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!
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.
Hello everyone, I'm 50 now from Norway. I got my ICD only today. I was fully awake when they put it into my left chest because of my severe sleep apnea. It was a fast procedure but a little bit painful. To those people who are planning: Don't worry! It's not that bad, anyone can endure that one. The procedure took only 1 1/2 hr. They gave me fentanyl through IV many times to lessen the pain. It was helpful to communicate to the surgeon about the severity of the pain. The most important thing to do is just to relax & pray. Everything will be fine! Read Psalm 27:1! God will give you strenght & peace! Anyway, thank you for your videos! It helps me a lot!
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.
@@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 . 💜💜
@@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..
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 RUclips 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.
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.
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!!
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.
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.
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.
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..
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 😂
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 !
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
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.
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.
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.
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 🙏🏽
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.
@@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)
@@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
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 👍 👌😊
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.
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?
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.
@@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?
@@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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
@@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
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.
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 👍😎
I had mine done on November 15, 2021. On the 23rd I was back in the office having them checked. One of my leads had come loose. The day before it felt like someone was inside my body punching. You could see my skin raising. It was terrifying. They turned ot off and scheduled a new surgery for December 6, 2021. When they went in both leads had come loose. He said that I was only the second patient in his entire career that had this happen to. This time I came home in a sling. It is so hard to do things with just one arm. Now you say that I can use it but just don't lift over my shoulder. I'm going back on Tuesday to get it adjusted. He thinks that he can adjust it to give me more energy. I pray it works. Thank you for your informative video.
Although the leads coming loose is unusual, adjustments are not unusual. Had to have mine adjusted a few times as the activity monitors were initially programmed for a couch potato, not a active person. Imagine having your heartbeat going to 130 just because you vacuumed with your left arm. Stay on top of it. Plus one of his techs both didn't listen to me, and told me I was wrong about what the previous tech had set for a voltage level. Went back AGAIN and the first tech pulled up the history and saw the device had reset to the default voltage, as what is a setting for the vast majority of people was too low for me (2nd tech apparently didn't know how to check the history). So he put it to a voltage in between the default and what he'd initially set. My EP and I got into a disagreement too. I basically had to tell my EP to turn off the monitors as they overresponded even though they'd been adjusted for an active person, and he tried to prove me wrong with a treadmill test. The results? They turned them off. Switched to a different EP, and he did some minor adjustments on the voltage, and things were even better. At the 6 month point he wanted to see if we could reduce the resting heart rate. My body can't handle 50bpm, so we kicked it back up to 60. Later this year we're going to give 55 bpm over the holidays. Don't get discouraged if it takes multiple visits. Every heart /body, and activity level combination is different. So they need to customize it for you. I've talked to people that took several adjustments initially over several months and then had some more fine tuning done at about 1 year and then 2 years. Sometimes this is because your health improves, sometimes it's because there has been some healing to the heart and these allow adjusting some of the settings down.
How are you doing now? I juts got one put in yesterday. Experiencing pain now. 4am woke up in more pain than I have had thus far. Woke up arm above my head. Gaaaaahhhh!!
6:18 awesome I just got the Azure pacemaker. Better explanations than all the paperwork from the hospital and doctor. I was also not aware of 6 to 8 weeks. This is his second video I have watched he is fabulous and talks to you not at you.
Great and very informative video. I am waiting for a call from heart surgeon for ICD. My EF is 26.5%. Very nervous and scared. I don't know how to get along with this surgery and it's limitations.
Interesting discussion about leads. Although I’m on my third ICD, my lead is still the original one from the 2001 implantation. My doctor monitors it regularly, but he said it’s holding up nicely. I asked about replacing it. He said that’s a MAJOR surgery with a lot of risk, since it’s anchored to the heart muscle, and a tear can cause major bleeding. The important thing for your subscribers to know is that, while newer ICDs are impervious to some magnetic sources, the old leads are NOT. So you may have a false sense of security that you can use certain appliances or airport security systems with no repercussions.
@@shahnajparbin7543 Yes, the doctor will tell you. At each visit, the doctor can determine how many years/months of battery power remain. So you will know at least six months before the ICD generator needs to be replaced. I was actually awake and talking during the last ICD replacement in 2017. Easy! But in 2019, I needed ablation surgery. That was VERY unpleasant.
@@wotan10950 please, can you talk more about ablation surgery? I'm going to have one and I prefer to know what is going to happen because I prefer to be prepared.
@@brunomuss32 It wasn’t fun, that’s for sure. But I’ve heard of many patients who were just fine and recovered quickly. I don’t know why it was so difficult for me - I’d already had three previous cardiac surgeries that were relatively easy. Perhaps being under general anesthesia for five hours? Also, the hospital was in the Bronx (Montefiore), and the post-op care was terrible due to nursing shortages. I wish I could be more upbeat, but I had terrible migraines, and my heart felt alien in my body while it was resetting itself. This went on for two months. The good news is that I eventually recovered so thoroughly that I never had a single A-fib episode again. So it was worth it. But after Covid, despite all the vaccines and boosters, I started to get some arrhythmias again. The electrophysiologist told me that quite of few of his patients, who had recovered completely after the ablation, were now reporting arrhythmia after recovering from Covid.
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.
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
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.
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.😊
@@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. :-)
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
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
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
This would have been a great video before or after had my first one but never get get the leads pulled out the ones in Australia have little fish hooks on the end and do a lot of damage coming out. I had an infection so had to have all. Replaced after 3 weeks fitted is fun.
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
@@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.
Implant on 5/24, DVT on 5/28 - they say it’s rare but now I’m on Eliquis for three months because the blood clot is too close to the pace wire. The clot comes loose = pulmonary embolism - and that could be real trouble. Lead in atrial chamber is now loose but still in contact with atrial tissue and I’m pacing correctly. The lead will have to be “re”placed after the clot/emb. Has diminished… I stretched my arm while I was sleeping and it dislodged. So I am gonna have to do this again… eventually.
I also had a lead dislodgement along with a second surgery. It stinks, but it happens in about 2% of all lead implants. It’s something that happens, but isn’t likely due to anything you did. In 2021 four of the largest heart rhythm societies in the world issued a consensus statement which included a recommendation to remove the movement and lifting restrictions post implant because there hasn’t been any clinical evidence that patients are causing lead dislodgements in the weeks after their implant. For now the reason why dislodgements happen is unknown, so don’t blame yourself because your arm ended up above your head.
Thanks for watching! Driving varies depending on which device you get and where you live. Some people are able to return to driving within days while some laws force people to take a 6-month break. Your doctor should be able to help you navigate your local driving laws.
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!
Thanks MC. It’s comments like these that make it all worth it. I really appreciate it!
Yep, wasn't told how much down time I would have behind this simple procedure.
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.
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.
😂
Hello everyone, I'm 50 now from Norway. I got my ICD only today. I was fully awake when they put it into my left chest because of my severe sleep apnea.
It was a fast procedure but a little bit painful. To those people who are planning: Don't worry! It's not that bad, anyone can endure that one.
The procedure took only 1 1/2 hr. They gave me fentanyl through IV many times to lessen the pain. It was helpful to communicate to the surgeon about the severity of the pain.
The most important thing to do is just to relax & pray. Everything will be fine! Read Psalm 27:1! God will give you strenght & peace!
Anyway, thank you for your videos! It helps me a lot!
I just got a pacemaker 6 days ago and I’m finding your videos so helpful and informative . Thank you 😊
me too
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.
@@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 . 💜💜
@@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..
@@chm97chm97 did you end up getting one? My dad’s cardiologist wants to place one.
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 RUclips 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.
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.
Got my pacemaker August 31. Feeling so much better more energy. Thank you for your video. Really helped me alot.
Oh i am having mine done in 4 weeks.. i have waited a long time for this. God bless you all from ireland. ❤
Thank you. 💗
Thx Doug. Im getting implated on Oct. 18. Your videos are helping my anxiety.
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.
@@mixc8 Did U get your Pace Maker implant done yet and how did it go.
Beth.. I will light a candle 🕯 for you.. I am getting done on the 16th Oct. ❤
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!!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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..
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 😂
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 !
@2ndcornets now you're talking about nurses + rubber sheets, my pulse is racing 😀
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
I have my ICD for 4.5 years, thank you for doing this!!
Your video's brought my anxiety level to a very low level. Getting my ICD next week and was super anxious. Thank you for your thorough explanations.
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.
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.
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.
Thank you Susan! You made me smile! I hope everything goes well with your recovery.
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 🙏🏽
I get one this Friday and I am nervous on getting it.
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!
Very well explained. My aunt had the surgery last week. She is 82.
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.
Just got a pacemaker at 32. Thank you for your videos
Y como te sientes
@@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)
@@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
I just got my pacemaker two days ago, and this was all very good advice!! Thank you!
Great video - thanks! Got a pacemaker 2 days ago and your videos have already been helpful. Cheers!
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 👍 👌😊
Average year a icd battery can perform and when to replace
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.
I'm so glad to hear that Charles. Thanks so much for letting me know.
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?
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.
@@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?
@@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.
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.
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.
I am losing my mind and backing out, very unexpected. 😢
No driving???
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.
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.
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.
Just got my ICD. Super informative vid. Vid lifted my spirits. Thanks
@@richfrid welcome to the club! I hope the video was helpful and that your recovery is smooth as glass!
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.
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.
Thanks for this video. My surgery is less than two weeks and I'm so nervous
You got this! You’ll be back on your feet in now time. Good luck!
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!
Very clear instructions and helpful. I'm on my 12th day after implant and wish I had watched this earlier. Thank you.
Thank you! Very clear, and self-evidently accurate!
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
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.
@@natalierandrews I'm getting my s-icd in two days. How have you been so far?
@@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 😉
Thank you for reply. Appreciate your feedback and glad you are doing well :)
@@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
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.
Very helpful. My brother just got his 4th pacemaker. I needed insight to assist him. Thank you.
4th pacemaker,that's amazing.how many years is one of them?
very very helpful, was just told that I need a ICD, great advise
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.
Great video. I’ve had my icd for almost 3 months now.
It 3 years later I notice. How are you doing now?
Thanks for the info, got mine yesterday, now the fun begins….
Thank you..my implant is scheduled in 10 days..this is very helpful
Encouraging and informative video. Thank you, sir!
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 👍😎
I had mine done on November 15, 2021. On the 23rd I was back in the office having them checked. One of my leads had come loose. The day before it felt like someone was inside my body punching. You could see my skin raising. It was terrifying. They turned ot off and scheduled a new surgery for December 6, 2021. When they went in both leads had come loose. He said that I was only the second patient in his entire career that had this happen to. This time I came home in a sling. It is so hard to do things with just one arm. Now you say that I can use it but just don't lift over my shoulder. I'm going back on Tuesday to get it adjusted. He thinks that he can adjust it to give me more energy. I pray it works. Thank you for your informative video.
Did you find out what caused the leads to come loose?
Although the leads coming loose is unusual, adjustments are not unusual. Had to have mine adjusted a few times as the activity monitors were initially programmed for a couch potato, not a active person. Imagine having your heartbeat going to 130 just because you vacuumed with your left arm. Stay on top of it. Plus one of his techs both didn't listen to me, and told me I was wrong about what the previous tech had set for a voltage level. Went back AGAIN and the first tech pulled up the history and saw the device had reset to the default voltage, as what is a setting for the vast majority of people was too low for me (2nd tech apparently didn't know how to check the history). So he put it to a voltage in between the default and what he'd initially set.
My EP and I got into a disagreement too. I basically had to tell my EP to turn off the monitors as they overresponded even though they'd been adjusted for an active person, and he tried to prove me wrong with a treadmill test. The results? They turned them off. Switched to a different EP, and he did some minor adjustments on the voltage, and things were even better. At the 6 month point he wanted to see if we could reduce the resting heart rate. My body can't handle 50bpm, so we kicked it back up to 60. Later this year we're going to give 55 bpm over the holidays.
Don't get discouraged if it takes multiple visits. Every heart /body, and activity level combination is different. So they need to customize it for you. I've talked to people that took several adjustments initially over several months and then had some more fine tuning done at about 1 year and then 2 years. Sometimes this is because your health improves, sometimes it's because there has been some healing to the heart and these allow adjusting some of the settings down.
How are you doing now? I juts got one put in yesterday. Experiencing pain now. 4am woke up in more pain than I have had thus far. Woke up arm above my head. Gaaaaahhhh!!
thank you wish i had had a look 6 weeks ago when i had my pm fitted . its going well now thanks again
Just had my pacemaker thank you for the helpful information
Great info, well delivered. Glad I found your videos, very helpful, thank you.
6:18 awesome I just got the Azure pacemaker. Better explanations than all the paperwork from the hospital and doctor. I was also not aware of 6 to 8 weeks. This is his second video I have watched he is fabulous and talks to you not at you.
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🙏🏻
That's great! I'm glad to hear it helps. Thanks so much for the note!
Great and very informative video. I am waiting for a call from heart surgeon for ICD. My EF is 26.5%. Very nervous and scared. I don't know how to get along with this surgery and it's limitations.
I hope you’re doing well
I have Watched many videos on the subject but the advice here is missing therein. Thank you sir.
Interesting discussion about leads. Although I’m on my third ICD, my lead is still the original one from the 2001 implantation. My doctor monitors it regularly, but he said it’s holding up nicely. I asked about replacing it. He said that’s a MAJOR surgery with a lot of risk, since it’s anchored to the heart muscle, and a tear can cause major bleeding. The important thing for your subscribers to know is that, while newer ICDs are impervious to some magnetic sources, the old leads are NOT. So you may have a false sense of security that you can use certain appliances or airport security systems with no repercussions.
When icd have to replace as you are on your 3rd icd
Doctor will say or what
@@shahnajparbin7543 Yes, the doctor will tell you. At each visit, the doctor can determine how many years/months of battery power remain. So you will know at least six months before the ICD generator needs to be replaced. I was actually awake and talking during the last ICD replacement in 2017. Easy! But in 2019, I needed ablation surgery. That was VERY unpleasant.
@@wotan10950 please, can you talk more about ablation surgery? I'm going to have one and I prefer to know what is going to happen because I prefer to be prepared.
@@brunomuss32 It wasn’t fun, that’s for sure. But I’ve heard of many patients who were just fine and recovered quickly. I don’t know why it was so difficult for me - I’d already had three previous cardiac surgeries that were relatively easy. Perhaps being under general anesthesia for five hours? Also, the hospital was in the Bronx (Montefiore), and the post-op care was terrible due to nursing shortages. I wish I could be more upbeat, but I had terrible migraines, and my heart felt alien in my body while it was resetting itself. This went on for two months. The good news is that I eventually recovered so thoroughly that I never had a single A-fib episode again. So it was worth it. But after Covid, despite all the vaccines and boosters, I started to get some arrhythmias again. The electrophysiologist told me that quite of few of his patients, who had recovered completely after the ablation, were now reporting arrhythmia after recovering from Covid.
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
Thank you for youre videos they really helps me alot just got one 2 months ago .
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.
Thank you. Juts woke up in severe pain. Looking for the magic potion. This helped. Thanks so much.
Thank you for sharing ..my mother had pm yesterday...so watching and you were clear and helpful..👍
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
This was so helpful. Thank you. God Bless You.❤
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.
Thanks for the video. Your information agreed with what I was told when I got a new two lead device with a defibrillator in July.
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.😊
@@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. :-)
@@DouglasRachac Well bless you all, and thank you for your candor and information :)
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
Excellently explained.. thank u so much 🙂
Thanks ..considering a pacemaker..good information
Getting a pacemaker in 10 days. This helps
Super helpful, thank you! I was kinda wondering about how the leads stay in place... scar tissue, makes sense
I get mine placed in the morning. Thanks for the info!
Good luck to you! I hope the video was helpful.
@@DouglasRachac Thx. Just got back home. It went well. So happy to get rid of the life-vest contraption!
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
Very helpful. Had pm fitted 2 weeks ago
Really good advice and information. Thank you
Good advice, thank you!
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
I'm Getting a lri ( heart loop recorder implant), tomorrow.
I hope it helps you like mine helped me! Good luck!
@DouglasRachac got it this morning, so far so good
Thank you no one told me sir prayers please.
Thank YOU!!!!!
Thank you. Very helpful information
Excellent.
Thank you, very helpful video!
Thank you so much Douglas so helpful 🙏✨
Good video getting mine Wednesday 👍
Getting one on Monday at age 65
This would have been a great video before or after had my first one but never get get the leads pulled out the ones in Australia have little fish hooks on the end and do a lot of damage coming out. I had an infection so had to have all. Replaced after 3 weeks fitted is fun.
This was very informative! Thank you.
Thanks great advice.
Excellent info. Thanks very much
Thank you so much....very helpful for sure
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 .
IS there any pros/cons for the implant to be under the muscle or not?
I am still having pain inside the pacemaker implantation site, been 1 month after the surgery
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
@@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.
Implant on 5/24, DVT on 5/28 - they say it’s rare but now I’m on Eliquis for three months because the blood clot is too close to the pace wire. The clot comes loose = pulmonary embolism - and that could be real trouble. Lead in atrial chamber is now loose but still in contact with atrial tissue and I’m pacing correctly. The lead will have to be “re”placed after the clot/emb. Has diminished… I stretched my arm while I was sleeping and it dislodged. So I am gonna have to do this again… eventually.
I also had a lead dislodgement along with a second surgery. It stinks, but it happens in about 2% of all lead implants. It’s something that happens, but isn’t likely due to anything you did. In 2021 four of the largest heart rhythm societies in the world issued a consensus statement which included a recommendation to remove the movement and lifting restrictions post implant because there hasn’t been any clinical evidence that patients are causing lead dislodgements in the weeks after their implant. For now the reason why dislodgements happen is unknown, so don’t blame yourself because your arm ended up above your head.
thanks for the information.
I had two procedures as first time one of the three leads did not stabilize.
What about driving? Any information or helpful hints???
Thanks for watching! Driving varies depending on which device you get and where you live. Some people are able to return to driving within days while some laws force people to take a 6-month break. Your doctor should be able to help you navigate your local driving laws.
Great video!! Just got pacer.