Youtube Embers I m Feeling All Right Again 45

by Carolyn Thomas ♥ @HeartSisters

Hither at Centre Sisters Globe Headquarters, I'1000 often contacted by readers with impertinent questions like: "Why don't you ever write about ______?" (insert your own specific diagnosis here). 1 in particular was a 2022 reader question that read: "Why don't yous e'er write about congenital centre defects?" On that particular morning time, I was feeling tired, sick and "grumpy" (as our little Everly Rose calls every feeling she has that's not happy). I wanted to snap dorsum at this reader that I'1000 not running the Encyclopedia Britannica here…

Only in a remarkable coincidence – and luckily earlier I had a chance to snap – on that very day, another reader named Aletha happened to share with me her ain amazing story as an adult living with a heart status she'd had since birth. That weekend, I ran my first e'er blog post most this cardiac status, called " When babies with built center defects grow up".

And recently, a similar reader contact reminded me that I've never covered the topic of cardiac pacemakers – until now.

There are many apparent sources of clinical information nigh what cardiac pacemakers practice and who needs them (the Ottawa Heart Institute, for example, has a solid patient-friendly guide).

Basically, a pacemaker is a small device that's placed in the breast or abdomen to help control abnormal center rhythms by usinm steady electrical pulses to prompt the eye to crush at a normal charge per unit again. Sometimes, this petty device is a dual-purpose lifesaver, operation equally both pacemaker and ICD ( implantable cardioverter defibrillator ). This cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) can exist delivered every bit a pacemaker only, or in combination with an ICD. An ICD on its ain continually monitors centre rhythm and can ship depression- or high-energy electrical pulses to correct an aberrant heart rhythm that might otherwise effect in sudden cardiac arrest.

To larn what real heart patients are saying about real life with a real pacemaker, at that place's no more practical Q&A overview than what is freely available in patient communities. Here'south just a sampling from a number of "pacers" themselves:

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Extreme weakness afterwards pacemaker implant:

Q: I am a 59-year former female, had a pacemaker placement nine weeks agone. I am still then weak, it's all I tin can practise to do basic tasks. I feel similar I should be feeling better by at present. I volition run into the cardiologist on Friday hoping they can requite me some answers. They keep saying they are going to adjust the settings, but they have not washed then. I am very disappointed in the progress that I take fabricated in 9 weeks. I am wondering have any of you pacers experienced weakness and fatigue this? Please tell me it gets better from here.

Answers from pacemaker patients:

• That ways it'due south working the mode it is programmed to. It does NOT mean it has been programmed to work in a way that is optimal for yous. Many people do well with out-of-the-box settings, but others might need several adjustments earlier the settings are right.
• It's likewise possible that your settings are ideal and something else is going on. Either way, the problem should exist addressed. The more specific questions y'all ask, the more information you go, and bluntly, the more respect you get.
• Your problem is not exactly rare. Nor is information technology rare to have one's complaints dismissed. The one that ticks me off the most is: "Your pacemaker is working fine."
• I am your historic period and got my offset pacemaker iv years ago. Unfortunately, it took me xiv months to feel actually well.  At present I experience great, but that first year was a bear. But please don't exist discouraged by my story!  I was improving all the time, but had hoped for something more dramatic, I judge!  I feel wonderful now, but I hated those early months.
• Here'southward what I learned when I knew my pacemaker wasn't right but could get no ane to listen:
  • 1. Exist proactive. Get a copy of your interrogation report. Study it. Learn what your settings are and what they hateful.
  • two. Go dorsum and ask for changes. Very simple changes like raising or lowering the base of operations charge per unit tin make a huge difference to how y'all feel, equally can a change in the response rate. Put your requests for change in the course of a question, e.chiliad. "Do you lot remember if we attempt raising my base rate from threescore to 65 I might feel more than energetic?"
  • three. If they truly don't seem willing or able to address your issues, become somewhere else. I found out that if they can't or don't help me in a few visits, standing to go dorsum won't help either them or me and will just cause frustration for both of u.s.. If you have few choices in electrophysiologists (the kind of cardiologist you lot should be seeing), go to a major medical education hospital, even if you have to travel. It's your life. Don't settle for feeling rotten.

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Sex later on a pacemaker:

Q:   I had my pacemaker surgery done recently. Since then I accept been very fearful of resuming an intimate relationship with my husband. He has been wonderful and so understanding, and I accept e'er wanted to ask my doc, just just tin can't seem to bring upwardly the subject field. Does anyone have the answer?

Answers from pacemaker patients:

• There is no reason you can't take a normal sexual practice life after a pacemaker. Relax, it is admittedly fine! And it's and then important! I accept had a PM for 20 years and had several battery changes. It never interfered with sexual activity. You only need to await two months to heal.
• The stock reply is if you are able to walk upwardly a flight of stairs, y'all can have sex. Also, y'all can take things nice and easy.
• I can tell you information technology was a lot safer for me to enjoy sex activity after the implant than earlier! I only waited a few weeks. I did not employ my left arm a lot for annihilation and followed the instructions almost not raising my arm above my head. It was not a trouble keeping my arm at the recommended height or below. It was a bit weird at first as my husband touched the incision area…. didn't hurt, information technology was just a new part of me.
• After I got my pacemaker/defibrillator, I found I was much more comfy having sexual practice with my husband. I felt more confident that he wouldn't have to telephone call 911 for me so I'one thousand able to relax and relish myself!
• Nosotros were supposed to WAIT??? 🙂  If this is your starting time pacemaker, don't swing on any trapezes and you should exist fine. The pacemaker won't brand any difference at all. Have a great time!

Waking upwardly in the middle of the night:

Q: I have just had my pacemaker surgery a few weeks ago, age 39. I've been waking up at night very alert, and not sure why. Before my surgery, I was told that my heart was stopping for equally long as 14 seconds in my sleep. Why is this happening?

Answers from pacemaker patients:

• At your showtime follow-up engagement, they will check that your pacemaker is working okay, and may accommodate settings. You should tell them near feeling alarm at night. if yous feel tired during the day, or find that you are short of jiff at any time, they demand to know this and may adjust settings.
• It may exist merely because your heart is now working better.  There are several things they can adjust: from the minimum number of beats per infinitesimal (BPM) or the time delay between when the device triggers i chamber of the heart after the other. Think of it as fine tuning.
• Tell your doctor about waking up at night, and if y'all can, what fourth dimension you lot wake up. It is possible that if something is going on, it is being recorded. (Your pacemaker doesn't record everything – simply what information technology is programmed to).
• Younger people like you (historic period 39) oftentimes are making more activity demands on their pacemaker than someone older and more sedentary. Sometimes younger people tin benefit from having their settings tweaked so that they get optimal performance.

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Hot tubs:

Q: Is it okay to use a jacuzzi or hot tub if I take a pacemaker?

Answers from pacemaker patients:

• Discuss with your EP (electrophysiologist) first. If he/she says no, it'south a NO.
• It may not bother the pacemaker, but you lot have to be careful considering of the heat and what it might do because of your heart bug. You lot likewise don't say how long y'all've had the pacemaker and if the wound has completely healed. Evidently y'all don't desire to get into hot water with a wound that hasn't healed.
• For me, my blood pressure drops and my heart rate goes upward, and so I'1000 careful to monitor how I'm feeling, whether or not I become in and if I do, how long I stay in. Otherwise savour! Nothing better than a good soak!
• Every forenoon, I go out to ours and lookout man the sun come up. Then about 9 p.m. I spend a while in information technology before I go to bed.
• Depending upon your center issues and medication you are taking, the heat from the spa could exacerbate your problems. So you want to be actually careful.

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Middle rate likewise loftier:

Q:   I had my pacemaker surgery last week for Ill Sinus Syndrome and Chronotropic Intolerance. I'1000 44. I love to run, so I was interested to run across what the rate would be when I went for a walk (I'1000 not immune to run yet). I started out slowly and felt my eye beating quickly. I checked the heart rate zones afterward the walk and the average was 145 with a maximum of 175. I wasn't walking fast and didn't even get a sweat up. I usually get these results from a full general run with hills. Isn't a pacemaker supposed to brand my heart charge per unit work in the right zones when exercising?

Answers from pacemaker patients:

• "Normal" may experience fast for a while. We get used to the slower charge per unit, and so when we have a normal rate once again it feels too fast. It'south also mutual to take a few tries to become the settings adjusted correctly. No two of united states are alike, so they're not one-size-fits-all. Don't be shy about telling your doctors that information technology'southward not right.
• Yep, it IS supposed to make your centre rate work in the right zones when you exercise. In fact, it likely Volition after you lot have had some minor adjustments made to the programmable settings which can be adjusted ranging from Depression (responds to minor activity) to High (responds only to vigorous torso movements and exertion)
• Information technology sounds as though your activity settings are too sensitive. Information technology is an easy fix to have them contradistinct . In that location are other adjustments which can change the rate at which your middle rate increases and the rate at which it falls when you stop exercising. You need to be aware nevertheless that the aforementioned settings may non concluding y'all for life. Ill Sinus Syndrome can alter over time when your sinus node may become more lazy. Again, an adjustment to the settings will be the respond.
• Don't go besides defenseless up in the heart rate charts and zones. Nosotros don't necessarily fit into them anymore. If you experience expert, then your rate is good. I don't fifty-fifty rail anymore, I become strictly by how I feel. If I tin can talk but non sing, if I'm working hard and sweating, then it'south all expert. Some days that's 135, other days it'south 165.

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Hiking with a backpack:

Q: I'thousand surprised how shut to the skin surface my pacemaker is. I'm planning a hiking trip soon. Have any of you used a heavy haversack, especially on multiple-day trips, and how do you lot manage the straps pressing painfully against the PM?

Answers from pacemaker patients:

• In a perfect world, yous enquire the surgeon about choosing a submammary implant site before you lot get your pacemaker, and so they don't implant information technology where straps would make it the fashion! Disallowment that, you go shopping and test things out because everyone is different. It may non even be a problem if the straps don't hit it or don't bother y'all.
• Some have had luck with extra padding on the strap, but I don't call up that'due south a good option if your pack is heavy and/or y'all volition be going long distances. Shop at a specialty outdoor store where staff are knowledgeable. Don't bat an center at asking to load up a pack and clothing information technology effectually the store, where yous can return it if it doesn't piece of work.
• I got my first pacemaker 15 years ago (was never allowed any sport before that). I have a submammary implant and then backpacks aren't an issue for me. I don't know why more than surgeons don't take into account our lifestyle when they practise the placement.
• Would 1 of those numberless that goes over one shoulder and crosses your trunk be big enough? If not, modifying a standard pack it is probably your all-time bet. I don't know that padding will help because information technology'south the pressure that volition carp yous.
• I hiked in Patagonia concluding year wearing a daypack. I received terrific help from outfitter store staff who helped me detect a pack where the straps didn't sit down on my pacemaker. I bought a pack with a hydration arrangement. I but had to remove the magnet that held the mouthpiece considering it was too close to the pacemaker.
• I only returned from 5 days of hiking, and had no problem with the pacemaker being impinged by my 55-lb. haversack. I did still identify foam makeup pads above and abreast the PM site, and also attached them to my strap. I also loosened the sternum connection so that the strap did not creep in over time. Having a pacemaker should not continue anyone from enjoying the lifestyle they love. I'm every bit active at present as I was pre-pacemaker!

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Electric toothbrushes:

Q: On the directions for my new electric toothbrush, it said check with your cardiologist to encounter if it is safe to use if you have a pacemaker. Do any of y'all with pacemakers use an electric toothbrush?

Answers from pacemaker patients:

• Aye, I take been using my electric toothbrush with no bug. I did mention I was buying i to my dentist and he didn't say it was a problem
• I have an electric toothbrush that'due south older than my pacemaker. I've used it since day 1 with no ill furnishings. Of course, I only use information technology on my teeth–never the pacemaker!
• Here's a list I found from the American Heart Association chosen Devices That May Interfere with Pacemakers (electric toothbrushes are not on this listing!)
• I doubtable that this toothbrush alarm is a CYA posted by lawyers, not medical people. Today'southward pacemakers are very well-shielded. The fact is, it takes a very, very potent electromagnet to have an effect on our devices.
• If you're concerned, as an extra precaution to be absolutely safe, you only demand to keep the electrical toothbrush at to the lowest degree six inches abroad from your device.

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Lifting heavy weights:

Q:   Pacemaker/ICD implanted half dozen weeks agone. My job requires me to lift heavy weights, up to 40 pounds, throughout the mean solar day. Do I have to alter jobs?

Answer from Doug Rachac , my get-to good on such matters (fourteen years working for the medical device visitor Medtronic, and now a patient with an implanted device himself!) Doug has also created several excellent patient-friendly YouTube videos near cardiac devices like pacemakers or defibrillators; here's a practiced one well-nigh pacemakers specifically called Pacemakers 101). Meanwhile, h ere's what Doug told me virtually lifting heavy weights:

"Of course, every patient is different, they should consult with their physician get-go, but the general directions doctors requite is that patients should not lift more than than 10 pounds with their implant side arm for 6-8 weeks .

"For reference, a gallon of milk weighs 8.v pounds. After that half-dozen-viii calendar week period patients tin can slowly return to their normal routine and so that by the 3-month marking, they are back to normal lifting. For some people, that means torso building, weight lifting, etc.  So, in theory, a person might be able to starting time lifting lighter weights at 6-8 weeks, and be back to normal within  three months. I made a video about this topic a few months dorsum that might be helpful. In the video, I also explain a little about why information technology's important to take a suspension to heal. It has to practice with scar tissue forming around the leads securing it into the heart wall.

"On the flip side, I could likewise introduce you to a patient named Frank who has an ICD implanted. He returned to work lifting heavy objects, and the motion caused his device leads to piece of work themselves out of the body. After a surgical revision, and it happening once more (with another revision), he decided he had to leave his job because he couldn't lift those objects anymore. His situation is not the norm.  And then…. yes, you can return to work and will be able to lift heavy objects again, but there is a small chance that the repetitive motion could crusade problems. We just won't know if that will happen until it does. I hope that helps!"

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Thank you to my blog readers, and to Doug Rachac , and the heart patient members of both the Pacemaker Lodge and WomenHeart's All About Arrhythmias online communities for sharing their personal insights and experiences of living with a pacemaker.

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Note FROM CAROLYN: I wrote more than about what information technology's similar to learn to adapt to cardiac procedures (like getting a pacemaker) in my book A Woman's Guide to Living with Heart Affliction (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2017). Yous tin ask for this volume at your local bookshop, or order information technology online (paperback, hardcover or e-book) at Amazon , or order information technology directly from Johns Hopkins University Printing (use their code HTWN to salvage 20% off the listing price when you club).

Q: What tips have you learned about living with a pacemaker?

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Source: https://myheartsisters.org/2018/01/28/pacemakers/

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