily activities. My cardio pts did seemed to relate better to me since they knew I was a heart pt. Oh well, on the the "funny moment"! I had an event monitor on to one of my constant trips to WalMart. In the front of the store, there was a McDonald's restaurant which was always crowded. I just ignore the stares because I know it's just people's curiosity. I am small and it's hard to hide all the wires and monitor. Then a gentlemen (& I do use the term VERY loosely!) came up to me and said "Hey lady! What's that thing around you?" He was WAY taller & larger than I, but his manner made me mad and I replied "I'm a representative of McDonald's and we are trying out a new program. We hate to see our patrons have to wait in long lines, so when you see anyone around the store wearing one of these monitors, simply go up to them, given them your order and go directly to the head of the line to receive your order." I thought I was making myself sound very sarcastic, but apparently not enough as he said "I want a double cheeseburger, fries and large coke." He then headed straight to the McDonald's. I was thoroughly flabergasted and watched as he cut in front of everyone and was trying to get "his order." Since he was greatly larger and did not appear to have much of a sense of humor, I left my items in my basket and made a quick escape to my car. Thank goodness for having 2 WalMarts in the area because I didn't return to that one for over a year! Two things happened ... I got a good laugh and my monitor picked up a LOT of arrythmias! Hope this gives you a good laugh. When dealt lemons, as they say, make lemonade!
Posted 1/6/2007 10:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hmmm, interesting.  That's good about all the whistles and bells that you can use.   I certainly will be aware of Best Buy :)  I was wondering about magnet scanner, etc.  My family always mentioned the cell phone thing.   I am sure they read all instructions on the web site for my device. I am around cell phones with others have and no problem.  That's funny, pegleg. You would think I would have notice a alter monitor before.  Sure haven't.  Really rude person that needed to eat quickly.  I would have left.  I tend to be one of those people who is very aware of the device.   I won't have a problem when it goes off.   I will know it.   
Posted 1/7/2007 4:40 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Annie, Are you doing well with your defib?  My cardiologist has suggested replacing my pacemaker with a defib..and I am a bit scared of that.  First my heart rate is too slow, now it is tachy...it just wont make up it's mind what it wants to do.

Yeah your going to want to stay away from any kind of magnets like at the airport, or body scanners, MRI's are totally out.  These kind of things will or can shut down your device which our hearts have become dependant on.  Cell phones are okay...my phone is one of the newest models from Sprint and it is safe.  I think they only put the warning on there because they do transmit signals but most cell now are digital.  I have alot of toys but I'm not technically inclined..if that makes sense eyes ? You can also get updates from the manufacture of your device..via their website on potential problems or issues with it.  Have you ever seen those commercials about the pacemaker/defib recalls for Guidiant?  That is who made my pacemaker, that made me feel real safe.  But they will e-mail you good information too like heart healthy stuff so that is useful.

Cute story peg...

Posted 1/7/2007 10:34 PM (GMT 0)

I have a Medtronic.  I wasn't sure whether to use the name?.  I haven't had any problem.  I get my checked at my local hospital where they come to me.  You can use the phone, but I am not comfortable with that at all.  I know others that have implants checked on by telephone.  Because I have been recovering from the stroke, language can be a issue and numbers.  All of it can be an issue, but I am certainly much better.  I have the Medtronic website and I was reading what you all talk about.:) I am somewhat slower, but still learning. You all have been dealing with hearts problems before me.  My brother had a magazine with an article about my defib.  He's the tech person. He liked it because it wasn't so new.  Those sites are simpler then most I see.   I will asked them at the end of the month about the wires and device.  It hurts more and I think that's something that will get worse.  Must be the fibro kicking me. The first year was a learning one, but discomfort level has gone up recently.  Unless I see a wire coming out. Lots of people use devices though.  It's fibro.  I have stayed pretty steady and that's 2 years in March.  I can understand not wanting to change. We haven't changed any setting with mine.  I notice my heartbeat or low beat all the time.  It's me.  It's weaker?  Not weaker, just diff.     

Posted 1/9/2007 12:24 AM (GMT 0)
:-)  OH PEG, THAT IS A RIOT, I CANNOT BELEIVE YOU REALLY DID THAT  WHAT A FUNNY STORYHAHAHHAAHAHAHAHAH
Posted 1/10/2007 1:49 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Annie, I understand what you mean.  I have had MS for almost 6 years now and I often get my words mixed up, I know what I want to say but they sometimes dont come out right.  My MS also effects my right side so I often have numbness on that side and muscle spasms so that is a problem also.  I get mentally tired like my brain just wants to shut off and all I want to do is lay down...fatigue is a great problem.  I got sick in Sept 05 with my bradycardia (low heart rate) and orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure).  I ended up getting diagnosed in January 06 with an autonomic disorder call Multiple System Atrophy which is sort of like Parkinson's but more extreme and pretty rare.  I have problems getting my blood pressure to stay up at a normal level even though I take medication to keep it up.  I have the pacemaker which keeps up heart rate up but now my heart has decided to have arrithimias or high beats...cardiologist has no idea what it is doing and feels that a defib will help.  I dont know it seems pretty scary to me.  After I had my pacer implant I had to have to lead revisions done since I had passing out spells due to low bp and had pulled out the leads from my heart.  This last revision they looped the wires around my clavical to insure that they stay in place.  Needless to say I have a lot of scar tissue in my chest from this and my surgery scar isnt pretty.  My pacemaker was put on the right side of my chest since I use my cane (when I use it) with my left hand and my right side is the weakest.

Well I have rambled enough I guess and bored you all with my sob story...I hope you have a wonderful day :-)

Posted 1/11/2007 3:47 AM (GMT 0)

Glad you told me. I know how my defib feels and you mentioned that you might try a defib.  I am sure your scars and body are hurting from the scars.   I don't care about the scars for myself so much.  I am older.  Since I don't recall the heart attack and weeks that followed, that I came this far is a blessing.  Can't believe what you've gone through.  Extreme and rare is not something you get to choose.  I can promise you that changing this wires isn't something I would look forward, too.  You must be close to larger institution (hope) that can help with your dx.  I have a friend that has her pacer close to her waist.  She's done well with that and replaced it even.  One of those quirks the brain decided to do with her. Heart stopped.   I did buy a diff bra.  Gotta do something to wrap me and not put pressure at the same time. Those xxxxx (scars) are very sensitive.  Did you use Vit. E on your scars?   Nurses suggested I do that when I went home.   Had a productive day and will workout in the a.m.  Depending upon how much nu-step my arm will take.  Stay easy...wishing good thoughts for you.

Posted 1/11/2007 4:09 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Annie,  I really dont care so much about the scars anymore.  I am just glad that I wake up each morning.  I was very upset when they told me that I had to get the pacemaker but soon after with the autonomic disorder I think I adjusted to it pretty well.  I didnt use anything for the scar, I didnt think there was much hope in fixing it since it had been opened twice since the pacemaker was implanted.  It's pretty wide and long, very noticeable...but I may be more paranoid about it.   It's funny but since my pacemaker is on the right side this past summer I wore tank tops and such (didnt think twice it was hot)...went into the gas station where I usually go and the guy behind the counter actually asked me if I had been stabbed!  I dont know what would possess a person to ask such a thing to someone they dont know but he did and I just said "no" and walked out after paying him. Weird...

It's funny that you mention the bra's because I have had a hard time with mine.  I had to replace alot of mine and still when I go to buy one I have to make sure that the strap isnt going to rub up on that pacemaker as it can make that area very sore.  It really did away with alot of the cute lacy ones...lol!  but that's okay I dont have anyone to impress becides my cat Normandy and I really dont think he cares  tongue  . Even seatbelts can still annoy me.

I just started back to exercising also...slowly on my good days.  My mom is a nurse at one of the local hospitals so she gets a family discount at the healthplex.  I have found that I look foward to getting up early and going in the mornings.  I just cant do weights or alot of lifting.

Are you going to come to our chat tonight?

Posted 1/11/2007 11:19 PM (GMT 0)
I might drop in. Having a Mom for a nurse is a good thing.  Can't tell you how much I appreciated them. :) Glad you aren't shy about the scars. I wouldn't have thought about people asking that question? Hmmm.  Did my workout today, but went slow.  BP is down some.   I think your very strong to do any workout.  Ain't all that easy somedays.  I don't do things above my head like weights, etc.  Since the defib and all, too much pain in my left arm from an old car wreck.  I use a nustep though.  It's a good way to have the Cardio nurses check ya while on the treadmill, etc.  Only 2 x a week.  Very cool name for your cat. Very!!   

Posted 1/13/2007 2:16 PM (GMT 0)

Yeah it is kinda of good having a nurse for a mom but at times can be fustrating also.  She always watches out for me (like a hawk) and sometimes it can be smothering I guess.  I shouldnt complain though because with my MS I forget things alot and she always remembers and goes with me to dr appts and reports things I wouldnt likely remember.  So that is good.

I go to the gym everyday if I can.  I can do the treadmill,  ellimpticil and they just started me on doing this exercise bike that you pedel with your arms I dont know what the name of it is but it is really hard to do even on the lowest setting.  I didnt realize how weak I had become in my upper body just in the last year and half.  I used to work in nursing homes when I was younger (part-time), to help get through school as a nurses aid so I always did alot of lifting and such.  But now I cant even carry shopping bags somedays.

I hope you have a very good weekend Annie :-)

Posted 1/18/2007 12:49 AM (GMT 0)
It's not fun not to be able to do thing you normally did.  Working in nursing homes is difficult work.   I learned a new fact about my chances of suvival after the heart surgery...when I had the reaction to "protomine".   My allergic reaction was 1 in 100,000.  I thought you right be interested since it's a normal blood thinner.   The other strange thing is.....that heart surgeon, that day, had know one other reaction like mine.  Not sure if I had good luck or bad!  She was very good to me :) 
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