Blog Note

January might be a rough month around here...I got put on the fast track for a pacemaker today. Can't wait, as I've been pretty sick for much of the past two months. Turns out, you need adequate blood circulation. (Who would've guessed?)

I'd love to hear from anyone who has one. If you don't want your comment published, just mention that, and it won't be. I'm curious as to what your experience has been.

I've been highly fortunate for most of my life. No real health issues and not a lot of problems with being sick, even. I've had COVID-19 three times, but it didn't give me any trouble to speak of. I had to have an operation on my eye...but it worked. No other problems. I didn't even take any medications until recently.

I won't be writing much about this, but I'll keep you posted as to schedules, days off, etc. Today was supposed to be a day of work on the "House" Baker's Dozen, and it wasn't. But I'll get back in that saddle tomorrow a.m.

Mike

UPDATE: Just wanted to say thanks for all the good wishes and comments, many of them private, especially the ones from people who have had the procedure or are involved with the process professionally. I'm slowly getting a handle on what to expect.

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Featured Comments from:

Brandon Scott: "I've had my pacemaker for two years. No problems. I feel much better and stronger. As two of my physician friends remarked: No brainer. Low risk, high benefits. Don't worry; you will be fine."

Marco Alpert: "I've had one for a couple of years. Although the installation was done on an emergency basis (that's another story), the process went very smoothly, recovery was a breeze, and all has worked well since then. I have a gizmo by my bedside that talks to the pacemaker via Bluetooth and phones home if it detects any malfunction, but so far it hasn't had any need. It looks like the battery will last for 12 years or so. Given that it solves the problem that it was installed for, I couldn't be more pleased."

Roger: "Take care of yourself, Mike. We’ll be here when you’re back. I’ve had a pacemaker/ICD for a bit over three years. I had to give up my welding hobby but otherwise not a big deal. Donated my welding gear to a local makerspace and called it good. I have non-recurring tachycardia. When I asked the cardiologist what my other options were she said, 'dying.' Kind of made the decision process much easier. As others have said the recovery isn’t too bad—I was back to traveling shortly after the bandage was removed.

"I’m still trying to convince the nurses who do the annual device check to turn on the option that’ll let me shoot lightening from my fingertips…."

Mark Hobson: "Within a few hours of having an ablation, my electrophysiologist informs me that my heart rate is 40 bpm and I should get a pacemaker. next thing I know I’m being wheeled into the procedure room and the nurse says, 'You will be awake during the procedure.' Say what? Assuming they know what they are doing, I am nevertheless taken slightly aback when the surgeon tells me that normally I would have a choice of what music to listen to during the procedure but unfortunately for me that was the day that the team listens to The Greatful Dead. After receiving something to relax me, the next thing I remember is smelling something burning to which I ask the surgeon, 'Are you cutting me with that laser scalpel thing?' To which he responds, 'Yes I am. I’ll be done in a minute.' In any event, it was a truly odd experience."

Comments

[Richard Skoonberg]

Sending healing thoughts your way.

[Dennis Mook]

Take care of business, Mike. We’ll all be here rooting for you and wishing you the best possible outcome. Take your time. Don’t do more than you feel you can safely. We’re not going to go anywhere in your absence.

[Randypollock]

My mother received her pacemaker, her pulse before turning it on was around 48 to 52 bpm. Once the unit was turned on and adjusted for her...she almost immediately felt better with more strength. She has had her unit now for 2 years with regular checkups with no issues at all. She has an app on her phone that shows in real time the unit working and the app reports back to her doctor all necessary information. The unit can be felt when touched, but has not given her any issues with day to day activities. Hope this helps you as well.

[MikeR]

Best wishes, Mike.

[Jeff]

Mike, glad you’re taking care of your recent health related issues. But as for your prior lack of health concerns, I think you’ve documented and dealt with many serious health issues: alcoholism; depression; sleep apnea; weight management; etc. And it seems you frequently have needed days off when ‘under the weather’. Given all that, your blog output has been remarkable, so you should be proud of that, especially having to deal with seemingly many potentially life threatening, or at least life altering, issues.

[Albert Smith]

I was the caregiver for my mother in her last years and had to get smart on all things cardiac including pacemakers. My mother had A fib where her heart more fluttered than beat. After a quadruple bypass and a nitro valve replacement, she had no improvement, so it was determined that she have a pacemaker inserted. This made a huge difference, but she additionally had an ablation, a procedure that removed her heart from the control of her nervous system. Her pacemaker was therefore critical and not a supplement to her heart rythm.

There will be frequent appointments to verify operation and to do any necessary adjustments. These are non invasive, utilizing chest sensor pads that talk to both the pacemaker and the component that assesses its operation. They made several firmware updates on my mom's device, all right in the doctor's office.

You are about 15 years younger than my mother at the time of her procedures, and I assume healthier, so this could be life changing in a positive way. Good luck to you.

[Terrence James Donohue]

Hey Mike, I'm a proud recipient of a Medtronic W1DR01 Pacemaker (Pacer to its friends) installed Feb of 2021. Do ask about the app for it, can't raise your left arm for weeks, they want the leads to settle. Medtronic's competitor is Boston Scientific, beats me which is better. Medtronic moved to Ireland, headquarters in Minnesota. They gave it to me because I blacked out cold. That's very weird. Oh yeah, I have 4 stents to boot. Must be the Milwaukee air. God bless. you'll be fine. I walked 8 miles the next day, not bad for a 71 yr old at the time.

[Aakin]

Take care of you, and I hope you have an easy and quick recovery.

[James Weekes]

I have had a pacemaker, to combat bradycardia, for nine years. It paces me at 60 bpm when it falls below that. The insertion is pretty easy, you are out for it and spend one night in hospital and go home. Very little soreness for a week or so, then smooth sailing. It helps immediately. No issues since. You either go in to have it read every 6 months or they give you a unit to self test and send.

You’ll have a bump on your chest, it is a shallow insertion, and no discomfort. Glad you’re doing it.

[Bear.]

They’re pretty cool devices, Mike. My Grandma got an early one when she was already in her 80s - and she lived to 100 and something (no birth records).

[Joseph Kashi]

Good luck, Mike

Friends who have had this procedure are very positive about the results.

[JoeB]

MJ,
For much information and patient experiences go to:
www.pacemakerclub.com

I have had a pacemaker for 14 years. I'm on my second one as when the battery becomes weak they simply replace the pacemaker. Newer pacemakers have more features, longer battery life.

You can read about or ask your doctor for the details of the surgery. Amazing procedure.

I was experiencing sick sinus syndrome - my heart rate was dancing around 34 beats a minute. Needless to say I did not have the energy to run, walk or dance around anything!

The miracle to me was after the installation of the pacemaker and a night in the hospital to make sure all was working as it should- I could have been dancing with happiness. My energy returned to normal levels and it was as if I was reborn.

Your shoulder will be sore after the surgery. It will take time to work itself back to pre-surgery shape. The adjustment of the pacemaker may take a few adjustments to get it working for you properly.

You will become a believer in modern medicine and technology after this if you are not already.

Have no fear, all will be well and you will be dancing to a different beat after this procedure.
Jb

[Bruce Bordner]

In some ways, the implant is easier than your eye operation...
I had a fatal heart attack in 2005. I got better, but my heart has extensive damage. I put it off for years, but when my heartbeat got below 50 the doctor got on me. Mine consists of a pocket incision in the left chest for the device (slight bulge) and 3 leads into the heart area. It's a defibrillator as well as pacemaker, so I can be restarted automatically... It's some pain for maybe a month. Every 7-10 years, you will need a new one when the battery runs out, but that's a minor day trip. I was slowing down, and this saved me. It's a very routine procedure; I was in a large group. Real moneymaker....

[Kirk Decker]

I hope all goes well for you!

[Stan B.]

Good Luck exploring your brave, new Bionic future!

[Moose]

I wish I could do more than wish you well!

I do hope it goes well for you and solves those problems!

[brian]

my heart rate drops to 38 bpm when sleeping resting and my cardiologist knows this. i had a blood clot brain stoke 3 years ago and they fitted a loop recorder which after 3 years still shows no signs of heart flutter. since then like you i have watched my lcd levels since the remaining cause may have been a plaque peeling of an artery. my lcd levels are now very low 3 years post the stroke . some times feel very tired and put that down to residual stroke effects. doing well and continuing to monitor. so good luck mike with your issues. keep on trucking

[Nick Davis]

All the best, Mike! Hope it goes well.

[Speed]

Good overview ...

Artificial cardiac pacemaker
Wikipedia

These things are tiny life-saving miracles. More smarts than the highest of high-tech cameras.

Mike will soon learn how many of his friends and acquaintances have one too.

[robert e]

Hi Mike, Thanks for sharing the good news that there's a diagnosis for what's been ailing you and a well-established remedy with a high success rate. I hope you can take it somewhat easy in the meantime. If there are any online chores you need help with, I'd be happy to lend a hand. I've managed a few websites and blogs over the years, and while I've never worked with Typepad, I'm sure I could get up to speed quickly.

Best wishes for your health and the new year!

[Aaron]

My father has had a pacemaker for nearly 40 years. Got it in his late 30s. It’s been replaced once or twice. No problems at all.

[Robert Ardinger]

Might want to stock up on things, food, etc. you might need need right after implantation as you may be advised not to drive for a week or so. Also likely will be advised not to do any heavy lifting so might want to have a plan for someone to help with any snow shoveling or other similar chores while you are recovering. After you are healed, you should be able to resume your normal activities.

[Rob L.]

We're patient folk around here, heal up, get feeling better, and we'll try not to burn the place down while you're recuperating. Answers are great to have, clear solutions even better!

[Pierre Charbonneau]

All the best wishes Mike.
Keep shooting a photo outside once a day, it may keep the doctor away.

[John]

The most common implantation site is high on the left chest. For me, this has meant I can no longer carry a backpack, or a camera bag over the left shoulder. If that is a concern, you may wish to discuss alternates sites with your doctor.

No problems with the device for the 3.5 years I've had it.

[Larry]

One more pacer recipient here to tell you that the implant procedure is no big deal, that it’s important to observe the easy-enough aftercare instructions, and that you can reasonably look forward to feeling better in both body and spirit. Best.

[Mark Sampson]

Mike,
I wish you the best of luck. I hope you can have your 'procedure' done at Strong Memorial in Rochester- from personal experience, an excellent hospital.

[Rene]

Mike,

If you've had covid three times, I'd check with your doctor about the possibility of Long Covid and/or covid impacts on your heart (although in fairness, your MD may not be up on this). I've had covid once and 6 months later was diagnosed with Long Covid (there are many symptoms which can be mistaken for something else). Recently, during a routine followup with my cardiologist, he became worried about my shortness of breath. A few tests later, then a catheterization, resulted in my getting three stents for 90% blockage in two coronary arteries. Little or no blockage two years ago. Coincidentally, my wife was reviewing the medical literature on Long Covid (she's a PhD), and found there can be significant impacts on the heart (and many other organs as well) from covid. This is emerging research and not always known in the medical community. We had to do some quick education with my cardiologist who was receptive fortunately.

Rene

[Greg Boiarsky]

I've had a pacemaker since I was 27. I've had five different pacers and now have an ICD, which is much larger but otherwise not much of a different experience.

Your life will change radically for the better with a pacer. You'll have energy that you didn't know you should have; a disordered heart rhythm usually develops over time, so you don't typically notice that you're not "right." I remember waking up the first morning after I got my pacer and thinking "So this is what it feels like to wake up and feel like I got some decent sleep!" It was an eye-opener, to say the least.

Just don't rush your healing. It takes time for the leads to settle in and it takes time for the incision to heal. Most important, pay attention to your symptoms. It takes a while for your cardiologist to dial in the correct settings. You will feel much better immediately, but over time you'll notice that you aren't quite feeling like you want to. You might find that you need your heart rate to accelerate a little more quickly or slowly than the initial programming is set for, or you may want your cardiologist to program a sleep mode so that your heart rate is slower when you sleep. YOU ARE IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT, so work with your cardiology team until you're satisfied with your rates and rate response settings.

[Patrick J Dodds]

Good luck Mike. Can't wait to read your review :-)

[Dan Khong]

Not that it is going to happen soon to any of the folks reading TOP, I have heard that pacemakers must be removed before cremation, otherwise it will make a very loud noise and wake up the neighborhood.

I wonder if pacemakers trigger and sound the metal detectors at airport security.

[Bob Johnston]

So sorry to hear of your trouble and so glad that there is a solution. Concentrate on getting well Mike, we will still be here, still wishing you well.

[Roger Bradbury]

Best wishes, Mike.

[James Feltham]

Hello Mike,
My Pacemaker is nearly two months old. Symptoms were shortness of breath and blood O2 sats in the 80's. ECG looked like scribble.
Procedure was easy and recovery quick. Surgeon had a sense of humour and had me in stitches.
Take care,
James

[Al Gardner]

Hey Mike,
I had the leaderless (wireless) dual pacemakers inserted on August 2, 2022, as part of an FDA trial.

The FDA had already approved one. But I needed two, one for the upper chamber and one for the lower chamber. It was a two and half hour procedure. It did not require deep anesthesia, and I woke up lucid with no grogginess. They used catheters to insert the cartridges through the femoral vein. Only one stitch was required to close that one-inch incision in the groin area. I stayed overnight for observation and by 11 am the stitch was removed, and I was released. My only restrictions were no lifting over 5 lbs. and no grunting or physical pressure, so that the vein would seal without leakage. Within 8 days I was back at work washing dishes in the coffee shop sink room. If your job is less physical you should only need to lay back for a couple days, while minding the lifting limit.

The FDA approved the dual cartridges during this past summer of 2023.

https://www.cardiovascular.abbott/us/en/hcp/products/cardiac-rhythm-management/pacemakers/aveir-dr-dual-chamber-leadless-pacemaker-system.html

I blacked out at work in May 2022. I wore a heart monitor for two weeks and the data revealed that over those 14 days my heart had failed to beat properly 3500 times. There were periods when my effective heart rate was only 28 BPM. That was why I went down hard despite my attempt to hold onto the sink.

These new pacemakers put no restrictions on your movement, such as being told to not raise your arm beyond a certain point because of the location of the pacemaker. There is no surgery to insert the new ones, and no surgery necessary when you need a battery replacement. The older ones will be phased out over time.

I would highly recommend that you choose the new type. I will leave that up to you. Should you, or anyone reading this, have any questions feel free to contact me.

[David L.]

Sorry to see that a new gizmo with milli-volts needs to take priority over a new one one with mega-pixels.

[Jack MacD]

I had mine put in a year ago December 30 th. Resting heart beat at night was too slow. So essentially got no rest if blood circulation is slow just like you.
I suggest you talk to someone who has had one rather than just reading these comments. The natural reaction is to be scared. Then when it’s done and you feel so much better you wonder why you worried so much. I joke get two or three.
I have a friend who accidentally pulled his wires out in his sleep. His elbow raised above his shoulder in the first couple weeks and they had to put new wires in. If you sleep with your arms up, tell them to give you a tie down device. The sling they give people won’t protect your arm raise. My friend had his arm held down with a Velcro device the second time.
They asked me if I had a preference as to which side of my heart I wanted the pacemaker. I hadn’t expected that question and wish I had thought about it more. I have it on my left, but would have preferred it on my right since I like putting my iPhone in a chest pocket on my left and the magnet on the back of an iPhone might be powerful enough to temporarily shut off the pacemaker. That’s what they tell me, a strong magnetic field will cause the pacemaker go neutral, but return to normal when the field is normal.

[David Lee]

Amazing news Mike. You’ll feel like new in no time.

[Hugh Lovell]

Good luck and best wishes for the procedure and a speedy recovery.

[Tullio Emanuele]

Good luck with the procedure, I am sure you will feel much better.
Do not have a pacemaker, but I have implanted hundreds of them. I wish other treatments in medicine worked nearly as well as pacemakers, you will see.

[Roger]

Given how many of us are sporting pacemakers perhaps you should rename this place to The Online Pacemaker.

I can show myself out, thanks.

[Rob Griffin]

Since you have been struggling with so many physical issues, sounds to me like it’s good news and time to be grateful. You have a medical problem that can be helped with a small device that is safe and effective. I hope in a short time you will feel like a new man. Hip, hip hurray for medical science!!

[

I wholeheartedly (no pun intended) agree. --Mike]

[R. Edelman]

The risk-to-benefit profile for a pacemaker is definitely on the benefit side. You will probably feel better after the pacemaker is installed. The pacemaker will also help to avoid a catastrophic abnormal bradycardia, something that happened to my mother. In retrospect, she should have had a pacemaker. It would have prevented a medical tragedy and would have made all the difference in the world.
Good luck, but you'll do fine.

[Dave Karp]

Mike,

I hope your procedure goes well and you are feeling better and back at it soon!