Post Implant Instructions for Pacemakers, ICDs, CRTs

[@mcpoker4113]

If you came here searching for info on ICDs and pacemaker implants because you have one, watch every video this guy has on the subject. I learned more than my excellent Doctor would have ever had the time to teach me about the device and how it operates. Thank you Doug!

[@DouglasRachac]

Thanks MC. It’s comments like these that make it all worth it. I really appreciate it!

[@contendingforthefaith9897]

Yep, wasn't told how much down time I would have behind this simple procedure.

[@simonpaine2347]

Thanks for posting this. I'm seriously considering having a pacemaker "installed" and I'm a bit nervous about the whole thing. Being able to get unbiased additional information from experienced people is a real bonus.

[@rockybalboa8378]

Thanks, this is the first time I heard some of this information. I had the I.C.D. unit put into me a month ago.

[@terryfalcus3273]

😂

[@Ken_oh545]

2 weeks since ICD implant. As the surgeon finished off he said 'ah I really dont see how anybody could have done a better job than that....all went exactly as it should'. If there is one time you want to hear someone pat themselves on the back it is after surgery 😂

[@2ndcornets]

Lucky you !. My procedure finished off initially with a loud cry from the surgeon of "Oh Shit I've lost a swab !. If we can't find it I will have to go back in". Luckily a nurse found it stuck to the underneath of a rubber sheet .... phew all round !

[@Ken_oh545]

@2ndcornets now you're talking about nurses + rubber sheets, my pulse is racing 😀

[@marciawheeler6906]

Great video ! Very well explained ! I've had my device for 1 year and 9 months. So far I haven't had any major problems. I'm faithfully keeping my appointments with my Cardiologist and pacemaker checks every 3 months. I was scared at first and nervous but it all passed and I'm doing good so far.

[@amerrylifejen]

I just got a pacemaker 6 days ago and I’m finding your videos so helpful and informative . Thank you 😊

[@ninsemor]

me too

[@chm97chm97]

Anything you can share since your surgery? such as how well it went...was it painful... did you get a 2nd opinion...are there questions that I should ask the Dr. Im 67 with a pulse of 39- 43 and finally went in to see Dr, it appears Im might need a pacemaker. Thanks.

[@amerrylifejen]

@@chm97chm97 June 28th will be 3 months since having mine. My heart was going down to 20 and stopping. I kept putting the pacemaker off until I made sure it wasn’t other medicines health issues etc. I blacked out and woke up to being rushed in for a pacemaker . I was awake for my procedure they gave me medicine to make me sleepy ( it didn’t work on me at all ) after I was numbed I didn’t really feel any pain or anything just some tugging and pulling and when they put the pacemaker in I did feel some pinching that made me say “ ouch “ my surgeon apologized and kept going. I stayed 4 hours after to be monitored and then went home. For me day 1 and 2 was ok 3 and out was painful and then it got better I didn’t need any pain meds ( I have a high pain tolerance ) I didn’t reach above my head until my cardiologist cleared me but I did use my arm so I wouldn’t get frozen shoulder . There is also a pacemaker fb group if you have a fb id join it they are very helpful and caring in there . I didn’t want to have to have a pacemaker I just turned 41 this year but in the end it was needed . My incision is still painful but hoping that goes away eventually . I don’t get dizzy any more . I would make a list of questions and take the list with you because my doctor didn’t really tell me enough information . If you are on medicine for anything definitely ask if any could be causing you heart issues ( one of mine was ) I wore a heart monitor 3 times and when I blacked out I was wearing my Heart monitor which is what saved my life my cardiologist called for help immediately and I am thankful for that. I got 3 different opinions and all said the same but I kept putting it off because mentally it was a challenge for me to accept . I will say after I got the pacemaker I went though some down days with my depression but as I sit here and type this I can say I’m doing okay with it now :) just do your research and be your own advocate . I ran through all other health issues before hand to make sure it really was my heart and it sure was . Got the pacemaker and now my heart is to high so I’m on meds to lower it but I’m not longer afraid of dying in my sleep . So overall I’m blessed to have my pacemaker it literally did save my life . Best of wishes to you and please let me know how it goes . If you have any questions I didn’t help answer please comment and I’ll try my best to help answer them . This is just my experience with my journey pain really wasn’t bad at all just no shower etc was rough for the week and a half I had to go without . It’s really not as scary as it seems to be it’s more of a mental adjustment ( for me) that was the hardest . 💜💜

[@2ndcornets]

@@chm97chm97 My procedure a few days ago was excruciatingly painful because the surgeon was too mean with the pain relief and initial local anaesthetic. I shall complain at my review. Usually it's just a tugging and pushing sensation and quite soon over with..

[@reneecalmbachermcelroy7551]

Got my pacemaker August 31. Feeling so much better more energy. Thank you for your video. Really helped me alot.

[@ricaldowalker3774]

Just got an ICD implanted I'm on day #2. Most of my post surgery pain seems to be coming from my shoulder. Sometimes a bit unbearable but Tylenol does help. Good luck to everyone it will get easier 🙏🏽

[@mixc8]

I get one this Friday and I am nervous on getting it.

[@mikeanderson2487]

Very informative. I just had my ICD put in a few days ago. This helped me to understand using the sling as a reminder not to lift. My doctor told me I could take it off during the day but to put it on at night when I have less control over my body.

[@IAmAnAlbatross...]

don't know why so much less views. I know he's not doing this for money. but it makes him feel good. he explains everything so much easy to understand and very well. I watched all of his videos. all are very simple and to the point. many many thanks and keep up the good work. my father just got his implantation 1st Jan.

[@tommybrooks5653]

Doug, Thank you so much for this video. I've been searching the net for the answers you just gave me about raising your arm etc. I had my pacemaker put in on June 21,2022 and I'm on my 10 th day post op and thank God you finally have me answers and explained things to me better than the nurse and hospital. I feel much better about things now. Thank you again sir for your video's and may God Bless you!!

[@Julia-uh4li]

He was incorrect on a good few things. I've just had my third replacement and with each new one you have to be just as careful as the first and that's with NO NEW leads placed. I'm glad you fared well through it all.

[@tcooper0528]

I was 32 years old when I had my first pacemaker put in… I am 58 now and just had my second replacement. I have always been a nerd and how I wish KZbin was around back then with all this great info. I will say living with a pacemaker does have its ups and downs but it always helped me remember what is truly important in life.

[@erikhanhart1965]

Good video. Absolutely true. Less then 2 days ago I got my pacemaker. Put a towel under my upper arm during the night and my hand on my bellybutton and I slept without pain.

[@bethwert2606]

Thx Doug. Im getting implated on Oct. 18. Your videos are helping my anxiety.

[@mixc8]

Hi Beth, I am getting an ICD in a few weeks and I am really nervous. Did you get yours implanted and how are you doing? I hope all is well.

[@Mr.HotRod]

@@mixc8 Did U get your Pace Maker implant done yet and how did it go.

[@ritakelly8540]

Beth.. I will light a candle 🕯 for you.. I am getting done on the 16th Oct. ❤

[@nickevans9328]

Thanks Doug. Came out of hospital with very little info - an inadvertent mistake I'm sure, but your videos have been so helpful. Thanks again!

[@karolinesmail489]

Yes excatly what i was told n i did yup now its 1 yr soon on my battery number 2 so far so good stay safe everyone

[@neondesertrye]

I just got my pacemaker two days ago, and this was all very good advice!! Thank you!

[@colholloway]

Thank you for the video series - I get my defib implant in a week. As an engineer working in and around high powered RADAR and communication systems I have found this series to be very helpful. Thank you for taking the time and helping me feel more at ease, and knowing some of the post op precautions ahead of time.

[@smc130]

Thank you! My husband needed this video. He got his pacemaker 2 days ago. Knowing WHY he shouldn’t do something helps him remember not to.

[@noesje7]

I have my ICD for 4.5 years, thank you for doing this!!

[@ValerieAltman-jq8vm]

very very helpful, was just told that I need a ICD, great advise

[@monoped8437]

all great advice. the t-shirt one, was a lifesaver that i learned the first go round. just had to get an upgrade to a crt.

[@SuperMagic103]

What l can say more? 😊.. You are really our friend.. You are not " just a guy on internet '' 😊.. Great video... I just had a replacement for for my icd on 26.11.2019..and your post reminds me what I have to do.. Thank you very much 👍 👌😊

[@shahnajparbin7543]

Average year a icd battery can perform and when to replace

[@Ari1831]

OMG! I just had a replacement, but the nurse told me no to take bath, shower only after 5 days, but I did it after 8 days. I still have the strips. I removed the gauze after 2 days. Also, I’m not sure if it’s swollen or a little bit of fluids, but it looks bigger than the old one. I have a Medtronic one. Hopefully it would go down

[@darknluvlyg38]

Thanks for this video. My surgery is less than two weeks and I'm so nervous

[@DouglasRachac]

You got this! You’ll be back on your feet in now time. Good luck!

[@ritakelly8540]

Oh i am having mine done in 4 weeks.. i have waited a long time for this. God bless you all from ireland. ❤

[@ritakelly8540]

Thank you. 💗

[@brandonfaucett7498]

I got my defibrillator/pacemaker back when I was 17 I just turned 29 this year I have never had a problem what so ever with mine. 3 years ago I got my replacement device because my battery was dying btw don't freak out if your device starts vibrating and beeping randomly one day. I was shopping with my son and had to go sit on a clothes rack because I thought I was about to be shocked turned out it was the device telling my I had about 3 months left on the battery. So I went straight to the hospital from the store and they set me up for surgery the next day!! But I will say the second surgery the recovery time for me at least was a little longer then the first time I had my device implanted. The doctor said it was because of all the scar tissue they had to scrap out. It;s so wild to see how far these devices have come I remember how well you could see my first device under my skin when my shirt was off but after the second device was put in I can see it now.

[@maryamoutzouris7390]

Great info, well delivered. Glad I found your videos, very helpful, thank you.

[@gerardhickey8222]

Getting ready to leave for the hospital, today is my pacemaker implant day.Thx for your video as I have not had anything explained to me. 3 hours to get this started, wish it was over..

[@patrickfromcanada7996]

You are very helpful, had my 2nd device implanted due to old device sliding sideways after 6 years. New pocket and new device implanted. Your video helped this time

[@natalierandrews]

So do you have any issues working out with the icd implant? I see you’ve had yours for years. I just got mine 9/29/2020 and I want to exercise but a little afraid.

[@bederhajali]

@@natalierandrews I'm getting my s-icd in two days. How have you been so far?

[@natalierandrews]

@@bederhajali I’ve been great. Got my implant 9/29/20 and Im healed back to working out and feeling good. No issues no worries. You’ll be fine 😉

[@bederhajali]

Thank you for reply. Appreciate your feedback and glad you are doing well :)

[@patrickfromcanada7996]

@@natalierandrews Sorry for the delay. I had no problem untill 2 yeard ago and that was about 6-7 years after implantation of first device. Problem I had was mainly to the device moving and the wires moving underneath my collar bone which became painful. I think being left handed and my wires being on that side. But other than that, no really problems or health concerns, luckily no false shocks Hope you two are doing well, and honestly as the months go by you kind of forget about it being there most of the times. Just becaful of lifting heavy objects especially if the side of your device

[@miltonhunkin6318]

Great video Douglas. I have had my pacemaker for 9 years and I am going for my annual check-up in 4 days time. I suspect my pacemaker will have to be changed. I remembered all the information regarding lifting heavy objects and lifting my left arm above my head. I just was not sure about the restrictions when a pacemaker is REPLACED. You have cleared that up for me. Thank you.

[@dr.ritusinha7337]

Excellently explained.. thank u so much 🙂

[@himawanprajogo7472]

Thank you, very helpful video!

[@erikandrus4387]

Doug, thank you for these helpful reminders. My mother had to have a pacemaker put in just last Tuesday, due to a valve replacement kind of pushing her conduction center to the side, so she was experiencing a three second pause in her heartbeats, rather intermittently. so she had to get a permanent pacemaker put in, and a lot of what you shared the nurses shared with us. I was just curious, not to call you out by any means, do you have a pacemaker? Or someone you know that’s close to you does?it seems you have a very vested interest. Thank you again for providing a resource.😊

[@DouglasRachac]

@@erikandrus4387 thanks for watching! I not only worked at Medtronic for 17 years (up until March, 2024), I also received a defibrillator in November 2014. My dad also has a pacemaker, and my son has a loop recorder, so you are correct, I do have a deep, vested interest in this topic. :-)

[@erikandrus4387]

@@DouglasRachac Well bless you all, and thank you for your candor and information :)

[@franciehill]

I appreciate your videos concerning pacemakers, magnets and implants. You are easy to look at and understand. My doctor says I need the pacemaker, however, I haven’t been scheduled yet. My watchband catch is magnetic so your info is very relevant to me. Thanks!

[@pam81161]

Great resource. Thank you. I had a TAVR aortic valve replaced on 11/2/22 and a permanent pacemaker implanted on 11/4/22, so I am at the beginning on my device journey. I just had my 1 week pacemaker clinic appt a week ago.

[@suebasset3052]

Very helpful. Had pm fitted 2 weeks ago

[@l.t.w8985]

Hi I wish I had seen this video three weeks ago. Tomorrow will be four weeks and you have given me more information in this video than any nurse or doctor has given me pre-op post-op or even two weeks after the incision check. My heart is on the right side so my leads are down into my right breast chest area. The pacemaker device is in the left upper chest below the clavicle. I keep getting electrical jolts into the right breast quite frequently and they said that was normal. Well I'm very concerned because of what you just said about the leads and the wires because I have been Absolutely lifting my right arm and using my right arm because I was told not to lift the left arm above the head. I'm not able to lift more than a pound on either arm anyway. The doctor's office discharged me said everything was fine and they did check the pacemaker but this was after two-week implantation and said it was working fine but I still don't like feeling and because the wire goes all the way from the left upper chest down to the right chest is not the normal way. Anyway I wanted you to know about it and not sure you can give me any other suggestions. I am definitely getting atrophy and even if I wanted to lift my arm over my head I can't get it past my shoulder anyway. It just won't go

[@gtrtrfhfgsgsgh]

Thank you so much....very helpful for sure

[@Mr.HotRod]

Wow. You're really good at instructing us Pacie People. Had mine 1 week ago and I related to everything you said. You're so good I was wondering if you could kind a give me next draws Powerball numbers. thanks, Hot Rod

[@donrestivo6026]

I had a dual lead implant done yesterday morning. I'm a big worrier, my anxiety level was very high, if I could of backed out of the procedure, I would have. However, I went through with it. Be careful of your stress level, it will drive up your blood pressure. Your doctor will handle it. Pain management in my opinion, is essential. Thanks for your video, it is very helpful.

[@contendingforthefaith9897]

Pretty much didn't want the Icd, but I went through with it, I just been feeling really crapy, taking Tylenol. Didn't know I wouldn't be able to drive for awhile.

[@triciasmith2445]

I am losing my mind and backing out, very unexpected. 😢

[@triciasmith2445]

No driving???

[@susanweekley6152]

Followed your account for years when researching my own health options. Implementation yesterday, and Medtronic representative stopped to chat, provide booklets, identification card, she was a very nice person. I immediately remembered you & the company name. Thank you for sharing the educational material and your personal experience.

[@DouglasRachac]

Thank you Susan! You made me smile! I hope everything goes well with your recovery.

[@scoobyaura-fr6dm]

Had a stroke at 16 years old 3 months ago, Survived somehow but I was suggested a pacemaker but I've denied it currently, hoping I never need it , Im probably gonna need it later for that I'm getting myself ready :) thanks for the video man I'll be careful soon after I get it implanted

[@randallsguaranteedsold6361]

Super helpful, thank you! I was kinda wondering about how the leads stay in place... scar tissue, makes sense

[@user-ko7oq1pr9j]

Appreciate your videos. Douglas. I had pacemaker fitted almost 3 months ago, pain from movement etc, has just died down. I hate the bulge under the scar, but realise it’s life saving. Hoping I forget it’s there one day. Thanks for the info, take care.

[@mixc8]

Hi S4 I am getting one in a fews as well. Not looking forward to it, and you correct I am concerned about the bulge :( I am nervous but I know it can save my life. What concerns me more is I lead a very active life style and I will hate to lose this.

[@jari6430]

Awesome! Thanks a million. Practical and concise👍🏻dad just got one and haha..no other info available. .can't tell you how helpful this is🙏🏻

[@DouglasRachac]

That's great! I'm glad to hear it helps. Thanks so much for the note!

[@philipherlihy3119]

Thank you! Very clear, and self-evidently accurate!

[@happyfarmer979]

Thank you

[@jamesviewing3899]

Thanks for your video as I’m going for pacemaker don’t know what type it is just gathering information so I prepared when I go in see consultant thank again 👍😎

[@GammerThumbs]

Great video. I’ve had my icd for almost 3 months now.

[@peterkline7137]

It 3 years later I notice. How are you doing now?

[@deborahvenetucci8278]

Thank you. Juts woke up in severe pain. Looking for the magic potion. This helped. Thanks so much.

[@speakmymind9905]

My brother had just gotten a pacemaker installed. He's been following Dr orders and says his elbow hurts . I'll let him know about the freeze .

[@margaritasibleszp134]

Thanks - Gracias por este vídeo que explica mejor lo que podemos y no debemos hacer, me a sido de gran utilidad ver y escuchar este. Ideo -. Thanks for the information you give to us Regards

[@peace-yv4qd]

Thanks for the video. It's very helpful information. My pacemaker procedure is scheduled this Thursday with an AV node ablation 8 weeks later. Suffered with A-fib off and on for the last 30 years. I'm hoping that the pacemaker will improve my quality of life because its my last option and the doctor wants to get me off the heart medicine I've been taking due to the risks it poses to my body.

[@Dan-ej9iu]

The want to put a dual one in me said i have 3 leeds put in my heart 1 at the top and 2 in the bottom of my heart

[@louisem7129]

Thank you for posting this. It’s very informative, I just had my implant in on Saturday. I’m still feeling very anxious about it all.

[@genesmithers]

IS there any pros/cons for the implant to be under the muscle or not?

[@darrelduplechain646]

Thanks getting one Sept 25,2024

[@DouglasRachac]

@@darrelduplechain646 how are you doing post-implant?

[@victorinna3995]

Thank you. Very helpful information

[@MrColburn123]

Thank you..my implant is scheduled in 10 days..this is very helpful

[@maryweih9614]

This was so helpful. Thank you. God Bless You.❤

[@michaelmallal9101]

I had two procedures as first time one of the three leads did not stabilize.

[@jvs2926]

Excellent.

[@swdw973]

Thankfully there are people like you. The EP that put in my PM in last year gave me NONE of the exercises to prevent elbow or shoulder freeze. I saw this last year after my implant so went and found written instructions from a medical university showing the exercises to help your shoulder and elbow. All he told me was the precautions of what not to do. Nothing else.

[@mackenmd]

Great video - thanks! Got a pacemaker 2 days ago and your videos have already been helpful. Cheers!

[@ashokchandna2198]

I have Watched many videos on the subject but the advice here is missing therein. Thank you sir.

[@bettysamuels5073]

Thanks ..considering a pacemaker..good information

[@carment1000]

Very well explained. My aunt had the surgery last week. She is 82.

[@barbs364]

Just had my pacemaker thank you for the helpful information

[@1doorjumper]

Thanks for the info, got mine yesterday, now the fun begins….

[@reflexncal]

Excellent info. Thanks very much

[@speedymarsh]

Really good advice and information. Thank you

[@natalierandrews]

This was quite helpful

[@fara4real03]

Thank you for sharing ..my mother had pm yesterday...so watching and you were clear and helpful..👍

[@DM-wy5hy]

Getting a pacemaker in 10 days. This helps

[@SuperDigger68]

thank you wish i had had a look 6 weeks ago when i had my pm fitted . its going well now thanks again

[@Sweettexas987]

New subscriber thank you for the info Sir

[@Ofus5]

Thanks great advice.

[@max_rocky]

I am scheduled June 28th for an ICD plus pacemaker. This may be a dumb question but why don't they make the lead longer to give it more slack to prevent accidentally tearing it out? Seems like common sense to me but I may not understand

[@DouglasRachac]

Hi Phil, thanks for watching. The leads do have several inches of slack built in when they’re implanted. In fact, 3-4 inches of extra lead length is looped around the device before it’s fed down into the heart. There isn’t a real good explanation for why some leads dislodge, but it does happen in 1-1.5% of all implanted leads. These post implant instructions are given to increase the odds of a successful implant.

[@debbesser4001]

Thank you for the great information. I received my Medtronic pacemaker 12 days ago. I am healing well and doing great. The only problem I'm having is that I am a stomach sleeper and am having difficulty getting a good night sleep. Does anyone know when it is safe to go back to stomach sleeping? Thanks

[@DouglasRachac]

@@debbesser4001 thanks for watching! Getting back to stomach sleeping will just take some time. It was a while for me….maybe 5-6 months. But others have had much shorter times. I hope you can get comfortable in the meantime.

[@charlesrary5320]

I just wanted to say a big thanks for all the information on your channel. I had an ICD implant done last week (mine is a Medtronic Cobalt series device). I've learned a lot by watching these videos, and was well prepared for the surgery.

[@DouglasRachac]

I'm so glad to hear that Charles. Thanks so much for letting me know.

[@elangovans1308]

I had pacemaker implanted 8 months ago for giddiness problem.But my giddiness not going away.Consulted another cardiologist and he told me that u need ICD and not pacemaker.He told pacemaker with lead extraction to be done and ICD to be implanted.I am scared about ICD shocks,with pacemaker I can't feel anything.Can u get shocks and how the pain will be?

[@charlesrary5320]

I know you can get shocks with an ICD if your heart beats too fast (I think they told me mine was set to about 243 beats per minute in order to shock). On mine it will try to pace the heart to a slower speed first. I personally have not had a shock yet and hope I never do. Thus, I don’t really know how a shock feels. Check with your doctor about how the settings on yours will be - there is a lot they can do to “personalize” these to the needs of individual patients.

[@elangovans1308]

@@charlesrary5320 Thanks...For me Dr told anti tachycardia pacing with backup pacing which painlessly terminate ventricular tachycardia and told u won't feel anything.Do u know what type of pacing programmed for u?

[@charlesrary5320]

@@elangovans1308 Mine can do the tachycardia pacing for any fast heart rhythm as well as pacing for slow heart rhythm. Mine does have the shock capability as well. For me, it's primarily preventative, as I have sarcoidosis which is starting to affect my heart. It can block the electrical signals, hence the reason why my cardiologist wanted me to have one.

[@TheGogobutt]

Don't ride a motorcycle, ride a boat in rough water, jet ski, sky dive, water ski, base jump, nail in a picture for your wife, mow the lawn, decorate the Christmas tree, put up Christmas lights, do dishes, take out the garbage, help your kid with geometry, use and AX to cut logs, get in a bar fight, catch a tuna or tarpon, do a triple lindy, shoot a shotgun, jump on a trampoline, clean the toilet, light fireworks or lastly use a jackhammer.

[@cousinevey]

I can't clean my toilet for HOW MANY WEEKS???

[@cousinevey]

Ok

[@debrashafer599]

Ugh..yes I’m dizzy and tired.. but I could have a stroke In surgery what’s worse ? I’m a health nut I am really conflicted about this procedure 😢

[@debrashafer599]

Same….

[@wisdomgleaned]

Thank you so much Douglas so helpful 🙏✨

[@philiprosenstock9667]

Good video getting mine Wednesday 👍

[@johnmiller9339]

Getting one on Monday at age 65

[@newyorkdiva3]

Very helpful thank you.

[@eccosarka5021]

Good advice, thank you!

[@dailylifegajets1372]

Can a pacemaker patient drive a four wheel or three wheel vehicle six month implantes p.m explain me please and also what are major signs if pacemaker stop works thank you

[@DouglasRachac]

Hi Ali, Thanks for watching. These are great questions. To answer your first question, yes, a pacemaker patient can drive 3 and 4 wheeled vehicles once their healing period post-implant is done. That usually takes 6-8 weeks, so 6 months post implant you would be fine. It wouldn't hurt to check with your doctor first to make sure he/she doesn't have any driving restrictions for you, but if you're able to drive a car you should be allowed to drive a 3 or 4 wheeler. Second, it's really, really rare that a pacemaker will just stop working. There are safeguards and redundancies built into the device that allow even a failing device to perform its basic life-saving functions. But, a clear sign that there's an issue is if you see a return of your pre-implant symptoms, and they don't go away. Or, if your device is clearly pacing at a constant rate regardless if you're laying down or climbing a flight a stairs. But, again, it's very rare that a device will fail in this way, so try not to worry about it too much. I hope that helps.

[@somelodic5504]

This was very informative! Thank you.

[@mike-cc3dd]

I just went to the gym after about 2 days. Oops

[@DouglasRachac]

You're probably just fine, Mike. You should take it easy for 6-8 weeks post implant. Many patients are able to return to brisk walking within a couple of weeks. Some pick up light running 2-4 weeks after implant. Talk to your doctor, and listen to your body. And you should stay away from lifting weights for at least 4 weeks. Its best to talk to your doctor about your return to lifting weights. Take care!

[@eastergerman70]

took my son to cardiologist today .he told him the defibulator wouldnt help him breath better.just shock him if his heart stops.now what is the difference in the one you are talking about..really need to know.son sees no need to get it now. .hes just 46 .im not ready to watch him die .please tell me what the difference is..

[@DouglasRachac]

An ICD’s main job is to protect against sudden cardiac death. It does this by either pacing or shocking the heart when there is a dangerous rhythm. Sometimes people also need pacemaker support because their heart rate dips too low. Most ICDs also have a built in pacemaker, so those people are also paced, and that can sometimes help a person feel better and have fewer symptoms. When a person is in heart failure they will sometimes need an ICD with a 3rd lead. This is called Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy, or CRT. A CRT paces the bottom 2 chambers of the heart 100% of the time, and often will help a person feel better. It may be that your son is at risk of a cardiac arrest, so an ICD is needed, but he’s not far enough along in his heart failure to warrant a CRT device. But, if his doctor thinks he should get an ICD, then he should probably get it. Survival rates of a cardiac arrest without an ICD are around 10%. With an ICD it’s around 98%. If his doctor thinks he’s at a high enough risk for him to suggest an ICD, then he should seriously consider it, and should probably get it. That’s why I have one, anyway.

[@adrianaluciacespedes9252]

Just got a pacemaker at 32. Thank you for your videos

[@pablo9931]

Y como te sientes

[@adrianaluciacespedes9252]

@@pablo9931 Muy bien. Muchos síntomas mejoraron. Otros no tanto por otras condiciones que tengo que suman. Estoy en rehabilitación cardíaca y del hombro (tenerlo tanto tiempo inmovilizado me pasó la factura)

[@pablo9931]

@@adrianaluciacespedes9252 que bueno me da muncho gustó escuchar eso lo que pasa es que ami esposa le implantaron uno ayer y me gustaría sabe todo los cuidados

[@jwsorrell]

Very clear instructions and helpful. I'm on my 12th day after implant and wish I had watched this earlier. Thank you.

[@aflowers1039]

Very helpful. My brother just got his 4th pacemaker. I needed insight to assist him. Thank you.

[@mwajumagundi2096]

4th pacemaker,that's amazing.how many years is one of them?

[@bettysamuels5073]

thanks for the information.

[@colleenbutler1589]

Thank you for your videos

[@elenaamador1404]

Thank you for youre videos they really helps me alot just got one 2 months ago .

[@mixc8]

Hi Elena can you please tell after getting your device to months ago how are things going? I am scheduled to get one in 3 weeks and I am really nervous.

[@oldversion1]

Thank u .. that was helpful.

[@wholeNwon]

Clearly instructions vary among physicians, as you indicated. Perhaps I can reduce anxiety among some pts. I have implanted more than 2000 pacing systems in succession without a complication...no lead displacements, no infections, etc. Leads should be positioned with sufficient redundancy to permit changes in body position, arm extension, etc. Lifting should be irrelevant because, though the prepectoral fascia provides a convenient plane of dissection, it is not used to cover the pulse generator. The pocket is slightly more than sufficient to accommodate the pulse generator. The subcutaneous tissues and skin are closed under little tension and should never be at risk from arm movement. If you fire a rifle or shotgun, you should mention that to your surgeon before the operation so that the appropriate side can be chosen. Any cosmetic considerations you have should also be discussed and accommodated. I provided extensive wound care instructions and, as a result and with meticulous attention to aseptic technique pre and intraoperatively, though statistically I should have had more than 100 infections, I had none....zero.

[@DouglasRachac]

Very glad to hear this! I had the chance to speak with a small group of device engineers and implanting physicians. They were in agreement that most lead dislodgements were due to poor placement technique. Sounds like this is your experience as well. The recent guidance changes from the European Heart Rhythm Society eliminating the movement restrictions post implant back that up as well. ( academic.oup.com/europace/article/23/7/983/6240171 ).

[@wholeNwon]

@@DouglasRachac The keys are not only knowing the fluoroscopic anatomy in detail and in at least 2 projections but also proper assessment of the electrode-myocardial interface by routine endocardial ECG recording during surgery. This can easily be done in any major OR (where all should be implanted and not in a cath lab) with the monitoring equipment always present therein. Virtually all of the complications that occur can be prevented by simple attention to detail. I have operated on a number of pts. whose systems were implanted in other parts of the country. Some were good but others were very poor both electrically and mechanically. I recall one woman from Atlanta whose head movement was severely restricted by the lead placement and a man from TX part of whose pulse generator was actually within his abdomen. Both of these were challenging to repair/reconstruct.

[@BlondieSL]

Ok, found the right person to ask these questions. LOL As lay-people, we "hear" so many things, but we really don't know what is true and what is not. So, can you confirm if any of the following are a problem that should be avoided? - microwave ovens? - close to regular ovens that when opening the door, lots of heat coming out? - XRay/Security readers, like at airports? - ummm.... how to ask this one... hmmm.... LOL ok, any issue with "interpersonal activities" with partner?? 😜😁 - laying in the sun and/or very hot days when outside? *- any special considerations for patients diagnosed with 3rd degree heart block with mobitz type 2?* Any other common things to be aware of that were perhaps not mentioned? Thanks in advance.

[@wholeNwon]

@@BlondieSL I watched several of the videos produced by this poster which covered the topics that concern you. I recall no errors. As to others that were not specifically covered, you should pay NO attention to what you "hear" only what your cardiologist tells you. Make a LIST of questions before your visits and bring the list with you!!! Don't trust you memory. The heat from an oven is irrelevant. So is sex, unless you have come up with something REALLY novel that hasn't occurred to me.The sun exposure is a serious consideration for skin cancer!! The diagnosis that required pacing isn't a specific consideration for the patient but ask your cardiologist about symptoms that you might feel that could indicate malfunction. He has likely already told you about the monitoring systems built into your implanted device. Induction cooktops and stoves are becoming more common in the US. You might check the current recommendations from your cardiologist but the last time I looked (a few months ago) a separation distance between the pt and the active cooktop was 2 feet. But I have NOT reviewed the hard data upon which that recommendation was made so I cannot speak authoritatively on the topic. Your cardiologist may have researched the topic in detail and suggest somewhat greater separation. Cooktops vary in the amount of energy they use.

[@BlondieSL]

@@wholeNwon Yes, I've clicked in to making a list. As for the stove, I was more wondering IF the quick heat when opening the oven door would be an issue. Clearly not an issue. That's good. Fortunately, our stove is Natural Gas. We do not like nor would we ever buy an induction stove. Since my post, I have done more research and no longer concerned about too many things. Apparently, however, there "can" be an issues with those security devices that many stores have. But one Dr. says to just walk through it quickly without stopping. I'm just glad that we're not living in the 1950s where the heart units where large boxes. LOL

[@doowopshopgal]

Great video!! Just got pacer.

[@triciasmith2445]

I am really miffed. My EP gave me zero info, it was like a,sales pitch. Can anyone shout out EF numbers? I'm borderline 35 to 36....They haven't even given me a chance to bring it up. Advice? Thank u!

[@DW-bc2gl]

Thank you

[@DiwanjionLifeSecrets]

Is Medtronic LNQ11 loop recorder compatible with MRI?