LOS ANGELES -- How long do you think you will live? A simple test may
offer the answer, or at the very least, some hints on how you can live
longer and healthier.
In the beginning of a person's life, there is so much potential. From
then on, the choices we make every day can have a big impact on how
long we live.
To help people realize their longevity potential, Dr. Thomas Perls, an
expert on aging, developed the life expectancy health span calculator.
"It's really an enabling tool to alert you to things that really can
make a difference in adding quite a few healthy years to your life,"
Perls said.
The test is based on the premise that the average person can live into
their mid-80s. You add or subtract years based on a variety of
factors. A good score on the test is 88 and above.
"If you smoke, you take 15 years off. If you are very overweight,
maybe you take 10 years off for that," Perls said. Exercise is
important for staying healthy, but Perls said it won't do much to
extend your life expectancy. It does help if longevity runs in your
family and if you're intellectually active.
"If you exercise your brain a lot, where you're trying new things,
maybe you get to add a few years," Perls said. The test is broken down
into five sections ranging from family history to lifestyle habits.
There are dozens of questions on everything from your cholesterol
level to how often do you floss your teeth.
"It requires a fairly honest look at what your daily habits are,"
Perls said. Maria Johns, the wellness director at the YMCA in
Bethesda, Md., was happy with her results: "90.6. I'm very excited
about that," she said.
Tony , tennis director at the YMCA, didn't quite have the same
reaction. Even though he's an active guy, according to the quiz, his
life expectancy is 77.
"The big thing, I think, was the diet," Symzick said. "Sleep, I could
probably get more sleep. I don't get consistent sleep. I get enough
sleep, just not great sleep all the way through."
Perhaps more important than the score is the information users get
when the life expectancy is calculated.
"They give you suggestions," Symzick said. "They give you hints to
help you increase your longevity. I'm going to see if I can work on
those."
If you'd like to take the life test, visit http://www.LivingTo100.com.
--
Robert Stacey and Charlie Dawg live in the Silverlake Hills of Los Angeles.
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#184 From: "rbobbyleestacy"
Date: Sat Mar 12, 2005 10:09 pm
Subject: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) rbobbyleestacy
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From: "KPurcell"
Date: Fri Mar 11, 2005 4:17 pm
Subject: DX: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/cfs/
In general, in order to receive a diagnosis of chronic
fatigue syndrome, a patient must satisfy two criteria:
A. Have severe chronic fatigue of six months or longer
duration with other known medical conditions
excluded by clinical diagnosis, and
B. Concurrently have four or more of the following symptoms:
1. substantial Impairment in Short-Term Memory or
Concentration,
2. Sore Throat,
3. Tender Lymph Nodes,
4. Muscle Pain,
5. multi-Joint Pain without swelling or redness,
6. Headaches of a new type, pattern or severity,
7. unrefreshing Sleep, and
8. post-Exertional Malaise lasting more than 24 hours.
The symptoms must have persisted or recurred during six or
more consecutive months of illness and must
not have predated the fatigue.
What is CFS?
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/cfs/info.htm
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or CFS, is a debilitating and
complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue that
is not improved by bed rest and that may be worsened by
physical or mental activity. Persons with CFS most often
function at a substantially lower level of activity than
they were capable of before the onset of illness. In
addition
to these key defining characteristics, patients report
various nonspecific symptoms, including weakness, muscle
pain, impaired memory and/or mental concentration, insomnia
, and post-exertional fatigue lasting more than 24 hours. In
some cases, CFS can persist for years. The cause or causes
of CFS have not been identified and no specific diagnostic
tests are available. Moreover, since many illnesses have
incapacitating fatigue as a symptom, care must be taken to
exclude other known and often treatable conditions before a
diagnosis of CFS is made.
Similar Medical Conditions:
A number of illnesses have been described that have a
similar spectrum of symptoms to CFS. These include
Fibromyalgia Syndrome , Myalgic Encephalomyelitis ,
Neurasthenia , Multiple Chemical Sensitivities , and Chronic
Mononucleosis. Although these illnesses may present with a
primary symptom other than fatigue, Chronic Fatigue
is commonly associated with all of them.
Other Conditions That May Cause Similar Symptoms:
In addition, there are a large number of clinically defined,
frequently treatable illnesses that can result in fatigue.
Diagnosis of any of these conditions would exclude a
definition of CFS unless the condition has been treated
sufficiently and no longer explains the fatigue and other
symptoms. These include Hypothyroidism , Sleep Apnea and
Narcolepsy , Major Depressive Disorders , Chronic
Mononucleosis, Bipolar Affective Disorders , Schizophrenia ,
Eating Disorders, Cancer, Autoimmune Disease, Hormonal
Disorders*, Subacute Infections, Obesity, Alcohol or
Substance Abuse, and reactions to prescribed medications.
Other Commonly Observed Symptoms in CFS:
In addition to the eight primary defining symptoms of CFS, a
number of other symptoms have been reported by some CFS
patients. The frequencies of occurrence of these symptoms
vary from 20% to 50% among CFS patients. They include
abdominal pain, alcohol intolerance, bloating, chest pain,
chronic cough, diarrhea, dizziness, dry eyes or mouth,
earaches, irregular heartbeat, jaw pain, morning stiffness,
nausea, night sweats, psychological problems (depression,
irritability, anxiety, panic attacks), shortness of breath,
skin sensations, tingling sensations, and weight loss.
Several studies have helped to establish the distribution
and frequency of occurrence of CFS. While no single
study can be considered definitive — each approach has
inherent strengths and weaknesses — Epidemiologic Studies
have greatly improved our understanding of how common the
disease is, which individuals are the most susceptible to
developing it, whether it can be transmitted to others, and
how the illness typically progresses in
individuals.
How Common Is CFS?
One of the earliest attempts to estimate the prevalence of
CFS was conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) from 1989 to 1993. Physicians in four U.S.
cities were asked to refer possible CFS patients for
clinical evaluation by medical personnel participating in
the study. The study estimated that between 4.0 and 8.7 per
100,000 persons 18 years of age or older have CFS and are
under medical care. However, these projections were
underestimates and could not be generalized to the U.S.
population since the study did not randomly select its
sites. A more recent study of the Seattle area has estimated
that CFS affects between 75 and 265 people per 100,000
population. This estimate is similar to the prevalence
observed in another CDC study conducted in San Francisco,
which put the occurrence of CFS-like disease (not clinically
diagnosed) at approximately 200 per 100,000 persons. In
general, it is estimated that perhaps as many as half a
million persons in the United States have a CFS-like
condition.
Who Gets CFS?
This question is complex and does not have a definitive
answer. The CDC four-city surveillance study of CFS
identified a population of patients that was 98% Caucasian
and 85% female, with an average age at onset of
30 years. More than 80% had advanced education and one-third
were from upper income families. However,
these data included only patients who were under a
physician's care. There is now evidence that CFS affects all
racial and ethnic groups and both sexes. The Seattle study
found that 59% of the CFS patients were women. Eighty-three
percent were Caucasian, an underrepresentation, since over
90% of the patients in the study were white. CDC's San
Francisco study found that CFS-like disease was most
prevalent among women, among persons with household annual
incomes of under $40,000, and among blacks, and was least
common among Asians and whites. Adolescents can have CFS,
but few studies of adolescents have been published. A
recently published CDC study documented that adolescents 12
to 18 years of age had CFS significantly less frequently
than adults and
did not identify CFS in children under 12 years of age.
CFS-like illness has been reported in children under 12 by
some investigators, although the symptom pattern varies
somewhat from that seen in adults and adolescents. The
illness in adolescents has many of the same characteristics
as it has in adults. However, it is particularly important
that the unique problems of chronically ill adolescents
(e.g., family social and health interactions, education,
social interactions with peers) be considered as a part of
their care. Appropriate dissemination of CFS information to
patients, their families, and school authorities is also
important. CDC and the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
are currently pursuing studies of CFS in children and
adolescents.
Is CFS Contagious?
There is no evidence to support the view that CFS is a
contagious disease. Contagious diseases typically occur in
well-defined clusters, otherwise known as outbreaks or
epidemics. While some earlier studies, such as
investigations of fatiguing illness in Incline Village,
Nev., and Punta Gorda, Fla., have been cited as evidence for
CFS acting as a contagious illness, they did not rigorously
document the occurrence of person-to-person transmission. In
addition, none of these studies included patients with
clinically evaluated fatigue that fit the CFS case
definition; therefore, these clusters of cases cannot be
construed as outbreaks of CFS. CDC worked with
state health departments to investigate a number of reported
outbreaks of fatiguing illness and has yet to confirm a
cluster of CFS cases. Implicit in any contagious illness is
an infectious cause for the disease.
Possible Causes of CFS:
The cause or causes of CFS remain unknown, despite a
vigorous search. While a single cause for CFS may yet be
identified, another possibility is that CFS represents a
common endpoint of disease resulting from multiple
precipitating causes. As such, it should not be assumed that
any of the possible causes listed below has been formally
excluded, or that these largely unrelated possible causes
are mutually exclusive. Conditions that have been proposed
to trigger the development of CFS include virus infection or
other transient traumatic conditions, stress, and toxins.
Immunology:
It has been proposed that CFS may be caused by an
Immunologic Dysfunction, for example inappropriate
production of Cytokines , such as Interleukin-1, or altered
capacity of certain immune functions. One thing is
certain at this juncture: there are no immune disorders in
CFS patients on the scale traditionally associated
with disease. Some investigators have observed anti-self
antibodies and immune complexes in many CFS
patients, both of which are hallmarks of Autoimmune Disease.
However, no associated tissue damage typical
of Autoimmune Disease has been described in patients with
CFS. The opportunistic infections or increased risk
for cancer observed in persons with Immunodeficiency
Diseases or in immunosuppressed individuals is also not
observed in CFS. Several investigators have reported lower
numbers of natural killer cells or decreased natural killer
cell activity among CFS patients compared with healthy
controls, but others have found no differences between
patients and controls.
T-cell activation markers have also been reported to have
differential expression in groups of CFS patients compared
with controls, but again, not all investigators have
consistently observed these differences. One intriguing
hypothesis is that various triggering events, such as stress
or a viral infection, may lead to the
chronic expression of cytokines and then to CFS.
Administration of some Cytokines in therapeutic doses is
known to cause fatigue, but no characteristic pattern of
chronic cytokine secretion has ever been identified
in CFS patients. In addition, some investigators have noted
clinical improvement in patients with continued
high levels of circulating Cytokines; if a causal
relationship exists between cytokines and CFS, it is likely
to be complex. Finally, several studies have shown that CFS
patients are more likely to have a history of allergies
than are healthy controls. Allergy could be one predisposing
factor for CFS, but it cannot be the only one,
since not all CFS patients have it.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) Axis:
Multiple laboratory studies have suggested that the central
nervous system may have an important role in CFS. Physical
or emotional stress, which is commonly reported as a
pre-onset condition in CFS patients, activates the
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis, or HPA Axis, leading to
increased release of Cortisol and other hormones. Cortisol
and Corticotrophin-Releasing Hormone (CRH), which are also
produced during the activation of the HPA axis, influence
the immune system and many other body systems. They may also
affect several aspects of behavior. Recent studies revealed
that CFS patients often produce lower levels of Cortisol
than do healthy controls. Similar hormonal abnormalities
have been observed by others in CFS patients and in persons
with related disorders like Fibromyalgia. Cortisol
suppresses inflammation and cellular immune activation, and
reduced levels might relax constraints on inflammatory
processes and immune cell activation. As with the
immunologic data, the altered Cortisol levels noted in CFS
cases fall within the accepted range of normal, and only the
average between cases and controls allows the distinction to
be made. Therefore, Cortisol levels cannot be used as a
diagnostic marker for an individual with CFS. A
placebo-controlled trial, in which 70 CFS patients were
randomized to receive either just enough Hydrocortisone each
day to restore their Cortisol levels to normal or placebo
pills for 12 weeks, concluded that low levels of Cortisol
itself are not directly responsible for symptoms of CFS, and
that hormonal replacement is not an effective treatment.
However, additional research into other aspects of
Neuroendocrine correlates of CFS is necessary to fully
define this important, and largely unexplored, field.
Neurally Mediated Hypotension:
Rowe and coworkers conducted studies to determine whether
disturbances in the autonomic regulation of blood pressure
and pulse (neurally mediated hypotension, or NMH) were
common in CFS patients. The investigators were alerted to
this possibility when they noticed an overlap between their
patients with CFS and those who had NMH. NMH can be induced
by using tilt table testing, which involves laying the
patient horizontally on a table and then tilting the table
upright to 70 degrees for 45 minutes while monitoring blood
pressure and heart rate. Persons with NMH will develop
lowered blood pressure under these conditions, as well as
other characteristic symptoms, such as lightheadedness,
visual dimming, or a slow response to verbal stimuli. Many
CFS patients experience lightheadedness or worsened fatigue
when they stand for prolonged periods or when in warm
places, such as in a hot shower. These conditions are also
known to trigger NMH. One study observed that 96% of adults
with a clinical diagnosis of CFS developed hypotension
during tilt table testing, compared with 29% of healthy
controls. Tilt table testing also provoked characteristic
CFS symptoms in the patients. A study (not
placebo-controlled) was conducted to determine whether
medications effective for the treatment of NMH would benefit
CFS patients. A subset of CFS patients reported a striking
improvement in symptoms, but not all patients improved. A
placebo-controlled trial of NMH medications for CFS patients
is now in progress.
Nutritional Deficiency:
There is no published scientific evidence that CFS is caused
by a nutritional deficiency. Many patients do report
intolerances for certain substances that may be found in
foods or over-the-counter medications, such as alcohol or
the artificial sweetener aspartame. While evidence is
currently lacking for nutritional defects in CFS patients,
it should also be added that a balanced diet can be
conducive to better health in general and would be expected
to have beneficial effects in any chronic illness.
How Physicians Diagnose CFS:
If a patient has had 6 or more consecutive months of severe
fatigue that is reported to be unrelieved by sufficient bed
rest and that is accompanied by nonspecific symptoms,
including flu-like symptoms, generalized pain, and memory
problems, the physician should further investigate the
possibility that the patient may have CFS. The first step in
this investigation is obtaining a detailed medical history
and performing a complete physical examination of the
patient. Initial testing should include a mental status
examination, which ordinarily will involve a short
discussion in the office or a brief oral test. A standard
series of laboratory tests of the patient's blood and urine
should be performed to help the physician identify other
possible causes of illness. If test results suggest an
alternative explanation for the patient's symptoms,
additional tests may be performed to confirm
thatpossibility.
If no cause for the symptoms is identified, the physician
may render a diagnosis of CFS if the other conditions of
the case definition are met (see What Is CFS?). A diagnosis
of idiopathic chronic fatigue could be made if a patient has
been fatigued for 6 months or more, but does not meet the
symptom criteria for CFS.
Appropriate Tests for Routine Diagnosis of CFS:
While the number and type of tests performed may vary from
physician to physician, the following tests constitute
a typical standard battery to exclude other causes of
fatiguing illness: Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Albumin,
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN),
Calcium, Complete Blood Count (CBC), Creatinine,
Electrolytes, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR),
Globulin, Glucose, Phosphorus, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
(TSH), Total Protein, Transferrin Saturation, and
Urinalysis. Further testing may be required to confirm a
diagnosis for illness other than CFS. For example, if a
patient has low levels of Serum Albumin together with an
above-normal result for the Blood Urea Nitrogen Test, Kidney
Disease would be suspected. The physician may choose to
repeat the relevant tests and possibly add new ones aimed
specifically at diagnosing Kidney Disease. If Autoimmune
Disease is suspected on the basis of initial testing and
physical examination, the physician may request additional
tests, such as for Antinuclear Antibodies.
Psychological/Neuropsychological Testing:
In some individuals it may be beneficial to assess the
impact of fatiguing illness on certain cognitive or
reasoning skills, e.g., concentration, memory, and
organization. This may be particularly relevant in children
and adolescents, where academic attendance, performance, and
specific educational needs should be addressed. Personality
assessment may assist in determining coping abilities and
whether there is a co-existing affective disorder requiring
treatment.
Careful Consideration of Information about CFS
Because the cause of CFS has not been identified and its
effect on the body is not well understood, periodically new
unvalidated beliefs about cures and causes of CFS are widely
circulated. These may be based on one or more recent reports
from the peer-reviewed scientific literature, or they may
evolve from the anecdotal remarks of clinicians or
scientists at medical meetings. In some cases the origin is
obscure. Even work that is of sufficiently high caliber to
be published in the scientific literature is not without
limitations and design flaws, and all published work needs
to be verified and expanded on by others before it can be
applied with confidence in clinical situations. With regard
to some stories that are currently circulating about CFS:
(i) there is no evidence that CFS patients lose their
fingerprints; (ii) there is no scientific evidence of any
nutritional deficiency in CFS patients; and (iii) suicides
of CFS patients have been reported, but the rate of
occurrence has not been well-studied and it is not known
whether the rate is higher or lower than what would be
expected in the general population. It is not practical to
address all of the information that circulates or emerges
regarding CFS. Simply be advised to be wary of information
that points to sure cures or that alludes to pathological
damage as a consequence of CFS. Specific questions should be
discussed with the patient's physician, local or state
health department, CDC, or one of the national patient
support organizations.
Treatment of Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/cfs/treat.htm
A variety of therapeutic approaches have been described as
benefiting patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
Since no cause for CFS has been identified and the
pathophysiology remains unknown, treatment programs are
directed at relief of symptoms, with the goal of the patient
regaining some level of pre-existing function and
well-being. Although desirable, a rapid return to
pre-illness health may not be realistic, and patients who
expect this prompt recovery and do not experience it may
exacerbate their symptoms because of overexertion, become
frustrated, and may become more refractory to
rehabilitation.
Decisions regarding treatment for CFS or any chronically
fatiguing illness should be made only in consultation with a
health care provider. The health care provider, together
with the patient, will develop an individually tailored
program that provides the greatest benefit. This treatment
program will be based on assessment of the patient's
overall medical condition and current symptoms, and will be
modified over time on the basis of regular follow-up and
assessment of the patient's changing condition.
Some proposed treatments are unproven and may be harmful.
Therapy should not aggravate existing symptoms or create new
ones. It should not mask another illness that needs
identification and specific treatment. Finally, therapy
should not impose an excessive financial burden on the
patient.
As a service to CFS patients and other interested persons,
this section provides some basic information about different
therapies that have been used for the treatment of patients
with CFS. These descriptions are intended only for general
informational purposes. The Agency for Healthcare Research
and Quality has recently completed
an Evidence Report Defining and Managing Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome that can be downloaded from their website.
http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/epcix.htm
Pharmacologic Therapy:
Pharmacologic Therapy is directed toward the relief of
specific symptoms experienced by the individual patient.
Patients with CFS appear particularly sensitive to many
medications, especially those that affect the central
nervous system. Thus, the usual treatment strategy is to
begin with very low doses and to gradually increase dosage
as necessary and as tolerated. It is important to remember
that use of any drug for symptom relief
should be attempted only if an underlying cause for the
symptom in question has not been found. The best example is
use of a sleep-enhancing medication for non-restorative
sleep. Although the patient may state
that they sleep better, the sleep disorder remains obscured
and thus treatment of the sleep disorder not
given. It is also important to remember that all medications
can cause untoward side effects, which may lead
to new symptoms.
Prescription Medications:
Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs: These drugs can be used
to relieve pain in CFS patients. Some are available as
over-the-counter medications. Examples include naproxen
(Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosen), Ibuprofen (Advil, Bayer Select,
Motrin, Nuprin), and Piroxicam (Feldene). Prescription drugs
include Tramadol Hydrochloride (Ultram), Celecoxib
(Celebrex), and Refecoxib (Vioxx). These medications are
generally safe when used as directed, but can cause a
variety of adverse effects, including kidney damage,
gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, nausea, and
vomiting. Some patients may become dependent on certain of
these agents.
Low-dose Tricyclic Antidepressants: Tricyclic agents may be
prescribed for CFS patients to improve sleep and to relieve
mild, generalized pain. Examples include doxepin (Adapin,
Sinequan), Amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon, Limbitrol,
Triavil), Desipramine (Norpramin), and Nortriptyline
(Pamelor). Effective dosages are often much lower than those
used to treat depression. Some adverse reactions include dry
mouth, drowsiness, weight gain, and elevated heart rate.
Other Antidepressants:
Newer antidepressants have been used to treat depression in
CFS patients, although non-depressed CFS patients receiving
treatment with serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been found
by some health care providers to benefit from this treatment
as well or better than depressed patients. Examples of
antidepressants used to treat patients with CFS include
Serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as Fluoxetine (Prozac),
Sertraline (Zoloft), and Paroxetine (Paxil); Venlafaxine
(Effexor); Trazodone (Desyrel); and Bupropion (Wellbutrin).
A number of adverse reactions, varying with the specific
drug, may be experienced, but include agitation, sleep
disturbances, and increased fatigue.
Anxiolytic Agents:
Anxiolytic agents may be used to treat symptoms of anxiety
in CFS patients. Examples include Alprazolam (Xanax) and
Lorazepam (Ativan). Clonazepam (Klonopin) is another member
of this family of drugs that is used to control exaggerated
nervous systems problems such as vertigo, burning or
exaggerated tenderness in the skin, and "nervous" limb
movements, may also be useful. However, they should not be
used in the general treatment of CFS. Common adverse
reactions include sedation, amnesia, and symptoms
accompanying acute withdrawal (insomnia, abdominal and
muscle cramps, vomiting, sweating, tremors, and
convulsions).
Stimulants:
Fatigue by itself is not a good indication for symptomatic
therapy. However, if the fatigue represents lethargy or
daytime sleepiness, treatment may be indicated. Trials of a
wakefulness agent, Modofanil (Provigil), have been
completed, but the results have not yet been published. In a
small group of patients with excessive sleepiness,
the drug decreased symptoms compared with placebo. This drug
is currently indicated only with the diagnoses of narcolepsy
and excess daytime sleepiness when identified by the proper
sleep studies.
Antimicrobials:
An infectious cause for CFS has not been identified, and
antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungal agents should not be
prescribed for treatment of CFS, unless the patient has been
diagnosed with a concurrent infection. A controlled trial of
the antiviral drug acyclovir found no benefit for the
treatment of patients with CFS. Indiscriminant use of
antimicrobials can have a myriad of adverse effects,
including increasing the risk for resistant organisms
Anti-allergy Therapy:
Some CFS patients have histories of allergy, and these
symptoms may flare periodically. Non-sedating antihistamines
may be helpful for CFS patients with allergies. Examples
include Desloratadine (Clarinex), Fexofenadine (Allegra),
and Ceterizine (Zyrtec). However, anti-allergy therapy has
no efficacy in the treatment
of CFS itself. Some of the more common adverse reactions
associated with use of these medications include drowsiness,
fatigue, and headache. Sedating antihistamines such as
benadryl can also be of benefit to patients
at bedtime. The Tricyclic Antidepressants mentioned above
also have potent Antihistamine effects.
Antihypotensive/Antitachycardia Therapy:
CFS does not respond to treatment with antihypotensive or
antitachycardic drugs and general use of such medications
may be harmful. However, such medications may be useful in
specific circumstances. For example, Fludrocortisone
(Florinef) has been prescribed for CFS patients who have had
a positive tilt table test. However controlled studies have
not found Florinef alone effective in the general treatment
of CFS patients. Beta blockers such as Atenolol (Tenormin)
have also been prescribed for patients with orthostatic
hypotension. Midodrine (Proamatine), an agent that directly
increases blood pressure, may be useful in selected patients
identified by
an abnormal tilt test. Increased salt and water intake is
also recommended for these patients but should be done only
under supervision of a health care provider. Adverse
reactions include elevated blood pressure and fluid
retention.
Experimental Drugs and Treatments
Ampligen is a synthetic nucleic acid product that was
designed to stimulate the production of interferons, a
family of immune response modifiers that are also known to
have antiviral activity. Although it may not directly induce
interferon, reports of double-blinded, placebo-controlled
studies of CFS patients documented modest improvements in
cognition and performance among Ampligen recipients compared
with the placebo group. These preliminary results will need
to be confirmed by further study. The Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) does not approve Ampligen for
widespread use, and the administration of this drug in CFS
patients should be considered experimental. Ampligen is not
widely available, is costly, and is generally not
reimbursable through insurance programs. Finally, although
most recipients of Ampligen tolerated the drug well, adverse
reactions, such as liver damage, were reported and are still
incompletely characterized.
Gamma Globulin is pooled human immune globulin and contains
antibody molecules directed against a broad range of common
infectious agents. Gamma globulin is ordinarily used as a
means for passively immunizing persons whose immune system
has been compromised, or who have been exposed to an agent
that might cause more serious disease in the absence of
immune globulin. Gamma globulin is not effective in the
treatment of CFS. Serious adverse reactions are uncommon,
although in rare instances gamma globulin may initiate
anaphylactic shock .
Corticosteroids.
Controlled studies of corticosteroids have been conducted
because some patients with CFS had a slight decrease in
urinary cortisol levels. Some benefits were noted in
patients treated with low dose hydrocortisone but the
effects disappeared after one month. High dose replacement
therapy had some benefit but was complicated by attendant
adrenal suppression.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) was reported in preliminary
studies to improve symptoms in some patients. However, in
subsequent studies, this finding has not been confirmed and
the use of DHEA in patients should be regarded as
experimental. Its use should be limited to patients with
documented abnormalities in DHEA levels and function.
High colonic enemas have no demonstrated value in the
treatment of CFS. The procedure can promote intestinal
disease.
Kutapressin is a crude extract from pig's liver. It is not
readily available and there is no scientific evidence that
it has any value in the treatment of CFS patients.
Kutapressin can elicit allergic reactions.
Neurosurgery.
Unpublished reports of malformations at the base of the
skull (Chiari malformations) as being causative of CFS have
been circulated, and surgical intervention has been
suggested in some of those unsubstantiated reports. Surgical
intervention is not recommended at this time.
Dietary Supplements and Herbal Preparations:
A variety of dietary supplements and herbal preparations are
claimed to have potential benefits for CFS patients. With
few exceptions, the effectiveness of these remedies for
treating CFS has not been evaluated in controlled trials.
Contrary to common belief, the "natural" origin of a product
does not ensure safety. Dietary supplements and herbal
preparations can have potentially serious side reactions and
some can interfere or interact with prescription
medications. CFS patients should seek the advice of their
health care provider before using any unprescribed remedy
CFS Definition
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/cfs/defined/index.htm
Rational for Revising the CFS Case Definition
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/cfs/defined/defined1.htm
The Revised Case Definition (abridged version)
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/cfs/defined/defined2.htm
Screening Tests for Detecting Common Exclusionary Conditions
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/cfs/defined/defined5.htm
Complete Text of Revised Case Definition as Published
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/cfs/defined/defined3.htm
Imaging Tests:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan; Single-Photon Emission
Computed Tomography: Some CFS researchers have observed
apparent differences in the cranial blood flow between CFS
patients and controls. These studies remain unconfirmed, and
imaging tests should not be performed as a diagnostic
technique for CFS.
Additional Experimental Tests
Tilt table test: This test involves strapping the patient to
a table that can be tilted at various angles. The patient's
blood pressure is measured, sometimes before and after
administration of medication that hastens the heartbeat, at
several angles of inclination and declination. In one study
(see The Facts About CFS, section on Diagnosis of CFS) most
CFS patients were found to exhibit a marked decrease in
blood pressure in the tilt table test.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/cfs/info.htm#Diagnosis
Reply | Forward | Messages in this Topic (1)
#185 From: robert stacey
Date: Tue Apr 12, 2005 7:08 pm
Subject: Plants of Pern and their uses robert.rbobbyleestacy@...
Send Email
PERN - Pakistan Educational Research Network is a nationwide
educational intranet ... PERN focuses on collaborative research,
knowledge sharing,
http://www.angelfire.com/on2/menai/pernplants.html#Yarrow
All The Plants of Pern
Updated October 2000
This is a complete list (minus any I might have overlooked by mistake)
of all the plants that exist on Pern.
Information was taken from all the novels (up to and including The
Masterharper), as well as the short stories (up to the publication of
The Runner of Pern) and the Dragonlover's Guide to Pern (which seems
to be regarded as mainly canon. Any conflicts between the novels and
the Guide are listed.) This list was mainly compiled for use in RPing,
though anyone interested in plants might like to read through this
list. All plants, such as grapes, asparagus, mint, etc. that have
recognizable Terran names are assumed to be of Terran or
bio-engineered Terran form, and have the same growth forms, habitat,
and uses that they do on Earth.
Moriel, apprentice weaver on Dragonsfire MOO, has developed a list of
plants that can be used as dyes, and has more in-depth info on what
plants yield which dyes than listed here. You can find her site at
www.geocities.com/anglinsbees/dye.html
If you spot a plant in a book I do not have listed, or any other info
on plants that I might have missed, please e-mail me so I can update
the list.
Thanks to Elena, Tephra, and Elrhan for info that helped me make this
page more accurate!
I have recently added outside information, mainly medical uses of many
of the imported plants.
Please use common sence and don't try any remedies listed here
without consulting a physician.
While drinking peppermint tea to quell an uneasy stomach may not be
dangerous at all, many plants are more potent, and there is a fine
line between dose and overdose.
While the same information could be found in several different books
on herbs and/or herbal healing, I used Lesley Bremness' 'Eyewitness
Handbook: Herbs' and 'the Complete Book of Herbs' for the bulk of this
information.
The rest is mainly personal knowledge.
It is quite possible that the plants the colonsists brought with them
were genetically alterd before and/or after they arrived on Pern to
produce a reliable level of the chemicals that are medically
benificial, since they knew that sooner or later their conventional
medicines would run out.
It is also possible that some indiginious species were altered as
well to be a reliable source of medicines.
However, even with genetic altering, the potency of a particular crop
depends on location and the weather conditions it was grown in.
Therefore, it's my opinion that there is probably a masterhealer or 2
that analyze the harvested herbs for potency when applicable.
Enjoy!
Meani
***********************************************************************
All references to worlds and characters based on Anne McCaffrey's
fiction are fromAnne McCaffrey 1967,2000, and used by permission of
the author.
The Dragon - riders of Pernis registered U.S. Patent and Trademark
Office, by Anne McCaffrey, used here with permission.reproduction
without a license is strictly prohibited
***********************************************************************
Converted to HTML by Shaddack, 11th April 1997.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brief table of contents
[Aconite] [Adonis] [Air vines] [Alfalfa] [Almond] [Aloe] [Ash]
[Asparagus] [Bamboo grasses] [Banana] [Barley] [Basil] [Beachberry]
[Beans] [Berries] [Birch] [Blackberries] [Black marshberries]
[Blooming plant] [Blueberry] [Borage, Borrago] [Box] [Bran]
[Brassicae] [Bulge-nut] [Celery] [Cherries] [Citron] [Comfrey]
[Conifers] [Coriander] [Corn] [Cotton] [Cottonwood tree] [Creeper
vine] [Cress] [Cucumber] [Deal] [Dragon's tongue] [Ezob] [Featherfern]
[Fellis Tree] [Ferns] [Fingeroots] [Flax] [Garlic] [Ging] [Ginkgo]
[Glovecap] [Goru pear] [Grain] [Grapes] [Grass] [Grasses] [Green
fruits] [Greens] [Gooseberry] [Hardwoods] [Hazel, Witch] [Hazel nut
tree] [Hemp] [Herbs] [Hissop, Hyssop] [Hops] [Ilex] [Itch-leaf] [Kiwi]
[Klahbark Tree] [Lavender] [Legumes] [Lemongrass] [Lentils] [Lovage]
[Lur-weed] [Mandamo trees] [Mangoes] [Marshberries] [Marsh grasses]
[Meadowsweet] [Melons] [Mint] [Mockweed] [Moonflower] [Mosstea]
[Mustard] [Needlethorn] [Nettleweed] [Numbweed] [Nutmegoid] [Oak]
[Oats] [Oilbrush] [Onion] [Orange fruit, Citron?] [Palm] [Parsnips]
[Pawberry] [Peach] [Peanuts] [Pears] [Pecan] [Peppers] [Peppermint]
[Pine] [Pink Root] [Pineapple] [Plumb] [PurpleGrass] [Raspberry]
[Redfruit] [Redroots] [Red willow salic] [Redwort] [Reeds] [Rind
fruit] [Rivergrains] [Rock weeds] [Rowan] [Rosemary] [Rushes] [Sabsab
Brush] [Sage] [Saponin root] [Saw grass] [Scrub pine] [Seabeachplum]
[Sea bush] [Seagrass] [Seaplant] [Seaweeds] [Sequoi-like tree]
[Shallow-water sea grass] [Shrub] [Sisal] [Sky-broom] [Softwoods]
[Soybeans] [Spearkeek] [Spiceroot] [Spongewood trees] [Sticklebush]
[Straw] [Streamer] [Sugar Beets] [Sungazers] [Swamp grass] [Swedes]
[Sweet cane] [Sweet grass] [Sweetroot, sweet potatoe] [Tansy]
[Tarragon] [Teak-like hardwood tree, teakwood] [Thymus] [Trace Moss]
[Tubers] [Turnips] [Tussilago] [VegetableOil] [Verbena] [Vines, @Ista]
[Vines, @Nerat] [Walnut] [Water lilies] [Watermellon] [Wedgenuts]
[Wheat] [White bulb] [White roots] [White thorn] [Willow]
[Wintergreen] [Witch hazel] [Withies] [Woodruff] [Yarrow] [Yellow
fruit] [Yellow-veined grass]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Key:
H=this plant is listed only in a historic manner, and may or may not
currently exist on Pern. It can probably be safely assumed it still
exists somewhere.
I=This plant is a known import to Pern from Earth
N=This plant is a known native to Pern
?=I was uncertain of the information, and made an educated guess.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[<<] Aconite (H)
Known location: near Fort Hold
Growth form: root
Uses: medicinal herb, anodyne, for heart palpitations. Root is used in
a powdered form.
Outside Info: All parts of this plant are toxic. The root is used
externally for nerve- related pain. It is a sedative, painkiller, and
anti-fever treatment. The plant grows to 1.5m with helmut-sheped
voilet flowers in early summer.
[<<] Adonis
Uses: medicinal herb, anodyne, for heart palpitations.
Outside Info: Grows to 20cm. Has feathery leaves with bright yellow
daisy-like flowering tops in spring. All parts of the plant are toxic,
and the flowering tops contain seeds which contain sedatives and heart
stimulants.
[<<] Air vines
Known location: Paradise River
[<<] Alfalfa
Uses: medicinal, as a tea it is good for the stomach. diuretic.
Outside Info: Grows to 80cm. Has purple flowers and 3-part leavs.
Leavs and sprouted seeds can be eaten in salads. It is an appetite
stimulant for convalescents, and is used by Arabs as horse fodder to
increase speed. It is also said to increase production of cow's milk.
The seeds are used to make a yellow dye.
[<<] Almond
Growth form: tree
Known locations: Benden Hold
Uses: edible nuts Outside Info: Has dark bark, and rose to white
flowers in early spring. The fixed oil from the kernel is used in
cosmetics and as a base for some medicines.
[<<] Aloe
Uses: medicinal herb, for burns Outside Info: The gel can be used in
shampoo for dry,itchy scalp. It speeds cell regeneration and is 1st
aid for small burns, cuts, chapped skin, sunburn, eczema, and
dermatitis.
[<<] Ash (I)
Growth form: Tree
General habitat: 'higher reaches' (dragonlovers guide)-hills/higher
ground over the flat plains(?)
Uses: ash bark used medicinally, as a diuretic and febrifuge. Outside
Info: Because of the variety of trees called 'ash', it is difficult t
[<<] Asparagus
Uses: asparagus tinticure used (primarily in Weyrs) to stave off
drunkedness. Also is a part of the 'killer cure' for hangovers.
[<<] Bamboo grasses (N)
Growth form: bamboo-like grassoid, triangular cross-section
Known locations: Nerat Hold, Southern Hold
General habitat: marshy land
Uses: Nerat: braid and twisted like wicker, used for furniture.
Southern: used as food
Misc.: light and strong. Southern:"...grow so swiftly that in the
afternoon a kitchen auntie has to cut down stalks she planted in the
morning, or they will be too tough to eat at dinner." (Dragonlovers)
[<<] Banana
Known locations: Boll
[<<] Barley
Uses: brewed as tea to combat symptoms of cystis (common complaint of
female dragonriders)
Outside Info: Grain is used for cereal, meal, bread, soups, and is
used to brew beer, whiskey, and gin. Malt extract and barley foods aid
convalescence and soothe internal passages. Germinated grain treats
bronchitis. Straw left to rot in pond water inhibits algae growth.
[<<] Basil
Uses: medicinal herb, antispasmodic
Outside Info: Grows in many forms. The essential oil scents soaps and
perfumes, and is used to treat anxiety, headaches, respitory problems,
and aids concentration and digestion. An infusion of basil aids
digestion and is a nerve tonic. The essential oil should be avoided
during pregnancy. Basil can be used in salads.
[<<] Beachberry
Uses: edible, used in pies.
[<<] Beans (I,H)
Growth form: Earth beans Uses: food
Outside Info:Bean pods help reduce high blood pressure and regulate
blood sugar metabolism.
[<<] Berries
Known location: Igen/Lemos forest
Uses: edible, can be made into jam. Berry wax can be made into candles.
Misc.: Berries are often talked about, but sometimes not noted which
type they are.
[<<] Birch
Growth form: tree
Known location: Igen/Lemos forests
[<<] Blackberries
(I, same as black marshberries?)
Growth form: Earth blackberry bush
Known locations: High Reaches Hold
Uses: fruit, made into brandy
Outside Info: Leaf decoction is a blood and skin tonic. A poultice of
the leaf treats eczema. Fruits create a blue-grey dye, and the young
shoots (with alum as a moderant) make a creamy fawn color.
[<<] Black marshberries
Known location: near Half-Circle Seahold
Uses: edible, large quantities could be pressed for oil
[<<] Blooming plant
Known location:Southern Boll
misc. info: Has fragrant pink blossoms tangling in clusters. Blooms in
'winter'. possibly year round.
[<<] Blueberry (I)
Growth form: Earth blueberry bush
Uses: fruit, most popular for bubbly pies
[<<] Borage, Borrago(?) (I,H)
Growth form:herb
Uses: medicinal and/or cooking herb, used for coughs
Outside Info: Grows to 60cm, with blue star-like flowers. The flowers
can be used to decorate salads and cakes. The leavs flavor drinks and
dips. A leaf and flower infusion is an adrenalin tonic for stress,
depression, or cortisone and steroid treatment. It reduces fevers, dry
coughs, dry skin rashes, and stimulates milk folow. Pressed seed oil
can be used for menstural and irratible bowel problems, eczema, blood
pressure, arthritis, and hangover. The flowers produce a nice pure
blue for paints. Mix leaf with barley and bran in a small muslin bag
and use in a bath to cleanse and soften skin.
[<<] Box
Uses: medicinal, diaphoretic
[<<] Bran
[<<] Brassicae
Known location: Nabol
Outside Info: Brassicae is part of the scientific name of a variety of
plants commonly known as mustards. At one time, it may have been
adopted as another name for mustard. Unfortunately, I do not remember
which book had this term.
[<<] Bulge-nut
Known location: Igen/Lemos forrest.
Uses: edible, large quantities can be made into bread.
Misc.: The acid from teh nut kills other undergrowth.
[<<] Celery
Known location: Nabol
[<<] Cherries (I,H)
Growth form: Earth cherry
[<<] Citron
Growth Form: Large shrub or small tree
Uses: fruit (contains vitamin C). Used by Moreta as a hopeful preventitive.
Outside Info: Info on Citron can be found at
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/citron.html
[<<] Comfrey (H)
Known location: Fort Hold
Uses: medicinal herb, used for burns, coughs
Outside Info: Likes damp grasslands, river banks and woodlands. Oval,
pointed leaf is marbled with green and yellow. Flowers range from blue
to pink to white, and bloom in spring. The plants grow to 120cm. The
leaf contains vitamins and minerals that speeds cell renewal of
damaged muscels and broken bones. The leaf tea aids inflamed,
ulcerated digestive tracts and eases coughs. Leaf poultice reduces
swelling and brusing around sprains and arthritic joints. Comfrey
speeds healing of cuts, bruises, open sores, and eczema. Internal use
of roots and large amounts of leavs should be avoided. The leaf and
root can be infused and added to a bath or lotion to soften skin. To
make an 'oil' for eczema and skin inflammations, cut clean, dry leavs
into 1" squares, put in clean,dark jar, and store unopened for 2
years. Decant into small container.
[<<] Conifers
Known locations: Tillek, High Reaches
[<<] Coriander (I,H)
Growth form:herb
Uses: medicinal and/or cooking herb
Outside Info: Grows to 20cm, flowers in summer. Leavs are used in Mid
Eastern and Asian cusine. Its mildly narcotic seeds are used in
pickles, cakes, biscuits, pies, curries, and liquors. The root is
added to curries and the stem to beans and soups. It is a wine
flavoring used by the Greeks. The seed is mildly sedative, aids
digestion, reduces flatulence and eases migranes. The essential oil is
made from the seeds, and is used in perfumes. It flavors medicine and
toothpaste and is added to massage oil for facial neuralgia and
cramps.
[<<] Corn (I)
Growth form:Earth corn
Known locations: Paradise River Hold
Outside Info: Corn can be made into vegitable oil and cornstarch.
Cornstarch is used in cosmetics, laundry starch, and as a base for
suppositorys. Cornsilk is a stimulant, diuretic, and is soothing,
treats liver weakness and hypertension. A silk and bract poultice
draws puss from wounds. Empty cob treats bleeding, roots and leavs
treat urinary difficulties.
[<<] Cotton (I)
Growth form: Terran cotton
Known location: Fort Hold, Boll, Southern
General habitat: sand+clay soil
Uses: made into thread, cotton velvet material, other materials
Outside Info: Seeds are pressed for edible oil, residual oil is used
for stock food. Gossypol, extracted from seed oil, has potential as a
male contraceptive. Oil is antivirul, antibacterial, and eases
menstural pain. Seed hairs are woven into fabric.
[<<] Cottonwood tree (I,H?)
Growth form: Earth cottonwood tree
General habitat: open plains
Uses: Used by the colonists to break ground and provide shelter for
oak and pine seedlings.
Outside Info: Cottonwood is a very weak-wooded tree, and branches may
come down in heavy storms.
[<<] Creeper vine
Growth form: clinging vine
General habitat: grows from borders of grain field
Misc.: strangles crops. (wheat)
[<<] Cress
Known location: general area of Half-Circle seahold
General habitat: streams by ocean where water freshens
Uses: edible, sweet with a tangy aftertaste.
Outside Info: Most likely the type of cress mentioned in Dragonsinger
is watercress. It has small white flowers in spring and summer,
pungent compound leavs, with large terminal leaflet. Popular in salads
and soups. It is diuretic, an expectorant tonic for anemia, prevents
scurvy, cleanses the blood, and clears the skin. It is a folk
treatment for tuberculosis and internal tumors.
[<<] Cucumber
Uses: used for burns
Outside Info: Fresh slices give a cooling eye compress. The pressed
seed oil is edible. Pulped flesh is added to facial masks and sooths
sunburn. LEavs treat fever and intestinal flu. Fruit is eaten raw,
pickled, or cooked.
[<<] Deal
Growth form: tree
Known location: Lemos
Misc.: grows quickly.
[<<] Dragon's tongue (N)
Growth form: similar to Aloe
Uses: for burns
[<<] Ezob (H)
Known location: near Fort Hold
Uses: medicinal herb, diaphoretic. Used for coughs.
[<<] Featherfern
Growth form: Fern(?)
Known location:Fort Hold, Southern
Uses: to relieve fever, used in tonic. Also used on runners.
[<<] Fellis Tree (N)
Growth form: small, branchy, drooping tree.
Flowers: fragrant, pink(DragonQuest) yellow(DragonLovers Guide)
clustered blooms with pointed petals. Has clusters of berry-like
fruit.
Fruit: Fellis juice made from the fruit, which has though skins. Known
locations: Southern Weyr area, Nerat, Telgar Hold, Fort Hold, Paradise
River Hold (wild), Ruatha
Uses: dye (dyes wherhide a deep green), narcotic painkiller that can
be addictive. Wood is used to carve furniture.
Misc.: At Paradise river, Fellis trunks grow larger than 3 men could
span with fingers touching. Large enough amounts can be lethal.
(Nerkila)
[<<] Ferns
Growth form: Fern
Known location: Southern Weyr
General habitat: tropical regions
Uses: improvised bedding
[<<] Fingeroots (carrots)
Known locations: Fort Hold, Nabol
Uses: edible
[<<] Flax (I)
Growth form: Earth flax
Known location: Boll
Uses: fiber for weaving
Outside Info: Stem yields durable fibers, used to make linen and
twine. It has slender stems with linear green leavs, flat blue
flowers, and oily brown seeds. The mineral-rich seeds yield
cold-pressed oil for cooking and hot pressed linseed oil for artist's
and industrial use. Seeds contain soothing mucilage, oil contains
fatty acids that reduces the risk of thrombosis and treats nutritional
deficiencies. Internal overdose may cause poisoning. The seeds can
also be used in 'eye pillows' to gently cool tired or sore eyes.
[<<] Garlic
Known locations: fort Weyr
Uses: edible, medicinal, used for high blood pressure, as a cold
remedy, used by Moreta as a pallative
[<<] Ging
Growth form: Tree. Thick and spongy fronds.
Known location: Ista
Uses: Fronds can be used as improvised forrest bedding. The fronds
make handy needlethorn packages, as the sap from the cut edges of
leavs forms its own glue. Leaf sap will also seal puncture wounds. In
_Moreta_, it was stated that softnuts (which are edible) were 'on all
the trees', so it could be assumed that they are ging softnuts.
Misc.: Moreta described the ging forrest in the fall as "a green face
with a thousand black-rimmed eyes." Needlethorn is always found in the
prescence of ging trees.
[<<] Ginkgo (I,H)
Growth form: Tree
General habitat: open plains
Uses: Colonists used Ginkgo to break ground and provide shelter for
oak and pine seedlings.
Outside Info: Notched, fan-sheped leavs that turn yellow in fall. The
seeds and leavs are used in Chineese medicine for lung problems.
Extract from yellow leavs contains vitamins that strengthens blood
vessels and reduces production of tissue-damaging 'free radicals' and
tarpones (which reduce clump-forming blood platelets). It is said to
improve brain efficiency and cellular energy. When ripe, the seeds
give off a foul-smelling odor.
[<<] Glovecap
Uses: medicinal herb, anodyne
[<<] Goru pear
Uses: it is a tart fruit. Reference to the Perneese Goru pear (it's
mentioned in the Freedon series as well) can be found in Moreta,
chapter 5 (p.68 of paperback version)
[<<] Grain
Known location: near Benden Weyr, Telgar, Half-Circle seahold,
Paradise River Hold
Uses: edible
Misc.: most of grain consumed in north grown by Telgar. Telgar also
has best beer in Pern
[<<] Grapes (I)
Growth form: Earth grapes
Known locations: Benden, Fort(H), Tillek, Nabol, Lemos, Nerat
Uses: fruit, wine.
Outside Info: Processed grape residue is used to make cream of tartar.
The leavs provide a food wrap, pressed seeds produce a fine culinary
oil, also valued for aromatherapy massage.
[<<] Grass
Location: River Islands in Southern.
Uses: Tufts contain theraputic seeds, branches can be bundled and used
as a temporary raft(eventually they'll absorb too much water), the
heart (just above the root ball) can be dried and ground into a powder
that is good for fever, esp. Firehead. The shoots are edible.
[<<] Grasses
Known locations: various forms exist over many parts of Pern
Uses: bedding
[<<] Green fruits
(Lime? Drasgonlovers lists a green citrus fruit. Green apple? Pear?)
Known location: Southern, Cove Hold, Ista(Citrus)
[<<] Greens
Known location: near Half-Circle seahold, Nabol
Uses: used like salad, served with dressing.
[<<] Gooseberry (I)
Growth form: Earth gooseberry bush
Uses: fruit
[<<] Hardwoods
Growth form: tree
Known location: Lemos, Igen
Uses: rarely, used to make small quantities of lye soap
Misc.: all hardwoods are imported
[<<] Hazel, Witch (I,H)
Uses: medicinal herb, for skin
Outside Info: In this case, most likely witchhazel. It is a large
shrub with smooth brown bark, fragrant winter flowers, and woodsy
fruit capsules. A distillation fron the leavs and flower-bearing twigs
is used in skin products for it's disinfectant and astrigent
properties. It is used on chapped and sunburned skin, bruises,
swelling, rashes, to stop bleeding, and to reduce vericose veins and
hemmoriods. Seeds are edible and can be brewed for a warming tea.
[<<] Hazel nut tree
Known location:Benden Hold
Outside Info: A large shrub that grows to 10m. Has male catkins in
spring and clusters of nuts in fall. Nuts are eaten raw and used in
candy, cakes and liquers. The edible nut oil is used in cooking,
perfumes, and lubricants.
[<<] Hemp
Known locations: Nabol, Southern(?)
Uses: rope
Outside Info: Hemp seed oil is used in soaps and lotions.
[<<] Herbs
Uses: varieties of herbs are stored with clothes and bedsheets,
possibly to keep bugs away and to keep the cloth fresh-smelling.
Aromatic herbs (possibly peppermint amoung others) stepped in hot
water to make breathing easier.
[<<] Hissop, Hyssop (H)
Known location: near Fort Hold
Uses: medicinal herb, used for coughs. It is said that a winecupfull a
day keeps off respitory problems, such as croup.
Outside Info: Semievergreen shrub with aromatic leavs and spikes of
blue, two-tipped late summer flowers. Leaf is added to liquors, adds
bite to sweet and savory dishes, and aids in digestion of fatty meals.
Leavs contain antiseptic, antiviral oil. A mold that produces
pennicilin grows on the leavs. An infusion is taken as a sedative
expectorant for the flu, bronchitis, and phlegm. Leaf poultice treats
bruises and wounds. The essential oil is used in perfumes and treats
cold sores, helps disperse bruises, and helps heal scars. The
essential oil should be used with caution, as it is fairly hazardous.
Hyssop should be avoided by pregnant women and people with
hypertension or epilepsy. Hyssop is added to potpourris and laundry
rinses.
[<<] Hops (I,H)
Growth form: Earth hops
Uses: medicinal herb, anaodyne
Outside Info: One of the primary ingredients of beer. Young shoots are
eaten as a vegetable, leavs are blanched for soups. Hop tea is a nerve
tonic, mild sedative, muscle relaxant. The essential oil is used in
perfumes and lotions. Hops can cause skin allerges. Dried flower
bracts can be used in herbal 'pillows' to aid/help induce sleep.
[<<] Ilex
Uses: For pneumonia.
Outside Info: Ilex is part of the scientific name of the Holly family.
The tea from different spiecies have different medicinal uses, so it
is probably the leaf tea that is used to treat pneumonia on Pern.
[<<] Itch-leaf
Known lcoations:Fort Hold
Misc.: obnoxious weed
[<<] Kiwi (I)
Known location: Boll, Igen
Uses: fruit
Misc.: genetically altered form of Kiwi.
[<<] Klahbark Tree (N)
Growth form: tree
Known locations: near Half-Circle seahold, Benden Hold
Uses: Bark is brewed to produce a coffee-like substance, tastes like a
cross between coffee and chocolate, with a spicy aftertaste. The bark
is also used as a spice.
[<<] Lavender
Known location: Nabol
Outside Info: Flowers flavor jams, vinegars, sweets, creams, stews.
Dried flowers are used in potpourri. Leaf is bitter and sometimes used
in cooking. Flower water is a skin toner useful for cell renewal and
is an antiseptic for acne. Flower tea treats anxiety, headaches,
flatulence, nausea, dizziness, and halitosis. The essential oil is
used in perfumes and is antisceptic, mildly sedative, and painkilling.
The oil is applied to insect bites, treats burns, sore throats, and
headaches. Oil is added to baths as a relaxant. Treats rheumatic
aches, insomnia, depression, high blood pressure, lymphatic
congestion, poor digestion, and menstural problems. Use the essential
oil in a massage oil for muscle aches. Use a few drops of oil in final
rinse water for linen or hair. Because of it's versitality, lavender
essential oil is probably stocked in all holds, and is likely to be
part of trader's wares.
[<<] Legumes (I)
Growth form: Earth legumes(?)
Known location: Fort Hold, Ruatha
Uses: edible, added to savory dishes to thicken them up
[<<] Lemongrass
Known locations: Benden Weyr bowl
Uses: edible
Outside Info: The stem and leaf have a distinct lemon flavor. Leaf tea
treats diarrhea, stomachache, headache, fevers, flu, and is
antiseptic. The essential oil is used in cosmetics, food, and
aromatherapy to improve circulation and muscle tone. Antiseptic oil
treats athlete's foot and acne, a spray reduces airborne bacteria.
[<<] Lentils (I,H)
[<<] Lovage (I,H)
Growth form:herb
Uses: medicinal herb used for coughs
Outside Info: Grows to 2m. It has large, dark green celery-scented
leavs and hollow stems. Queen-Anne's lace type greenish yellow flowers
bloom mid to late summer. Leavs give body and aroma to soups and
stews. The root is grated raw into salads, is pickled, or used as a
powdered condiment. Seeds are sprinkled on bread or rice, slaads,
mashed potatoes, or steeped in brandy for a settling digestive, and
used in perfumes. An infusion of seeds, roots, or leavs reduces water
retention and assists the elimination of toxins. The expectorant root
treats mouth ulcers, tonsilitis, bronchitis, cystitis, and menstural
pain. It should be avoided during pregnancy and by those with kidney
problems. Tea can be made from leaf. Stem can be steamed and served
with a white sauce, or chopoped into sopus or stews.
[<<] Lur-weed
Growth form: weed
Known location:Tillek
Misc. Info Sends runnerbeasts (and possibly other animals) into
convulsions. Typically, runnerbeasts don't eat lur-weed.
[<<] Mandamo trees
Growth form: tree
Known location: Southern Hold
Uses: a segment of the trunk was used for message drums in Southern.
Misc.: gracefully draped across a path in Southern.
[<<] Mangoes
Known location: Boll
Outside Info: Fast growing tree, grows up to 30m. 1-2 crops a year of
large, musk- scented fruit. Fruit can be eaten raw, candied, or
pickled. Unripe fruit and tender leavs are used as sour flavorings. In
India, bark is used to treat internal bleeding, dysentary, and throat
diseases. Leaf ash is used for burns. A secret recipe for artist's
paint used the urine of cows fed on mango leavs. Unripe fruit, peel,
seeds, flowers and resin have medicinal uses.
[<<] Marshberries
Form: Bush
Flower: yellow
General habitat: low marsh valleys
Known location: near Half-circle seahold
[<<] Marsh grasses
Form: coarse grass, cane
Known location: Half-Circle seahold, by coast
General habitat: in bogs
Uses: canes can be made into reed pipes.
[<<] Meadowsweet
Growth form: herb, white and blue flowers
Uses: analgesic herb
Outside Info: Has clusters of almond-scented cream blossoms. Grows to
2m. Flowers give an almond flavor to meads, herb wines, jam, and
stewed fruit. Dried flowers scent linnen and yield an astrigent skin
tonic. Flower buds contain salicylic acid, and can be used similar to
aspirin. Flower tea can be used for stomach ulcers and headaches, as
an antiseptic diuretic, and for feverish colds, diarrhea, and
heartburn. Tea is mildly painkilling. Antiinflammitory action treats
rheumatism. Flowering tops make a greenish yellow dye, leavs make a
blue dye, the roots a black dye.
[<<] Melons
Known locations: Igen, Ista, wild melons near Boll
[<<] Mint
Known locations: Benden Weyr bowl
Uses: seasoning(?). Mint sticks rubbed over teeth as a toothbrush/mouthwash
Outside Info: There are dozens of varieties of mints, with different
flavors and medicinal uses. All mints or mint products should be used
sparingly or avoided completely during pregnancy.
[<<] Mockweed
[<<] Moonflower
Growth form: vine
Fruit: orange-red fruit
Known locations: Southern, Nerat
[<<] Mosstea
Growth form: herb
Uses: for drinking as a tea, dressing wounds against infection.
[<<] Mustard
Known locations: Nabol
Outside Info: There are many varieties of mustard, and each has
different medicinal properties. Black mustard was once the most widely
used to make the condiment known as mustard before being replaced with
the more mechanical harvester friendly brown mustard. It is possible
that one or both of these varieties exist on Pern. Black mustard seeds
stimulate circulation, treat bronchitis, give a warming footbath, and
in a poultice they reduce inflammation. Treats chillbains and
rheumatism. Oil is a lubricant. In China, brown mustard seeds are used
to treat colds, stomach problems, abscesses, rheumatism, lumbago, and
ulcers. The leavs treat bladder inflamation. 1 tablespoon of crushed
seed in warm water induces vomiting. Young leavs can be added to
salad.
[<<] Needlethorn (N)
Growth form: several cactus-like 'stalks' from a single base of
broadleaf. (DragonLovers shows 3 stalks, 3 leavs). A succulent bush
with holliw, toxic brown spines. The skin of the plant has fine hairs
that can cause irritation, possibly inflamation of skin it comes in
contact with.
Known location: Ista, Nerat
Uses: needles used as syringe for injections and to draw blood.
Misc.: Needlethorn is omnivorus and shoots its thorns at anything that
disturbs it during its growing season. It falls into a dormant stage
when the flowers of the ging tree (ginkgo?) open. These plants are
always found together. The spines are poisonous through spring and
summer. "The vine grows during the winter and has to shed its old
corona or leave too many unprotected gaps. I understand the flesh is
tasty.""During the spring and summer the bush has an odor to attract
snakes and insects. The hollow spines suck essential juices from the
creature the plant impales, and also rainwater."(Moreta) Needlethorns
are also used for transfusions. (Masterharper)
[<<] Nettleweed
Growth form: perennial.
Known location: Ruathan fields.
Uses: medicinal, used in a tonic
[<<] Numbweed (N)
Growth form: bush. plaquey, thorny greenery. The leafs are opposing,
and arrowhead-shaped, with a terminating leaf at the end of the
branch. The plant has a grey-green color. They sprout tufts of
blossoms, similar to statice.
Known location: Nerat, Southern
General habitat: jungle areas
Uses: 'raw' or made into a salve, it numbs skin to pain.
Misc.: too much numbweed will cause bleeding and scarring. To prepare
the salve, it requires 3 days of stewing, then 1 day to strain it, and
the juice skimmed to the right consistency for the salve (Southern).
Runners carry an oiled packet that has a cloth soaked in numweed to
cleanse and ease scratches.
[<<] Nutmegoid (I,H)
Growth form:herb, from First-Centauri
Uses: cooking herb
[<<] Oak (I,H)
Growth form: Tree
Outside Info: There are several varieties of oak, and may have
different medicinal uses. The English Oak's bark is astrigent and
antiseptic, and a decoction of the bark is drunk to treat acute
diarrhea, gargled for sore throats, and applied as a compress for
burns and cuts. It is added to ointments for cuts and hemmoriods.
Acorns are fed to pigs. Oak bark provides tannin- since leather
tanners seemed immune to terberculosis, the bark was once used to
treat the disease. Oak galls are the primary ingredient in ink.
[<<] Oats
Growth form: Terran Oats
Known location:Bitra
[<<] Oilbrush
Known location: Igen
Uses: used for cooking fires. In Igen, pockets of bread were cooked on
metal sheets over an oilbrush fire.
[<<] Onion (I)
Form: Earth onion
Known locations: (H)wild near Fort Hold, wild in Lemos/Igen forrest.
Outside Info: Red onion skins with moderant of copper and acetic acid
create a rich brown dye.
[<<] Orange fruit, Citron?
(Oranges?, Oranges were imported, and flourished) Growth form: tree
Known location: Southern Hold/Weyr, Cove Hold, Ista Misc.: the trees
are thorny.
Outside Info: Orange flower water is an excellent skin tonic. Orange
flower treats dry skin and broken capillaries, and stimulates cell
replacement.
[<<] Palm
Known location: Ista
Uses: has an edible heart. 'crispy, cool, and crunchy' (Moreta)
[<<] Parsnips (I)
Growth form: Terran parsnip
Known location: Fort Hold
Uses: edible
[<<] Pawberry
Known location:Bitra Hold
Uses: Leavs boil to make the finest red for paints.
[<<] Peach
Growth form: tree Known location: Boll
Uses: fruit
Outside Info: Seed oil is used in cosmetics and medicines. The tree
has solitary, pink spring flowers.
[<<] Peanuts (I)
Growth form: Terran peanut
Known locations: Fort Hold
Uses: edible, used in several dishes
Outside Info: Used as a cooking oil, some people are allergic to peanuts.
[<<] Pears (I,H)
Growth form: tree
Known location: High Reaches Hold, Nerat
Uses: fruit, made into brandy
[<<] Pecan
Growth form: tree
Known location: Nerat
Uses: edible nut
[<<] Peppers
Known location: Ista
Uses: edible
Outside Info: It is probable that Pern has several varieties of
peppers, from bell to chili to hot, all of which have different
culinary and medicinal uses. They usually have yellow or green
flowers. The pungent capsaicin of chilis stimulates circulation and
sensory nerves, and eases sore throats. Infused chili oil gives a
warming massage for rheumatism, cold limbs, and neuralgia.
[<<] Peppermint
Growth Form: Terran peppermint
Uses: In 'sweet sticks' (hard candy).
Outside Info: Flav,ors sauces, vinegar, vegatables, desserts, used in
teas, and candies. Peppermint oil has a mild antiseptic action. Mints
are stimulant, aid digestion, reduce flatulence. Peppermint is
antiseptic, antiparasitic, and antiviral. Peppermint is included in
ointments and cold remedies and given for headaches and other aches
and pains. The scent of the essential oil is inhaled to treat shock
and nausea and improves concentration. The essential oil is also used
for fatigue, digestion, travel sickness, headaches, toothache, and
skin irratations.
[<<] Pine
Growth form: tree
Known locations: Nabol, Lemos
Misc.: grow quickly
[<<] Pink Root
Known location: Southern(?)
Uses: medicinal, for bellyache.
[<<] Pineapple (I)
Known location: Igen
Uses: fruit
Misc.: genetically alterd form of pineapple
Outside Info: New shoots are added to curries. Waste is made into
vinegar or fed to livestock. Fruit helps menstural, urinary, and
digestive problems. Plant enzymes reduce swelling, intensify
antibiotics, and break down the fibrin protein that causes heart
attacks and strokes.
[<<] Plumb (I,H)
Growth form: tree
Uses: fruit
Outside Info: Eaten fresh, dried, or as a jam. The tree has white 5
petaled spring flowers. Dried plumbs are given for their laxative
effect.
[<<] PurpleGrass (I,H)
Known Locaton: Half-Circle Sea Hold
Growth form: grass
Uses: Purple Grass seed was used by Menolly's sister to flavor seaweed
balls to keep Old Uncle quiet.
[<<] Raspberry (I)
Growth form: Earth raspberry bush
Uses: fruit
Outside Info: Shrub grows to 1.5m. It has small pink or white flowers,
and the fruit yields a red dye. Is used to reduce anemia. Used in
China for kidney problems and bedwetting. Dried leavs contain tannin.
Leaf tea is used in late pregnancy to tone uterine and pelvic muscles.
Tea reduces mentrural pain.
[<<] Redfruit (N)
Growth form: Fruit tree
Known locations: Southern, Nerat, High Reaches Hold, Nabol, Igen
Uses: edible, made into cider and brandy. Trees are also used for their wood.
Misc.: A native red fruit was listed in Dragonsdawn. According to Anne
in the Kitchen Table forum, that redfruits are like a juicy plumb.
There is probably a similar taste/appearance to Terran apples, since
Sorka thought of apples when she ate one.
[<<] Redroots
Known locations: northern farms (under protection of Benden), Ista,
wild on the rocky forrested slopes of Igen/Lemos.
Uses: edible
[<<] Red willow salic
Uses: analgesic herb
[<<] Redwort
Growth form: grows in clumps close to the ground. Has a thick stem,
with reddish veins and produces flat-topped purple or rose flowers.
Uses: as a scrubbing/cleansing agent (disinfectant?) and also for infection.
Misc.: leaves a red stain on hands, has nasty stench (Nirelka),
clean-smelling herb (Dragonlovers) used as an antiseptic wash and
protects skin from being affected by numbweed.
[<<] Reeds
Growth form: reed
Known location: Southern, Cove Hold. Near Half-Circle seahold
Uses: can be used as straws for drinking, succulent reeds are edible.
Can be used as fishing poles and splints for threadscored dragon
wings. Reeds are also made into baskets. Used to make writing
material. It's a 'local product' obtained by Petrion somwhere between
Harper Hall and Pierie Hold. The writing material has a tendency to
absorb ink, so it is a bit 'blotchy'.
Misc.: Both freshwater and sea water exist
[<<] Rind fruit
Known location: Igen Uses: fruit
[<<] Rivergrains (rice, I)
Growth form: rice Known locations: Fort Hold, Igen plains swampland,
Southern, wild rice in Paradise river. Uses: Steam cooked to eat.
Misc.: called 'rice' in Southern.
Outside Info: Grows to 180cm. Rice is easily digested. Rice porridge
counters heavy feasting and is a cooling dish with medicinal uses. Can
be fermented into Sake (rice wine). Roots treat fever sweating,
sprouts relieve indigestion, strengthen stomach and spleen. The straw
is made into hats. Ripe stems yield rich oil.
[<<] Rock weeds
Known location: Ruatha (Pleateau Hold)
[<<] Rowan (I,H)
Growth form: Tree
General habitat: 'higher reaches' (dragonlovers guide)-hills/higher
ground over the flat plains(?)
Outside Info: Otherwise known as European Mountain Ash. It has
clusters of cream colored spring flowers, and dense clusters of red
berries. Berries are rich in vitamin C, and can be made into jelly,
ground into flower, and fermented into wine. Seeds contain hydrocyanic
acid and should be removed before berries are used. Berries can be
made into a sore throat gargle. Bark and leavs are used in a gargle
for thrush.
[<<] Rosemary (I,H)
Growth form:herb
Uses: medicinal and/or cooking herb
Outside Info: Dense, evergreen aromatic shrub with blue spring
flowers. Grows to 2m. There are many varieties of rosemary. It goes
well with pastas, shellfish, pork and lamb. It's antiseptic,
antioxidant leavs help preserve food. They aid in the digestion of
fat. Leavs used in conditioning rinses for dark hair and for dandruff
shampoos. Stimulates circulation and eases aching joints by increasing
blood supply. The essential oil is invigorating, antibacterial, and
antifungal. Stimulates central nervous system and blood circulation,
and releavs muscle pain. Dried stems can be burned on a fire for their
aroma. Boil a handfull of rosemary in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes
for an antiseptic solution for washig bathroom fixtures. Put leavs
into bath to stimulate blood circulation. Rosemary is good as a
mouthwash.
[<<] Rushes
Known locations: Fort Hold, Ruatha, but probably in most areas of Pern (?)
Uses: Bedding.
[<<] Sabsab brush
Known location:Bitra Hold
Uses:roots produce a yellow for paints.
[<<] Sage
Uses: used in combination with wintergreen and willow for a headache tea
Outside Info: Evergreen, grows to 80cm. Has mauve-blue flowers in
summer. There are many varieties of sage. Sage is used to aid in the
digestion of fatty meats, and is popular in poultry stuffings. Leaf
tea is an antiseptic nerve and blood tonic. Contains hormone
precursors that help irregular mensturation and menopause symptoms.
Avoid large doses during pregnancy. Burn on embers or boil in water to
disenfect a room. Sage smoke deoderizes animal and cooking smell. Rub
fresh leaf on teeth to whiten them, or use in a mouthwash. Clary sage
seed infused in water may be used to remove foreign matter from eyes
painlessly. The leaf of sage helps combat diarrhea. The tea reduces
sweating, sooths coughs and colds. Sage should not be taken in large
doses over long periods.
[<<] Saponin root
Uses: used for cleaning hair, and for sensitive skin
[<<] Saw grass
Known locations: Fort Hold
Misc.: obnoxious weed
[<<] Scrub pine (I,H)
Growth form: Tree
General habitat: 'higher reaches' (dragonlovers guide)-hills/higher
ground over the flat plains(?)
[<<] Seabeachplum
Growth form: Bush
Flowers: Pink blossoms
General habitat: low marsh valleys
Known location: beaches by Half-Circle Seahold.
Misc.: a few early sour plums available in spring
[<<] Sea bush
Growth form: bush
Known location: near Half-Circle seahold
Uses: produces an oily seed-pod in fall
[<<] Seagrass (stalks)
General habitat: ocean beaches(?)
Known location: beaches by Half-Circle Seahold.
Misc.: aromatic
[<<] Seaplant
Known location: near Half-Circle seahold
Uses: used braided by Menolly to join sections of her multiple pipes
[<<] Seaweeds
Growth form: (asummed)earth-type seaweed
General habitat: near shore.
Known location(s): beaches by Half-Circle seahold.
Uses: Boiled for the thick juice in the stalk, which is used as a
preventitive for many sicknesses and bone ailments. Also used to make
balls of a sweet that can be chewed for hours, keeping mouth fresh and
moist. Purple grass seed (unknown whether grass or seed is 'purple')
used to flavor the balls. Leaves can be wrapped around meat to allow
it to slow-cook.
[<<] Sequoi-like tree (N)
Growth form: similar to Terran sequois. Several triangular stems fuse together.
Known locations: Southern
Misc.: inimical to fire, tend to rot in center, to form shells of trees
[<<] Shallow-water sea grass
Growth form: 1 type clings to sandy bottom, 1 type clings to rock
Known location: near Half-Circle seahold
[<<] Shrub
Growth form: shrub
Known location:Southern Continent 2nd pass
Uses: gives off rich pungent odor when bruised
[<<] Sisal (N)
Known location: Fort Hold, Ista, Boll
Uses: spun into thread
[<<] Sky-broom (N)
Growth form: several dragonlengths tall. " The tall trunks terminate
in bushy crowns of tuffed needles, much like the growth on Earth
cedars. The wood is dense and metal-hard, covered with a rough
mat-like material protection from threadfall."(DragonLovers) "Root
systems that radiated in a great circle around the trunk to support
the soaring limbs and tufted heights." (Renegades). Twined trunks,
short tufts of spiny leavs. The crowns have coarse, short leavs. The
tops are flat.
Known locations: Lemos. Skybroon trees begin at the northern Lemos end
of the Keroon Plains.
Uses: construction
Misc.: the wood is difficult to work, but highly prized in the
WoodcraftHall. Used for some harps, possibly other instruments.
Highest quality of material for a painter's 'canvas' in the 2nd Pass.
[<<] Softwoods
Growth form: Tree
Known location:Lemos
Uses: used to make furniture
[<<] Soybeans (I)
Growth form: Terran soybean
Known locations: Fort Hold
Uses: edible, used in several dishes.
Outside Info: Grows to 2m. White or voilet flowers, hairy seed pods.
Foliage is good stock food and fertilizer. It helps prevent heart
disease and is valuable for diabetics since their sugars remain
unabsorbed. Beans are made into soy sauce, tofu, soy 'milk', are
sprouted for their shoots. Soya is ground into flour. The beans yield
cooking oil, and lubricant. The plant stimulates blood circulation,
detoxifies, lowers fevers and treats food poisoning.
[<<] Spearkeek
Growth form: white bulb
Uses: edible medicinal, febrifuge. Used by Moreta as a hopeful
preventitive for the plague.
[<<] Spiceroot
Growth form: Tuber(?)
[<<] Spongewood trees
Known location: south continent, Lemos
Misc.: grow quickly
[<<] Sticklebush (N)
Growth form:bush, grows in patches
Known Location:by trace to Fort Hold
Uses: Berries are used for preserves.
Misc.:Dried leavs and twigs have bitter, acrid, drying taste. In early
spring there are no leavs to hide the hairlike, nearly invisible
thorns that cover twig and branch. Sap rises in early spring, and it
is the worst time to get caught in the bush. Stickle slivers can work
their way through flesh into the blood. If a sliver reaches your
heart, you could die from it. Most slivers can be pulled out by hand
or tweezer, but some need poulticing to draw out the sliver.
[<<] Straw
Known locations: near benden weyr(?), Igen, Ruatha
Uses: bedding, in Igen used as insulation for straw-padded boxes
containing pitchers of cold drinks.
[<<] Streamer
Known location: Southern, Cove hold
Uses: fronds woven into matting
[<<] Sugar Beets (I)
Growth form: Terran sugarbeet
Known locations: Fort Hold,several northern Holds
Uses: used for sweetining
[<<] Sungazers (N,H)
Form: small plant, grows mostly underground
Flowers: simiar to Earth's strawflower or windflower
[<<] Swamp grass
Growth form: broad, saw-edge blades.
Known location: Southern Weyr
[<<] Swedes
Known locations: Fort Hold
Uses: edible
[<<] Sweet cane (I)
Growth form: Terran sweet cane
Known locations:Nerat, Boll, Ista
Uses: made into sweetening
Outside Info: Grows up to 6m. Clump-forming rhizomes, perennial grass.
The peeled cane is added to Thai fish stews. Cane juice yields brown
and white sugars. Byproducts are made into molasses, syrup, and rum.
Cane sugar sweetend, flavors and preserves foods by inhibiting
microorganisims. Cane juice soothes symptoms of asthma and is given as
an expectorant. In Asia, it is applied to wounds and boils. The root
is a diuretic. Stem residue can be made into a wax for polish.
[<<] Sweet grass
Uses: Runner fodder
[<<] Sweetroot, sweet potatoe
Known locations: northern farms under Benden Weyr
Uses: can be eaten uncooked. Used to relieve/sweat out fever
(febrifuge) and for headache(?).
Misc.: taken in crystal-like form.
[<<] Tansy
Uses: medicinal, used for a tonic. Relieves heart palpitations.
Outside Info: Grows to 120cm, with clusters of flat, mustard yellow
flower heads in summer. It is a powerful insect repellant. Aerial
parts are a poultice for bruises, rheumatism, and vericose veins. It
may cause poisoning if taken internally. Rub leavs on meat to flavor.
Boil flower for a golden yellow dye, boil the leaf for a yellow green
woolen dye. Use in stimulating and astrigent baths for mature and
sallow skin. Avoid if you have sensitive skin. Do not use during
pregnancy.
[<<] Tarragon (I,H)
Growth form: herb
Uses: medicinal and/or cooking herb
Outside Info: Grows to 1m, greenish flowers. Flavors savory foods.
Leaf tea stimulates the appetite, is a digestive, and a good tonic.
Chewing leavs numbs taste buds before taking bitter medicine. The root
reduced tooth ache. 2 main varieties exist- French, with a more
refined flavor but the plant needs protection in the winter, and
Russian, which is hartier. Add leaf to mayo for fish dishes, salad
dressings, light soups. Goes well with poultry.
[<<] Teak-like hardwood tree, teakwood
Growth form: stumpy tree, with broad central trunk
Known location: nerat
[<<] Thymus
(H Thyme? Thyme was imported from Earth)
Known location: near Fort Hold
Uses: medidcinal herb, for coughs. Used on runners as well as humans.
Outside Info: There are many varieties, most grow to about 38cm.
Lillac colored summer flowers. Thyme aids digestion of fatty foods. It
is ideal for long, slow cooking of soups and stews. The essential oil
is a stimulant and antisceptic- a nerve tonic used externally to treat
depression, colds, muscular pain, and respitory problems. The
essential oil is added to acne lotions, soaps, toothpastes and
mouthwashes. Thyme strenghtens the immune system. It suits food cooked
slowly in wine, especially poultry, fish, hot vegetables, fruit
salads, and jams. It is also used to flavor beer. Make a strong
decoction to serve as a household disenfectant. Infuse with rosemary
as a hair rinse to deter dandruff. The tea is a digestive tonic for
hangovers, and may also relieve insomnia, poor capilarry circulation,
muscular pain, and stimulate production of white blood cells to resist
infection.
[<<] Trace Moss
Growth form: moss, grows on ground
Known Location:on any runner trace in the Northern Continent.
Uses: to provide a firm but springy surface for runners
Misc: A runner can tell if he or she strays from a trace by the feel
of the trace moss. The legendary 'Lopers' originally planted the moss,
and it has been maintained since. The moss dosen't do as well in the
heat of Boll as it does in the North. The moss doesn't stain runner
shoes.
[<<] Tubers
General habitat: tubers of one form or another grow in many areas
Known location: Half-circle seahold, Ista, Southern, Southern Boll
Uses: edible
Misc.: Can be baked in mud in a cookout fire. (other foods including
fish can also be baked in this manner.) White tubers (white roots?)
found in Southern.
[<<] Turnips (I)
Growth form: Terran turnip
Known locations: Fort Hold, northern farms under Benden Weyr
Uses: edible
[<<] Tussilago
Uses: medicinal herb, used for coughs
Outside Info: Grows to 30cm. The plant is commonly known as colt's
foot, tussilago is the Genus name. It is a perennial with creeping
rhyzomes, dull yellow flowers in early spring that turn into a
dandelion-like seed head. Tender leavs are eaten n soups and salads.
Used to treat coughs, skin ulcers, and sores. Flowers reduce phlegm,
inflammation, and stimulate immune cells. Use with caution
externially- it contains small amounts of potentially damaging
alkaloids, which research suggests sre destroyed when the plant is
boiled. All parts of plant contain mucilage, good for coughs and
bronchitis. Decoct leavs for colds, flu, and asthma.
[<<] Vegetableoil
Outside Info Outside Info: Many vegetable oils are used for cooking.
Some are also used for massage oils, lotions, oils to rub down dragons
with, and for soapmaking. By the beginning of the second Pass, soap as
we know it probably still exists, as it was a 'luxury' one had to pay
for at Bitra Hold under Chalkin's Holdership, but was generously
supplied at other Holds and Weyrs. Most of the 'current Pass' books
(Dragonrider trilogy, Harper Hall Trilogy, etc) make reference to
sandsoap or soapsand. The Dragonlovers guide mentiones that soap as we
know it may indeed be a luxury durring the current pass because burnt
wood is needed to make lye. However, the Masterharper of Pern makes
reference to a bar of soap on one of Robinton's journeys. Lye can be
created chemically, and it's my personal belief if the smith hall can
create 'agenothree', it can probably make lye. Sandsoap may be soap
flakes, an exfoliant mixture of fine sand and soap flakes, or a ground
dried plant root that contains a saponin, sort of a natural soap.
Animal fats are widely used to make soaps, but vegetable oils can also
be added, or used exclusevly, to obtain different properties in the
soap.
[<<] Verbena
Known location: Benden Weyr Bowl
Outside Info: Lemon Verbena grows to 3m. Tiny, pale summer flowers.
Leavs used to flavor drinks, fruit, sweet dishes, and to make herb
tea. The tea is refreshing and mildly sedative- it soothes bronchial
and nasal congestion and eases indigestion nausea, flatulance, stomach
cramps, and palpitations. Leavs yield a green coloring. Leaf infusion
sooths puffy eyes. Long term use of large amounts may irritate the
stomach.
[<<] Vines, @Ista
Growth form: broad-leaf, climbing
Known locations: Ista
Uses: When its leavs are bruised, it releases a sap that will
neutralize insect stings.
[<<] Vines, @Nerat
Growth form: Vine
Flowers: many-petaled ivory flowers that bloom late winter/early spring.
Known location: Nerat
[<<] Walnut
Growth form: tree
Known location: Benden Hold
Uses: edible nut
Outside Info: Grows up to 30m. In China, nuts were used to treat
wheezing, back and leg pains, and constipation. Walnut oil is used in
soapmaking, and as a cooking oil. The bark, leavs, and husks yield a
brown dye. Crushed leavs treat skin eruptions.
[<<] Water lilies (N)
Growth form: float on surface of water, triangular shaped leavs, the
flowers have white petals. Edible roots have a triangular
cross-section.
Known locations: bowl lake of bended Weyr
Uses: roots are edible
[<<] Watermellon(?)
Known location: Southern Hold
Fruit: pink-fleshed interior, with a green rind.
Uses: edible fruit
[<<] Wedgenuts (Brazil nuts)
Known location: Nerat, Boll
Uses: edible nut
[<<] Wheat (I)
Growth form: Earth wheat
Known locations: Ruatha
Outsie Info: Wheat is used used instead of barley in some beers. These
tend to be heavier in alchol content than your average ale. Wheat
brews are considered summer brews, and is drunk mainly in the warmer
weather. In the warmer parts of Pern, this might be made nearly
year-round.
[<<] White bulb
Uses: medicinal, febrifuge
[<<] White roots
Known location: Landing
Uses: edible
[<<] White thorn
Uses: medicinal herb, anodyne, used to relieve heart palpitations.
[<<] Willow (I,H)
Growth form: tree
Known location: Nabol
General habitat: wet riverbanks
Uses: willow herb (same plant?) as a tea to keep arthritis under
control. Used in combination with sage and wintergreen as a tea for
headaches. Willowsalic used for headache, taken in crystal-like form.
Outside Info: Grows to 25m. Stem bark is a painkiller, fever reducer,
and as a source of salicylic acid for asprin. Various bark extracts
used as a sore throat gargle, to treat heartburn, stomach problems,
food poisoning, relieve arthritic pain, and to remove corns. Infused
leavs make a tea for nervous insomnia, and added to baths to ease
rheumatism. Willows provide the best quality artist's charcoal,
branches are used for weaving.
[<<] Wintergreen
Uses: used in combination with sage and willow as a headache tea.
Outside Info: Grows to 15cm, flowers in summer. Wintergreen oil is
used to flavor candy and toothpaste. The oil contains menthyl
salicylate, related to asprin. Oil is easily absorbed through skin, is
astrigent, diuretic, and a stimulant. Used externially for muscle
aches, especially in foot balms and treatments for rheumatism. In the
Inuit of Labrador, the leavs are brewed for a tes to treat paralysis,
headaches, aching muscles, and sore throats. The oil can irritate the
skin, and must be used only under close medical supervision if it is
to be taken internially. Wintergreen should be avoided or used with
caution when pregnant.
[<<] Witch hazel
Uses: medicinal herb, used for burns.
Outside Info: A shrub with fragrant winter flowers that grows to 5m. A
distillation from leavs and flower-bearing twigs is included in skin
products for its disenfectant and astrigent properties, Used on
chapped skin, bruisesm swelling, rashes, to help stop bleeding, reduce
hemmoroids, and vericose veins. Seeds are edible, and the leavs can be
brewed for a warming tea.
[<<] Withies
Growth form: water plant resembling Earth-like reeds
Known locations: Ruatha (Plateau Hold)
General habitat: near rivers
Uses: made into baskets
[<<] Woodruff
Uses: herb used to spice wine
Outside Info: Sweet woodruff grows to 45cm. Small clusters of
brilliant white flowers in late spring. The leaf tea is a diuretic
liver tonic and gentile sedative for children and the elderly. Bruised
fresh leavs are an anti-congestant for wounds. Dry leavs scent linnen.
The rhyzomes yild a red dye.
[<<] Yarrow
Uses: medicinal, for acne
Outside Info: Grows to 1m, dense flat white or pink flower heads from
summer to fall. The peppery leaf is finely chopped into salads.
Flowering tops are a digestive and cleaning tonic a diuretic, and used
to reduce high blood pressure. Fresh leavs arrest bleeding and are
applied as a poultice to wounds or are placed on shaving cuts. Flowers
threat eczema, catarrh from allergies. The flower essential oil treats
colds, flu, and inflammed joints. Native Americans used root decoction
to strengthen muscles. Avoid during pregnancy. Overdose can make skin
sensitive to sunlight. Add 1 finely chopped fresh leaf to each
wheelbarrowfull to speed composting. Chew fresh leavs to aid
toothache. The tea aids digestive problems, regulates menstrual flow,
induces perspiration, cleanses the system, and as a cure for colds.
Use as a mouthwash for inflammed gums.
[<<] Yellow fruit
(lemon, pear, or apple? one 'yellow fruit' is mentioned as citrus, Dragonlovers)
Known locations: Southern, Ista(citrus fruit)
Uses: fruit
[<<] Yellow-veined grass
Growth form: grassoid
Known locations: near Half-Circle seahold
Uses: 'salad' greens
Misc.: available in early spring
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--
Robert Stacey and Charlie Dawg live in the Silverlake Hills of Los Angeles.
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#186 From: robert stacey
Date: Wed Apr 20, 2005 12:04 am
Subject: Hay Fever and Asthma Alert robert.rbobbyleestacy@...
Send Email
Health Tip: Help for Hay Fever
Yahoo! Health: Allergy News
April 12, 2005 08:40:56 PM PST
HealthDay News -- Although a big part of spring is being outside and
enjoying the weather, some allergy sufferers feel the best they can do
is to view the outdoors from their bedroom windows.
But if you take the right precautions, you shouldn't have to miss out
on all of the outdoor fun, doctors say. The American Academy of
Allergy, Asthma and Immunology offers these suggestions:
Postpone outdoor activities until later in the morning. Pollens are
usually emitted between the hours of 5 a.m. and 10 a.m.
After being outside, leave your shoes outside the door and wash
clothes in hot water as soon as possible.
When traveling, have the car windows up and the air conditioning on.
Don't hang your laundry out to dry. Allergens will collect on them.
Do not mow the lawn or rake leaves without a filter mask. Have someone
else do the yard work, if possible.
Wash bedding weekly in hot water.
Shower and wash your hair every night before going to bed.
Take allergy medications before symptoms develop.
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#187 From: robert stacey
Date: Sat Jun 4, 2005 4:14 am
Subject: Outbreak of a new disease affects Winifred Stacey, age 81, U.K. robert.rbobbyleestacy@...
Send Email
New superbug outbreak at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow,,U.K.
THREE months after it was shamed as one of the WORST in the country
for battling MRSA, a hospital trust which serves Lee Valley residents
is STILL doing little to combat outbreaks of the superbug, it was
claimed this week.
Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow is not doing enough to crack
down on the deadly MRSA germ and even worse, staff are growing
complacent about the spiralling problem - an irate relative of an MRSA
victim claims.
Raymond Stacey is fuming after his 81-year-old mother Winifred was
admitted to the hospital with a broken leg on Monday May 16, but has
now contracted the superbug bacterial infection, which is resistant to
most antibiotics.
The hospital recently came third from bottom in Government performance
tables for hospitals battling the bug, after dealing with 24 cases of
patients contracting MRSA - methicillin resistant staphylococcus
aureus - between April and September 2004.
This week Mr Stacey, 59, of Hatfield Broad Oak, said he was
"infuriated" by the casual way in which he was told of the problem by
staff: "It really infuriated me the way they said 'MRSA', as if it was
nothing," he slammed.
"When she went in for the operation it was one of my concerns."
Mr Stacey claims that hospital hygiene is still to blame. "When you
look round the place it is cleaner than it was but it is still not
what it should be," he added.
"Ward staff are still walking around the streets in their uniforms and
they don't wash them before the next day.
"The doctors come out of the operating theatre and go straight into
the canteen and are back in there without washing their hands. It just
makes you wonder."
Chiefs from the hospital this week confirmed they would be
investigating the way in which staff wear uniforms around the
hospital.
MRSA can be spread directly through touch but also indirectly through
clothes, towels and uniforms.
Mr Stacey thinks all visitors and staff should be made to wear gloves
and gowns around patients, to prevent the spread of germs.
A hospital spokesman apologised to Mrs Stacey, who is from Harlow, and
her son, on the hospital's behalf.
He said she was now in a single room being cared for by nurses wearing
gloves and gowns.
He added the hospital was doing "as much as it could" to combat
infection, in particular enforcing strict protocols on hand washing.
Nevertheless, he conceded there were issues surrounding the wearing of
uniforms around the hospital which were currently being investigated.
l Has the MRSA bug affected you or your family? Call the Mercury
newsdesk on (01992) 414141.
palmere@...
03 June 2005
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#188 From: "Robert"
Date: Fri Jun 17, 2005 9:45 am
Subject: The death of Ezra Johns described in an 1850 journal rbobbyleestacy
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I found this mormon journal online which describes some quaker life.
In this diary of Eliza Johns are mentionned Griffith Johns and
Stacey Johns. Elsewhere it is said that quaker families often took
their surnames to a first or middle name and adopted new last names
so these folks who included the Hicks and the Starr families may
have been somehow related to us.
Here, in her own hand, is an excerpt of Eliza Johns diary in which
she describes the onset of illness and death of a young child.
(May, 1844)
5th mo 1st, 1844. Perry and Rebecca started to Centre county. Sarah,
Ezra, and I was verry lonesome. First day the 5th, I walked to
meeting alone and dined at Asas. Martha T. likewise and John Kester
came to see Ann J. Amos John brought me home. On 5th day the 9th, I
walked to meeting at Asas, Martha Thomas came home with me. In the
evening Elida came for me to their house. I had my things packed up
and soon got ready sand left home feeling verry solmn. We got there
before dark and set up till eleven. Next morning we started early
with Palemon and the dearbourn for Pottsville. We had a pleasant
ride over the mountain. The honeysuckels were in bloom and a number
of other wild flowers and the fields add woods were green. It was
truely delightful. We arrived in Pottsville about two oclock and fed
at Mortimers tavern. I was verry much fatigued. Isaac Thompson
conducted us to Catharine Dimicks where I staid over night with her
daughter Maria, a nice young woman. Catharine was from home, taking
care of a sick woman. They sent for her and she came home and spent
the evening and her sister Sarah came in likewise. They seemed
pleased to see me and used me verry well, and I had a comfortable
time there. Next morn after six the omnibus came for me, though I
had been verry uneasy for fear it would not come and I be left
behind to my great joy it came, and I was ready and waiting. It
gathered up a number of Passengers and Jesse Bromall among the rest,
which I was glad to see. He Was the only person that I knew. We was
taken to the depo where was a great bustle. Jesse kindly took my
money and procure me a ticket to insure us a seat, and helped me in
the car. At seven we started and in a few minutes was four miles to
Schyulkill Haven. They stoped to take in passengers. Elida was one
that got in there. He had gone there the day before to visit his
brother in law, John Hughes. The cars stoped at all the towns along
the route for to take in and let out passengers and to feed the
Engine. In about five and a half hours we traveled about 87 miles
and arrived at the city and got in a cab at the depo wad was brought
to T.b. Longstreths near one oclock and was kindly received by them,
and glad to have a rest and we washed our selves and soon had
dinner. Anna Bartruam, a young minister, came there just as we did,
and Jane D. Pearce and her sister Amy came there too. After dinner I
drest and Elizabeth and Lydia Longstreth accompanied me to a bonnet
maker, then E. went home and left Lydia with me. We went to Ellen
Parkers to see Georgie Jenney but her and Aunt Phebe John and Mary
Penrock had gone out so I left her packet of letters and E. Parker
invited me to come again. Then we returnd home. Lydia Pike was
there, a daughter of Mary Pike, a minister, and I saw Elizabeth
Newport just a going home when I got back. She had been at Select
Meeting. John Lee from Maiden Creek and Gideon Pierce from
Fallowfield came in the evening. My friend Huldah R. Wing and
companion Mary Peckum from the State New York arrived in time for
tea. We were :glad to see each other. We had lodged together three
years ago before in attending yearly meeting. She in a speaker not
yet recommended. Benjamin S. Janney and Georgianna came in the
evening to see us. There was great joy at our meeting. She was
considerably altered to what she was when I saw her before. She used
to be verry fleshly and now is lean and pale. She informed us of the
death of Aunt Pamela and Uncle George Brerhelts, both within a few
days. Next morn at ten oclock we went to meetings at Greenstreet
John Hallick, Allis Chandler, Sarah Griffin, Hannah Heacock, Mathew
S. Foster and one female all preached . It was raining when meeting
broke. Elizabeth Longstreth accompanied me with an umbrella to
meeting and back again. Rachel T. Jackson and Mary Joance came there
to see me on account of our raising a library to know what books we
have. Elida drew a list of what he could remember. At four we went
to meeting again. John D. Wright, Allis Chandler, H. Heacock,
Elizabeth Andrews, H.W. Ridgeway preached. Jeremiah Bernard and wife
and Rebecca Hawley, our cousin from Chester C., and Lydia Lee, wife
of Mordica and John Lee and wife was here for tea, besides the
boarders, and Aunt Phebe, cousin Mary Pennock and Georgie and
Benjamin Janney came the eve. Verry agreeably Indeed. Next morn
being second day I went with Lydia L. to market which was a
curiosity to see, and sattisfactory. We likewise went to the Bakers
to get some bread. When we returnd we found Samuel J. Levick there
and was introducd to him by T.B.L. He is s young minister in high
esteem. He is a widower and going to be married. They said they had
a desire to visit in our parts which I told then we would be happy
to see. We met at ten at Cherry Street, being seckond of the week
and 13 of the month. Yearly meeting opend the Representatives were
calld and all present by nine. The Epistles were read from other
yearIy meetings, to sattisfactior. Several commications were
deliverd by Mary Smith. Mary Lippencott, and others that I did not
hear their names. We dined at Eliza Parkers. She is our cousin, the
one that I was named for. We had not verry much sattisfaction with
Aunt and Cousins owing to much company being she keeps a boarding
house. Elida and I as invited again to dine or take tea. At four
oclock Mary Pennock went with me to meeting. Huldah B. Wing and
several others had something to say. There was a request came from,
Caln quarter for an alteration in disipline that offences might not
be recorded to had down to posterity and that acknowledgment might
not be be required to be made of offenders. A long discussion of a
number of friends were made and at last laid aside for the present.
When meeting broke we heard of a Friends son being drownd during
meeting. He was Anthony Morrisson, a young man. His body was not
found for several days. His Mother was most distracted. Deborah F.
Wharton invited R. and self to come and dine some day. In the
evening several friends came in. Elizabeth Andrews, a minister from
Salem quarter, I think, with her two daughters, one an infant, came
to lodge here. Allis Chandler came and spent the evening verry
sattisfactiryly, and two young men from Baltimore, Amos Shaw and
David Ferris, a nice looking young man, I think the grand son of
David the minister Third day morning Rowland Johnson brought Eliza
Newport to Longstreths to attend Yearly meeting. She lives at
Abbington. At ten the meeting opend. The subject of our yearly
meeting came before us. It was verry interesting. . Much expression
was given, and great sympathy expresed. There seemd to be but one
that objected and that was Anna Garrigus. It was proposed to appoint
a committee but the Meeting was informed that the mens meeting had
laid it by for another year or I believe it would of been granted.
Elisabeth Petit, Eliza newport, Mary Lippencot, Mary Rollin,. A.
Chandler and a number more that I dld not hear their names spoke.
After meeting I went with Aunt Phebe and mary Pennock to Samuel
Townsends to dine. His wife was Mira Sharpless, a first cousin to my
Mother. They were verry kind and invited me to come again. They
entertain a number of Friends. Elizabeth Petit was there. She had
lately buried her husband. Barkley and Mroton Pennoxk, Mary P's sons
were there. They are our cousins from Kennet. Sarah Harvey, a
granddaughter of Amos House was there too. After dinner we returnd
to E.S. Parkers and Georgianna went with me to a bonnet makers at
Ruth Jesses and got two bonnets. At foru went to meeting. The
queries was commenced and only got through the third there was so
much preaching. Mary Lippencot supplicatd and meeting adjound to 3
oclock on fourth. day afternoon. This evening being the third of the
week I had the pleasure of being attended home by my friend Rowland
Johnson. I think him a valuable youngman. He is a minister of
pleasing manner and much respected. He staid for tea besides a
number more. Martha Newport, Elizabeths daughter, a nice young woman
of sixteen was there. Several of us wen to Greenstreet to an
Abolition meeting. We was late and did not hear the commencement,
though several spoke on the subject. Rowland spoke at the conclusion
verry pretty in encouragement to them though he had withdrew from
them sometime. He said he thought it his duty and has peace in doing
so, and at that time he felt at liberty to set with them. After he
spoke some time the meeting concluded and after we returnd home the
company fell into silence. In a shor time Eliza Newport commenced
speaking most wonderful and lengthy to Elijah Pennypacker. The whole
discourse was directd to him and he seemd to be smitten and hung his
head. When all the rest retird from the room he kept his seat for
some time. Fourth day morning, Huldah B. Wing invited me in to her
room to take names and directions of persons and places where she
had a disire to write and that she might recollect persons names and
residences and she gave me her directions. She also read to me a
letter that she had recived from home since she left which caused
her tears to flow when reading about her little son twenty months
old. After nine oclock my cousin came to go out a shopping till near
noon. We were gone. Jane Jackson and her husband, Paxson Price from
Westchester was there, and George Truemen, Junior, from Sharon and
Lydia Heald, and several others was here to dine. At 3 meeting
convened and we got through the queries. Mary Care, Esther Moore,
Elizabeth Peist, Sarah Griffin, Rachel Hunt, Mary Loppencot, Ustacia
Addams, Hather Hays, Deborah Wharton and others spoke and meeting
closd. I got to speak to Jane Johnson. She dont feel for company.
She just lost her mother. She seems verry low spirited. I saw Lydia
Ann Hickman and she had nearly forgotten me, though we slep together
during yearly meetln three years age. Jesse Broomall, Wm. Wharton,
Isaac Underwood took tea here, besides others. We was glad to meet
with Isaac so unexpectedly. He said he was attending Yearly meeting.
He is from Ohio. He was to see us last winter. 5th day morn. Meeting
at Greenstreet, Cherry and Spruce being publick meeting day. We went
to Green St. E. Andrews, Huldah Wing, Jacob Lefetra, John Jackson
and one or tow females that I did not know all preached and I saw
and spoke to Rebecca Bunting. We was pleased to see each other.
After meeting Aaron Kester son Parker and dughter Mary Ellen, Hannah
Heacock, and myself were invited to John Childs to dine. We had saw
them at Fishing Creek. They live in Seckond Street. They has a fine
looking daughter, mary. After dinner Rachel Childs told her sister
May Teas to go with me to Mary Waltons to see if she would take a
prentice to make plain bonnetts, but we did not succeed, as that
season was about over. We went to the Delaware and saw a number of
vessels sailing, steamboats, and others, and one ship just ariving
from Derry laden with Irish. We were on two steamboats. I verry much
admire the scenery there and my time was too short to be fully
sattisfied as it was near meeting time being at 3 oclock. A verry
warm afternoon Eleazer Haviland and George F. White visited our
meeting and both preached. I believe to satisfaction. After they
were gone several females spoke. This evening the mens meeting
closd. This day John Underwood and Matilda Way was married, in
Centre county. I had to think of them in midst of this noisy City
where we are seeing and hearing all the time. My mind would
sometimes wander to Half Moon and Bald Eagle. This evening brother
Samuel came to town, or today; he came here to Longstreths, this
evening. We was pleased to see him. We heard from home that Perry
had not returnd from Centre county. The child had the Scarlet fever,
which seemd to strike a dampness over my feelings. Him and I went to
Eliza S. Parkers to see Aunt and cousin and returnd about ten. Elida
verry unwell. Sixth day meeting met at nine. We had a solmn meeting,
a great number or testamonies. Elizabeth Newport, M. Lippencot, E.
Peist, Ruth Pile, Esther Moore, Anna Carrigus, Mary Biddle, Sarah
Greeg, Elizabeth Andrews, Mary Rollin, Rachel Wainriight, Sarah
Cowgill, Priscilla Townsend, Huldah Wing, Deborah Wharton, Allis
Eliza Hamilton, Ann Weaver, Allis Chandler, Mary Cevelavis, Susan
Pusey, Mary Ann Marshall, mary Hunt, Hannah North, Phebe Johnson all
had something to say. It seemd to me to be the most solmn sitting
during the whole meeting. R. Wainrights preaching seemd to suet me
the best. Her language was good and a harmonious melody in her
voice. Her words seemd to have a weight that could be felt. It seemd
animating. There was others that spoke excellent at different times.
The meeting closd about noon and I went to Parkers to dine and to
pay them my last visit. Elida came there, still verry unwell. Aunt
Phebe and Mary Pennock was invited to take a ride with Joseph
Sharpless and wife and only son to Laurel Hill. Aunty not being
well, she offered me her seat. After some deliberation I accepted.
It was a cloudy day and likely to rain but we had a pleasant ride,
about five miles distant. It is a public buring ground. It is
splendid, indeed, the most beautiful and lovely place that I ever
saw. Everthing to draw the attention and please the eye. There is a
sweet odour there of lovely flowers -- roses, shrubbery and curious
trees. Each person that wishes to bury there gets a plot of ground
and had it fenced in by iron railing. Scolloped and ornamented. They
are chiefly black; some is yellow brass colour. In some is stately
marble monuments of different forms, and the names of the dead and
their ages and so forth. In one encloser was an image of a child,
apparently about three years old, dressd of marble. It was laying on
something like a table or chest with sheet partly thrown over it in
folds, like as if carelessly done. It was verry striking. It looked
just like a corpse with a sheet over as if in bed. There was a cover
over where it lay, all was solid marble, drest in any shape they
choose, I saw two vaults there and was a building in form of a
meeting house, though but few seats. It is only occupied in times of
storm at funerals. One large window in one end of a curious shape,
and the glass is of different colours, like the rainbow. The walks
is in circles. The grass sods is cut out of the walk, and to walk on
the bare ground about two feet wide. I think one building of marble
has old mortality in as it is calld; it is the likeness of a man
that used to go about fixing up graves, riding on a horse, with his
tools, and met Walter Scott, and was setting on a box talking and
Walter seemd two be standing or leaning against something,
bareheaded, and the old mans horse standing by, with a rope bridle
and a bag of tools hanging to the saddle. All was cut out of stone.
All their features and shape, shirt collar, Jacket buttons, pants,
dirty at the bottoms, as if he had been plowing, and old dirty,
shoes and old hat. I was told they had been brought over from
Europe. The rich and grand people bury there. My grandmothers sister
is buried ther, Joanne Sharpless. on her tombstone is
inscribed, "Our Mother. She taught us how to live, and how to die."
Richard Prices wife and daughter married to George Parrish, son of
the Dr. Parrish, lies there. After spending some times, started
back, and had a pleasant rlde, and came to Joseph Sharpless in Forth
St. and there was Aunt P. and cousin G.A.J. She was waiting to
conduct me to Longstreths. I took leave of them and we went there
and we parted at the door. Our lodgers was nearly gone. It seemed
lonesome. I would like to bid some farewell, especialy Huldah W. and
Mary Peckum, Samuel came in to spend the evening. Jane D. Peirse,
Lydia Pike, Lydia Heald, Gidion Pearse and Elizabeth Andrews and
Daughter Mary, Elida and I was the remaining company. Isaac
Underwood calld two or three times to see us. In the evening, I
packed up my trunk and gathered things together for an early start I
felt sorry to leave them and the city, as I dld not get to see all
that I desird and not knowing when I should go there again, if ever.
Haliday Jackson and David Ferris spent the evening there. On 7th day
morning after six the omnibus calld for us and we bade farewell of
our kind friends and started. We was taken to the depo and got in
the car and there found Sarah Pilkinton, Mahlon Hicks, John Starr,
James Starrs wife and daughter and Sarah Right, Elizabeth Lightfoot
and son Thomas, five of them was from Maiden Creek. We had a
tolerable pleasant ride except dull and rainy in the fore part of
the day and we did not feel verry well. We pased through 3 tunnels,
About 1 oclock we arrivd at Pottsville and about two we got in the
stage at Weavers tavern and I got verry sick and vomited out of the
stage twice and I was so sleepy I could not hold my eyes open, they
ached so, and I felt so dull and sometimes verry sick. About nine
oclock we got to Leisenrings. Oh how often I wishd to be at home in
bed while in the stage, but we soon got to Wessers and brother Perry
was there with a lanthorn (means lantern M.Z.) to meet me, and we
soon walked home before ten and all glad to see me, and I them, and
we set up and talked till eleven. I felt a little better. Rebecca
and Griffith was poorly. The babe had the scarlet fever a few days
before and they had just returnd on fifth day from Centre County.
They was gone two weeks and longer than expected, owing to the child
getting sick. Next morn I had a violent headache, and verry unwell.
I forced a little breakfast. I had not eat a meal since six oclock
the morning before in Phila. I had no appetite. Perry took Martha
Thomas to meeting. I sleped till noon, then I felt better and was
able to walk out. I went up to the hill. Little Ezra came up to me
awhile and when we was coming home, he told me his throat was sore.
Then he came to the house and eat then laid down and seem to mope,
and about dark began to vomit and continud by spells till near
midnight. Next day he was in a high fever. Broke out with the rash.
His Father tried the Thompsonian system of steaming and hot teas,
but unavailing. He had a fit, but not hard. It alarmed us verry
much, and after noon sent for Doctor Robbins, and he attended him
five days an tried many things. He still grew worse and exceedingly
no appetite. his throat was verry sore and swelld. He was sensible
most of the time. He suffered verry much and got he could not speak,
or sixth day night, and was verry restless. I was up with him till
three oclock, and Asa and Elidas wife. On seventh day morning,
between five and six, we were calld, and in ten minutes his spirit
had taken its flight. He gently passed away, and ceased to breathe.
Oh, our feeling. What a trial it was to be bereft of that dear
favorite. We saw he was verry bad, but still hopd he might be spard,
so we were in hopes amid fears. Oh, how he is mised. So often do we
think of him. that was such company and so active and lively. But we
must be resignd to the Almights will and saw the Lord is rightous
still. O first day morning, our friends and neighbours met at eight
oclock. Rebecca suplicated, as we were sitting with the corpse. Oh,
what a solmn thing it is to take our last look at a dear departed,
to see their eyes closed forever and lips sealed and body motionless
that so lately could look, speak, and move. Oh, awful death, thou
canst lay low the great and small, the rich and poor, young and old.
All must yield to the, and may we all keep in mind the importance of
being prepared. Our little Ezra was the first to be laid ii the
friends new grave yard in Shamokin. Quite a number was present, and
Reuben and Rebecca preached verry nice on the solmn occasion.
Meeting was after the interment at the usual hour, and after we came
home, oh how lonesome we were that afternoon, nobody here. When. I
would go to bed I would think of him and the first of my thoughts in
the morn would be of him. Oh, how disrest I felt -- In three days
after my return home from the City, Georgianna Janney and little
Mary Isabelle Janney camt to Abishas, being the 21st of the 5th mo.,
and Ezra died the 25th of the 5th mo., 1844, and 5 years, 7 months
and 20 days.
===
More of the diary at:
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~nungesser/John/ElizaDiary/18
44.html#death
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#189 From: "Robert"
Date: Wed Oct 19, 2005 3:20 pm
Subject: Old doctor stories rbobbyleestacy
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Since our family hero, Dr. Silas Scruggs Stacey was such an important
figure in the late 1800's and at the turn of the century we thought it
wuld be nice to figure out some of the details of his life as a doctor.
Since he was busy living, raising over 200 varieties of plants and
herbs, tending a store, a postoffice, and a large family it makes sense
he didn't write a lot about his life as a doctor.
Fortunately we have uncovered a source of wonderful articles written in
1871 and later in northern california.
We have imported some of these interesting descriptions and stories to
our site called Stacey-StacyTales@eGroups.com
You are welcome to visit and read the stories and import them into your
family writings, by analogy, if you find them interesting.
to subscribe to Stacey-StacyTales just send an email to
Stacey-stacyTales-subscribe@eGroups.com
Robert Stacey
10 19 05
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#190 From: robert stacey
Date: Mon Oct 24, 2005 7:23 am
Subject: A tale of meeting another, not so fortunate, and the joy of it robert.rbobbyleestacy@...
Send Email
a keeper
from an injured worker help list, posted for us to read. Anyone can
benefit from this one.
Life: Plan B
Today I want to share with you an inspiring article I wrote
for my website a few months ago. I hope it will encourage
you to think more positively about your lives. If you have
any comments or questions you would like answered in future
editions, please email me at the address below and I will
do all I can to provide you with the advice you seek.
As I always say, "life is too hard to do alone - reach out!"
Dr. Dorree Lynn, Psychologist
LIFE: PLAN B
A woman sat on the hard, uncomfortable seat next to me as I
was waiting for my flight from Chicago's O'Hare airport to
DC's Reagan (Washington National). The Chicago airport had
been massively crowded, disorganized and among the worst
airport experiences I have had either in the US or abroad.
We looked at each other with the kind of mutual recognition
that draws two weary women of approximately the same age
into conversation. She was dressed very casually in a tee
shirt and shorts, and there was a friendly but off-kilter
quality about her. She seemed to need some help, but I
couldn't figure out exactly what kind. I noticed some
money
had dropped out of her shorts pocket. I commented on it to
her, and sensed that it might be difficult for her to
retrieve it. I picked up the 15 or so dollar bills from
under her seat and returned the money to her. Since we were
both waiting several hours for our flight to board, we
started to talk. Her name was Susan and upon hearing my
profession, she started to talk a bit too loudly and openly
to me about her life. It was about 7:00 AM and I had already
been up for several hours. Although sleep's seduction
beckoned, I listened instead.
Perhaps there really are no accidents? Once we got on the
plane, we realized we were seat-mates. At first I squirmed.
I had no interest in the pseudo-instant intimacy that occurs
in places like planes, hair salons, spas and saloons.
Trapped in my seat belt, I gave in. Her openness and need
touched me. I quit reading and listened and as has happened
before, once I surrendered to the inevitable, I learned.
Our conversation became one of those unexpected moments that
when taken advantage of, can impact one forever. Once more
I was humbled and reminded how easy it is to dismiss a human
connection that can be life-enhancing. At 49, riding her
bike in a small beach town, Susan had an accident of unknown
cause and as she was told, wound up brain injured and in a
coma for 10 days. She remembers nothing of the experience.
Weeks of surgery followed by months of rehabilitation
resulted. Susan considers herself fortunate. She regained
speech, learned how to walk again, got potty trained,
learned how to feed herself and although she can no longer
muti-task, with great concentration she can focus well
enough to eke out a living as a professional writer, writing
for the world about the profession she once practiced.
Susan had been a well-respected and successful eye, ears,
nose and throat physician. Since she now tired easily and
couldn't always concentrate at will, she left her medical
practice and started life anew. Where previously she could
only see a limited number of patients, she now wrote about
new sights, sounds and methods of speech for publications
that reached many around the world. Susan had transferred
her training and skills from being a hands-on healer to a
behind the scenes writer of the subjects near and dear to
her. She was interested in and wrote about the cutting-edge
research she once had to read about in order to use.
Because of a twist of fate, she was now able to actively
shape a world she had more passively applied. She had
pushed herself and become a seminal thinker in her area of
expertise. It was clear that the transition had negatively
affected her economics. But, as she proudly told me,
"People ask me if I am on anti-depressants. Why I would be?
I simply have had to change my orientation to what I call
Life: Plan B."
I listened carefully to her tale. Now 59, she was living a
life that she had never considered. Her marriage went the
way of the majority of marriages that face serious illness
or life-changing trauma. Divorce ensued. However Susan is
more fortunate than many. Though divorced, Susan and her
ex-husband live within walking distance and remain friends.
She says she was once an extrovert. Now silence is more
often a comfortable and comforting companion. She keeps in
contact with fewer but more intimate and cherished friend-
ships. Where she once sped through life, now she embraces
each moment. Life is not easy for Susan. But her positive
attitude is infectious. Susan's life has more difficult
moments than many of ours. Yet her courage and new kinds
of sight are gifts she deeply holds and in so doing, she
lights the way for many of us. When I pushed her about the
hardships she endured, she didn't deny them. "Look," she
said. "This is not where I ever expected to be at 59. But
look at how lucky I am. I am lucky to be here. I am lucky
to have had skills. I am lucky to have the knowledge to
know how to transition from Life: Plan A to Life Plan B."
After a while I gave up the notion of trying to sleep and
started to talk about some of my own issues in the areas of
her specialty. I was glad I did. In less than a half hour
many of my personal questions about the effects of aging on
women and men post-head and neck trauma were answered. I
was introduced to the latest scientific breakthroughs in
voice and sight. And since I was facing upcoming surgery
myself, I realized all the questions I had never thought to
ask. Rapidly, I quickly transitioned from expert helper to
the receiver of help. Susan offered to research some
questions I had. There we were, two women who to an outsider
probably looked as if we had nothing in common, helping each
other in ways we couldn't have imagined three hours
earlier.
As we got off the plane, I waited for her. A fast walker, I
kept pace with her slower, more concentrated rhythm. When we
finally got to our destination, carousel 6, the baggage
still
hadn't arrived. We continued to talk. I stayed and helped
her
with her bags. And as people do at airports, we said our
too-
quick goodbyes and went our separate ways. As I turned away
I realized Susan had touched my life at a time that I was in
need. She had given me far more than perhaps I had given
her.
How do these not-so-chance encounters happen? As a result of
our talk, I started to think more creatively and positively
about my own life - and a possible Plan B.
--
Robert Stacey and Charlie Dawg live in the Silverlake Hills of Los Angeles.
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#191 From: robert stacey
Date: Sun Oct 30, 2005 11:47 pm
Subject: Kate Purcell, a registered nurse, writes of back conditions robert.rbobbyleestacy@...
Send Email
This is from another list and it applies to one particular person,
still there is knowledge we all would like to know about the back, the
vertabrae, and the spine.
The list member writes:
> I feel stupid today, because I had believed the
> explaination the Doctor gave me up unitl I picked up this
> report for myself yesterday. I can tell more is going on
> than some arthritis and a buldging disk.
A reply is made:
Lucia,
Sorry I didn't get right back to you, but I have
been in a severe sulpha drug reaction, with rash,
fever, nausea and vomiting.
Kate looks over the stuff and writes:
Your MRI read:
It says,
>>
multilevel discogenic disease with intervertebral disc space
narrowing, vertebral endplate erosive change with Schmorl's
node
formation noted at the thoracolumbar junction and L5-S1.
Posterior
annular tears noted most pronounced at L5-S1.
Disc/osteophyte/spondylosis with facet arthropathy combine
to cause
moderate left L4-L5 and L5-S1 and mild to moderate right
L4-L5 and
L5-S1 neural foraminal narrowing. There is a small central
L5-S1
disc bulge/protrusion mildly effacing the anterior thecal
sac
without central spinal canal stenosis. Left greater than
right L4-L5
bulge with facet arthropathy cause mild to moderate left
leteral
recess narrowing. Lumbosacral spondyloarthropathy with
discogenic disease predominately manifests as multilevel
mild to moderate neural
foraminal narrowing most pronounced in the left L4-L5, but
no
significant LS HNP or spinal stenosis.
>>>
Now.
I will attempt to put this in plain English for you.
The Vertebral Column (Spinal Column) supports the head and
encloses the spinal cord.
http://www.apparelyzed.com/spine.html
The spinal column is comprised of 33 bones, these bones are
refered to individually as vertebrae. The spinal column is
divided into 5 different areas contaning groups of vertebrae
and are refered to as follows:
7 cervical vertebrae in the neck
12 thoracic vertebrae in the upper back corresponding to
each pair of ribs
5 lumbar vertebrae in the lower back
5 sacral vertebrae which are fused together to form 1 bone
called the sacrum and 4 coccygeal vertebrae that are also
fused together to form the coccyx or tailbone.
The vertebrae are refered to by their name and number,
counting down from the top of the spinal column as follows:
The cervical vertebrae are C1 - C7
The thoracic vertebrae are T1 –T12
The lumbar are L1 – L5
The sacrum and coccyx do not have numbers and each is
thought of as one bone. Please the rest here
http://www.apparelyzed.com/spine.html
The spine is composed of a series of functional units. Each
unit has a front (anterior) and back (posterior). The
anterior consist of two vertebral bodies, with a
intervertebral disc in-between them, and the posterior has
the vertebral laminae ( plates of bone that form the
posterior walls of each vertebra, enclosing the spinal cord)
and their processes. One joint is formed between the 2
vertebral bodies, while the other 2 joints are formed by the
articulation of the superior (top) articular processes of
one vertebra with the inferior (bottom) articular (where
they connect) processes of the vertebra above.
Multilevel discogenic disease means you have Degenerative
Disc Disease (DDD), in several locations, within the spinal
column.
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a gradual process where
the intervertebral disc break down, narrowing between each
one, and compressing into irregular sharp from wear and tear
and aging. OsteoArthritis is the same thing as DDD. The
degenerative changes in the spine are often referred to
those that cause the loss of normal structure and/or
function.
http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article242.html
also here
http://www.emedicine.com/sports/topic68.htm
Schmorl's Nodes are defined as herniations of the
intervertebral disc through the vertebral end-plate.
http://www.chiroweb.com/archives/09/19/16.html
Osteophyte are like bone spurs, an outgrowth of bone, which
is common in OsteoArthritis.
Spondylosis is a word for Spinal OsteoArthritis, which is a
degenerative disorder that may cause loss of normal spinal
structure and function. Although aging is the primary cause,
the location and rate of degeneration is individual. The
degenerative process of spondylosis may impact the cervical,
thoracic, and/or lumbar regions of the spine affecting the
intervertebral discs and facet joints..
http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article1440.html
Lumbosacral Spondyloarthropathy means you have DDD and
OsterArthritis in both the Lumbar and Sacral Regions of the
Spine. Your spine is probably curved due to the disc
breakdown (degeneration )
http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic1682.htm and here
http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic2700.htm
Spondyloarthropathy (Spondarthritis)
http://www.rheumatology.org.nz/nz08009.htm
Spondyloarthropathy refers to a family of inflammatory
arthritic conditions which include –
1) Ankylosing spondylitis which mainly involves the spine
and can result in stiffening and loss of movement in the
neck, rib cage and lower back
2) Reactive arthritis which typically causes hot swollen
joints, usually in the legs, but may cause stiffening in the
spine as well. Infection in the bowel or genitourinary tract
sets up a reaction in the joints. This is not the same as
septic arthritis which is infection inside the joint itself.
3) Psoriatic arthritis which can involve the joints in a
variety of ways: sometimes mainly the hands and feet,
sometimes the large joints like the knees and feet and
sometimes the spine and sacroiliac joints (which join the
pelvis to the sacrum).
4) Enteropathic Spondyloarthropathy (arthritis of
Inflammatory Bowel Disease). Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's
disease are inflammatory conditions of the bowel which
result in diarrhoea, often bloody. They are associated with
an arthritis which may affect the spine and sacroiliac
joints, and peripheral joints as well.
5) Undifferentiated Spondyloarthropathy with peripheral
joint involvement, not associated with any skin, bowel or
genitourinary disease.
Thoracolumbar junction, also known as Maigne's syndrome,
causes low back pain.
http://www.chiroweb.com/archives/18/26/14.html
annular tears = What people refer to as back sprain.
http://www.spine-dr.com/site/info/info_article7.html
The term "stenosis" comes from Greek and means a
"choking". In lumbar spinal stenosis, the spinal cord or
spinal nerve roots are compressed, or choked, and this can
produce symptoms of pain, tingling, weakness or numbness
that radiates into the buttocks and legs. Spinal stenosis
can occur in a variety of ways in the spine. Approximately
75% of cases of spinal stenosis occur in the low back
(lumbar spine), and most will affect the sciatic nerve which
runs along the back of the leg.
What is spinal stenosis?
The skull, vertebral column in the spine and sacrum (at the
bottom of the spine) serve to support the structures of the
body and to protect the delicate brain, spinal cord and
nerves beneath. Each of these bony structures has holes
through which nerves pass outward to the major parts of the
body.
The entire length of the spinal column has a large central
canal or passage through which the spinal cord descends, and
then secondary holes to each side of the canal to allow
emergence of spinal nerves at each level. The spinal cord
stops at the upper part of the low back, and below that the
tiny contained nerve rootlets descend loosely splayed out -
like a horse's tail – and protectively enclosed in a
long sack. All central nerve structures are protected
further by membranes, with a tough outer membrane called the
dura (tough) mater (mother)
Major types of stenosis include:
• Foraminal stenosis. As the nerve root is about to leave
the canal through a side hole (lateral foramen), a bone spur
(osteophyte) can press on the nerve root. This type of
stenosis may also be called lateral spinal stenosis. This is
by far the most common form of spinal stenosis. 72% of cases
of foraminal stenosis occur at the lowest lumbar level,
trapping the emerging nerve root (a major part of the
sciatic nerve).
• Central stenosis. A choking of the central canal, called
central spinal stenosis in the lumbar (low back) area can
compress the sack of the horse's tail (cauda equina, or
cauda equine). Central spinal stenosis is more common at the
second lowest lumbar spinal level and above and is largely
caused by redundancy of a ligament (ligamentum flavum) which
is associated with protecting the dura and arises from the
inside part of the facet joint.
• Far Lateral stenosis. After the nerve has left the
spinal canal it can also be compressed on the outside of the
spine from either a bony protrusion or disc bulge.
http://www.spine-health.com/topics/cd/spinsten/stenosis/sten01.html
Bottom line, you have sprain you back, L5-S1 , which caused
some buldging disc,L4-L5, plus you have had OsteoArthritis
for some time now.
Hope this helps.
Kate
--
Robert Stacey and Charlie Dawg live in the Silverlake Hills of Los Angeles.
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#192 From: "Robert"
Date: Sun Nov 13, 2005 4:37 pm
Subject: old time tales of medical treatment and the result rbobbyleestacy
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As we read about our ancestors we often wonder what is meant by a
particular word or expression. We know that there were few things of
an anesthetic nature but for delouden and carbolic acid which were
used in lieu of whiskey when surgery took place.
Here is a tragic tale of a woman who died after a fire. Do not reaad
it if you are squemish in any way.
Monday, 10 Oct 1859<<
DIED -- Julia MORRILL, aged 12 years, who was so severely burned 3
weeks
ago, died on Saturday, 8th inst. She suffered intense agony during a
period
of 20 days, before death came to her relief. So great were her
sufferings
whenever her burns were dressed, she prayed that death might relieve
her
before it might be deemed necessary to dress them again. On such
occasions
her friends about her hoped she might faint that in this manner she
would
be relieved of her agonies; but those very pains appeared to
increase her
vitality, and in a manner forced her to bear them, as nature could
not
relieve her by taking from her consciousness, as is so usual with
those who
suffer to so great an extreme.
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#193 From: robert stacey
Date: Mon Nov 14, 2005 11:22 pm
Subject: Re: [Q-R] Wilmington Meeting Marriages robert.rbobbyleestacy@...
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Those of us who had doctors as ancestors are preoccupied with the
question, what was their practice like, how much did they know, did
they have anesthetic, what did they do without antibiotics we have
today, how did they know when a surgery would work out, etc....
We also try to understand cause of death on old certificates of death.
We all appreciated the list.
I have more references to old doctors if anyone wants to know of them.
Robert
Los Angeles
I googled old time medical terms, quite a list came up:
Web Results 1 - 10 of about 417,000 for oldtime medical terms. (0.27
seconds)
Old Time Medical Terms
Based on this article plus a list of medical terms from the Prodigy Genealogy
Bulletin Board and another list from the Fall 1986 Appleland Bulletin, ...
loricase.com/old-medical-terms.html - 6k - Cached - Similar pages -
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Occupations and Medical Terms
Some Names of Old Time Occupations
http://www.genrecords.com/forms/occupations.pdf
... Medical Conditions:. Diseases And Medical Terms In Old Documents ...
au.geocities.com/ddfhs_2000/medoc.html - 6k - Cached - Similar pages -
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Genealogy: Medical Terms Used by Our Ancestors
Find the modern terms for illness listed on death certificates and other old ...
Archaic Medical Terms · Old Medical Terms for Use by Genealogists ...
www.genealinks.com/medical.htm - 48k - Cached - Similar pages - Remove result
Antiquus Morbus Links
Montgomery Co TN - Old Time Medical Terms · Morris Co NJ - Old Time
Disease Names ·
New Zealand - A Glossary of Old Medical Terms ...
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Medical Pedigrees: Understanding Old Medical Terms
Archaic Medical Terms. Old Time Disease Names. Forgotten Medical Cures.
Fortunately medical science has come a long way today. Not only the
understand of ...
www.genealogytoday.com/columns/ruby/050406.html - 19k - Cached -
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Death Was With Them. Genealogy, History, Family History, American ...
Old Time Medical Terms This page last updated on Thursday, May 19, 2005.
Old medical terms and some folk terms too! ~ from mortality schedules, court ...
www.tngenweb.org/darkside/medical-terms.html - 41k - Cached - Similar
pages - Remove result
Old Time Disease Names
Old Time Disease Names usgw-m2.gif (4264 bytes) Morris Co. Up. The following is
a generalized list of diseases and their definitions that I have found ...
www.rootsweb.com/~njmorris/disease.htm - 40k - Nov 14, 2005 - Cached -
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medical
Diseases And Medical Terms In Old Documents · Glossary of Diseases · Glossary of
Helpful Terms ... Old Time Illnesses · Old Medical Terminology.
www.usgennet.org/usa/vt/town/westminster/medical.html - 3k - Cached -
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[PDF] Page 1 Genealogical Association of Sacramento GAS PO Box 292145 ...
File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat - View as HTML
regarding the old medical terms and. treatments. Archaic Medical Terms. Old Time
Disease Names. Forgotten Medical Cures. Fortunately medical science has ...
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On 11/14/05, Alan Buckingham wrote:
> Hello All,
>
>
>
> A while back I posted Quaker Marriages from Wilmington Meeting for
> 1750-1800. Today I added 1801-1850.
>
>
>
> I also posted a list of Old Medical Terms. I am not sure where I got that
> list from so if anyone knows who should be credited with it please let me
> know.
>
>
>
> Alan
>
> http://www.midatlanticarchives.com
>
>
>
>
>
> ==== QUAKER-ROOTS Mailing List ====
> Need assistance? Please contact:Quaker-Roots-L-Admin@...
> List Manager for Quaker-Roots-L and Quaker-Roots-D
> Now with over 750 subscribers
>
>
--
Robert Stacey and Charlie Dawg live in the Silverlake Hills of Los Angeles.
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#194 From: robert stacey
Date: Fri Nov 18, 2005 10:26 pm
Subject: Fwd: [Injured-Workers] DX: Wound Clinic for Spider Bite rbobbyleestacy
Offline
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--- "Kate Purcell, RN"
wrote:
> From Kate Purcell, RN Fri Nov 18 01:51:19 2005
> To: LupusLiving & FMS Vitals Support Group
>
> From: "Kate Purcell, RN"
> Date: Fri, 18 Nov 2005 03:51:19 -0600
> Subject: [Injured-Workers] DX: Wound Clinic for
> Spider Bite
>
>
>
> Hello Everyone,
>
> Went to the Wound Clinic today, and just so happen,
> the Doctor who was available to see me, is the
> Medical
> Director of the Hospital. I was very pleased with
> his
> assessment and treatment, however, I have more than
> just a ulcer wound to clear up.
>
> The rash around this open ulcer, can also be
> discoloration
> from lack of circulation. It is very hard to define
> what
> it is, therefore, I need more test.
>
> They took my Foot Blood Pressure, in order to do a
> this
> Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) Foot Test
>
http://www.webmd.com/hw/health_guide_atoz/aa115638.asp.
> This is to rule out Peripheral Arterial Disease
>
ase>
>
> (PAD)
>
http://www.webmd.com/hw/health_guide_atoz/stp1421.asp?navbar=aa115638
>
> You have many places on the body, where a pulse can
> be
> taken. My Posterior Tibial Artery pulse (side of
> inner
> ankle) was very weak, and they had to use a Doppler
> to
> get it. This page will show you the places a pulse
> can
> be taken on lower extremities.
>
http://www.gla.ac.uk/ibls/fab/tutorial/generic/sapulse.html
>
> Picture of Lower Limb Pulses Locations
>
http://www.gla.ac.uk/ibls/fab/tutorial/generic/sapulse.html
>
> Foot Exam with Foot & Arm Blood Pressures
> http://www.diabetes.usyd.edu.au/foot/Fexam1.html
>
>
> Next, they apply a Topical Anesthesia ( Numbing Gel
> )
> -- Tetracaine 4% Gel, that works wonders! My leg
> pain is
> an 8, but after two applications of this gel, I only
> felt
> pressure. It does not numb deep, so any deep
> surgical debridement
> he did, I did feel.
>
> The Doctor cut off all the white Fibrous Tissue
> which had
> formed over the past 3 weeks. I was told I had
> clean wound,
> with no infection.
>
> They applied Iodosorb Gel Cadexomer Iodine Gel,
> which is made
> in Sweden. It will cleanse draining and/or infected
> wounds by
> absorbing exudate while actively fighting infection
> by reducing
> the bacterial load through the slow release of small
> amounts of
> a 0.9% elemental iodine into the wound fluid.
>
>
http://www.healthpoint.com/divisions/tm/prodIodosorbIodoflex.cfm
>
> This Iodosorb Gel Cadexomer Iodine Gel,, 40 gram
> tube, cost
> anywhere from $57.00 - $93.73 a tube. depending
> where you purchase
> it. However, they gave the tube to me, and will
> continue to
> supply all the medication they want me to use or
> take.
>
>
http://www.qualitymedicalsupplies.com/page/QMS/PROD/WC-WC/HE-010040
> or here http://makeashorterlink.com/?P57721E2C
>
> They also applied a gauze dressing, and wrap that
> with a Kerlix
> Roll, then applied a Circular Cotton Knit Stocking
> that helps
> keep the dressing on and also applies light
> pressure.
>
> They also have me down for an Angiogram, in the next
> week or so.
>
> http://www.rad.wfubmc.edu/patienteduc/angiogram.htm
>
>
> I need to call tomorrow and re-sch as they
> put this on the day I am suppose to see my Lupus
> Doctor.
> I told that Nurse what dates I would NOT be
> available,
> she turns around and sch me on that date. ARG!!!
>
>
> - An Angiogram (Digital Subtraction Angiogram)
> produces a Road Map of
> the Blood
> Vessels. It is a good way of examining the Anatomy
> of the Blood Vessels
> and tells
> the Surgeon which Blood Vessels are open and which
> are diseased, narrowed
> (Stenosed) or blocked.
>
http://www.vascular.co.nz/assessment_and%20tests%20in_vascular_disease.htm
> and http://www.vascular.co.nz/angiogram.htm
>
>
> Anyway, the Doctor wants to see if I have a clogged
> aterial vein
> to my leg, or if I have an Vascular Disease.
>
> Assessment of Vascular Disease
>
>
http://www.vascular.co.nz/assessment_and%20tests%20in_vascular_disease.htm
>
>
>
> I have developed a Medical Report Card, years ago,
> that has
> all my Diagnosis, Allergies, Medications, ect... on
> one sheet.
> This Doctor read every word, on my Medical Report
> Card, and
> asked me where I got it. Told him I was the
> designer, author
> and publisher, and he really liked it. He was VERY
> careful to
> NOT use something I was allergic to. A Sulphur drug
> is normally
> the treatment for this ulcer like wound, however
> this Iodine
> Medications can also treat ulcer wound.
>
> So, I go back the Wound Clinic in two weeks, but
> have to go to
> the hospital for this Angiogram Test, which will
> probably keep
> me overnight. When I get a date, will let you
> know. If this
> Angiogram comes up positive, that also means surgery
> on my arteries.
>
> More later,
> Kate
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been
> removed]
>
>
Robert Stacey is accompanied at all times by his dog, Miss Charlie
now almost 6 years old. She runs this house. Taken in at 8 weeks of age, as a
delightful but precocious puppy, she knows no other life.
She takes the center of our kingsized bed, wants a bite whenever we eat,
demands walks and water,and likes her daily trips to the Silverlake Dog Park.
If you have a dog Miss Charlie would most certainly want to
be your friend. If you have a cat , we'll see.
__________________________________
Yahoo! FareChase: Search multiple travel sites in one click.
http://farechase.yahoo.com
Reply | Forward | Messages in this Topic (1)
#195 From: "Robert"
Date: Thu Jan 5, 2006 2:20 am
Subject: The health of Mary Stacy Johnson rbobbyleestacy
Offline
Send Email
Invite to Yahoo! 360°
From: robert stacey
To: stacey-stacyinfobits@egroups.com, Stacey-
StacyMedHist@yahoogroups.com
Date: Sun, 18 Dec 2005 15:11:27 -0800
Subject: Talked to Mary Stacy Johnson today.
On December 18th I made an early morning call to Mary Stacy Johnson
who lives in Vian Oklahoma.
she reports that she is feeling much better. Her voice is much
stronger..She says she never expected to reach this, her 80th year,
but she keeps on going.
She reports that her husband Colin Johnson is now taking some
alscheimers medicines, that what she thought was depression may be
some other kind of change. He no longer drives.
David their son is now 50 years old and he lives with them and his
new John Deere Tractor and his new Hyundai. He kept his pickup truck
because they are handy when you own farm land.
His mom says they calaculated that it was costing him $14 to get to
work, this new machine goes quite a bit further on a lesser amount
of gas so he really likes it.
David takes them to town and there is a bus service but it seems
like it might be too expensive, costing abot $14 each for Colin and
Mary to get to town.
She is going to look around for a possible driver or transportation.
She says Colin worked on a Federal Dam Project and got their fine
insurance from U.S. Government employment. It has been a godsend.
They pay small amounts for medicines, $15 or $25 but do not have to
pay to see the doctor or use the plan hospital.
She reports that recently she was hospitalized because her blood
sugar went down to 25. Colin and David thought maybe she had a heart
attack. They kept her for a day and let her go home. She reports
that in spite of her painful arthritis which hurts when she gets out
of her chair that she feels much stronger these days.
There is a new occupant of Mary's house, wondered in, a little black
female puppy whom they have named Daisy May. She is having the time
of her life playing with marys recent little boston terrier pup. She
says the two little ones have quite a time of it running all over
the place chewing everythig everywhere, etc. You know the drill if
you've had a pup. Mary has 2.
They still have their outsidde dog, Yaller, who protects the front
of the house.
While we spoke Mary went to draw a glass of water. She reports that
her diabetes gives her a liking for cold water, with ice. She says
she drinks a lot of water.
When she got to the frig she said Colin had beat her to it and taken
most of the ice.
She is of good humour and always a joy to talk with.
If you wish to cheer her up a bit you could send her a christmas
card. I'm sure she would enjoy it.
Robert Stacey
Los Angeles
Reply | Forward | Messages in this Topic (1)
#196 From: robert stacey
Date: Mon Jan 23, 2006 1:46 am
Subject: Re: Third degree heart block robert.rbobbyleestacy@...
Send Email
What to Expect After
Electrophysiology Studies
All of the catheters will be removed when the procedure is done. Firm
pressure is applied at the catheter insertion sites for several
minutes in to prevent bleeding, and a dressing is applied.
You will be disconnected from most of the monitoring equipment;
however, some of this equipment may remain connected until you have
been transported to a recovery area or hospital room. The intravenous
(IV) line in your arm is often left in place.
You will be required to lie flat and still for several hours. You
should avoid lifting and bending your legs where the catheters were
inserted. This will give the punctured vessels an opportunity to heal
completely.
Typically a nurse follows your progress for several hours by checking
your pulse, blood pressure, and the catheter insertion sites. If you
notice bleeding or feel pain at these insertion sites, or if you feel
the heart beating rapidly, notify the nurse immediately.
Sometimes you will be allowed to go home on the day of the procedure,
but you may be required to stay in the hospital overnight. Your heart
may be monitored with an electrocardiogram (ECG) until you go home.
You should make arrangements for someone to take you home from the
hospital.
After you return home, limit your activity for several days. Avoid all
vigorous physical exertion and strain (such as lifting heavy objects).
In addition, carefully follow your physician's instructions regarding
medications you are to take.
Leave the dressing in place until the next day or as instructed by
your physician or nurse. They will also tell you how long to wait to
bathe after returning home.
It is not unusual to have a bruise or small lump where the catheters
were inserted. This usually disappears in a week or two. It is unusual
for the sites to become warm to the touch, tender, painful, or for any
swelling to increase after you return home. It would also be unusual
for you to develop a fever or experience a recurrence of your rapid
heart rhythm, chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath. If any of
these occur, contact your physician immediately.
On 1/22/06, robert stacey wrote:
> During
> Electrophysiology Studies
>
> A small incision is made in the numbed skin, again, usually in the
> groin or neck area. A needle is used to make a tiny hole in the blood
> vessel (typically a vein, but sometimes an artery) through which an
> ablation or electrode catheter, or both, will be inserted.
>
> One or more diagnostic catheters are inserted into your blood vessel
> and gently moved toward the heart. Your physician will follow catheter
> progress on a special monitor connected to the fluoroscope camera.
>
> Diagnostic catheters can be used to sense electrical activity in
> various areas of the heart and to measure where and how fast these
> impulses travel. These catheters can also be used to deliver tiny
> electrical impulses to stimulate the heart to beat or contract. By
> doing this, physicians attempt to start (or induce) your arrhythmia so
> they can understand more about it and decide how best to treat it. If
> you feel the same symptoms you experienced when the arrhythmia
> occurred previously, you should tell the electrophysiology (EP) lab
> staff.
>
> Often these induced arrhythmias stop by themselves; however, if an
> arrhythmia persists or is very rapid, it may make you feel faint for a
> moment. If this happens, your doctor may need to deliver electrical
> therapy to the heart to stop the abnormal rhythm. If you were not in
> an EP lab, these arrhythmias could be very dangerous, perhaps even
> life-threatening. The well-trained personnel in the EP lab, however,
> have the equipment and medications necessary to respond appropriately
> and immediately to these arrhythmias.
>
> The EP study is usually not painful. You may feel some pressure at the
> sites where the catheters are inserted.
>
> Most EP studies are completed within two hours. If your physician
> decides to continue and attempt to correct the arrhythmia, though, a
> complete procedure can last up to six hours or more. If this is the
> case, you may feel tired and uncomfortable after lying still for such
> a lengthy period of time.
>
>
>
> On 1/22/06, robert stacey wrote:
> > http://www.sjm.com/conditions/condition.aspx?name=Heart+Block
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Heart Block
> >
> > Arrhythmia is a medical term that refers to a heart rate that is
> > outside the normal range. (Normal is 60 to 100 beats per minute.) An
> > arrhythmia that is too slow is called a bradyarrhythmia or
> > bradycardia.
> >
> >
> >
> > Heart block is a type of bradycardia (slow heart rate, usually less
> > than 60 beats per minute) that occurs when the beat that originates in
> > the upper chambers of the heart is unable to pass normally to the
> > lower chambers of the heart. (This is sometimes called AV block,
> > because the impulse slows or does not pass through the
> > atrioventricular node that joins the upper and lower chambers of the
> > heart.) There are different kinds of heart block.
> >
> > With first-degree heart block, the beats pass from the upper chambers
> > to the lower chambers, but conduction is slower than normal (more than
> > 0.2 seconds).
> >
> > With second-degree heart block, not all of the beats pass from the
> > heart's upper to lower chambers, so some are dropped.
> >
> >
> > With third-degree (also called complete) heart block, the impulses
> > cannot pass from the upper to the lower chambers, so the lower
> > chambers originate their own impulse. This means they do beat and pump
> > blood, but at a slower rate and more inefficiently than if by an
> > impulse from the upper chambers.
> >
> > Normal Rhythm
> > Every normal heart has a normal rhythm. That rhythm varies from person
> > to person. In most healthy people, the heart at rest beats about 60 to
> > 100 times per minute. A small bunch of heart cells called the
> > sinoatrial node keeps time.
> >
> > =================================================================
> >
> >
> > Symptoms
> > Heart Block
> >
> > Some bradycardias are asymptomatic (produce no symptoms); others
> > warrant treatment (see symptoms below), usually via a pacemaker.
> >
> >
> > See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:
> >
> >
> > Fatigue, weakness
> >
> > Dizziness or light-headedness
> >
> > Fainting or nearly fainting
> >
> > Shortness of breath
> >
> >
> > ================================================================
> >
> >
> >
> > Risk Factors
> > Heart Block
> >
> > There are different types of arrhythmias. Some occur spontaneously,
> > with no known cause. For others, however, there are risk factors that
> > may contribute to heart disease, which may lead to potentially
> > dangerous arrhythmias.
> >
> > A risk factor is any characteristic or behavior that increases your
> > chances for having an arrhythmia. Some risk factors can be controlled,
> > or modified, but others cannot. For example, you can take measures to
> > control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cigarette smoking, and
> > excess weight. You cannot control your age, family history of heart
> > disease, or your gender.
> >
> >
> > Risk factors interact with each other. If you have two risk
> > factors—let's say you have high cholesterol and you smoke—the odds of
> > getting heart disease, which could lead to a heart attack, are greater
> > than if you had either risk factor alone. That's why we call them risk
> > factors.
> >
> > Risk means odds or chances. The more risk factors you have, the
> > greater your chances of developing heart disease over time. Ask
> > yourself if you are willing to take such chances with your life by the
> > health behaviors you practice, or can control. Controllable and
> > non-controllable risk factors—increase your chances of developing
> > heart disease.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Controllable Risk Factors
> >
> >
> > Coronary artery disease
> >
> > Heart attack
> >
> > Diabetes
> >
> > High cholesterol
> >
> > High blood pressure
> >
> > Cigarette smoking
> >
> > Drug or alcohol abuse
> >
> > Excess weight
> >
> > High fat diet
> >
> > Sedentary lifestyle
> >
> > Stress
> >
> > Certain medications (over-the-counter and prescriptions, including
> > decongestants and diet and herbal supplements)
> >
> > Heart surgery (may also be a non-controllable risk factor)
> >
> >
> >
> > Non-Controllable Risk Factors
> > You cannot change the non-controllable risk factors; however, just
> > knowing that you have a predisposition to heart disease because of
> > them may prompt you to make healthier choices about the risk factors
> > you can control.
> >
> >
> > Non-Controllable Risk Factors
> >
> >
> > Family history of heart disease
> >
> > Congenital heart disorders (heart problems present at birth, usually
> > involving the heart's chambers or valves)
> >
> > Advancing age
> >
> > Gender (males are more susceptible)
> >
> >
> > ================================================================
> >
> > Prevention
> > Heart Block
> > Not all arrhythmias are preventable. Practicing heart-healthy living
> > may help to prevent or slow heart disease, which may help you avoid
> > developing an arrhythmia or slow its progression.
> >
> > Do
> > Drink plenty of water - eight to 10 glasses a day
> >
> > Eat a heart-healthy diet
> >
> > Eliminate unnecessary stress Don't engage in family arguments
> >
> > Exercise regularly - especially aerobic activity like walking,
> > cycling, jogging, or swimming
> >
> > Maintain a healthy weight
> >
> > See your doctor regularly
> >
> > Don't
> > Smoke and linger where there is second-hand smoke - smoking is a
> > leading cause of heart disease
> >
> > Drink excessive amounts of alcohol, caffeine, or sugary drinks
> >
> > Ignore symptoms, which may signal heart problems
> >
> > ================================================================
> >
> > Diagnosis
> > Heart Block
> >
> > To detect and diagnose heart block, your doctor first takes a thorough
> > medical history and performs a physical examination. During the
> > medical history, you will be asked questions about your symptoms, such
> > as when they began, how often they are noticed, how long they last,
> > and what they feel like. You should provide information about any
> > history of heart or lung problems, high blood pressure, or thyroid
> > dysfunction, as these conditions can trigger arrhythmias. During the
> > physical exam, your doctor will listen to your heart and take your
> > pulse to determine whether blood is moving through the heart as it
> > should. After the history and exam, your doctor may choose to use one
> > or more diagnostic tests.
> >
> >
> > Select a link below to jump down the page:
> >
> >
> > Electrocardiograms
> >
> > Echocardiograms
> >
> > Recorders
> >
> > Tilt-Table Test
> >
> > Electrophysiologic Testing or EP Studies
> >
> > Electrocardiograms
> > Electrocardiograms (ECGs or EKGs) provide a record of the heart's
> > electrical activity. This simple test records any abnormal findings in
> > the heart's electrical impulses. Electrodes are placed on the arms and
> > chest to monitor electrical activity, which is recorded on graph
> > paper. Information can be obtained during rest or exercise. Sometimes
> > a 24-hour ECG (Holter monitor) is used to show a change in rhythm over
> > time while you go about daily activities.
> >
> > Echocardiograms
> > Echocardiograms (ECHOs) may be ordered if your doctor suspects a
> > problem with the heart muscle or one of the valves that channel blood
> > through the heart. During an ECHO, sound waves are bounced off the
> > heart, and the returning signals are converted into a moving image on
> > a video screen.
> >
> > =================================================================
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Therapy
> > Heart Block
> >
> > The more severe forms of heart block (some second-degree and all
> > third-degree) usually are treated with an artificial permanent
> > pacemaker.
> >
> > The pacemaker can take the place of a diseased sinus node or it can
> > help the heart to beat despite a blockage in the heart's conduction
> > system.
> >
> > A lead (a thin, coated wire) is inserted through a vein, and the tip
> > of the lead (called the electrode) is placed in either the upper or
> > the lower chamber of the heart against, or attached to, the heart's
> > lining. (For dual-chamber pacemakers, two leads are used - one placed
> > in the atrium and one placed in the ventricle.)
> >
> > The pulse generator, which encases the electronic circuitry of the
> > pacemaker, is attached to the lead and placed just under the skin,
> > usually in the chest.
> >
> > ================================================================
> >
> >
> >
> > Frequently Asked Questions
> > Select a link below to jump down the page:
> >
> > What is sick sinus syndrome?
> >
> > Is a pacemaker a reliable therapy for heart block?
> >
> > What doctors treat arrhythmias?
> >
> > Can my arrhythmia cause a heart attack?
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > What is sick sinus syndrome?
> >
> >
> >
> > Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) is another form of bradycardia, in which
> > the sinoatrial node (the heart's natural pacemaker) is not functioning
> > as it should. This means that all of the electrical signals that start
> > a heartbeat do not leave the SA node (sinoatrial block) or that there
> > are longer pauses in the generation of the electrical signal (sinus
> > arrest). SSS can cause tachycardia (heart rates that are too fast) or
> > bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome (heart rates that fluctuate between
> > being too slow and too fast).
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Is a pacemaker a reliable therapy for heart block?
> >
> >
> >
> > For over 40 years, pacemakers have been helping people with slow
> > heart rates. Most people feel better and have more energy once they
> > receive their pacemaker. Discuss any concerns you may have with your
> > doctor. Learn more about Pacemaker Implantation surgery.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > What doctors treat arrhythmias?
> >
> >
> >
> > Physicians that specialize in the heart are cardiologists.
> > Cardiologists who specialize in the heart's electrical conduction
> > system are called electrophysiologists.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Can my arrhythmia cause a heart attack?
> >
> >
> >
> > An arrhythmia will not cause a heart attack; however, other
> > underlying heart disease, which may cause the arrhythmia, may also
> > cause a heart attack.
> >
> > An arrhythmia has to do with the heart's electrical system and its
> > ability to beat.
> >
> > A heart attack is caused by insufficient blood flow in the heart,
> > usually due to a blockage in the coronary artery.
> >
> > ===============================================================
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Identity(r) ADx Pacemaker
> > Approved for Use: United States & International
> > This device is approved for use in the United States and internationally.
> >
> > The Identity ADx pacemaker family, which includes the world's smallest
> > dual-chamber pacemaker, provides clinicians with the most advanced
> > pacemaker technology available, including the revolutionary AF
> > Suppression™ algorithm, the first and only U.S. commercially approved
> > algorithm designed to suppress atrial fibrillation (AF). The AF
> > Suppression algorithm in the Identity ADx pacemaker family is combined
> > with the most advanced diagnostic systems and bradycardia feature set
> > available today, establishing the Identity ADx pacemaker as the
> > premier product offering in advanced arrhythmia care.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > The Identity ADx pacemakers feature AF management, a suite of
> > therapeutic and diagnostic capabilities designed to help manage
> > pacemaker patients suffering from AF. This tool kit includes:
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > AT/AF Diagnostic Suite - AT/AF Burden Trend, AT/AF Stored EGM
> > trigger, AT/AF Histogram, and AT/AF Episode Log
> >
> > AF Suppression Algorithm - Clinically proven and designed to suppress
> > AF before it happens
> >
> > AF Suppression Histogram - Allows you to evaluate the success of the
> > AF suppression algorithm
> >
> > Stored Electrograms (EGMs) - Provides a comprehensive overview of
> > patient-device interactions, especially high atrial rate activity
> >
> > Auto Mode Switch (AMS) Log - Stores rate and duration information for
> > mode switch episodes
> >
> > Ventricular Rate Control - Separately programmable AMS base rate for
> > improved patient comfort
> >
> > Physician Commanded Atrial Therapy (NIPS - Non-Invasive Programmed
> > Stimulation) - Provides the clinician with another option for the
> > treatment of atrial arrhythmias
> >
> >
> >
> > The Identity ADx pacemaker family also encompasses the most advanced
> > bradycardia feature set, including the exclusive ventricular
> > AutoCapture™ Pacing Systems, assuring Beat-by-Beat™ capture
> > verification and a projected longevity of 12.3 years.1
> >
> >
> > Other features available in the Identity ADx pacemaker family include:
> >
> > Advanced Hysteresis Response - Manages special rate situations
> > including abrupt rate drop
> >
> > Automatic P & R Wave Measurements - Provides accuracy and speed in
follow-up
> >
> > Omnisense(r) Accelerometer Sensor - Provides appropriate and prompt
> > rate response for your patient's activity level
> >
> > Auto Rest Rate - Provides patient comfort during periods of
> > inactivity and rest
> >
> > Cross Sensor AMS - Offers cross sensor mode switching (such as DDDR
> > to DDI) when sensor is programmed on
> >
> > FastPath™ Programmer Software - The FastPath summary screen provides
> > one-step access to and from all diagnostics and tests. FastPath
> > programmer software also includes several programmer speed
> > enhancements.
> >
> > Onscreen Help - Offers the option of viewing the software reference
> > manuals on the programmer by selecting the Help button on the
> > programmer console
> >
> > Previous Test Results - Records the results from the last sense or
> > capture test in the pacemaker's memory
> >
> > Remaining Longevity Estimate - Gives an estimate of the remaining
> > life of the device
> >
> > 1Identity ADx XL 5386 DDDR, AutoCapture Pacing Systems on, 100% DDD
> > pacing, 60 bpm, 0.4 ms, 2.5 V atrium, 1.0 V ventricle, 500 ohms
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Models
> >
> > Identity ADx XL DR 5386
> > Dual-chamber, rate-responsive, extended longevity pacemaker
> > 44 x 52 x 6 mm, 23.5 g, and 11 cc
> > AF Suppression algorithm
> > AF Suppression histogram & event counter
> > AT/AF burden trend
> > AT/AF histogram & episode log
> > Stored electrograms (EGMs)
> > Automatic mode switch (AMS) with AMS log
> > Programmable AMS base rate
> > Physician commanded atrial therapy (NIPS - Non-Invasive Programmed
Stimulation)
> > Beat-by-Beat AutoCapture Pacing Systems
> > Omnisense accelerometer sensor
> > Auto rest rate
> > FastPath programmer software enhancements
> > Automatic P& R wave measurements
> > Advanced hysteresis response for sudden drops in rate
> > AutoIntrinsic Conduction Search (AICS)
> > Rate responsive PVARP & rate responsive AV/PV delay
> > Connector that accepts all unipolar and bipolar VS-1 or IS-1 leads
> > Cellular Tested
> >
> > =============================================================
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > St. Jude Medical, Inc.
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > Robert Stacey and Charlie Dawg live in the Silverlake Hills of Los Angeles.
> >
>
>
> --
> Robert Stacey and Charlie Dawg live in the Silverlake Hills of Los Angeles.
>
--
Robert Stacey and Charlie Dawg live in the Silverlake Hills of Los Angeles.
Reply | Forward | Messages in this Topic (3)
#197 From: robert stacey
Date: Wed Jan 18, 2006 8:46 pm
Subject: Saving folks from a minor stroke robert.rbobbyleestacy@...
Send Email
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: alba cintron
Date: Jan 15, 2006 12:03 AM
Subject: Fwd: FW: this is IMPORTANT information!!]
To: Lenore Wander
Note: forwarded message attached.
________________________________
Yahoo! Photos
Got holiday prints? See all the ways to get quality prints in your hands ASAP.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Chimelis, Sonia"
To: "Peacock, Susan" , "Forrest, Penny"
, "Peggy Rodriguez" ,
"Mina Jimenez" , "alba cintron"
, "Esther" , "Anna
Gabaldon" , "Fran"
Date: Mon, 9 Jan 2006 12:53:59 -0600
Subject: FW: this is IMPORTANT information!!]
-----Original Message-----
From: Barrientos, Melvin
Sent: Monday, January 09, 2006 10:49 AM
To: Los Angeles Secretaries
Subject: FW: this is IMPORTANT information!!]
I don't know if this is true, but here it goes.
During a BBQ a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured
everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) and
just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes. They got her cleaned
up and got her a new plate of food - while she appeared a bit shaken up,
Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening. Ingrid's
husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to
the hospital?(at 6:00pm, Ingrid passed away.
She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ - had they known how to identify
the signs of a stroke perhaps Ingrid would be with us today. It only
takes a minute to read this-Recognizing a Stroke A neurologist says that
if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse
the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a
stroke recognized, diagnosed and getting to the patient within 3 hours
which is tough.
RECOGNIZING A STROKE?
Thank God for the sense to remember the "3" steps. Read and learn!
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify.
Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim
may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the
symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a
stroke by asking three simple questions:
1. *Ask the individual to SMILE.
2. *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
3. *Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)
(i.e.It's sunny out today)
If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 9-1-1immediately
and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher. After discovering that a
group of non-medical volunteers could identify facial weakness, arm
weakness and speech problems, researchers urgedthe general public to
learn the three questions. They presented their conclusions at the
American Stroke Association's annual meeting last February. Widespread
use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the
stroke and prevent brain damage.A cardiologist says if everyone who gets
this e-mail sends it to 10 people; you can bet that at least one life
will be saved.
BE A FRIEND AND SHARE THIS ARTICLE WITH AS MANY FRIENDS AS POSSIBLE, you
could save their lives.
**********************************************************************
Internal Revenue Service regulations provide that a taxpayer may rely
only on formal written advice meeting specific requirements to avoid
federal tax penalties. Any tax advice in the text of this message, or
in any attachment, does not meet those requirements and, accordingly,
is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by any
recipient to avoid any penalties that may be imposed upon such
recipient by the Internal Revenue Service.
**********************************************************************
This message may contain information that is privileged, confidential
and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the
intended recipient (or authorized to act on behalf of the intended
recipient) of this message, you may not disclose, forward, distribute,
copy, or use this message or its contents. If you have received this
communication in error, please notify us immediately by return e-mail
and delete the original message from your e-mail system. Thank you.
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--
Robert Stacey and Charlie Dawg live in the Silverlake Hills of Los Angeles.
Reply | Forward | Messages in this Topic (1)
#198 From: robert stacey
Date: Mon Jan 23, 2006 1:42 am
Subject: Re: Third degree heart block robert.rbobbyleestacy@...
Send Email
During
Electrophysiology Studies
A small incision is made in the numbed skin, again, usually in the
groin or neck area. A needle is used to make a tiny hole in the blood
vessel (typically a vein, but sometimes an artery) through which an
ablation or electrode catheter, or both, will be inserted.
One or more diagnostic catheters are inserted into your blood vessel
and gently moved toward the heart. Your physician will follow catheter
progress on a special monitor connected to the fluoroscope camera.
Diagnostic catheters can be used to sense electrical activity in
various areas of the heart and to measure where and how fast these
impulses travel. These catheters can also be used to deliver tiny
electrical impulses to stimulate the heart to beat or contract. By
doing this, physicians attempt to start (or induce) your arrhythmia so
they can understand more about it and decide how best to treat it. If
you feel the same symptoms you experienced when the arrhythmia
occurred previously, you should tell the electrophysiology (EP) lab
staff.
Often these induced arrhythmias stop by themselves; however, if an
arrhythmia persists or is very rapid, it may make you feel faint for a
moment. If this happens, your doctor may need to deliver electrical
therapy to the heart to stop the abnormal rhythm. If you were not in
an EP lab, these arrhythmias could be very dangerous, perhaps even
life-threatening. The well-trained personnel in the EP lab, however,
have the equipment and medications necessary to respond appropriately
and immediately to these arrhythmias.
The EP study is usually not painful. You may feel some pressure at the
sites where the catheters are inserted.
Most EP studies are completed within two hours. If your physician
decides to continue and attempt to correct the arrhythmia, though, a
complete procedure can last up to six hours or more. If this is the
case, you may feel tired and uncomfortable after lying still for such
a lengthy period of time.
On 1/22/06, robert stacey wrote:
> http://www.sjm.com/conditions/condition.aspx?name=Heart+Block
>
>
>
>
>
> Heart Block
>
> Arrhythmia is a medical term that refers to a heart rate that is
> outside the normal range. (Normal is 60 to 100 beats per minute.) An
> arrhythmia that is too slow is called a bradyarrhythmia or
> bradycardia.
>
>
>
> Heart block is a type of bradycardia (slow heart rate, usually less
> than 60 beats per minute) that occurs when the beat that originates in
> the upper chambers of the heart is unable to pass normally to the
> lower chambers of the heart. (This is sometimes called AV block,
> because the impulse slows or does not pass through the
> atrioventricular node that joins the upper and lower chambers of the
> heart.) There are different kinds of heart block.
>
> With first-degree heart block, the beats pass from the upper chambers
> to the lower chambers, but conduction is slower than normal (more than
> 0.2 seconds).
>
> With second-degree heart block, not all of the beats pass from the
> heart's upper to lower chambers, so some are dropped.
>
>
> With third-degree (also called complete) heart block, the impulses
> cannot pass from the upper to the lower chambers, so the lower
> chambers originate their own impulse. This means they do beat and pump
> blood, but at a slower rate and more inefficiently than if by an
> impulse from the upper chambers.
>
> Normal Rhythm
> Every normal heart has a normal rhythm. That rhythm varies from person
> to person. In most healthy people, the heart at rest beats about 60 to
> 100 times per minute. A small bunch of heart cells called the
> sinoatrial node keeps time.
>
> =================================================================
>
>
> Symptoms
> Heart Block
>
> Some bradycardias are asymptomatic (produce no symptoms); others
> warrant treatment (see symptoms below), usually via a pacemaker.
>
>
> See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:
>
>
> Fatigue, weakness
>
> Dizziness or light-headedness
>
> Fainting or nearly fainting
>
> Shortness of breath
>
>
> ================================================================
>
>
>
> Risk Factors
> Heart Block
>
> There are different types of arrhythmias. Some occur spontaneously,
> with no known cause. For others, however, there are risk factors that
> may contribute to heart disease, which may lead to potentially
> dangerous arrhythmias.
>
> A risk factor is any characteristic or behavior that increases your
> chances for having an arrhythmia. Some risk factors can be controlled,
> or modified, but others cannot. For example, you can take measures to
> control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cigarette smoking, and
> excess weight. You cannot control your age, family history of heart
> disease, or your gender.
>
>
> Risk factors interact with each other. If you have two risk
> factors—let's say you have high cholesterol and you smoke—the odds of
> getting heart disease, which could lead to a heart attack, are greater
> than if you had either risk factor alone. That's why we call them risk
> factors.
>
> Risk means odds or chances. The more risk factors you have, the
> greater your chances of developing heart disease over time. Ask
> yourself if you are willing to take such chances with your life by the
> health behaviors you practice, or can control. Controllable and
> non-controllable risk factors—increase your chances of developing
> heart disease.
>
>
>
>
> Controllable Risk Factors
>
>
> Coronary artery disease
>
> Heart attack
>
> Diabetes
>
> High cholesterol
>
> High blood pressure
>
> Cigarette smoking
>
> Drug or alcohol abuse
>
> Excess weight
>
> High fat diet
>
> Sedentary lifestyle
>
> Stress
>
> Certain medications (over-the-counter and prescriptions, including
> decongestants and diet and herbal supplements)
>
> Heart surgery (may also be a non-controllable risk factor)
>
>
>
> Non-Controllable Risk Factors
> You cannot change the non-controllable risk factors; however, just
> knowing that you have a predisposition to heart disease because of
> them may prompt you to make healthier choices about the risk factors
> you can control.
>
>
> Non-Controllable Risk Factors
>
>
> Family history of heart disease
>
> Congenital heart disorders (heart problems present at birth, usually
> involving the heart's chambers or valves)
>
> Advancing age
>
> Gender (males are more susceptible)
>
>
> ================================================================
>
> Prevention
> Heart Block
> Not all arrhythmias are preventable. Practicing heart-healthy living
> may help to prevent or slow heart disease, which may help you avoid
> developing an arrhythmia or slow its progression.
>
> Do
> Drink plenty of water - eight to 10 glasses a day
>
> Eat a heart-healthy diet
>
> Eliminate unnecessary stress Don't engage in family arguments
>
> Exercise regularly - especially aerobic activity like walking,
> cycling, jogging, or swimming
>
> Maintain a healthy weight
>
> See your doctor regularly
>
> Don't
> Smoke and linger where there is second-hand smoke - smoking is a
> leading cause of heart disease
>
> Drink excessive amounts of alcohol, caffeine, or sugary drinks
>
> Ignore symptoms, which may signal heart problems
>
> ================================================================
>
> Diagnosis
> Heart Block
>
> To detect and diagnose heart block, your doctor first takes a thorough
> medical history and performs a physical examination. During the
> medical history, you will be asked questions about your symptoms, such
> as when they began, how often they are noticed, how long they last,
> and what they feel like. You should provide information about any
> history of heart or lung problems, high blood pressure, or thyroid
> dysfunction, as these conditions can trigger arrhythmias. During the
> physical exam, your doctor will listen to your heart and take your
> pulse to determine whether blood is moving through the heart as it
> should. After the history and exam, your doctor may choose to use one
> or more diagnostic tests.
>
>
> Select a link below to jump down the page:
>
>
> Electrocardiograms
>
> Echocardiograms
>
> Recorders
>
> Tilt-Table Test
>
> Electrophysiologic Testing or EP Studies
>
> Electrocardiograms
> Electrocardiograms (ECGs or EKGs) provide a record of the heart's
> electrical activity. This simple test records any abnormal findings in
> the heart's electrical impulses. Electrodes are placed on the arms and
> chest to monitor electrical activity, which is recorded on graph
> paper. Information can be obtained during rest or exercise. Sometimes
> a 24-hour ECG (Holter monitor) is used to show a change in rhythm over
> time while you go about daily activities.
>
> Echocardiograms
> Echocardiograms (ECHOs) may be ordered if your doctor suspects a
> problem with the heart muscle or one of the valves that channel blood
> through the heart. During an ECHO, sound waves are bounced off the
> heart, and the returning signals are converted into a moving image on
> a video screen.
>
> =================================================================
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Therapy
> Heart Block
>
> The more severe forms of heart block (some second-degree and all
> third-degree) usually are treated with an artificial permanent
> pacemaker.
>
> The pacemaker can take the place of a diseased sinus node or it can
> help the heart to beat despite a blockage in the heart's conduction
> system.
>
> A lead (a thin, coated wire) is inserted through a vein, and the tip
> of the lead (called the electrode) is placed in either the upper or
> the lower chamber of the heart against, or attached to, the heart's
> lining. (For dual-chamber pacemakers, two leads are used - one placed
> in the atrium and one placed in the ventricle.)
>
> The pulse generator, which encases the electronic circuitry of the
> pacemaker, is attached to the lead and placed just under the skin,
> usually in the chest.
>
> ================================================================
>
>
>
> Frequently Asked Questions
> Select a link below to jump down the page:
>
> What is sick sinus syndrome?
>
> Is a pacemaker a reliable therapy for heart block?
>
> What doctors treat arrhythmias?
>
> Can my arrhythmia cause a heart attack?
>
>
>
>
>
> What is sick sinus syndrome?
>
>
>
> Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) is another form of bradycardia, in which
> the sinoatrial node (the heart's natural pacemaker) is not functioning
> as it should. This means that all of the electrical signals that start
> a heartbeat do not leave the SA node (sinoatrial block) or that there
> are longer pauses in the generation of the electrical signal (sinus
> arrest). SSS can cause tachycardia (heart rates that are too fast) or
> bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome (heart rates that fluctuate between
> being too slow and too fast).
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Is a pacemaker a reliable therapy for heart block?
>
>
>
> For over 40 years, pacemakers have been helping people with slow
> heart rates. Most people feel better and have more energy once they
> receive their pacemaker. Discuss any concerns you may have with your
> doctor. Learn more about Pacemaker Implantation surgery.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> What doctors treat arrhythmias?
>
>
>
> Physicians that specialize in the heart are cardiologists.
> Cardiologists who specialize in the heart's electrical conduction
> system are called electrophysiologists.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Can my arrhythmia cause a heart attack?
>
>
>
> An arrhythmia will not cause a heart attack; however, other
> underlying heart disease, which may cause the arrhythmia, may also
> cause a heart attack.
>
> An arrhythmia has to do with the heart's electrical system and its
> ability to beat.
>
> A heart attack is caused by insufficient blood flow in the heart,
> usually due to a blockage in the coronary artery.
>
> ===============================================================
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Identity(r) ADx Pacemaker
> Approved for Use: United States & International
> This device is approved for use in the United States and internationally.
>
> The Identity ADx pacemaker family, which includes the world's smallest
> dual-chamber pacemaker, provides clinicians with the most advanced
> pacemaker technology available, including the revolutionary AF
> Suppression™ algorithm, the first and only U.S. commercially approved
> algorithm designed to suppress atrial fibrillation (AF). The AF
> Suppression algorithm in the Identity ADx pacemaker family is combined
> with the most advanced diagnostic systems and bradycardia feature set
> available today, establishing the Identity ADx pacemaker as the
> premier product offering in advanced arrhythmia care.
>
>
>
>
>
> The Identity ADx pacemakers feature AF management, a suite of
> therapeutic and diagnostic capabilities designed to help manage
> pacemaker patients suffering from AF. This tool kit includes:
>
>
>
>
> AT/AF Diagnostic Suite - AT/AF Burden Trend, AT/AF Stored EGM
> trigger, AT/AF Histogram, and AT/AF Episode Log
>
> AF Suppression Algorithm - Clinically proven and designed to suppress
> AF before it happens
>
> AF Suppression Histogram - Allows you to evaluate the success of the
> AF suppression algorithm
>
> Stored Electrograms (EGMs) - Provides a comprehensive overview of
> patient-device interactions, especially high atrial rate activity
>
> Auto Mode Switch (AMS) Log - Stores rate and duration information for
> mode switch episodes
>
> Ventricular Rate Control - Separately programmable AMS base rate for
> improved patient comfort
>
> Physician Commanded Atrial Therapy (NIPS - Non-Invasive Programmed
> Stimulation) - Provides the clinician with another option for the
> treatment of atrial arrhythmias
>
>
>
> The Identity ADx pacemaker family also encompasses the most advanced
> bradycardia feature set, including the exclusive ventricular
> AutoCapture™ Pacing Systems, assuring Beat-by-Beat™ capture
> verification and a projected longevity of 12.3 years.1
>
>
> Other features available in the Identity ADx pacemaker family include:
>
> Advanced Hysteresis Response - Manages special rate situations
> including abrupt rate drop
>
> Automatic P & R Wave Measurements - Provides accuracy and speed in follow-up
>
> Omnisense(r) Accelerometer Sensor - Provides appropriate and prompt
> rate response for your patient's activity level
>
> Auto Rest Rate - Provides patient comfort during periods of
> inactivity and rest
>
> Cross Sensor AMS - Offers cross sensor mode switching (such as DDDR
> to DDI) when sensor is programmed on
>
> FastPath™ Programmer Software - The FastPath summary screen provides
> one-step access to and from all diagnostics and tests. FastPath
> programmer software also includes several programmer speed
> enhancements.
>
> Onscreen Help - Offers the option of viewing the software reference
> manuals on the programmer by selecting the Help button on the
> programmer console
>
> Previous Test Results - Records the results from the last sense or
> capture test in the pacemaker's memory
>
> Remaining Longevity Estimate - Gives an estimate of the remaining
> life of the device
>
> 1Identity ADx XL 5386 DDDR, AutoCapture Pacing Systems on, 100% DDD
> pacing, 60 bpm, 0.4 ms, 2.5 V atrium, 1.0 V ventricle, 500 ohms
>
>
>
>
> Models
>
> Identity ADx XL DR 5386
> Dual-chamber, rate-responsive, extended longevity pacemaker
> 44 x 52 x 6 mm, 23.5 g, and 11 cc
> AF Suppression algorithm
> AF Suppression histogram & event counter
> AT/AF burden trend
> AT/AF histogram & episode log
> Stored electrograms (EGMs)
> Automatic mode switch (AMS) with AMS log
> Programmable AMS base rate
> Physician commanded atrial therapy (NIPS - Non-Invasive Programmed
Stimulation)
> Beat-by-Beat AutoCapture Pacing Systems
> Omnisense accelerometer sensor
> Auto rest rate
> FastPath programmer software enhancements
> Automatic P& R wave measurements
> Advanced hysteresis response for sudden drops in rate
> AutoIntrinsic Conduction Search (AICS)
> Rate responsive PVARP & rate responsive AV/PV delay
> Connector that accepts all unipolar and bipolar VS-1 or IS-1 leads
> Cellular Tested
>
> =============================================================
>
>
>
>
>
> St. Jude Medical, Inc.
>
>
>
> --
> Robert Stacey and Charlie Dawg live in the Silverlake Hills of Los Angeles.
>
--
Robert Stacey and Charlie Dawg live in the Silverlake Hills of Los Angeles.
Reply | Forward | Messages in this Topic (3)
#199 From: robert stacey
Date: Sun Jan 22, 2006 11:53 pm
Subject: Third degree heart block robert.rbobbyleestacy@...
Send Email
http://www.sjm.com/conditions/condition.aspx?name=Heart+Block
Heart Block
Arrhythmia is a medical term that refers to a heart rate that is
outside the normal range. (Normal is 60 to 100 beats per minute.) An
arrhythmia that is too slow is called a bradyarrhythmia or
bradycardia.
Heart block is a type of bradycardia (slow heart rate, usually less
than 60 beats per minute) that occurs when the beat that originates in
the upper chambers of the heart is unable to pass normally to the
lower chambers of the heart. (This is sometimes called AV block,
because the impulse slows or does not pass through the
atrioventricular node that joins the upper and lower chambers of the
heart.) There are different kinds of heart block.
With first-degree heart block, the beats pass from the upper chambers
to the lower chambers, but conduction is slower than normal (more than
0.2 seconds).
With second-degree heart block, not all of the beats pass from the
heart's upper to lower chambers, so some are dropped.
With third-degree (also called complete) heart block, the impulses
cannot pass from the upper to the lower chambers, so the lower
chambers originate their own impulse. This means they do beat and pump
blood, but at a slower rate and more inefficiently than if by an
impulse from the upper chambers.
Normal Rhythm
Every normal heart has a normal rhythm. That rhythm varies from person
to person. In most healthy people, the heart at rest beats about 60 to
100 times per minute. A small bunch of heart cells called the
sinoatrial node keeps time.
=================================================================
Symptoms
Heart Block
Some bradycardias are asymptomatic (produce no symptoms); others
warrant treatment (see symptoms below), usually via a pacemaker.
See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:
Fatigue, weakness
Dizziness or light-headedness
Fainting or nearly fainting
Shortness of breath
================================================================
Risk Factors
Heart Block
There are different types of arrhythmias. Some occur spontaneously,
with no known cause. For others, however, there are risk factors that
may contribute to heart disease, which may lead to potentially
dangerous arrhythmias.
A risk factor is any characteristic or behavior that increases your
chances for having an arrhythmia. Some risk factors can be controlled,
or modified, but others cannot. For example, you can take measures to
control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cigarette smoking, and
excess weight. You cannot control your age, family history of heart
disease, or your gender.
Risk factors interact with each other. If you have two risk
factors—let's say you have high cholesterol and you smoke—the odds of
getting heart disease, which could lead to a heart attack, are greater
than if you had either risk factor alone. That's why we call them risk
factors.
Risk means odds or chances. The more risk factors you have, the
greater your chances of developing heart disease over time. Ask
yourself if you are willing to take such chances with your life by the
health behaviors you practice, or can control. Controllable and
non-controllable risk factors—increase your chances of developing
heart disease.
Controllable Risk Factors
Coronary artery disease
Heart attack
Diabetes
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Cigarette smoking
Drug or alcohol abuse
Excess weight
High fat diet
Sedentary lifestyle
Stress
Certain medications (over-the-counter and prescriptions, including
decongestants and diet and herbal supplements)
Heart surgery (may also be a non-controllable risk factor)
Non-Controllable Risk Factors
You cannot change the non-controllable risk factors; however, just
knowing that you have a predisposition to heart disease because of
them may prompt you to make healthier choices about the risk factors
you can control.
Non-Controllable Risk Factors
Family history of heart disease
Congenital heart disorders (heart problems present at birth, usually
involving the heart's chambers or valves)
Advancing age
Gender (males are more susceptible)
================================================================
Prevention
Heart Block
Not all arrhythmias are preventable. Practicing heart-healthy living
may help to prevent or slow heart disease, which may help you avoid
developing an arrhythmia or slow its progression.
Do
Drink plenty of water - eight to 10 glasses a day
Eat a heart-healthy diet
Eliminate unnecessary stress Don't engage in family arguments
Exercise regularly - especially aerobic activity like walking,
cycling, jogging, or swimming
Maintain a healthy weight
See your doctor regularly
Don't
Smoke and linger where there is second-hand smoke - smoking is a
leading cause of heart disease
Drink excessive amounts of alcohol, caffeine, or sugary drinks
Ignore symptoms, which may signal heart problems
================================================================
Diagnosis
Heart Block
To detect and diagnose heart block, your doctor first takes a thorough
medical history and performs a physical examination. During the
medical history, you will be asked questions about your symptoms, such
as when they began, how often they are noticed, how long they last,
and what they feel like. You should provide information about any
history of heart or lung problems, high blood pressure, or thyroid
dysfunction, as these conditions can trigger arrhythmias. During the
physical exam, your doctor will listen to your heart and take your
pulse to determine whether blood is moving through the heart as it
should. After the history and exam, your doctor may choose to use one
or more diagnostic tests.
Select a link below to jump down the page:
Electrocardiograms
Echocardiograms
Recorders
Tilt-Table Test
Electrophysiologic Testing or EP Studies
Electrocardiograms
Electrocardiograms (ECGs or EKGs) provide a record of the heart's
electrical activity. This simple test records any abnormal findings in
the heart's electrical impulses. Electrodes are placed on the arms and
chest to monitor electrical activity, which is recorded on graph
paper. Information can be obtained during rest or exercise. Sometimes
a 24-hour ECG (Holter monitor) is used to show a change in rhythm over
time while you go about daily activities.
Echocardiograms
Echocardiograms (ECHOs) may be ordered if your doctor suspects a
problem with the heart muscle or one of the valves that channel blood
through the heart. During an ECHO, sound waves are bounced off the
heart, and the returning signals are converted into a moving image on
a video screen.
=================================================================
Therapy
Heart Block
The more severe forms of heart block (some second-degree and all
third-degree) usually are treated with an artificial permanent
pacemaker.
The pacemaker can take the place of a diseased sinus node or it can
help the heart to beat despite a blockage in the heart's conduction
system.
A lead (a thin, coated wire) is inserted through a vein, and the tip
of the lead (called the electrode) is placed in either the upper or
the lower chamber of the heart against, or attached to, the heart's
lining. (For dual-chamber pacemakers, two leads are used - one placed
in the atrium and one placed in the ventricle.)
The pulse generator, which encases the electronic circuitry of the
pacemaker, is attached to the lead and placed just under the skin,
usually in the chest.
================================================================
Frequently Asked Questions
Select a link below to jump down the page:
What is sick sinus syndrome?
Is a pacemaker a reliable therapy for heart block?
What doctors treat arrhythmias?
Can my arrhythmia cause a heart attack?
What is sick sinus syndrome?
Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) is another form of bradycardia, in which
the sinoatrial node (the heart's natural pacemaker) is not functioning
as it should. This means that all of the electrical signals that start
a heartbeat do not leave the SA node (sinoatrial block) or that there
are longer pauses in the generation of the electrical signal (sinus
arrest). SSS can cause tachycardia (heart rates that are too fast) or
bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome (heart rates that fluctuate between
being too slow and too fast).
Is a pacemaker a reliable therapy for heart block?
For over 40 years, pacemakers have been helping people with slow
heart rates. Most people feel better and have more energy once they
receive their pacemaker. Discuss any concerns you may have with your
doctor. Learn more about Pacemaker Implantation surgery.
What doctors treat arrhythmias?
Physicians that specialize in the heart are cardiologists.
Cardiologists who specialize in the heart's electrical conduction
system are called electrophysiologists.
Can my arrhythmia cause a heart attack?
An arrhythmia will not cause a heart attack; however, other
underlying heart disease, which may cause the arrhythmia, may also
cause a heart attack.
An arrhythmia has to do with the heart's electrical system and its
ability to beat.
A heart attack is caused by insufficient blood flow in the heart,
usually due to a blockage in the coronary artery.
===============================================================
Identity(r) ADx Pacemaker
Approved for Use: United States & International
This device is approved for use in the United States and internationally.
The Identity ADx pacemaker family, which includes the world's smallest
dual-chamber pacemaker, provides clinicians with the most advanced
pacemaker technology available, including the revolutionary AF
Suppression™ algorithm, the first and only U.S. commercially approved
algorithm designed to suppress atrial fibrillation (AF). The AF
Suppression algorithm in the Identity ADx pacemaker family is combined
with the most advanced diagnostic systems and bradycardia feature set
available today, establishing the Identity ADx pacemaker as the
premier product offering in advanced arrhythmia care.
The Identity ADx pacemakers feature AF management, a suite of
therapeutic and diagnostic capabilities designed to help manage
pacemaker patients suffering from AF. This tool kit includes:
AT/AF Diagnostic Suite - AT/AF Burden Trend, AT/AF Stored EGM
trigger, AT/AF Histogram, and AT/AF Episode Log
AF Suppression Algorithm - Clinically proven and designed to suppress
AF before it happens
AF Suppression Histogram - Allows you to evaluate the success of the
AF suppression algorithm
Stored Electrograms (EGMs) - Provides a comprehensive overview of
patient-device interactions, especially high atrial rate activity
Auto Mode Switch (AMS) Log - Stores rate and duration information for
mode switch episodes
Ventricular Rate Control - Separately programmable AMS base rate for
improved patient comfort
Physician Commanded Atrial Therapy (NIPS - Non-Invasive Programmed
Stimulation) - Provides the clinician with another option for the
treatment of atrial arrhythmias
The Identity ADx pacemaker family also encompasses the most advanced
bradycardia feature set, including the exclusive ventricular
AutoCapture™ Pacing Systems, assuring Beat-by-Beat™ capture
verification and a projected longevity of 12.3 years.1
Other features available in the Identity ADx pacemaker family include:
Advanced Hysteresis Response - Manages special rate situations
including abrupt rate drop
Automatic P & R Wave Measurements - Provides accuracy and speed in follow-up
Omnisense(r) Accelerometer Sensor - Provides appropriate and prompt
rate response for your patient's activity level
Auto Rest Rate - Provides patient comfort during periods of
inactivity and rest
Cross Sensor AMS - Offers cross sensor mode switching (such as DDDR
to DDI) when sensor is programmed on
FastPath™ Programmer Software - The FastPath summary screen provides
one-step access to and from all diagnostics and tests. FastPath
programmer software also includes several programmer speed
enhancements.
Onscreen Help - Offers the option of viewing the software reference
manuals on the programmer by selecting the Help button on the
programmer console
Previous Test Results - Records the results from the last sense or
capture test in the pacemaker's memory
Remaining Longevity Estimate - Gives an estimate of the remaining
life of the device
1Identity ADx XL 5386 DDDR, AutoCapture Pacing Systems on, 100% DDD
pacing, 60 bpm, 0.4 ms, 2.5 V atrium, 1.0 V ventricle, 500 ohms
Models
Identity ADx XL DR 5386
Dual-chamber, rate-responsive, extended longevity pacemaker
44 x 52 x 6 mm, 23.5 g, and 11 cc
AF Suppression algorithm
AF Suppression histogram & event counter
AT/AF burden trend
AT/AF histogram & episode log
Stored electrograms (EGMs)
Automatic mode switch (AMS) with AMS log
Programmable AMS base rate
Physician commanded atrial therapy (NIPS - Non-Invasive Programmed Stimulation)
Beat-by-Beat AutoCapture Pacing Systems
Omnisense accelerometer sensor
Auto rest rate
FastPath programmer software enhancements
Automatic P& R wave measurements
Advanced hysteresis response for sudden drops in rate
AutoIntrinsic Conduction Search (AICS)
Rate responsive PVARP & rate responsive AV/PV delay
Connector that accepts all unipolar and bipolar VS-1 or IS-1 leads
Cellular Tested
=============================================================
St. Jude Medical, Inc.
--
Robert Stacey and Charlie Dawg live in the Silverlake Hills of Los Angeles.
Reply | Forward | Messages in this Topic (3)
#200 From: robert stacey
Date: Sun Jan 15, 2006 8:35 pm
Subject: about adjustments to pacemaker robert.rbobbyleestacy@...
Send Email
HEY NEWBIES!: You Won't Mind The "Bumpety-Bump" Once It's Working Right :<}!
Just a few words of encouragement: I'm barely two weeks into this whole odessey, and the heavy "THUMP-THUMP-THUMP" of my heart was freaking me out; besides, I wasn't feeling well alot of the time. I kept saying, "If they could just slow it down a little, so it doesn't beat so hard and fast ..."
Well, I went to the docs today, and I got an adjustment. Turns out now that my heart actually beats FASTER and HARDER ... the difference is, I finally feel GREAT!
Try to take the word of all the old pros here -- it might take some time to adjust to your "new normal," but it'll come. And, as somebody else here mentioned, for alot of us, it may be the first time we've felt a normal heart rythm in a long time, so of course it seems too fast and too strong.
Just pretend you're a teenager in love ...:<}
Published Apr 27, 2005 - 02:02 AM
--
Robert Stacey and Charlie Dawg live in the Silverlake Hills of Los Angeles.
Reply | Forward | Messages in this Topic (1)
#201 From: robert stacey
Date: Wed Jan 18, 2006 8:50 pm
Subject: Re: FW: this is IMPORTANT information!!] robert.rbobbyleestacy@...
Send Email
Thanks Alba. In retrospect the warning you gave me about the time the
fire department came crashing in to take most everything I owned that
was not inside the house should have been one to which I paid heed.
Finally last Saturday I went to Kaiser so tired I could hardly walk.
That had been going on for 2 or 3 months.
I don't know what it is that makes folks so evil but I appear to have
survived it. Thanks to you and to Kaiser Hospital where they took
immediate action to install a pace maker after they discovered my
damaged heart.
Doctor says the heart attack might have been painlee to me, but the
result of extreme emotional trauma. He suggests that I not involve
myself with folks who bring me such difficulties.
Once again I thank you for pointing out the problem as I was unawares.
Robert
On 1/15/06, alba cintron wrote:
>
>
> Note: forwarded message attached.
>
> ________________________________
> Yahoo! Photos
> Got holiday prints? See all the ways to get quality prints in your hands
> ASAP.
>
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: "Chimelis, Sonia"
> To: "Peacock, Susan" , "Forrest, Penny"
> , "Peggy Rodriguez" , "Mina
> Jimenez" , "alba cintron" ,
> "Esther" , "Anna Gabaldon" ,
> "Fran"
> Date: Mon, 9 Jan 2006 12:53:59 -0600
> Subject: FW: this is IMPORTANT information!!]
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Barrientos, Melvin
> Sent: Monday, January 09, 2006 10:49 AM
> To: Los Angeles Secretaries
> Subject: FW: this is IMPORTANT information!!]
>
> I don't know if this is true, but here it goes.
>
>
> During a BBQ a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured
> everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) and
> just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes. They got her cleaned
> up and got her a new plate of food - while she appeared a bit shaken up,
> Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening. Ingrid's
> husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to
> the hospital?(at 6:00pm, Ingrid passed away.
> She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ - had they known how to identify
> the signs of a stroke perhaps Ingrid would be with us today. It only
> takes a minute to read this-Recognizing a Stroke A neurologist says that
> if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse
> the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a
> stroke recognized, diagnosed and getting to the patient within 3 hours
> which is tough.
> RECOGNIZING A STROKE?
> Thank God for the sense to remember the "3" steps. Read and learn!
> Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify.
> Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim
> may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the
> symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a
> stroke by asking three simple questions:
> 1. *Ask the individual to SMILE.
> 2. *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
> 3. *Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)
> (i.e.It's sunny out today)
> If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 9-1-1immediately
> and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher. After discovering that a
> group of non-medical volunteers could identify facial weakness, arm
> weakness and speech problems, researchers urgedthe general public to
> learn the three questions. They presented their conclusions at the
> American Stroke Association's annual meeting last February. Widespread
> use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the
> stroke and prevent brain damage.A cardiologist says if everyone who gets
> this e-mail sends it to 10 people; you can bet that at least one life
> will be saved.
> BE A FRIEND AND SHARE THIS ARTICLE WITH AS MANY FRIENDS AS POSSIBLE, you
> could save their lives.
>
>
>
> **********************************************************************
> Internal Revenue Service regulations provide that a taxpayer may rely only
> on formal written advice meeting specific requirements to avoid federal tax
> penalties. Any tax advice in the text of this message, or in any
> attachment, does not meet those requirements and, accordingly, is not
> intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by any recipient to
> avoid any penalties that may be imposed upon such recipient by the Internal
> Revenue Service.
> **********************************************************************
> This message may contain information that is privileged, confidential and
> exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended
> recipient (or authorized to act on behalf of the intended recipient) of this
> message, you may not disclose, forward, distribute, copy, or use this
> message or its contents. If you have received this communication in error,
> please notify us immediately by return e-mail and delete the original
> message from your e-mail system. Thank you.
> **********************************************************************
>
>
>
>
--
Robert Stacey and Charlie Dawg live in the Silverlake Hills of Los Angeles.
Reply | Forward | Messages in this Topic (1)
#202 From: robert stacey
Date: Thu Jan 19, 2006 7:42 pm
Subject: More pacemaker saga robert.rbobbyleestacy@...
Send Email
Length: 1719
Dear Kate:
Thanks for your commentary Kate, your wisdom is a great help to our
personal understanding of the things that befall us.
Yes I did drive myself to the hospital sat morning last, but I got a
ride home after my hospital stay.
I am resting quite a lot and try to get out for a while each day.
I find that my spirit is much improved by the better heart beat.
And of course I am attending cumadin clinic, pacemaker adjustment
clinic, and soon will be going to exercise classes.
As I felt little in the way of symptoms but for exhaustion I am
greatful that folks who know more than I were able to help me get
through the experience.
From what you say I take it that the risks to my life and welfare
were far more serios than I heretofore believed.
Thanks again for being such a peach to all of us for our concerns
and disabilities, and my best wishes to you for recovery from the
ills that have befallen you.
Robert Stacey
"Kate Purcell, RN" wrote:
> Robert,
> OH MY! It appears you almost had a heart attack. I am so
> glad, you listen to your inner voice, and called someone for help.
> How in the world, did you drive yourself to ER? Or did you have
> some help?
--
Robert Stacey and Charlie Dawg live in the Silverlake Hills of Los Angeles.
Reply | Forward | Messages in this Topic (1)
#203 From: robert stacey
Date: Sun Jan 15, 2006 2:43 am
Subject: [acemaker complications robert.rbobbyleestacy@...
Send Email
Who's Online?
We have 7 guests and 0 members online
Hi pacer! To post messages, register.
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Old CHF Symptoms Return after 9 Months
Hi, I'm new to this forum. I had a Bivent ICD implanted April 15, 2005 and had been doing great until about two weeks ago.
I noticed I didn't have my normal stamina and strength. Now I sometimes have shortness of breath and edema. The changes are slight, but they are there.
Luckily, I have my 3-month check-up at the ICD Clinic on Tuesday. Just wondering if anyone experienced this and has any thoughts on the cause? Thanks! ediepgh
Published Jan 14, 2006 - 12:46 PM
numbness around pacemaker area
I had a pacemaker implanted two years ago and here lately my heart has been pounding so hard that it feels like it is going to pound out of my chest and i also have some chest pain. Also i have numbness where the pacemaker is and also in my upper left arm mainly underneath. has anyone had these symptoms? if anyone has any suggestions i would really appreciate it.
Thanks
really confused and scared ~ suzy
Published Jan 08, 2006 - 04:24 PM
Ankle swelling
My St. Jude model 5376 paemaker was installed Dec 22, 05. It seems to be working fine to me, but I have noticed swelling in my feet and lower ankles in the last couple of days. Before I got the pacemaker I was passing out maybe twice a week. No epiodes since the pacemaker. My diastolic blood pressure is running a little lower than it used to, as is my pulse rate. I am taking the same medication that I took before the pacmaker. I am to do a phone check on Jan 23, and make a visit to the doctor on the 24th.
NRugg51
Published Jan 06, 2006 - 06:50 PM
Issues with PM?
I've now had a pacemaker for 17, almost 18 years. (Got my 1st at 15) Now for all this time I've never had an experience like I'm having now. About July I started having episodes that I knew from experience, that my heart rate was dropping from a broken V lead. It took several months, checks and finally a 24hr monitor to see that yes it was actually broken. (the pacemaker did not record any low rates lead issues) So they replaced the lead and about a month post-op I'm now having this "kicking" episodes. My PM is in my abs and it feels like someone is kicking me in the back. I ignored it at first, but it's getting worse and happening more often. Once again, the diagnostics say all is OK. Then the other night I'm sure I had a low rate episode again. I'm really frustrated. I've talked to Medtronic and they swear nothing has been reported with my model, but I'm starting to wonder if the PM is defective. I got it in 02/03 so I'm pretty sure it's not the battery, they usually last me about 5-6 years.
Has anyone had a similar experience? I'm really frustrated at this point.
Published Jan 05, 2006 - 08:22 PM
Pacing right along
Hi I just recieved my PM on Dec 29..I'm 37 yr old and didn't even have a clue I had a 3rd degree AV block.Had felt tired probably for past 2 years but chalked it off to starting back smoking and gaining weight.It's been a week since I had surgery and I must say I have had no pain however I have experienced some sort of discomfort when trying to catch my breath and take in deep breaths also when bending over. This seems to occur when I'm alittle winded. I hope this PM will give me the energy to get this weight off and start a new life....
M. ~ sassibelle68
Published Jan 05, 2006 - 08:36 AM
Scratching
I am a 44 year old woman who has had a pacemaker fitted last July. It is working most of the time. The problem is that it has left me with the most infuriating stratching, friction feeling which drives me crazy. It does disappear sometimes but is there the majority of the time!! It stops me from sleeping and really does spoil the benifits of having the pacemaker in place. Does anyone else have this same problem? traceylatham
Published Jan 04, 2006 - 09:48 PM
Any suggestions would be helpful!
My grandmother is 85 in February. She had a pace maker placed in on November 17, 2005. In the pass week she had become very ill. They have told us last month that we have to keep taking her down to Newmarket, ontario, Canada, because the PM is changing settings and they do not know why, has this happened to any one else before?
Have any one felt like they have worms in thier heart, or feel like its skipping beats?
Published Jan 04, 2006 - 08:42 AM
Weakness and lower heart rate normal after 3 weeks?
My 87 year old Mother in Law had a PM installed Dec 9th. The first week she did great- really great- and her heart rate was running at 85-90. Now she has become increasingly weak, has had to up her diuretics due to swelling, has even fallen, and her heart rate is consistently at 60. The cardiologist will not see her until the end of next week and says that the decrease in heart rate and weakness etc are nothing to worry about. This woman was out playing bridge one week to the day after the pacemaker was installed. Now she needs 24 hour care. Is this a normal part of the recovery period or should we take her to ER? Thanks for any ideas.
Published Jan 03, 2006 - 09:34 PM
Guidant Lawsuits?
I am new to this website. Is anyone here following Guidant pacemaker lawsuits, or is anyone already involved in one? I'd like to read information anyone can provide regarding this as I am extremely worried and wonder what steps can be taken by individuals. Thanks in advance for your replies.
Pandavoine
Published Dec 31, 2005 - 06:53 PM
Mysterious leg weakness and profuse sweating
I have ventricle-lead PM implanted 45 days ago, set at 60 lower and 100 upper limits, rate responsive, output at 3.5v, with amiodarone 200mg maintenance. Even a slightest exertion causes leg weakness and profuse sweating. KIndly advise and share similar experience.
ezgalano 12/31/05
Published Dec 31, 2005 - 02:37 PM
Pacemaker/AV node ablation has helped. but...
Hello. This is my first posting. My wife Ruth has AF. Before her Pacemaker (Kappa 700) and AV node ablation her life had ground to a virtual halt. After she was considerably better altho pacer dependent (btw she does not use coumidin, for the past 2 years she has taken nattokinase instead). She's had the pacer for 5 years. However, for at least the last month her upper chamber has been in an almost constant state of flutter, and she often complains of excessive tiredness. The pacer clinic suggested as a possibility another ablation if the flutter is constant and debilitating. I'm curious if anyone on the forum has had experience with follow-up ablations after pacer implantation or any other treatment to lessen the effects of the flutter. She also has a lead insulation issue - I'll post this separately. lyon
Published Dec 29, 2005 - 09:05 AM
Guidant Model 1298...Help???
Hi,
My mom has had a model 1298 for about a year now. We just found out that they are defective. What should we do? I am very worried something will happen to her. Please help if you can.
Tom printer88
Published Dec 28, 2005 - 08:58 PM
Guidant Model 1298...Help???
Hi,
My mom has had a model 1298 for about a year now. We just found out that they are defective. What should we do? I am very worried something will happen to her. Please help if you can.
Tom
Published Dec 28, 2005 - 08:57 PM
Community topic: COMPLICATIONS
Follow-up to "Weakness after PM implant"
My general feeling/signs are none of those Linda (thanks to all who responded) suspected, but am slightly feeling rundown/malaised. Have consulted my cardioDoc who did an ECG and adjusted the amiodarone from daily 200mg to 3x a week, suspecting side effect. I'm set at 3.5v, 60bpm, 79% paced, 21% sensed and due for re-program 1/8/06. Still feeling lousy as before. How about some follow-up response. Thanks!
ezgalano 12/24/05
Published Dec 24, 2005 - 05:59 PM
weak after PM implant
Hi there!!!
Had PM implant on 11/22/05 for sick sinus syndrome. Was intitially OK for 5 days, but progressively became sickly. Now, 12/22/05, I get easily tired, can't walk straight. Is this due to drug side effect (amiodarone), maybe displaced lead, post-operation trauma or something else. PM is not yet re-programmed. Kindly advise, or share info or experience. Waiting, much thanks.
ezgalano posted 12/22/05
Published Dec 21, 2005 - 10:08 PM
Slight fever 5 days after pm implantation
HI
JUST A QUESTION I USUALLY RUN TEMPS AROUND 96.6 TO 97.6 THATS MY NORMASL EVERYDAY TEMP. I HAVE A 99.3 TEMP NOW WHICH IS HIGH FOR ME THE CUT LOOKS OK EXCEPT FOR ONE SPOT THAT SEEMS A BIT REDDER THAN THE REST IT IS STILL VERY TENDO THOUGH,IS THIS NORMAL OR NOT I HAVE A APPT ON WED TO SEE DR SHOULD I JUST WAIT OR CALL SOONER.
THANKS. mytrose4444
Published Dec 19, 2005 - 09:49 PM
chest pain
Since my pacemaker was put in 11/19/02 I have had on and off chest discomfort and pain - I have even stopped walking (I used to walk 3.5 miles a day) Now the pain comes sometimes even when I just walk fast into a store - then I am ok until the next time - this is not constant - it comes and goes - heart doctor says that it is not the pacemaker - I have had everything checked out - even had a catherization - any thoughts from anyone would be helpful! Thanks! cal
Published Dec 19, 2005 - 09:02 AM
3 surgeries in 3 weeks!
I had my fourth pacemaker put in on October 20, 2005, six days later I ended up back in the hospital very ill two days later I was told that I had a Staph infection on the entire left side where my pacemaker and leads had been for the past 15 years, the whole pocket was infected.
They removed the pacemaker and leads and placed a temporary pacemaker on me (I am Totally Pacemaker Dependent) so I had a wire sticking out of my neck for 5 days in ICU, and then I had a new pacemaker implanted but this time they put it on the right side of my chest. I am 37 years old and a single mom. So I have two incisions on my chest and the scars will hopefully fade.
Thank you.
Published Dec 18, 2005 - 11:54 AM
Guidant Recall
I also have an Insignia Pacemaker listed on the recall list. Mine was implanted October of this year. I was told it is not affected as it was "only obseved during inplant procedure and no patient has left the hospital with a faulty pacemaker. What should I make of this? sadrn57
Published Dec 07, 2005 - 12:43 PM
Pacemaker misfire
Has anyone ever heard of a temporary pacemaker misfiring after open heart surgery and sending you into code blue? vmk1953
Published Dec 05, 2005 - 04:30 PM
Excessive Sweating?
My mother had her third pacemaker and new wiring replaced a week ago Tuesday. She's had the pacemaker reprogrammed twice since the surgery. Her heartrate is now set at 70. She still is extremly tired and is sweating quiet a bit. Is this normal? Yesterday she took it upon herself to drive to the store. I told her this was way too soon and that I would take her once I finished work. She said she felt lightheaded when she got home and super tired, along with the sweating. Has anyone else experienced this??? ~ rebecca1969
Published Nov 29, 2005 - 02:51 PM
info on Medtronic model 1294
A Medtronic 1294 dual-chamber PM was implanted in a 90 year old relative mid-October. Some problems are collapsed lung during surgery, fainting after going home [low BP], general weakness. Any suggestions for rehab, getting strength back, after getting out of the hospital again? Should fluids be monitored? JV
Published Nov 28, 2005 - 01:09 PM
NEW PACEMAKER
I am 43 and I had two ablations for svt and ended up needing a pacemaker. I had it implanted on 4/6/01. On January 9 I will have it replaced. My pacer went into backup mode in March and since then, I have nothing but problems. I still have about 1-2 years left on the battery, but the pacer is racing my heart at rest and they can't seem to fix it. I have had so many adjustments. Does anyone have this problem? I have a Integrity Dual Chamber Pacemaker.
Published Nov 27, 2005 - 07:11 PM
Dizziness due to pacemaker?
Hello, I am new here, but I must ask this question.
Since my husband had his dual chamber medtronic pacemaker inserted for Sick Sinus Syndrome and a mild heart attack brought on by bradychardia, he has occasionally had these "spells" where he gets dizzy, it takes all his concentration to not pass out, and it ends in a cold sweat. He has a problem with comprehension during these spells. The dr. whom he rarely is allowed to personally see, and Medtronic assure him that it's "not cardiac" as according to them, his pacemaker readouts show no signs of having much usage corresponding to the dates of these clusters of spells. They also claim its a non issue if it is cardiac spells because the pacemaker would keep pacing if he was having bouts of bradychardia. We and the primary care physician are not buying it. What I am gathering from reading online is that there are a myriad of adjustments and things that could be out of whack while the pacemaker tests good itself. Why wouldn't these people just prescribe a Holter monitor to rule faulty pacing out conclusively? Is it time to fire the dr. who implanted this thing and get a second cardiac opinion? Thanks for any info. And btw...he already has seen a neurologist who is convinced these symptoms are cardiac. cskalsky
Published Nov 21, 2005 - 08:14 AM
Frequent PVCs at Dual Chamber Pacer.
My daughter was diagnosed at 16 months 30 years ago with 3rd degree block, and received her first pacemaker then. This pacemaker was implanted 6 years ago, I think, and has she been having frequent PVCs for a few months now. She is completely pacemaker dependent, and gets quite anxious when this happens. I can't blame her, I would too! Does anyone have an explanation for what causes PVCs in pacemaker pts, and why after so many years. I know stress, caffeine, etc. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Published Nov 18, 2005 - 09:44 PM
Pacemaker + angiography
Hi All
My dad is 65, and is due for a dual chamber rate responsive pacemaker installation within a week's time. He has a bundle branch block, and the pacemaker is required.
The doctor has confused us - initially he said that he would be doing an angiography, as a part of the pacemaker installation procedure. This will be to check if he has any blockages in his heart.
But now, he might not do it. Not sure what is happening here.
Can any one of you throw any light on this?
Thanks
Suprio
Published Nov 14, 2005 - 08:16 AM
numbness in left arm and hand
Had a Guidant PM installed for 7 weeks now, dual
leads.
Pain in left shoulder and numbness in left arm
and hand - very annoying as I have to continually
rub my hand and arm with my right hand to stimulate it
Anyone else with this problem? Thanks. pmkrjm
Published Nov 13, 2005 - 06:57 PM
Clotting at the site of the pacemaker?
Is clotting at the site of the pacemaker a common occurrence? My dad had a pacemaker inserted last week. He woke up with a very swollen upper left chest and had to have surgery to drain the site which had filled up with blood. Is this unusual????? daughter
Published Nov 08, 2005 - 09:06 PM
New Pacemaker-Shoulder Pain Help
My husband had a mitral valve replacement, two bypasses; a Maze; a hole repair three weeks ago. Two weeks ago he had Medtronic ICD, insync sentry two lead pacemaker. He has had severe shoulder pain since then. It has ebbed some but he is still on painkillers to sleep. When we went to the cardiologist, he told us there should be no shoulder pain and that it couldn't have come from having the pacemaker inserted. I am wondering if the shoulder pain is there because of having the pacemaker inserted shortly after heart surgery. Also if people can let us know what questions we should be asking about the pacemaker. Thanks. cjeffrey
Published Nov 08, 2005 - 08:57 AM
PM site problems
I have had a dual pacemaker fitted in 1997 post having Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis. In February 2004 I started to feel very faint and after collapsing at work I saw my Card who thought I just needed more salt in my diet because of the diuretics. Then in July 04 at another routine PM check, they took me more seriously as my resting heart rate was 35 bpm and they realised that one of the wires had broken. This was subsequently replaced and a new PM fitted; the old wire was also secured under the skin. In May 05, I noticed that I was having lot of skin erosion and the old broken wire was starting to come through my skin. So once again they opened up my site resited the PM and closed me up. After 6 weeks my scar broke open so they again re positioned the PM and this time much closer to my armpit. Everything seemed fine and 6 weeks later I returned to work. However it is now 14 weeks since fitting and I am experiencing a lot of discomfort on moving my arm across my body as the connectors of the PM are poking into my arm pit. There doesn't seem to be enough room for the PM and me in this position. I am now living with pain killers and my Card is very reluctant to move it again. He does not like interviening. When do you draw the line for life quality and what you should / not put up with. I know there are no gaurantees but I am still only 41 and I don't want to have to put up with compormises if there is a solution. ~ tabrett
Published Nov 07, 2005 - 01:00 PM
Difficult insertion--feel pacing and pain in neck. normal?
Pacemaker inserted in Sept. for SSS (I'm 53). Immediately felt terrible pain, everyone rushing around like an episode of "ER"! I had a collapsed lung--doc punctured it on insertion! In the hospital 5 nights but the lung is ok now BUT I am feeling the pacing in the oddest location--my back and sometimes my whole abdomen "pulses". At the first interrogation the Medtronics reps said that they could tell that I could feel the pacing in the atrium and they adjusted that and that's ok. They said that I am NOT pacing in the diaphragm. I've searched the internet and can't find a thing.
Published Nov 07, 2005 - 06:00 AM
New Here!
I am 36 to be. I am now on my 3rd pacer. My last one was recalled. I am now recovering from my last surgury 3 weeks ago. I get sooo frustrated with my pacer even after all these years. I know I need it as I use it 100%. Any one else have a recall? twiggy
Published Nov 04, 2005 - 11:43 AM
first timer with side effects
I am 31 years old and just got a medtronic pacemaker 3 weeks ago. Should I still be so uncomfortable? My left arm is in pain and I have a lot of pain under my adams apple. Anyone else experienced this, and when will it end? Thank you, Joy7235
Published Nov 02, 2005 - 10:03 AM
New pacemaker and side effects
I am a 31 year old who just received a dual chamber pacemaker 3 weeks ago because of complete heart block. I am having some discomfort just started the past couple of days below my adams apple and especially when i breathe in deep and for the past week have had some bad pain and tenderness on my left arm . Is that from a nerve or what? I would appreciate any answers anyone has. I am so happy to have just found this sight. From what I have been reading tonight it seems like recovery is going to be awhile. Thanks! joy7235
Published Nov 02, 2005 - 10:03 AM
Lead was change but cant belive what was next
hi ; i had my lead change on a tuesday came home on wenesday ended up in the hospial on friday with chest pain;;; was sent bacvk home;; no problem with heart they said or the pacemaker .. gave me some pain meds;;; suffer through one day sat. ended up back at hosiptal sunday with more pain then ever.
found out i had a tumor on the lung behind the pacemaker on the left side so if it wasnt that i had my lead change i would of never knew about the tumor so anyways now iam being treted for cancer soon .SO THANKS TO ALL MY PACEMAKER FRIENDS FOR LETTING ME SHARE MY STORYIES.... TAKE CARE....JinnyD
Published Nov 02, 2005 - 10:02 AM
my mom was just given a pacemaker
Hi everybody,
My mom was just given a pacemaker. Everything
seems to be fine except she has started going to
the bathroom frequently (9 or 10 times a night).
I was wondering if this is caused by the medication the doctor prescribed. Has anybody else had this experience?
Thank you very much.
Published Oct 30, 2005 - 02:54 AM
Pacer/ICD complications
My husband had a quadruple bypass in May, 2004 and an ICD implant in June, 2004. While in the hospital, it was discovered that a compression bandage was left on his harvest site for 5 days which cut off oxygen and blood flow to hisright leg; subsequently killing it. He complained of pain etc. for days and was told it was the harvest site,nto to worry. A horrified nurse finally removed it at my demand when she blurted out that they are to be left in place for 24 hours. That incident led to complications which included a progressively worsening scarring and scabbing on that leg as wella s the inability to put any weight on it. He was told if only he would walk, pain or not, he would be fine. He was sent to rehab for 2 weeks, could not walk and the condition worsened. He was discharged and as we discovered after being home a few days and consulting the home health professionals as well as local doctors, he had gone septic because he was discharged with untreated gangrene and staph.
Published Oct 27, 2005 - 08:14 PM
Ouch!! Burning Sensation around my scar!
My implantation was September 13, 2005 and I have returned to work feeling great. However, I am now experiencing a terrible burning sensation around my scar to the point where it is almost unbearable. Lately I have really been suffering.
Has anyone else experienced this or no what it is? Is it part of the healing process?
Brooks ~ brooksbaby
Published Oct 25, 2005 - 09:31 AM
Something went terribly wrong, and I don't know what to do..
My wife was misdiagnosed as needing a pacemaker about 9 years ago, before I met her. She had it implanted (a Guidant). Fast-forward to 2 weeks ago.. she wanted it out. All her current doctors agreed she didn't need the thing, and besides that, one of the leads wasn't even attached from what they could tell.. We checked into the hospital October 12th, 6:30 am for what was "supposed" to be a 2 to 4-hour surgery, and the understanding that she would be kept overnight for observation. After some 6 hours in the waiting room, her parents and I knew something was wrong.. the doctor came out and explained this to us:
Published Oct 24, 2005 - 04:31 PM
Neck Pain on the opposite side from the pacemaker
I had a pacemaker implanted on Sept. 29th. Today I began experiencing sharp spasms of pain on the right side of my neck which is opposite to where the pacemaker was implanted. Could these spasms be caused by the pacemaker? ~ Lew
Published Oct 22, 2005 - 07:02 PM
Shoulder pain
Hello all...great site.. dont know what i would do with out it!...As far as shoulder pain only had ICD for three weeks today and is installed on right side....still shoulder hurts like hell! Any one have the reason for this?
Txs. Colleen (cjinto)
Published Oct 19, 2005 - 09:10 PM
Interstitial Fibrosis + Anesthetics Inhalation + Pacemaker + Amiodarone
My mother is in intensive care and is the subject of all of the above. I questioned her taking Amiodarone, since it causes lung problems which she already had when it was prescribed. I also see that others have had problems with the drug and their pacemaker. Amiodarone is also not recommended for individuals using anesthetics inhalation which I believe she does every evening with a powered device she breathes in and out of for 20 minutes (not sure about this though, it may not be anesthetics). Her internist took her off Amiodarone when questioned about it. She is in very serious condition, about to be admitted to Hospice -- a little late to worry about this, but I'm 3,000 miles and don't always get answers in a timely fashion. Anyone out there have any advice? klugerkeys
Published Oct 19, 2005 - 10:33 AM
Shoulder Pain since PM Replacement
Since getting 2nd Guidant PM in July '03 I have had two problems. The most serious one was passing out and having to go to emergency room(twice)-- 6 mos. after and 1 yr--to the day-- after. Both diagnosis said the cause was dehydration probably from blood pressure diuretic???(Dyazide or HCTZ) Since then have had three changes of med and am now back on smaller amt of same because my bp did not go down. Both the Guidant rep--on the phone- and my ECP doctor's office assure me that these events had nothing to do with the Pacemaker(PM is to make my right ventricle beat) Also, the dr.'s nurse said I can wait til December to have PM checked.
Published Oct 19, 2005 - 08:18 AM
Has anyone experienced a "zapping" sensation?
I had a pacemaker put in on September 30th and have had the sensation of being "zapped" increasingly. It doesn't bother me while I'm laying down, but when I sit up for a while or am even mildly active, it starts and won't stop until I lay back down. I went to my doctor but of course, it would't happen while I was there so he thinks I'm a nut. He said that there's no way I should feel the pacemaker working and that even if I did, it should be kicking in when my rate is too low, not too high. I am 39 and only weigh 101 lbs ao I tend to react to everything more than "normal" people (sensitive to drugs, longer recovery, blah, blah, blah). Has anyone else had this happen?
Published Oct 14, 2005 - 11:21 PM
Fatigue/Exercise Intolerance/Tingling
I had a PM inserted in 5/2001. I thought I would feel better and stronger than before I got it, but in July 2001 I started having tingling at times pretty much all over my body. Cardiologist said it couldn't be from my PM - it had to be something at the cervical level of neck or above (brain) to do that. It varies in intensity over time, some nights I can hardly fall asleep from it, others not bad. I also am tired, don't have any stamina, and no exercise tolerance. My muscles become very fatigued with repetitive use. I have had some very serious work-ups for neuro or muscle disease (multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, etc.), and nothing so far. I am relieved 1) to see all the postings from people with either fatigue or tingling sensations or both, and 2) also curious about all the postings of PMs not being set correctly. How does one find a specialist who will listen to you and get these things set correctly? I'm not one of the people who says rip it out - I know how bad I would feel without it just from how I feel when they do the magnet when I go for visits. Guess I am just saying that we all need these docs to realize there is a lot going on here. Putting something with electric energy into a body is not something to be taken lightly. Glad I found this site. ~garib33
Published Oct 14, 2005 - 10:28 AM
BiV frustrations
One thing I have to say about this group, at least I feel like I'm not the only one who is frustrated with EPs and pacemakers!
Published Oct 13, 2005 - 03:18 PM
Heavy chest, sharp pain-- Pacing 3 months
I have a question! I had sharp pain while sleeping. I thought maybe I was sleeping wrong and the pacemaker 'pinched' me. My chest feels heavy and I fell dull pain most of the time...Anyone with a similar event? Oh...and what about the emotional pacing? Am I crazy or does this bit of science need some tweeking? My heart races for silly reasons...Maybe it is because I am going through the change of life...haha!
Kim
Published Oct 13, 2005 - 03:17 PM
Extremely short of breath following pacemaker implant
My friend had a pacemaker, with 3 leads, implanted two weeks ago. She is now extremely short of breath, her cardiologist referred her to a pulmonologist, and after looking at her xray, says it is possibly a diaphragm problem caused by a drain they put in her chest, that may have hit the phrentic nerve. He said to wait it out, it may or may not be permanent.
Naturally, she is panicked. She is 68, very active, was short of breath before pacemaker inserted, but now is so much WORSE than before they did it. She literally can't walk down a hall without being gasping for breath. Has anybody else experienced this, and any thoughts on her prognosis.
They put this drain in her chest because she had so much gas, the pulmonologist said that usually they put the drains in the side, not the chest, he didn't understand why this was done. This is all so confusing.
Thanks in advance, she is so worried.
Published Oct 13, 2005 - 03:17 PM
Pacemaker movement and pain
Hi
I am almost exactly 1 year post implant of a medtronic AT500 dual chamber pacemaker with Anti-tachy pacing mode set on. Last night I moved my left arm wrong and across the center of my body- my left elbow went past midline. I felt a kind of a click or crack and my pacemaker felt like it shifted position and then I moved my arm back and the pacemaker went back to it's normal position. I had some minor pain while I was moving but thought nothing of it this morning the pain was much worse, it is hard for me to move my arm in any direction or lift anything heavy. the pain is exactly like it was immediately post implant. could this be more like a muscle strain and that I can just use ice/ heat or should I call my cardiologist or go to the ER. I am not having any cardiac symptoms and since I am high percentage paced I would think that I would have cariac symptoms if it was related to lead fracture or other serious complication? what would be my best course of action? Heidi at Heidiashman@sprintmail.com
Published Oct 12, 2005 - 01:12 PM
infection!!!oh no!
Had my defib put in almost two weeks ago and now the incision is infected....wandering if this is normal? cjinto
Published Oct 12, 2005 - 01:11 PM
could medtronic pm be the problem?
Is it possible medtronic pacer inserted on the 29 of september could be causing pulse of 120 bpm. This occurs even at rest. He was fine when we left hospital and for about one week. We went for 1st office visit and settings were changed from 60/120 to 60/140. It was approximately two hours later that tachycardia began. When we went back in we received the pm stressful time lecture and we should just chill. Subsequently wore a halter and had echogram (sp?) and was told to increase topral dosage to 50mg. I am getting the feeling he thinks we are over-reacting. My husband is very analytical and definitly not the panic type. So far this has been the best support site I have found and do appreciate the info I am continuing to learn. Are the only options for controlling this meds. I would be intersted in hearing types and dosages of meds others take and what has been successful for them. What time period should we look at regarding the stabilization of tachycardia? Thanks for being there. Texas Jionescu
Published Oct 11, 2005 - 12:55 PM
Still pains in the chest 6 months after PM fitted
My son is still concerned about pains in his chest after having pm fitted in February. Sometimes the pains goes down his arm as well. The area of pain seems to be mainly about where you expected the leads to be going. It gets worse when he is stressed. Could it be anything serious or is it more likely still to be due to settling down? Dot
Published Oct 10, 2005 - 08:37 PM
New Pacemaker recipient
Is it normal to experience tinnitis for 2-3 hours every morning ?
Published Oct 08, 2005 - 09:21 PM
Advice needed
Hi Folks,
My Dad just had his PM fitted on this 22nd Sept, a St. Jude device, he recovering, his age is 78 years, and going strong by God's grace. Any input in terms of care/diet or for that matter any advice would be gladly and gratefully received.
Thank you all.
Published Oct 07, 2005 - 10:33 AM
Cross Talk
Hello,
I just had a severe case of pacemaker "cross talk" with a Medtronic Kappa 706. According to pacemaker interrogation, there was 11 minutes of atrial fibrillation of 400+bpm. Ventricular pacing was shut down and I had to rely on my own heart electrical activity, which is not very good and had a number of asystole episodes. EP studies showed my own heart to be normal. The EP dr diagnosed "cross talk or chatter" and "made a few adjustments". Said it was now fine. My question is why did it happen and how come the safety mechanisms in the pacer itself didn't work?
I have had a pacemaker for over 30 years now and this one for 4years. Any ideas or information would be appreciated.
Thank you.
Published Oct 06, 2005 - 10:13 AM
pain in neck and down left arm
For the last couple of days I have been experiencing sharp pain down left arm and up into the left side of my neck. No chest pain and pulse is ok. Initially I thought I had pulled a muscle or something but now I am wondering if it could be a lead. I can be ok for a bit and then it is quite severe. There is definately a swelling at the base of my neck which I haven't noticed before. I have had my p.m 11 months. Any opinion welcome as it is worryin me. Many thanks Jude
Published Oct 04, 2005 - 05:45 PM
BiVentricular Pacemaker Problems
I had a St Jude BiVentricular pacemaker and defib implanted on July 28th. I have dilated cardiomyopathy and left bundle branch block, which was diagnosed 2 years ago when I was 47. I have felt worse ever since the implant, and at this point, I regret having it done. I have had much more fatigue and shortness of breath and less stamina. I told the EP and the cardiologist that I didn't want this done if it wasn't going to improve my quality of life. The whole "defib as life insurance" means nothing if I can't work and have a more normal life.
Now, I have had my handbag strap apparently shift my pacemaker in its pocket, and it feels like a corner of it is trying to stick through my skin. If the shift was caused from an external pressure, can't the doc push it back into place?
I have had one pacemaker interrogation and adjustment, and they only turned down the voltage that time around.
I am going to call the EP's office and see if I can get an appointment for earlier than Nov 21, but at this point, I feel like telling him to rip the darned thing out.
Anyone have any encouragement? ~ KlingonEmp
Published Oct 02, 2005 - 08:42 PM
extra beats with pacemaker
does anyone get some extra beats with their pacemakers? i am pacemaker dependant and am currently having some problems. this is my 4th pacemaker in the past 7 years, i use a high voltage so the battery doesn't last very long. but now i am experiencing some irregular beating. my heart feels like it's an effort to pump, sort of like it's straing (similar to a pulseating migrane). this has happened 3 times in the last 2 weeks since i received my new pacemaker. i feel hot and sick to my stomach.
anyone have similar problems?
Published Oct 02, 2005 - 12:11 PM
Superior Vena Cava Syndrome
Hi everyone,
As promised I am posting to bring you up to date with the results of my venoplasty.My superior vena cava is now 90% open, whereas before the proceedure it was 80% closed.My symptoms resolved almost immediately.The procedure took one and a half hours, and required the use of four large balloons.The radiologist was adamant that he would not consider using a stent to help ensure that the vein remains open, as he believes that might interfere with the pacemaker wires,and make replacing them if that is ever necessary very difficult.Suggests repeat venoplasty,should the vein become obstructed again ,as the best treatment option.Does anyone have any thoughts on that? Pauline.
Published Sep 30, 2005 - 12:26 PM
AV node ablation
I was having problem with electical conduction and was taking regular medicines. I tried several medicine and has to change because of side effects. Each one will work for several months and I will be coming back to sqire one because of side effects or not controling. I was asked to have an RF ablation and it improved a lot but had occational AF. I was asked to have it done second time since,I am having multiple focus.All this was done in India and I was satisfied with the progress. Rarely I used to get it.
Now I am in Australia. I had the problem once or twice and the doctors here adviced me to have a dual type Anti AF pacemaker ( St.jude medical's one) impanted to avoid any further AF. 25th Augest 2005. a duel type Anti AF pacemaker was implanted. After the implant several times I started getting the AF and I am restless.Even two days back I was admitted in Hospital and has taken more than 6 hours to return to sinus rythem. Now Cardiolist says that I have to undergo AV node Ablation. In otherwords I will become pacemaker dependant. If anybody can tell me the problem of becoming pacemaker dependant I will be gratful. Will it solve the problem. After the implant it has worsened. ~ shivas
Published Sep 27, 2005 - 07:58 PM
So Now What?................
Now that we have all read about the most recent Guidant recalls. What do we do if we have one of the listed models implanted in our chests?!?
What if i didn't take the initiative to read online reagrding these recalls? Would we even know about them? This truly concerns me! I am a 40 year old mother and wife and i need to be able to rely on my pacemaker when my heart decides not to beat and now i have to figure out what to do about a recall!! I am not sure what to do next or first. ~ sdbromom
Published Sep 27, 2005 - 07:58 PM
Skin erosion
I had my pacemaker fitted two years ago. It moved and the condition of the skin around it began to
worsen. I had it re-positioned in March of this year but the skin has again eroded and I will have to have it re-postioned under the muscle. Has anyone else experienced this problem. I'm a little worried about having it re-sited.
Published Sep 24, 2005 - 08:43 PM
Pacemaker For Moderate Alzheimers Father
Father has congestive heart failure with prognosis of 6 - 12 months irregardless of pacemaker being put in. Halter monitor test showed average beats per minute at 100. Father is happy go lucky and hasn't had an overnight stay in the hospital for probably 84 years! Pacemaker requires 24 hour stay and is disorienting. Have successfully treated him with meds and out of hospital for close to a year. He's happy and I'm concerned about getting a pacemaker to "improve a quality of life" that doesn't really need improvement as he's CONTENT with CHF and moderate alzheimers. Considering hospice care due to prognosis and quality of life without the pacemaker. Any thoughts on this decision? A Loving Daughter ....
Published Sep 22, 2005 - 12:40 PM
pacemaker as needed with congestive heart failure
My mother has been told by her physician that she will need a pacemaker, but not until she has congestive heart failure.
She is 83 years old, has signs of fatigues, light headedness and is tired.
Her general health is good. She does take medication for high blood pressure and watches her potassium level.
Any ideas on why the hesitation for a pacemaker?
Published Sep 19, 2005 - 06:55 PM
Worried About My Dad
Hi everyone. My father just had a PM implanted August 11. He collapsed the morning of the 10th, cut his head and suffered a mild concussion. After his heart stopped a few more times that evening, they determined they were going to have to implant a PM. He's recovering well, except that a few times each week, he says he can feel it "fluttering." It doesn't seem like he's supposed to be having that type of feeling. He says he thinks that's when the PM is "working." Is anyone else familiar with this feeling? Also, of course, he's very conscious of the bump where the PM is installed. Is that bump normal? Does the bump go down at all over time?
My father can't hear now out of his right ear. (The cut in his head and skull caused blood to pool in the middle ear and also some fluid in the brain.) The doctors say this SHOULD go away; it will just take time. He's wearing a hearing aid in his left ear and can hear some out of it.
Published Sep 18, 2005 - 02:03 PM
pain in pacemaker area
Hello!
Have had my pacemaker for 6 months now. Everything seems to be going well.The past few days,however, I have had a nagging, toothache like pain in the area of my pacemaker. Should I be concerned? Has anyone else had this problem? There seems to be no swelling. Perhaps I'm being too sensitive. Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks~!
Published Sep 18, 2005 - 02:03 PM
SURGERY AGAIN;;
well here i go again/ iam going to be haveing my lead changed because of some chanes that were made not knowing settings were changed so a second appiton show me that i had a split in the lead now here i go again surgery number 7 .... thanks just wanted to share. JinnyD
Published Sep 17, 2005 - 04:59 PM
can anyone help
HI
I HAVE HAD MY PM NOW FOR 2 YEARS NOW,IN THE PAST 3 MONTH I HAVE BEEN GETING ALOT OF PAIN IN THE LOWER PART OF THE LEFT CHEST.I FEEL LIKE IT IS IN THE LOWER PART OF THE HEART. I HAVE THIRD DEGREE HEART BLOCK.IF I WALK ARE DO ANYTHING TO GET MY HEART RATE UP,THAT IS WHEN THE PAIN START,AND SOMETIME I CAD BE JUST SETTING IN THE HOUSE AND ARE JUST RIDING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE PAIN WILL START BUT NOT LAST LONG.
HAS ANYONE HAD THIS PROBLE,I HAVE CALL AND TALK TO MY DR. AND I GO NEXT WEEK TO SEE HIM.
HAVE A NICE DAY
KEITH
Published Sep 16, 2005 - 01:59 PM
Problems from dual pacemaker
my husband had a dual pacemaker installed april 16 of 2005 and has had anumber of problems.once i was in kitchen and i heard him screaming real loud and i ask him whats wrong and he dont ans.for few seconds his eyees dont move at frist and he says i am ok.i told him he was screaming and he said no i wasnt.then a week ago he fell off porch and he dont know what happen.he was ok. has any one heard of any thig like this.also very weak and low blood pressure.please reply.brendy
Published Sep 14, 2005 - 08:41 AM
Worried wife
My husband who is 40 yrs old got his PM March 1, 2005. It was put in as his heart would stop and he would pass out. He knew when it was going to happen as he would get a feeling in his stomach and a feeling of (as he discribed) a dream like or dejavu feeling, since the PM he has not passed out but continues to get the feelings and when I asked him to speak during them he was able to talk however it did not make sense, it was as if he was talking in his sleep. He is going to be put on a loop monitor to see what is going on. I am worried and wondering has this happened to anyone else and what was done
Thank-you
Published Sep 06, 2005 - 04:10 PM
JinnyD
Hi' Could anyone tell me anything about pm. that feel like burning. or leakeing with spams around the pm, area ? thank you JinnyD
Published Sep 06, 2005 - 01:13 PM
Fixing Atrial Fibrillations
I have had a PM for over 2 years now after having a heart block. All went well for 1 year when I started having fibrillations which steadily increased over the following year making life difficult.
Two months ago the technician increased my heart beat to 80 from 60 which has completely cured the fibrillations.
The downside she tells me is that the battery life will be shortened.
Has anyone else had this fix ?
Published Sep 04, 2005 - 06:01 PM
Too Much Pain after PM Surgery
hello Everyone! Great site! Hope I can get some answers too. I went to the hospital sick on 29th of July to have them tell me that I had CHF, and that my heart was enlarged. Extreme low blood pressures. Ok, so next thing I know, they are telling me that I need a Pacemaker. I'm 53, and have always been very active, and this was such a shock to me. So I was referred to a heart doctor for this PM. They called me and told me when to come to the hospital, and what time, and that the surgery would be about 2 hours after all the paper work was done, and I was prepped. I had questions that I ask on the phone to the nurse of this doctor, but had never met the guy, and it was told to me that I needed this PM cause my heart was only pumping out at 10%. And I ask what a normal heart usually pumps, and they said at 60%. So I go to the hospital to have the PM surgery on the 22nd of August, 2005.
Published Sep 03, 2005 - 08:03 PM
2 weeks and recovery not going well
Hi. I am the same one that posted about being upset and having the lump over my incision (which ended up being a kinked up lead) and also posted about having to lift my 2 year old several times a day.
Well, just to let anyone know for future reference yes you can have problems develop from lifting a 30 lb child after getting a PM.
I have no choice but to lift. I have nobody to help but they're (my family that begged me to have this surgery in the first place) going to wish they had helped me when I have to go have surgery again on Tuesday.
Yes, one of my leads came loose. Interestingly it showed it coming loose at 11 PM last night while I was sound asleep but I'm sure all the physical work I've been doing hasnt helped matters any.
I'm so frustrated if it's not one thing holding me back it's another.I know thats life but I just want to whine a little about it. I try to do what's right but I also have to work really really hard to take care of my family too and that includes driving 2-5 times per day (although with the new gas prices even THAT will be limited!), lifting my child, heavy cleaning, laundry, etc. There's never two hours for me to rest until after 11 PM much less a couple of weeks. I'm always in motion.
Also I have an infection at the incision site. My incision had reopened when my son climbed on my lap and put his knee on my chest (of course not realizing that it would hurt me, he was just playing with me). I'm assuming that's why they're waiting until Tuesday to reattach the pacemaker since I have the infection. I'm on Levaquin for that.
Staci
Published Sep 02, 2005 - 05:52 PM
Slight pain in heart after pm - is this normal
This is a great site - thanks for all the info.
Has anyone else had heart discomfort after the pm was installed? I had mine installed four weeks ago and wanted to make sure this was normal.
Thanks
KA
Published Aug 31, 2005 - 07:55 PM
Pneumothorax
Good evening everybody:
Actually, i'm sónia's husband. I'd like to warn everybody who's somewhat skinny and short:
Sónia got her PM a week ago. As she got out, she found she'd get tired much easier than before, without the PM.
on last Friday, we called the cardiologist and he told us to do an X-ray to check if everything was in place. As we could not find a cardiologist at our city hospital, she decided to pay a visit to our doctor which also advised us to go to the hospital.
As we speak, Sónia is AT HOSPITAL recovering from a PNEUMOTORAX due to the cut made to implant the PM. As the tissues healed, the air was traped inside the thorax cavity, compressing the left lung, giving the symptoms described:
- Shorteness of breath
- dizziness
- some pain right above the diaphragm.
- a lot of pain in the muscle behind the left shoulder.
Hopefully, it was found just in time to recover naturally, in 3-4 days with a drain attached to expel the air.
I also hope this can help anybody in the same situation: IT'S NOT NATURAL TO BE WORSE AFTER BEING FITTED A PM.
As the (i miss the right term) doctor made the hole she felt a lot better.
Already walks and talks without getting tired.
Good luck everybody!
Filipe
Published Aug 31, 2005 - 07:52 PM
Sick Sinus Syndrome
I had a Medtronic installed for SSS on 24th Feb this year. I felt fine until about 2 months ago. Then the palpitations, sweating and shortness of breath returned. At my checkup on Monday the following symptoms: high BP on the treadmill, atrial fibrillation, a vacuum in one of the top chambers, sluggish valves. Now the Dr wants me on Warfarin and two other meds and then cardioversion.
Had anyone here had any of these added complications after pacemaker insertion and what happened? ~susiee
Published Aug 31, 2005 - 08:23 AM
Gone after 12 weeks!
I had a pacemaker (St Jude Medical Model 5380) put in June 3rd and after checking it on August 25th, it is in back-up mode. It won't reboot and cannot be reprogramed. They are putting a new pacemaker in on Thursday, September 1. Should the pacemaker company, who is paying for the surgery, also pay my days off from work for this second surgery?
Published Aug 29, 2005 - 01:12 AM
magnetic strips
hi pacers, I am asking if wearing some magnetic strips around my neck (to get into my
building/buspass) could result in complications with the device. I phoned the guiadant co. but was unable to understand their take on it.
The cluster of magnets is below my breasts, but I do raise them as needed to swipe the stripe, and click into the front door.
thank you for your help. I hope everyone is well. therese.
Published Aug 28, 2005 - 07:24 PM
Erosion of Pacemaker
After having a Vitatron model C60A1 pacemaker about a year, it eroded (broke through the skin) which meant an eleven day hospital stay, many IV's of strong antibiotics, surgery to remove the pacemaker and leads, a new pacemaker and leads put in the other side of my chest, strong oral antibiotics, and another recovery period. I'd like to hear about other problems with pacemakers eroding. Also, if this has been a problem with a certain brand of pacemaker.
Published Aug 28, 2005 - 10:31 AM
Sensitivity to cold or heat
Since I've had my PM I have sensitivity to heat on hot days, if I'm outdoors and in the sun it feels like my PM is red hot and it burns me. Also, if I'm in a air conditioned room and it's too cold the metal gets too cold and causes pain. Has anyone else had this problem?
Published Aug 26, 2005 - 11:07 PM
pacemaker induced tachycardia
I had a pacemaker & ICD installed in June. The lower rate is 60 and the higher is 160. Things seemed to be Ok until I ended up in the hospital 2 months later with a constant heart rate of 160 and the PM was tracking at 160. The doctors couldn't understand why it was tracking at 160. My vital organs were failing and nothing seemed to improve the situation. I was prepped for surgery to be connected to an artificial heart as a bridge to a transplant. Under anesthesia my "numbers" suddenly improved, and became even better when my PM was turned off. The surgery was called off. I was told by a member of the team that was going to do my surgery that I had pacemaker induced tachycardia. Anybody familiar with this condition? Thanks.
Published Aug 22, 2005 - 10:01 PM
Superior vena cava
Hi Inga, Boombox, and Pacergirl,
Once again my thanks for your responses.It is both helpful and reassuring to have a point of contact with others who have had similar experiences.Especially as this seems such a rare complication,with little research evidence re the long term outlook for people with this condition.I am having venoplasty on 27th September,and will post again after that to let you know the results.Hope you all continue to do well.Pauline
Published Aug 22, 2005 - 10:00 PM
Pacer & V-Tack
Hi Everyone! Had a dual chamber pacer installed in Sept. 2004. Have felt wonderful since until this past week. Noticed at the gym the pulse readout said 52 beats per minute, then dropped to 46 and then finally stabilized back to 70 and kept increasing to my target zone. Thought the machine was broke but using a different machine the next day same thing happened. Called my pcp just to have my pulse checked and after 3 hours being hooked up to an ekg machine saw my pulse go from a low of 40 to a high of 178. They were back & forth on the phone with the cardio doc and I saw her the next AM. It was determined that I had a pretty serious bout of Ventricular tachycardia and I was put on Atenolol and the Guidant guy changed all the dynamics on my pacer. Has anyone elso had this happen and do you know why? There were so many nurses, docs, techs etc. all talking at once I never got a straight answer. I thought the pacer would prevent this from happening. Any help would be appreciated. Mary Ann
Published Aug 21, 2005 - 12:25 AM
Superior Vena Cava Syndrome
Thank you to those who responded to my last posting.I have now had it confirmed that I have a 3cm stenosis of the superior vena cava as a result of my pacing wires.This is my first pacemaker which I have had just over two years.It is apparently a recognized,albeit rare, complication of pacing but one that I was never informed of in advance.I wonder if anyone else was advised that this was a possible complication.I am now waiting for angioplasty,although i am aware that this may not work.Does anyone have any experience of this form of treatment for SVC syndrome.By the way my name is Pauline.
Published Aug 19, 2005 - 05:48 PM
negative on weight loss
Question ? I have lost a significant amount of weight. I then had my pacer come out of the pocket and flip on it's side. I went in and had it re sewn into place but since that surgery (procedure) I have been experiencing a lot of discomfort and pain. It is now 4 months and it seems to be feeling worse. Has anyone gone through this?? I am wondering if this is somewhat normal.
jemoon
Published Aug 16, 2005 - 09:19 PM
great 2 weeks/ then setback
Hi:
My mother recieved her pacemaker/defib. 3 weeks ago. (After 5 years with chf and a surgery to repair mitral valve - only 66 years old) She had 2 wonderful weeks. She had energy again. She wasn't short of breath and she smiled all the time. Last week she began to feel short of breath again. Her face was puffy and her stomach enlarged. She was worried that one of the leads was displaced. Today she was checked by the surgeon. Everything is working properly. He said she could be in "heart failure" again and that she needed to talk with her cardiologist. Cardiologist said to increase water pills. Could the pm have brought this on?
Anyone else experience these symptoms soon after implant?
Published Aug 16, 2005 - 02:31 AM
Lead Problem??
I had my pacemaker implanted 3 weeks ago on my left side. I am now experiencing twitching around the PM. I went to my doctor and the technician adjusted the voltage down. I am still experiencing a twitching around the PM. It only happens when I use my left arm to lift objects, drive, and hold items. Does anyone else have the same problem?
Published Aug 13, 2005 - 07:26 PM
low blood pressure
Since I received my pacemaker my blood pressure been 94/68 and 104/78. Could it be from the pacemaker or could it be from taking lexapro,buspar and lorazpam? I am going through major depression and anxiety. Also my blood pressure been low but not that low. Can anyone help me out with this. Oh i did call the doctor about this and he said it wasn't from the pacemaker, but it could be the drugs I'm on. sheila
Published Aug 10, 2005 - 09:47 PM
Pain from Pacemaker?
Just a follow-up to the ones having those "electric shocking sensations" commencing after pacemaker inserted. . .
Look for comments from "Lady Shocker" under the Pacemaker Club and also the Implantable.com. I have posted off and on since April of '04 - with several minor complaints after the pacemaker was inserted on 07/05/02, but the major one being the shocking sensations. My EP, his nurse assistant, and the cardiologist all just shrug me off with a comment that there are a couple of things that can cause the sensation I am describing and I don't have either of them and then they just move on.
Fortunately, my PCP, who has known me for years, does believe me and we have managed to get a Medtronic factory rep in to see me also. (My EP said that wasn't necessary!). I'll keep you posted on what I am able to learn.
Many thanks to all who share on these sites!
Published Aug 07, 2005 - 08:19 AM
Congestive Heart Failure
Hi all,
I had my pacer implanted in March due to atrial fibrillation that would not respond to meds. Everything had been going fine except that I occasionally experienced a shortness of breath. Well, a few weeks ago while on vacation in Canada I couldn't walk more than 1/2 block due to shortness of breath and had to be taken to the ER. It turns out that I have congestive heart failure and my lungs were filled with fluid. My doctor has ordered a treadmill/echocardiogram and I am waiting for a date.
Has anyone else experienced this problem? Before the implanted pacer, my heart and general health were excellent, despite my 78 years. My electrophysiologist is baffled and so am I.
Published Aug 06, 2005 - 03:14 PM
PM pocket site
How do they decide on where to implant your PM?
My PM pocket still hurts after 7 months.
Can they/do they move implants?
Published Aug 05, 2005 - 08:02 PM
Pain From Pacemaker?
I have been reading the messages posted here for some months and now I have a pacemaker question. I got my Medtronic, two lead unit 5+ years ago. This chapter in my life with a pacemaker started in Sept. '04. I should add here, that I had the same problems for about three years after getting the pacemaker, got no help from the doctors and finally asked for it to be turned off. It was turned off in early '03 and during the time it was off I had none of the problems described below. For several reasons the cardiologist thought it best that I have it restarted, which was done in Sept. '04.
A couple of months after getting the pacemaker restarted I started to notice an occasional stinging pan that felt like a very light electrical shock. This would happen two to three times a week. As the weeks went by these shocks became more frequent, but when I would get a pacemaker check up (I have had 4 of them) I would ask about this.
Published Aug 05, 2005 - 08:02 PM
Guidant model #1298 INSIGNIA PLUS
Hi laura, i also have a st.jude valve and am in complete heart block with a heart rate of 40. I have a dual chamber pace maker and also feel like it does not work all the time it will skip beats and occasionally feel like it's dropping out and restarting very irratic (blood preassure goes way up)last about 5 sec. This is my second PM my first was a medtronic diamond two and was problem free led a very active lifestyle. my second PM the one i have now is a guidant dual chamber insignia plus model #1298 and am having nothing but trouble with it. Im in the process of getting test done to see whats wrong because the doctor say's it's not the PM? my troubles started when the guidant was installed i know my heart is ok all the test to date have come back negative. Could you please re check your model number it does not show up on the guidant web site and am wondering if you got it right? you can e-mail me at klyness@ns.sympatico.ca for anymore info about myself or my experiences.
Thanks
ken
Published Aug 02, 2005 - 08:51 PM
Extra beats
Hi people! i am 17 years old and first had my pacemaker impanted when i was 14. Firstly i would just like to say how much this website has helped me. I got depressed after my pacemaker because i was only young and i sometimes feel like a "freak" still. But when i do i come on this website. It would be nice if any teens could get in touch for support and a chat.
Secondly I have numerous problems with it and the recent one is when i tlying down i can feel my heart beating harder than usual. My cardeologist said it was probably just me being more aware of my heart beat but it has been going on for months. Also when i went to boxercise on tuesday i felt my heart beating extremly hard. I understand it will because i am exercising but it was a different feeling. I am not unfit and this has never happened before. Can any one help? Thank you. xxxx
Published Jul 29, 2005 - 06:26 PM
Lifting & markings
I was told, by someone who also has a pacemaker, that I should lift no more than 40 pounds. True??
Also: After I had done some hard work I looked at the area of my pacemaker. It was framed in a dark brown stain (almost like dried blood) about 3/8 inches wide all around. It appeared to come to the surface from the inside of the skin. I wondered if it would come off? It did with hard rubbing using a wet wipe. This was just previous to the beginning of some serious problems. Extra high heart rates. EKG eratic. Dr says upper heart beats as fast as 300 bpm. Lower as fast as 150 bpm.
Published Jul 29, 2005 - 06:25 PM
mild upper chest discomfort
Been pacing for almost 7 months now. For the last 2 weeks been having very mild upper chest discomfort. I also called the tech for the pacemaker and also the doc and they tell me nothing is wrong with the pacemaker and it is still doing its job, keeping my heart rate up. Had a stress test done and everything was normal; all I had was bradycardia . What could it be anxiety/panic attacks? Otherwise I feel great. need advice sheila
Published Jul 27, 2005 - 07:05 PM
HELP Trying to fix pacemakers
Hi my name is Jessica and i am 17 years old. I recieved my pacemaker in Aug. of last year. Ever since i have had my pacemaker i have had pain over the site and down my arm, like i am being stabbed by a knife. I also have problems with being dizzy, lightheaded, and passing out. My doctor has told me it is all in my head, nothing is wrong, and these symptoms don't happen. When i got on this website and started reading i have found that other pacers have problems like mine. So i am asking for your help. Since the doctors do not want to listen to what we have to say i am ready to make them. I am seventeen and want to live pain free. I am asking you to email me at P841@aol.com(title subject pacemaker) or respond to this on this web site with symptoms that don't seem right, the brand and type of pacer you have, and what your doctor said. I don't know how far i will be able to go with trying to help fellow pacers and myself but i do want you to know i intend to do my best to get our problems fix. If you could just help me by sending me this information i would be grateful. I will give an update on this website. Thanks Jessica
Published Jul 26, 2005 - 06:37 PM
Poorly trained tech
3 weeks into implantation of my St. Jude 5370, which has an autocapture feature. This monitors the thresshold pacing voltage, and adjusts it to just above the level necessary to pace, saving battery life over those simply set at a 2-4x safety margin. A week after surgery a Guidant tech (they are all trained to program all the models) set up autocapture incorrectly, resulting in much too high a voltage, which stimulated my pectoral muscle below the pm. Very uncomfortable. A St. Jude tech today just shook his head at what he saw that the Guidant fellow did. Just a warning about who you let program your pm. Remember, it's part of YOU now, which is not in the same category as tuning up a car. You have to right to someone who know what he's doing.
On a (possibly) related manner: after 2+ weeks of feeling great, the past few days, I have been very symptomatic of my pre-pm SSS: fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and in addition, have been very lightheaded (low blood pressure). I'm told that the above thresshold problem with autocapture could not be causing these problems (otherwish, the pm is working properly). I'm a bit suspicious, though. Has anyone else experienced any recurrance of symptoms?
Thanks, and best to all,
Dan
Published Jul 25, 2005 - 08:57 PM
cardiac arrest
My husband had a pacemaker installed in Sept. and in less than 24 hrs. after being released from the hospital, died. I was told he had a sudden catastrophic arrythmia causing ventricular fibrillation and despite immediate medical attention, he still died. Is anyone aware of anything that could explain this?????
Published Jul 24, 2005 - 05:19 PM
Infections with implant?
My dad had a pacemaker installed June 6 due to sudden cardiac arrest. The pacemaker seems to be working fine, but the incision continued to seep blood and fluid. He kept being told it would clear up soon, until two weeks ago he was told he would probably need an antibiotic -- but they couldn't give him an appt to see the doc to get one for two weeks. (!) Saw doc this week, who says it is infected. Will try antibiotics, but will probably need to have whole thing removed and replaced and get IV antibiotics. I'm very concerned and wondered if anyone else has been through this. I have lots of questions, like: What's guarantee new one won't get infected? Are these infections stubborn and hard to get rid of? Could the infection spread to the actual heart? If he's pacer dependent, how do they disconnect one and insert another without him "dying" in between? Any advice would be appreciated!
Published Jul 23, 2005 - 02:15 PM
Anyone have to have ICD moved because of it being uncomfortable??
Has anyone had to have their ICD moved due to it being very uncomfortable? It moved down 2 inches and now is extremely sore.
Published Jul 22, 2005 - 08:07 PM
Muscle spasms in pm area
Hi again. It's been just over two weeks since implantation of my St. Jude Identity 5370. Everything is going well, except that several times each day, I feel a VERY strong muscle spasm directly over or under my pm. It's a strange spasm in that it is perfectly sychonous with my heart beat! I feel it most when I am either sitting quietly ( e.g., at work), or (especially) lying on my back in bed. It lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes, and comes and goes. It is very pronounced - my friend could immediately feel a very mild episode.
I have read here suggestions that this could somehow be related to the Autocapture feature, i.e., that the spasms (I should probably say instead "muscle stimulation) happen when its doing the autocapture, which is done as needed (i.e., haphazardly).
Published Jul 21, 2005 - 06:42 PM
Strange Feeling in Leg
I have had a PM since Feb this year. I have never felt it pacing (except when they check it). Since last week I have started feeling this almost vibration/tinge at the very top of my inner leg. Sounds strange, I know. At first I thought that it was my cell phone in my pocket vibrating, but it isn't. It happens at all diferent times of the day and I have been placing my cell in my purse. It isn't all the the time, but frequent. It is not painful, but very strange. Has anyone felt this before? Could it be my PM pacing? Thanks for anyone's input.
Danielle
Published Jul 20, 2005 - 08:47 PM
cardiac arrest
Hi everyone, I had a (Guidant Vitality DS) pacemaker put in Jan 05. for atrial arrythmias. It's a duel chamber pacer. On July 11, I went into full cardiac arrest. I never had any ventricular arrhythmias before. Now I Do. Has anyone else had this problem? I'm glad to be alive. Can this be another problem Guidant has?
Published Jul 20, 2005 - 08:44 PM
medtronic enpulse pacemaker
Hello my name is Rick and I had a enpulse dr pacemaker implanted 28 Jan 2004 .I have had pain in the pacemaker area ever since. The Dr. said it would go away in about 6 months. Well it is now July 2005 and it is still present. I am not really for sure if I need to consist to go to Dr's and complain. Please reply if able. Tx.
Published Jul 19, 2005 - 10:03 PM
Pericarditis
Hello,
This is a follow-up to my husband's ICD saga. The original ICD was implanted on May 3 and everything seemed to be going pretty well for awhile.
Starting around the middle of June, my 54 year old husband started to run fevers off and on and had minor breathing problems since the ICD was implanted. He saw his Cardio Dr on June 29 and an echogram was done that showed Pericarditis. Dr said that there was a small amount of fluid in the sack and he prescribed, as he called it, Motrin on steroids. By July 2, my husband could hardly breathe and the fever was at a constant 102 1/2. I rushed him to the emergency room and numerous blood tests were run to rule out infections, etc. Echogram was done and the fluid in the sack had increased so much in just a few days that everyone was suprised that my husband could even draw a breath.
Published Jul 18, 2005 - 07:22 PM
Out of Breath
Hi I am new and I am so glad that I found this site. It is nice to be able to talk to other people with a pacemaker also.
I got my pacemaker in 2002 and it seemed to work great that is until about several months ago. I seem to get really short of breath and get so tired real easily.
I also notice that I sweat a lot. I have just
went to have my pacemaker checked and they say there is nothing wrong with my pacemaker but then why do I feel this way? Has anyone else had this problem? When I get home from work all I want to do is lay down. I don't have the strength to do anything anymore and yet they say my pacemaker is fine. Just wanted to know am I the only one with this problem and what can I do? I am so tired of being tired. Thank you I just wanted to talk to someone. I pray God will bless you all. Terry
Published Jul 17, 2005 - 07:30 PM
Throbbing pain in throat weeks after pacemaker/defribrillator installed
Hello, My Mom is 71 and had a pacemaker and guidant defibrillator installed on her rt side in early June, 2005. She experiences severe throbbing pain in the base of her throat/neck just above where the collarbones meet. The pain started again about 2 weeks later - for a couple of days, then subsided. Again, a couple of weeks later, same thing. Since, it's been about 1 or 2 days a week. She says it feels like a hammer beating her in that spot and feels it when her heart beats. It hurts so badly that she ends up having to take a pain pill (and she's not a narcotic person, uses Advil or Tylenol for everything). Her Doctor advised her last Friday when he saw her to mend her recalled Guidant device, that they could find no reason for the pain she is having and that it may just still be irritated from the work they did in there in early June and to just watch it.
Published Jul 15, 2005 - 08:38 PM
low blood pressure/fluid
My dad had a pacemaker installed on 7/13-and now suffers severe low blood preesure 43/50 and they have noted fluid in the echocardiogram. They put him in ICU tonight-He is 87 which worries me-anyone else with this problem??
Published Jul 14, 2005 - 07:03 PM
Recall: Warning
Dear Customers:
The new Callaway Golf Apparel X Series line represents the first Premium Performance Apparel line made exclusively for the Golf industry. Our Fall 2005 launch included the latest in technical performance products as well as many technical features for improved function.
Several noted styles below that will only be in the Fall 2005 line contained magnetic closures on the placket that could be hazardous to someone with a pacemaker implant, or any type of cardiac rhythmic device. The potential hazards include serious injury and death. As of this writing, we know of no cases of injury resulting from anyone wearing these styles. However, to reduce the risk of injury, we have decided to recall all such shirts. If you have purchased any of these styles, please stop wearing them and contact us immediately.
We also need to contact anyone you may have given the below listed styles to. We ask that you please provide any contact information of person(s) you may have given this product to. For the safety reasons stated above we need to advise them of the potential hazards and offer them the same opportunity to return and exchange these products.
Recalled styles:
CX15808 FLGYL, FSGRY, ORCUP, SNOW
CX15811 FRRED, FSGRY
CX15812 FSGRY, ORCUP, SNOW
CX15814 FRRED, SNOW
CX15816 FSGRY, SNOW
If you have purchased one of these garments please DO NOT WEAR the listed garments. Contact us immediately so we may retrieve the shirt and replace it.
Ashworth is committed to providing you with the ultimate in quality golf apparel products and service.
Sincerely,
Mr. Adrian Punderson
Vice President of Global Administration
Ashworth, Inc.
Adrian.Punderson@ashworthinc.com
760 438-6610
Ashworth, Inc. is an official licensee of Callaway Golf Company
Published Jul 11, 2005 - 07:33 PM
PACEMAKER TO CARDIAC TAMPONADE
MY 35 YEAR OLD HUSBAND HAD A PACEMAKER PUT IN DURING APRIL. WHEN HE LEFT THE HOSPITAL HIS STOMACH WAS VISUALLY JUMPING UP AND DOWN AND HE COULD FEEL HIS PACEMAKER (SHOCKING FEELING). WECALLED THE DOCTOR - HE HAD US COME IN AND ALL HE DID WAS TURN DOWN THE LOWER LEAD, TOLD US EVERYTHING WAS FINE AND THAT MY HUSBAND WOULD GET USED TO THE PACEMAKER,
Published Jul 08, 2005 - 03:37 PM
throat and upper chest: breathing not quite right
I just had a St. Jude 5370 dual generator installed two days ago. I was diagnosed with SSS a couple days before that. I'm 43, in great health, and very fit. So, this was something of a shock. I'm writing because since the procedure, I have had some problems breathing: my upper chest and throat feel tight - a little like being very, very out of breath after heavy exertion. (I'm not actually out of breath; rather it's that raspy, almost ticklish feeling you get, plus tightness.) I feel it's corellated with a higher pulse. It's uncomfortable. I also was alarmed that last night, although I was completely sedentary, my pulse was a very constant 90. Even lying in bed for over an hour.
I have read some other similar breathing complaints, which were attributed to ventricular pacing. 2-3 people seemed to have this symptom relieved when an "adjustment" was made to the ventricular pacing. I went to see my cardilogist with a printout of these postings, and he pretty much dismissed them. He insisted that these things will resolve in a few weeks. I want to trust him, but I am worried, particularly in the face of similar complaints.
I would like to ask those who have posted on this what the adjustment was: I learned today that there are only two adjustments that can be made to the ventricular pacing are: (1)the threshold voltage (mine was adjusted downward today); (2) the time interval before ventricular pacing kicks in. Mine is 250 ms, which I understand is pretty normal (maybe even a bit long, i.e., giving my heart more of a chance to trigger naturally). Which of these things could affect the breathing, and why?
Getting used to the idea of being bionic is a bit rough. I really appreciate the support this group offers, and I hope I can provide help one of these days. Many thanks, and good luck to you all!
Dan
Published Jul 08, 2005 - 02:46 AM
reply for punctured lung
i want to thank every body who responed to my problem it really helps. i will take everybodys advice and watch what happens. god bless
Published Jul 04, 2005 - 03:00 PM
Superior vena cava syndrome
I am currently being investigated for an obstruction of the superior vena cava vein as a result of pacemaker wires. Has anybody else encountered this? What were your symptoms, and what treatment was offered? How successful has this been?
Published Jul 04, 2005 - 11:34 AM
joe
i had a pm put in 8 days ago. during which my left lung was punctured. after 3 days in hospital my heart doctor and my lung doctor said it would heal itself .no tubes wre inplanted. are they right . im still kinda worried obut it.
Published Jul 03, 2005 - 03:05 PM
pacemaker installation
HAS ANYONE HAD A ALMOST FATAL INSTALLATIONN OF A PACEMAKER?.
Published Jun 30, 2005 - 01:27 AM
I need your help
My husband had a pacemaker put in June 15, 1999
he died 9/18/03 in his sleep. I just found out today that his pacemaker was a recall. I just found this site today also, has anyone had problems with Kappa KDK701? I need your help, he
was only 47 yrs old
Published Jun 21, 2005 - 09:03 PM
seizures in addition to pacemaker?
I recieved my pacemaker in March of 2005, since then I found out I am having seizures, has this happened to anyone else?
Published Jun 21, 2005 - 04:55 PM
Risk Factors for Bone & Joint Infections
I found this at MayoClinic.com
Risk factors
Those with metal in their bodies, such as plates, screws or artificial (prosthetic) joints are at increased risk of bone and joint infections, because these implants provide a surface that bacteria easily adhere to and multiply on. Such a formation of bacteria is called biofilm, which protects germs from antibiotics and bodily defenses.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=FD59F887-9E24-4A0D-883E01D48DC117C8&dsection=4
Published Jun 19, 2005 - 06:13 PM
Walking to the left
My wife has a two wire device. She has been dizzy today. And walks to the left. Has anyone experienced this?
Published Jun 18, 2005 - 11:09 PM
Booting in?
I have been told that I am pacing 100 per cent in my upper ventricle. Mainly I feel a low "ticking/clicking" feeling upper left of my sternum. Laying down or sitting this can really become quite pronounced in that it seems magnified with quite a boot. It makes me uncomfortable and I wonder if the voltage is too high or what. Has anyone else experienced this?
My pm is set at 60 and 132 but can go down to 48 before it kicks in when resting. I am unable to lay on my stomach or left side because of this problem.
Published Jun 17, 2005 - 08:06 PM
Short Term Memory
My 88 yr. old mother just had PM put in 2 1/2 weeks ago. She is experiencing short term memory loss. Prior to this, she was very sharp and up on everything. She is still a joy to be around - however, she forgets many things just told to her. It is awful to see her like this and one can tell that she is aware of it herself. Sometimes she forgets who was just visiting or she'll turn around an event in her head and remember it differently than it actually occured. After the emergency PM was put in one of the doctors said she was given something to take that would make her forget the pain - it was something akin to an amnesia medication. I thought it was not the best idea that they would give this type of medication to someone 88 and I wonder if anyone else out there has heard of this practice or if you have experienced an improvement in your short term memory after a few months? Thank you for any replies.
Published Jun 15, 2005 - 08:56 PM
heavy pulsing on left lower abdomen
My wife just had a pacemaker about a month ago. We noticed that everytime she laid on her back a heavy pulsing occurs. She need to move around to make it stop. Did anybody had this experience? We are kind a worried that her pace maker was not installed properly. tks
demetrio
Published Jun 15, 2005 - 01:19 PM
Beware of Pericarditis...Anyone had this condition after PM/ICD
I had a dual chamber PM/ICD implanted on May 17th.
Spent one night in hospital...things were fine, life was good....then Saturday all hell broke loose. Couldn't breath and had terrible chest pains. Make a long story short ended back up in the hospital for two more days...under heavy sedation. Terrible experiance!!!! Doubt I would have risked a PM/ICD had I known there was a chance of this happening. Still feel bad...really sucks!Dr. said cases of this happening are very rare....still treating condition with meds. Anyone else developed this condition? Dr. says 3-6 weeks before complete recovery. Beware of this conditon....pain is so bad you will wish you were dead...and I'm not kidding!!! Pain killers and Aleve. Anyone else had this experience?
Thanks in advance for your feedback
ms
Published Jun 13, 2005 - 01:37 PM
Surgery with PM
I just had a bia-ventricular 3 wire PM implanted on May 23, it is working great and I am feelling much better than I was with the old dual chamber unit. Now the question, I am soon going to have to have some minor surgery, the last time this was done they used ELECTROCAUTERY to stop the bleeding, looking at the Medtronic site it says this is not recomended with a PM. Has anyony had any experience with this with a PM?
Published Jun 12, 2005 - 06:58 PM
insertion of pacemaker
I am to get an pacemaker inserted and a reveal monitor removed. I am getting this done by local anesthetic but wondered if this is normal or can it be down under general?
Published Jun 12, 2005 - 03:19 PM
Bicep muscle
Six months after my pacemaker was installed in my right side the bicep muscle in my right arm lost it's function.
Has anyone experienced this?
Published Jun 09, 2005 - 02:06 AM
shaking
I am at my wits end. My 82 year old mother has had a PM fitted for about 9 weeks and is quite unwell. The worst thing is the violent shaking attacks which start around the site of the PM. doctors say it is nerves or poor circulation or her age. As these attacks can start at any time, even when she is asleep i cannot believe it is nerves. I think no one has an answer. We have been in hospital so many times it is like a second home but when she is having an attack she thinks she is dying. She almost collapses. If anyone has heard of similar happenings or why it happens it would be a great help to us
Published Jun 07, 2005 - 07:32 PM
Karen from Halifax
I am experiencing dull aches around my left rib cage and my left arm also aches. I had my PM repositioned 2 months ago.
Anyone else out there have sore ribs?
Published Jun 07, 2005 - 12:15 PM
Swollen left arm?
I have a 4 1/2 year old pacemaker and am a very active 57 year old woman. I have had no trouble whatsoever until 8 weeks ago, when my left arm suddenly felt weird...not numb or anything, just odd..and in 5 or 10 seconds the part below my elbow puffed right up. It went down in about 15 minutes but has not been right ever since. My doctor said to give it a few days and it would probably go away. It didn't. Then he ordered a Venus Doppler...no clots. Treated me for Cat Scratch Fever since I remembered my new cat bit me....thought that was truly the answer and of course it was not. Last week I had an Arterial Doppler...again, no blocked artery. The edema showed up but we already knew that. My pacemaker is working properly as I just had that checked. My arm below the elbow is 1" bigger around than my right arm and my hand gets red when used or at my side. When I hold it straight up in the air, it returns to almost normal. My doctor tried to talk to my cardiologist yesterday but he was not in...and because of a tragic death in my doctor's family, he will be gone for a couple of days. I am not critical but would like to know why my arm is this way. I have also the past week or so noticed more fluttering than normal. Anyone have a clue???
Published Jun 07, 2005 - 12:15 PM
Exhausted after pacemaker in put in
Hello,
My 81 year Mother had a Pacemaker put in on April 11, and has been overly exhausted ever since. Part I chalk up to depression, having this event be the first medical incident since her 40s. She has not been on any medication and now, it feels like she is taking all kinds of medication and still, does not feel right. One month after her PM impant, she was rushed to ER with high fever and she couldn't move. The ER Docs said she had a UTI and once admitted to the hospital, her regular Doctors said she didn't. Prior to the ER visit, she had her first PM check up and everything supposedly was fine. She does not feel right and my sister and I are hard pressed to believe all these following events and my Mother's "I know I am not right" feelings are unrelated to her PM implant. I am open to any suggestions that will point us in a direction to get to the bottom of what is possible going on.
Thank you for listening and please email me at prussell@dslextreme.com with any information or opinions you may have.
Penelope
Published Jun 06, 2005 - 03:15 AM
Burning Sensation
I have to have a new pacemaker implanted later this month after only 5 years, because of a lead that's surrounded by scar tissue which caused my battery to have to be "turned up".
Anyway, my physician has said he will cap the old lead, but after hearing all the comments about capping the lead, I am confused. I do not believe my hospital offers the new laser method of removing old leads. Is it important to have these taken out?
My last pacemaker implant caused a miserable burning and itching sensation about two weeks after the implant. I have read other's comments about this same phenomenon. Does anybody know what causes this? Have a solution?
Published Jun 06, 2005 - 01:44 AM
Ventricular Bigeminy
I posted a message a few weeks ago (Problems after 8 weeks) - thanks to all who replied. I've been getting worse and worse and have finally been diagnosed as having Ventricular Bigeminy. I'm due to have my PM regulated this week to try to overcome the problems this is causing me. I have a couple of questions. I feel this problem has developed since I had my PM fitted (my original problem was night-time bradycardia and now I have this all day long, with worryingly low BP) - is this possible? Should I be hopeful that my PM technician can adjust my PM to fix this problem ( I was told at my last visit that everything was "normal" when I knew it wasn't and it was only when my family doctor realised how low my BP is that this next appointment has been made)? Any feedback on anything to do with Venticular bigeminy would be great!
Published Jun 05, 2005 - 02:33 PM
Discomfort in PM area
I had my PM implanted 3 months ago. I had been told that it would be of the size of two large $1 coins (not too big, about 1 1/2 x 1/4 in). It is a Medtronics EnPulse dual chamber
When I look at my PM, it looks quite big. Now, I'm not worried about looks. The problem is that it is just quite uncomfortable. Depending on my position I often wake up feeling very sored in the area where the PM sits. I should add that I am not a big person. I weigh around 140 pounds (male). I expected that this discomfort would go away with time, but now it doesn't seem to fade. It is aggravated by the seat belts when I drive.
Also, I often feel a tingling feeling in my left arm. I didn't fell this before the implant. Could this be due to a problem with the leads? Or could this be a case of leakage?
Has anybody had the same problems?
Published Jun 05, 2005 - 12:00 AM
Suffering a few set backs here
On 2/23/05 I had a St. Jude dual Pacemaker implanted in my left shoulder area due to heart block. I look very healthy and have always taken care of myself. I'm 51 and like everyone else didn't plan on this. So it has hit me very hard that I had this problem. Fast forward to 3 weeks ago, I took some vacation time from work to do some gardening. I was working away enjoying just being alive when I noticed that my left arm was swollen clear up to my chest. To make a very long story short, I had a 5 inch blood clot which was cutting off the blood supply to my left arm. The clot has been reduced to 2 inches for which I am thankful for. I'm left with pain, tingling and limited movement. I see my cardio doc on June 15 to review my situation. I can't work because when I spend too much time on the keyboard my hand, arm begin to swell and the pacer site begins to hurt. Any advise? Thanks, pacergirl
Published Jun 03, 2005 - 08:00 PM
Left arm pain and swelling - help!
Hello, I had a BiVen ICD implanted on 5/12, was diagnosed with a left subclavicial clot on 5/23. I am currently taking blood thinners. Problem is with my left arm. The upper part is swollen also the armpit. It skin is tender to the touch. I cannot raise my arm up at all ( severe pain). My cardiologist is sending me to a Vascular doctor which I will see next week. Has anyone experienced anything like this ???
Published Jun 02, 2005 - 04:01 PM
Occasional Pounding
Hi all
I have a Medtronic Dual Chamber Pacemaker installed one month back. I have an occasional pounding feeling, in believe in my Ventricles. I believe this is due to the voltage being applied by the Pacer. Is there a way to change the settings or something in the pacer so that the beat is more natural rather than Pounding my heart.
Also I have constipation (hard stools) since the day of the operation but the DR says that this is not due to the PM. I am taking Laxatives for the past one month to provide me relief. Any suggestions. Please help.
Your Pal.
Published Jun 01, 2005 - 05:51 PM
MRI and pacemakers
hi i have had a pacemaker for almost 3 years now and i also have a spinal cord injury. my question is it is very important that i have an MRI.... i have heard some people can have a MRI with newer pacemakers and under supervision and others say no. i have heard medtronic is coming out with a pacer that is safe? also heard john hopkins is doing a research program with MRI's and patients with pacers? any answers would help
Published May 31, 2005 - 02:21 AM
Why Post-Pacemaker Chest Pain??
My father-in-law has been having chest pain in the middle of the night, his blood pressure is high, and he has to sit up in bed for hours after having a pacemaker implanted 4 days ago. This only happens at night when he is lying down. He is a cardiac patient, but never had chest pain, only some arm pain. The doc's don't know why this would be happening. Nitro helps, but only after 2 doses. The x-ray after the implant showed the leads in the right place. Can the leads shift days after? He has a history of 2 bypass surgeries, 2 angioplasties. It just seems ironic that this is happening right after the pacemaker surgery. Any Ideas? Thanks..Janet
Published May 29, 2005 - 07:38 PM
therese
hi pacers, my question is : in the event of a thunderstorm, should the pacemaker be covered with protective material?
also, in front of the micro wave?
thank you for any help. therese
Winstie2000@yahoo.com
Published May 28, 2005 - 03:04 PM
Atrial Fib
I had a Guidant PM installed on my left side May 2004, infection, pacer removed, hospitalized in September for two weeks and a Saint Jude PM installed on the right hand side. I still have episodes of A-Fib which makes me feel drained for 24 hours. My cardiologist has me on Betapace, 80 mg twice a day. Help!
Published May 25, 2005 - 10:51 PM
Heart rate of 41 with a pacemaker?
Hi,
My dad (81) had a pacemaker/difubullater implanted about 2 weeks ago. This is all new to us so maybe someone can answer this for us.
His heart rate has been between 40 and 48 for the last week.
He had the pacemaker checked out and it is functioning o.k. It is set between "60 and 70". Does this mean that is should "kick" in at 60?? His cardioligist has not returned any of our phone calls, and he isn't set up for an appointment until 5 months from now.
Dad had a valve replaced in 1997, so is taking coumadin. What if anything should we do?
We can't understand the reasoning for doing the implant if it isn't going to help his irregular heartbeats. Isn't the main function of a pacemaker to keep the heart rate at a steady pace?
As I said this is all new to us, and I'll probably have many more questions, but for now this is the most important one.
Thanks,
Kath
Published May 21, 2005 - 07:04 PM
Blood clot on pacer lead
I have had my PM for 2 years now. I now also have a blood clot in my carotid artery, totally occluded and when I had a TEE they found I have a clot on my pacer lead. Has anyone else ever had this? I wonder if it affects the way my pacer works, because I feel badly all the time now.
Published May 19, 2005 - 04:40 PM
Pacemaker problem
Nearly a year since i had PM fitted and i'm still having problems. Does anyone else have discomfort around PM, center of chest and even at the bottom of the rib cage? please reply
Published May 18, 2005 - 03:10 PM
high blood pressure
Hello All! I have had my pace maker for a little over 2 months and am so far very pleased with it's performance. I was diagnosed with 3rd degree heart block. I am 45 years old. Before the implant I had low blood pressure. (60/80) Now, starting with my first two week checkup, my blood pressure is at 100/170. The doctor that did the implant said that this could be related to the pacemaker and the faster heart beat. (My resting heart beat before was 50, below if I was in a 'episode', now it is 70) He said I should give about three months time for my body to adjust to the changes. However, the technician that checked my heart for the first tuneup said the pacemaker would not affect the blood pressure??? In the mean time, my blood pressure continues to be very high. I'm confused. Has anyone out there had a similiar experience?
Published May 17, 2005 - 03:36 PM
Problem after 8 weeks - part 2!
Hi. I posted a message yesterday and was delighted to already have had some feedback. What I omitted to put in my original posting (I'm new to this!) is that, along with the sudden onset of missed beats after 8 trouble-free weeks, this is followed by lengthy periods of bradycardia, when my pulse can drop as low as 38. I'm assured that my pacemaker - set at 60 - is functioning properly. I just can't understand how this can be, when I'm experiencing this return of bradycardia and the associated feelings of extreme lethargy etc. After a few hours, my pulse returns to 60 and the missed beats stop, until the onset of the next session of it.
Published May 15, 2005 - 04:59 PM
Problem after 8 weeks
For 8 weeks, my pacemaker was great - my pulse was a steady 60, with none of my previous problems of missed beats and bradycardia. Out of the blue, I'm experiencing arrythmia (irregular heartbeat). I've been assured that my pacemaker is functioning properly, but I'm worried about the sudden change. Anyone had similar experience?
Published May 14, 2005 - 05:47 PM
pacemaker recovery
Hi,
I have had a dual lead demand type pacemaker installed a week ago after I was diagnosed with a 3rd degree AV block. My incision is healing fairly well, but I am concerned about using my left arm after being warned not to lift or stress the arm. I have been fairly active since the procedure, (such as walking and working around the house and gardening) and am wondering if there is any way of knowing whether I have caused damage to the pacemaker installation. I have felt some pulling and slight pain when I have moved my arm accidentally. What are the consequences and symptoms of damage?
Published May 12, 2005 - 08:30 PM
Complete heartblock and pacemakers
Would anyone know if a pacemaker is the only cure for complete heartblock (third degree) and a heart rate of 40 in the ER? I was diagnosed with bradycardia in the ER. Nine months later (after getting worse and not better with a PM in) I was diagnosed with SVT (AVNRT, I believe) and had a catheter ablation which corrected the problem. The pacemaker was removed because it was "seldom used." Why did I need it to begin with? Can complete heartblock clear up on its own? I believe the doctor who performed the ablation and pacemaker removal was reluctant to answer my questions for fear of a having to testify if I filed a lawsuit against the first doctor who put the pacemaker in. I later learned he knew the first doctor because he worked in the same office one day a week with him. Thanks.
Published May 09, 2005 - 01:40 AM
PAIN_PAIN_PAIN!
Please....I am so worried! My Father-in-law has had his pace-maker in since approx2000???He has been complaining of severe to moderate pain at the site from the time they placed it!! No one could tell him why?? As we are in Calif and he is in Philidelpia we can-not go to the MD with him so we only get his interpretation--he is from another country and does not really understand what the doctors are telling him.At this time he is miserable! He is in constant pain- he sleeps fitfully and awakens with swelling in the left arm and hand-pain in the left chest,jaw,sholder-the original doctor that put this one in is " long-gone" On the 20th of this month he has an appt to remove this pacemaker-he says the doctor wants to put a new one in on the other side but told him its a 50/50 chance that he will be in pain like the last one?????????? He is going to refuse a new pacemaker!!!!!!Which of course is not a good idea!!!but he has had it--any input please???????
Published May 08, 2005 - 01:07 PM
Lifting Heavy Objects/Numbness in both arms
My mom has had a pacemaker in place for just over a year and has been doing very well. Over the past two weeks she stayed with us to help with our 2.5 year old twins while we had our third child. While helping out, she lifted the kids a lot. One day last week, both of my mothers arms went numb and she became dizzy. We had to run her to emergency and after extensive testing, including a visit with the PM tech, they could not find anything wrong. She is now having problems breathing (shortness of breath) and is having pain around her PM that was never there before. The tech turned off something on the PM called Auto Capture (?) and she's feeling better. Next week she is going to see the cardiologist for a follow up.
Can anyone comment on heavy lifting and the impact on a PM? Also, have any of you ever had both arms go numb at one time? Also, what is auto capture? I've seen some items on the web about it, but can it be turned off?
Any comments for other would be extremely helpful...my mother still feels pretty bad and I'd like to console her with some common experiences of other PM recipients.
Thanks very much for any help you can give!
Published May 07, 2005 - 01:24 PM
medtronic ICD alert
I have had a medtronic ICD for two years, mine paces at 100% but has never fired. In the past 6 months I have had it reprogramed twice to make the pacer go faster. Because of the tweeking I am losing battery life, now I find out that the battery in my model has the propencity to short out. This could be the reason that my ICD needs frequent tweeking. Anybody else have this problem?
Published May 06, 2005 - 07:16 PM
Rib cage is quite enlarged and sore
I had a 2-wire pacemaker installed on April 5th, this year, and below where the pacemaker is inserted my rib cage is quite enlarged and sore. I was in for my 2-week post surgery and really hadn\'t noticed this at that time, and things seemed to be okay, she made a few adjustments and I don,t go back for 3 months. Has anyone else noticed this problem? My email is shirley003@sympatico.ca if youy wish to respond that way. Thanks.
Published May 05, 2005 - 09:34 PM
AV ablation & pacemaker
Hi,
I would like to know if anybody has ever heard of having PVC`S after a AV ablation and a pacemaker? Is this possible with the ventricles being paced?
Thanks,
SusieQ
Published May 03, 2005 - 04:23 PM
Response to FEVER after Pacemaker
Dear Gabby,
My gut instinct based on experience with fever after pacemaker implant is INFECTION. I have had a pacemaker since 1993 and had my 2nd one replaced on Febraury 7th of this year. Went to cardiologist two weeks later for a check and incision was red and warm to touch but since I felt OK he said everything was OK see you in 6 months. Well, by the next day (Saturday of course)it was fire engine red, swollen and very painful. By Sunday I could hardly stand it and called the on call doctor . He said sounds like it might be an infection come in tomorrow . On Monday February 28th I went into office and my cardiologist (who put in the pacemaker) pushed and pinched this very painful and inflammed area where my pacemaker was and said Yes you have an infection. Take these pills and come back in 10 days. By that night I was running a 104 fever, was nauseated and vomiting and had chills so bad I couldn't do anything. I was directly admitted to the hospital where my 3 weeks of absolute HELL began. Two days later it was confirmed that while putting the pacemaker in on the 7th I acquired a staph infection and since I wasn't sent home on anti biotics (and should have been) by the 28th of Febraury the infection was so bad that not only the new pacemaker had to be removed but I was transeferred to a hospital 150 miles away for all the leads (3) had to be extracted and taken out to which was a VERY RISKY surgery yet there was no other alternative. My body was toxic and severely infected with a staph infection.
After they took the pacemaker and leads out 3/9/05, I had to stay in ICU for a week with a temporary pacemaker which was inserted through my right groin area. Having this required me to stay in one position for nearly a week until the infection had cleared up enough so they could put a whole new pacemaker and leads in on the opposite of my chest (right). One wrong move while the temporary pacer wire was in and my heart could quit. Finally on Monday 3/14 the new permenant pacemaker was inserted and my journey to recovery began all over again. I was discharged on the 17 th of March and sent home on anti biotics as I should have been when they put the one in on the 7th of February. If they had all of this (infection and 4 surgeries within a month) could have avoided. I have been home six weeks now and feel no better than the day I left the hospital and have been told it is due to the severity of the infection and the damage it did to my heart and body and it will take months before I will even start to feel better.
My point of all this is that infections are ALWAYS a RISK that comes with any surgery and can occur up to 3 months after surgery. No one knows your body better than you so if you feel something isn't right than pursue it until you can get someone to listen and take action in finding out what is causing it. You were right to go to the ER and I hope and pray that they were right that your symptoms were just the flu for I would hate for anyone else to have to go through the HELL I went through due to an infected pacemaker pocket. Please keep me posted as to what your blood works shows and how you are feeling. You are in my prayers.
Deeply Concerned, Denise (scooter4)
Published May 03, 2005 - 01:05 AM
MRSA and VRE Infection Risk
My 87 year old mother may be getting a pacemaker soon. She is recovering from an unusually difficult operation (not heart related). She has had MRSA and VRE infections and will be subject to getting such infections in the future.
Would having the pacemaker escalate the effects of getting an infection by rapidly spreading the infection to the heart?
Published May 01, 2005 - 03:34 PM
4th pacemaker for Mom....HELP PLEASE
MY 79 YEAR OLD MOTHER IS HAVING ANOTHER PACEMAKER PUT IN AS THE LEADS ON HERS WERE FAILING. THEY ARE PUTTING IN THE PACEMAKER ON THE OTHER SIDE. THIS IS HER 4TH SINCE 92. THEY CAN ONLY REMOVE THE DEVICE NOT THE LEADS AND THEY WILL CAP OFF THE LEADS?.....CAN ANYONE LET ME KNOW IF THEY HAVE HEARD OF IT?.......WILL MY MOM BE OKAY?..
Published Apr 27, 2005 - 10:30 PM
i would like to play soccer?
hi i am 17 years old. When i was 16 i got a pacemaker in my chest. I like playing soccer but i havent been able to because of the risk of damaging the device. I would like to know if anybody knows about somebody who has played soccer whith a pacemaker. Is the risk of damaging the peacemaker high? Am i able to get some safety gear or something like that?
Published Apr 26, 2005 - 12:55 PM
PM Seems To Take My Breath Away
My thought is that the pace senses anxiety or stress in the nervous system, and increases the heart rate to mimic natural rythms ... however, it's uncomfortable when this happens when I'm sitting down -- such as watching a scary movie --and my rate is up to 100BPM ... at times, I feel like I'm losing my breath. Sometimes it even causes me to cough.
It's like the pace thinks I'm being chased by a tiger, and tries to pump more oxygen through the blood, but since my lungs are not working at the same level, it's sucking all my air ...
Anybody experience this?
Published Apr 24, 2005 - 02:58 AM
pacemaker HIS
I had an av node ablation and a pacemaker put in on 3-25-05. I have had some episodes where my heart pauses. It did it before the PM was put in. Now it pauses so long I feel like I could pass out. My EP says it is not suppose to pause with my PM. He sent me home with an event recorder. Has anyone had any pauses with their PM?
susieq
Published Apr 24, 2005 - 02:57 AM
Enraged by the Lies and the Incompetence of the Medical Profession
My spouse also suffers from chronic fatigue, passing out, severe chest pain, severe pain when breathing, swollen hands-both hands, swollen left arm, inability to walk at times without risk of falling, seizure like symptoms, impaired speech, impaired thought processes at times, etc. (This is not a complete list of symptoms!) My spouse has been informed by the heart doctors that they have never heard of these problems related to pacemakers.
My spouse has had to go to the emergency room due to severe pain and fear of having a heart attack since having the pacemaker installed to many times to count in less than two years!
Published Apr 21, 2005 - 07:12 PM
Post ablation gastric problems
I had an ablation on 3/5/05, in the pulmonary artery, to treat atrial fibrillation. The fibrillation has improved but I've had some serious digestive problems that began at the exact time of the ablation. The EP doctor thinks it's a coincidence, cardiologist wants more information, gastrointerologist can't figure out what to think. Anyone else have this same (or similar) "coincidence"? I've been constipated then treated with LOTS of fiber laxitaves, so now have diarrehea. The worst part is PAIN in my upper abdomen, bloating, being unable to eat because the pain is worse after eating. I would be really thankful for any suggestions or information. Blood tests, abdominal ultrasound, stool specimens have not found the problem. Thanks, Kacy
Published Apr 20, 2005 - 09:35 PM
Manual Gear
I hv a pacemaker implanted in YR2003. Last month i got myself a car. Its a manual and when i started to drive it i developed a severe pain along my left hand (pm on left side). I aslo had chest pain and shortness of breath
Can I drive a manual car? Will it cost any complications.
Published Apr 18, 2005 - 12:17 PM
Punctured lung
My mother went in for pm surgery last monday, which took 4 hrs. She was in recovery in great deal of pain when they took her back for x-rays. the x-rays showed that there is a puncture in the lung near the surgery site. She's still in the hospital, now with a tube in her chest to relieve the air escaping from the lung to her chest. They have been waiting for the lung to mend. One week and now they want to go back in to staple the lung. Is this one of the complications of pacemaker surgery? What went wrong and how do they puncture the lung?
Published Apr 17, 2005 - 08:14 PM
Alergic reactions from pm?
anyone have info about allergic reactions from pm`s or the leads? ive had mine for months; been sick from day one and the docs dont understand whats going on!
what are the main things to be allergic for in a pm? what to look for; how to find it out?
would love some info!
pamela
Published Apr 17, 2005 - 09:47 AM
Anxiety over irregular pulse rate
hello,
I have yet to undergo my first check up, being told that they summon after 6 weeks approx ( I am now in my fourth week. My problem is that I am feeling my pulse manually and it seems irregular, at one time I count normal 60 beats another 70 etc. I also feel some skipped beats. Today I measured my BP and it was a bit high but the pulse indicated 43! ( I was implanted due to bardycardia) when after a rest I measured again the indication was 70 and by the third 59. I am extremely worried over this fluctuation and as I am still new at his game any advice will be welcome. thanks Pals (davide)
Published Apr 17, 2005 - 09:47 AM
ICD Pacemaker adjustment
My unit has migrated into left breast and over to the sternum, it's about 3"x4.5" and always either uncomfortable or painful. It's always moving, trust me. I asked my EP to repair or replace it. He says "medicare will not pay for any adjustment and repair until battery runs down, probably in seven years." Is this true or doesn't he want to do it. Anyone out there with experience in this subject? thank you Masty.
Published Apr 16, 2005 - 03:20 PM
Guidant 1853 Failure, leads to insecurity
On October 1, 2005 I had a Guidant 1853 PM/defib implanted. Prior to the implant the "specialists" spent lots of time talking to me about the PM/defib, showed me videos etc.. I felt pretty secure in having this device implanted but a few hours after the implant the device failed. I had another one implanted on October 4th and since then I haven't had any problems with it. However, now I am very fearful that the device will fail when I need it most. Has anyone experienced this before and how do you cope?
Published Apr 16, 2005 - 03:17 PM
Electro Magnetic Radiation/Radio Frequency
Hello, I wrote in yesterday under coping with some questions. I am 48 and am scheduled for PM/ICD next month. Not looking forward to the procedure.
Anyway my question is this:
I operate a Cable Television system for a local power company here in Tennessee. Though I am not exposed to high levels of power radiation such as sub stations, etc. I do operate what we in the business call a Cable "headend" where channels are actually brought down from satellite and converted into radio frequency modulation for delivery over the Cable system.
Published Apr 15, 2005 - 07:05 PM
Non fitting of pacemaker
I have a pulse of 30-40 and was recently in hospital for the fitting of a pacemaker. Unfortunately I am in a rare group of people in that my veins are in the wrong place. The procedure was aborted. Has anyone had this problem, and what was the solution?
Published Apr 14, 2005 - 07:32 PM
Medtronic Implantable Heart Device
Today was my grandpa's funeral at the young age of 65.He died and I'm only 14 the first of his 10 grandchildren with one on the way which will never have the pleasure of knowing him and what a great person he WAS. You have absolutely no clue the heartache and pain I feel right now as the tears stream down my face onto the keyboard. Words could never express what he means to me. After medtronic recalled their implantable defibrillator he had to get it replaced. To tell you the truth I thought nothing of the operation because he's had so many so I didn't even get to speak with him before it or after.
Published Apr 14, 2005 - 07:32 PM
Looking for answers from those with like symptoms
I have a triventriculor PM/Defib, hope I spelled that right. I have had three heart attacks the last two were severe. The second I awoke with my Cardiologist telling me that I was lucky to be there. After the third I had my device installed.
I have a cronic pain syndrome that seemed to have expanded in complexity after installation of my PM. It is on my left side and at times I cannot move my left arm without at least a scream. I have issues with breathing in any position and problems with my legs. My PM adjustments have been numerous and not helpful. When I pose the question to any Cardiologist that my arm did not experience any pain of this type immediatly I get the same response from all "Never heard of such a problem" So why was I ask what hand I wrote with. And I sure have read about the issues here!
Published Apr 09, 2005 - 02:29 PM
Pacemaker syndrome
I need to know if anyone out there has had pacemakersyndrome WITH a dual chamber pacemaker, ex a Medtronic pacing in Atrium and Ventricle.
Or maybe one of the lead not very active or maybe with wrong programming.
How did this feel, and how did you (if you did) get the problems fixed? How did the docs find out that it was PM syndrome?
Paul
Published Apr 08, 2005 - 08:20 AM
Thanks for an informative site
hi everyone. I have just come across this site and its so helpful. I,m from the uk and have had a pm since 1980 and i, amazed at how well informed everyone is about their pm,s. I have had lots of complications with my pacemaker over the years with infections, then 2 lead replacements, also thrombosis in an anciliary vein and most recently blood clots in my lungs leaving me on oxygen for 16 hrs a day. Just wondering if anyone out there has had similar problems or am i just extremely unlucky. I still have old pm wires in my left side and they kept taking the infected pm
out, cleaning it up and putting a new one in till eventually they moved it to my right side. the left side is badly damaged and causes me a lot of pain with restricted movemant. They put a new pm in 1988 but the wires cracked a year later after my daughter was born so they replaced both the wire and the battery when she was only 17 days old. After four years of continual infections they finally replaced moved it to my right side. The first one there lasted a year then another wire
became damaged so they took that out and put another one in. Six weeks later iwas rushed into hospital with blood clots in my lungs then a year after that i got a severe infection and was on intraveinous antibiotics for over a month. then last year i caught pneumonia and i was told afterwards that i had over 50 blood clots in my lung and that i would be on oxygen 16 hrs. a day for the rest of my life. Is this common and has anyone had the same thing happen to them. I am going for my annual pacemaker check and iam scared that if i need a replacement i am going to get yet another infection as this seems to be the norm for me. I have had this pacemaker since 1998 and so i know it won,t be lon till i have to have
a replacement. Any comments or advice would be helpful thanks.
Published Apr 08, 2005 - 08:19 AM
Hmm.. what could it be? ME or my PM?
Hi
Ive written to you folks before, and maybe you could give me some advise this time too? Im going to a heartrythm and PM spescialist tomorrow. In dec 04 I got a dual Medtronic Pm because of a second degree AV block, and a phenomen called Wenchebacks (?) in my heart. I was told that the PM sholud be installed as a lifesaver, and to get me back to normal.
Since then Ive had a 2. op because of a loose lead, and know I was told to expect a 3. op because the leads interfer. But know Im told again that my leads are fine (happy!).
But im still getting electric shocks etc in my stumach, breastbone and around the PMimplant. Even though my PM now is set at a lowest rate 45 and it is not very active. And know it is 3 months since last op. And im told that the volt in the ventricle lead is at its lowest. And almost never in use.
After the first op my Pm had this Programming: Atrium 0,40 ms/3,5V/0,5mV/BIP/BIP and Ventricle: 0,40ms/4,5V/5,6mV/UNI/UNI. 60 lowest at day and 50 at night.
That worked out really good, until the lead came loose. Since then and since the second op, nothing has been normal. Skipped beats, tachyardia, short of breath for 2 months, several near syncopsis etc, severe headache. And the PM has NOT registered any of the most worst cases of syncopsis. Isnt that strange? I can tell for surtain that it is not in my head, my family is my witness :o)And the syncopsis comes when Im NOT expecting them, when Im relaxed, having fun, walking etc.
I never recognised my PM after op 1. After op2 I had to beg the docs to turn down the PM from 60 to 45 so I could get some rest from the el.shocks and pains. I got so sore inside after every day with an active PM, and it ended with pains in my nerves in teath, nose and head. It felt like it would demolish my life. I felt like I got really sick of the PM helping me! Now having it on rest at 45 I feel better, but I do not like the fact that this PM and my body do not seem to work together.
Hope to get some advise, need to get the docs to listen to me, and find the right prorgamming for me. Im a young, active boy at the age of 25, and need to find the right path back to my life!
Timmy B
(Sorry for bad language)
Published Apr 06, 2005 - 02:24 PM
Pacemaker Cambridge
Having recently installed a pacemaker, I am somewhat worried as to the outcome. My pacemaker seems to be beating too fast! Is it usual for newly installed units to beat at a thoroughly rinsin' 133 bpm?
Published Apr 05, 2005 - 09:53 PM
Leg Jerks, Fatigue, and Pets /Pacemaker questions
Hello, Eighty-four year father just had a pacemaker implanted a couple days ago. I notice some problems, his leg jerked when I was around him (did the pacemaker cause this?) It was like a shock - leg jerk. Something he couldn't control.
In regards to his jerking of leg, I am wondering if my epilepsy has anything to do with it? Epilepsy is abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Any research on this? I understand there is much informaton about certain things causing interference with pacemaker.
He also seems more nervous than usual plus he keeps falling asleep, as well as complains about his shoulder and other pains.
Our senior cat is very sensitive to him, wondering if the pacemaker sends out signals that are sensitive to animals?
Any where to find more information about this greatly appreciated!
Thanks.Pacemakerdaughters
Published Apr 02, 2005 - 05:20 PM
What else is going to go wrong?
I'm Tim's wife. He just got his pacemaker March 21 at age 38 after the hospital discovered his bradycardia by accident. I'm pretty worried about him, because it seems like anything that can go wrong is happening! He's having pain and swelling at the incision site, and sometimes a low fever. He still gets chest pains and sometimes feels like he's gotten stabbed suddenly.
To make matters worse, he had a myelogram done Wednesday to see if they can find out why his left side is numb. The doctor didn't listen to the nurses when they told him Tim was not supposed to raise his arm or put pressure on the implant site. So today he has swelling again. And he started leaking spinal fluid, which gave him a severe headache and nausea. We took him back to the ER today for a blood patch to stop the leak. He's getting so sick of seeing the ER and all the doctor appointments.
Surely life will return to normal soon, won't it???
Andrea
Published Apr 02, 2005 - 12:46 AM
Receiving PM near future
I am somewhat concerned re: receiving PM , although I have recently been extremely tired and short of breath, i am 80 yrs of age and i normally play 2-3 rounds of golf per week. Are these simptions normal. SteveF
Published Apr 02, 2005 - 12:45 AM
Low Blood Pressure & Pain
I had a PM implanted 6 months ago. I still get pain in my left shoulder when lifting my arm up or sleeping on my left side. Surely this is to long now for the pain to be going on. My GP had ultrasound and xrays of the shoulder done 2 weeks ago and it shows torn ligaments and may require surgery to fix it. I know I have been exceptionally careful post op and have no recolection of any trauma causing the torn ligaments. Is it possible this happened during surgery? Also I have ongoing \"blackouts\" which the specialist beleives is due to a very low blood pressure. She has explained to me that the BP cannot be helped by the insertion of the PM. Does anyone have a similar problem and maybe can give me some suggestions on how to overcome low blood pressure, with some means other than the cardiacs suggestion which is that I should consider Beta Blocker medication! This slows the heart rate down and I already have a heart rate in the low 40\'s! I would prefer not to be on Beta Blockers due to them causing tirdeness. I am 44 years old. My email is magic.happens@paradise.net.nz Thanks, Rhonda
Published Apr 01, 2005 - 08:15 AM
Newbie here
Newbie here. I see more than one entry having to do with tingling of hands and feet, cold feet since P.M. implant. I wonder if there are answers out there that I just don't know how to access. lounfritz@msn.com.
Published Mar 30, 2005 - 06:43 PM
Pacemaker Complications ?
On Feb 21 I had a Medtronic EnPulse E2DR01 pacemaker implanted . Over the last few days I've been having a relapse . My hands keep going to sleep , feet and ankles feel cold and swollen . I feel very tired and have been
experiencing a lack of exercise tolerance since March 22 . I've also been experiencing dryness of the mouth , a slight dry cough and very faint when I first stand up coming close to passing out quite a few times .
On the 22nd at my appointment with the cardiologist I told him and his nurse about my symptoms but they didn't think
they were very serious ......
Published Mar 25, 2005 - 10:17 PM
60 breathless
Breathlessness is a symptom of atrial fibrillation.
I never had AF until after having PM
for 2 years. I got it late last year.
Then with help from Afib support group,
I got rid of AF.
Good luck.
Published Mar 24, 2005 - 07:47 PM
atrial fib ablation
I had an ablation three weeks ago to "cure" atrial fibulation. I had 2 ablations about 6 years ago for PSVT and it worked wonderfully. I haven't had any more PSVT since I awoke from the second ablation. This one took 12 hours rather than 4 and I've had nothing but problems since. My EP doctor says it's because my heart is healing - apparently didn't have to heal from the previous ones. I have more AF and it's more uncomfortable since the ablation than before. If I had known the results I would not have had the proceedure. Anyone else have this proceedure? Does it inprove with time like the Dr. tells me? Please have good news. Thanks, Kacy
Published Mar 24, 2005 - 08:31 AM
tamponade after pacer implant may '03, chest pain ever since!
In may of this year it will be two years that i have had my pacemaker and had life stopping chest pain. i had tamponade after my implantation and have had terrible chest pain since. i have had numerous surgeries to try to alleviate my pain but nothing has worked. my cardiologist now says he really doesn't know what is wrong and it may be permanant damage.
I am a 24 year old, that has no life because of this chest pain. I have quit my job and most days just showering is all I can do. has anyone else had a similar situation? if so, what have your doctors done to help??? I have to take narcotic pain medication to take the edge off and I am sick of it! i want my life back!!!! any advise??? help! starrynight8113
Published Mar 23, 2005 - 08:44 PM
Out of breath since PM installed
I am 60 year old man in what I consider overall excellent health. Since I had my Medtronic PM installed in 2001 and another installed in 2005 (due to, as the Doctor said, a broken wire), I cannot do anything really strenuous without running out of breath. Is this a common sideffect of PMs or specifically the Medtronic unit? If it is, why? What causes the breathlessness?
Published Mar 23, 2005 - 07:02 PM
Looking forward to 3rd op in 4 months
Hi (Sorry for bad language - not from Usa)
I have an amazing story. Im looking forward to my 3rd op in 4 months. Im tired, desperate to get back in to my life, stressed with the situation, and mad at the docs for not listening to me.
The first op in dec 04 made my life good again. The first two weeks was amazing. Felt like superman. Then it all changed. One month after the first op i went in to second surgery. Needed to fix the leads. Between the 1.op and 2.op I went to the ER three times, and the docs denied that it was my PM. But it was. After the second op I have been in and out of hospital 5 times, and the docs once again told me that it was not my pm making my heart skip, interferrence with my muscles and nerves, severe headache and many fainting spells. They actually told me to get an appointment with at psyc.
Now, after fighting with the docs, actually seven of them, they took a new x-ray, and voila: The two leads from my Medtronic pm are interferring with each other, giving me shocks all day in my throat, stumach, arm and chest. And in next week im called in for a pre-check before a third op in 4 months. And all the time, since the pm started shocking me, Ive told the docs what it could be, but no-one ever listened to me.
I need to know if anyone else has gone through such hard times in such a short time. Need to know how you are dealing with it, with the emotions, anger and sadnes. I have an amazing family and girlfriend backing me, but even them are getting tired and sad about the sit. And what should I do with the docs even trying to blame it on me, and now it is clear: It not me, its my pm!
Im so gratefull for pacemakerclub, everyone posting here has made me feel normal and given me hope! Thanks.. Hope to post a sucsessfull story the next time!
Timmy B
Published Mar 23, 2005 - 04:34 PM
Rapid heart rate
I had my pacemaker installed on Feb 1, 2005. I have a class three heart block, and it was installed as an emergency. About two weeks after it was installed I had an episode were my heart rate went rapid it was like my heart was beating and the pacer was also goin crazy this lasted just about 5 min and everything went back to normal. The doctor said the reading was unfounded and that it may never happen again. Well it did yesterday, and my Dr. was unreachable. I went to the local ER and they said my heart was beating on its own and the pacer was adding extra beats,this time it lasted for about 20 min. He also said that it may never happen again. Well it did it again today this time only for about five min again. it would not bother me so much except it feels that my heart is going to jump out of my chest it beats so hard, and so fast. Has anyone had this happen? If so please let me know. I'm geting kind of worried. Thank you
Published Mar 20, 2005 - 03:24 PM
Pacemaker Stopped
My pacemaker stopped working completely no warning. My father found me face down on the floor in my dining room on a Tuesday morning. I had the flu the week before or maybe it was a warning sign that my pacemaker had stopped. The irony is that I was going to my pacemaker check that afternoon and my dad was coming over to pick me up. He went with me to all those appointments because he was the one that found me when I originally had the problems with my heart that required the pacemaker.
The doctors in the ER said another 10 minutes and I would have been dead. They can't figure out the reason the pacemaker stopped working. Any ideas?
Thanks for your time!
Denise
Published Mar 20, 2005 - 02:14 PM
Keloid scar issues
I got my pacemaker in June '04 and seems to me the scar is getting worse and worse. It is red, raised, rather large (about 1/2 inch x 2 inches)and very itchy. There are even little scars from the staples they used to close it up. I am a young woman, 25yrs old and am really self conscious about it. I am not able to wear alot of the tops I want because it is very noticeable. And I would love to wear a beautiful strapless wedding dress one day. HAHA I am very grateful of the pacemaker because it saved my life, but the scar still is a bit discouraging. I was wondering if anyone has this same issue and what are my options for reduction, removal, etc.
Published Mar 20, 2005 - 03:19 AM
Frustrated and need help. ( Please )
Hi everyone I am needing a bit of advice or help here. I just went for my first pm clinic. They said that my percentages were good. 12% atrial, 39% ventricle. Said something about keeping your pacing under 40% is a good thing for future heart disease? I really did not get what he meant there but will ask more. Then he adjusted my voltage down and said my battery life is at 6 years. Then... became very concerned about some "atrial activity". Oh, joy I thought. I have a 2nd degree block, pm put in emergency surgery in December 04, lead revision later that month. Then an ER doc thought I had afib and had me take beta blockers which really kicked my butt. Then cardio doc (my first time of seeing one since actual surgery 6 weeks prior) says no I don't have afib and takes me off the meds. Sends me on my way. Now they see something and had me wear a holter again this week. I get a call saying they want a chest x-ray to check lead placement. I had some serious pulsing on my diaphragm the last time but that was on the bottom lead. Are the symptoms different for the top lead? Could that really be it? I have been feeling a racing randomly through the day and night. I do have an appointment again with the pm rep on Monday. Can they do anything to minimize a racing heart with a pm adjustment? I feel so lost with so little answers. Thanks for letting me vent my frustrations! Any ideas or help would be appreciated.
Nat
Published Mar 18, 2005 - 11:15 PM
Heart agrivation
Pacemaker installed 1998, Sick Synus Syndrom. Also Hypertension,on medication. For last two years I have had mild underarm pain and a constant feeling of pressure to my heart. Go to doctor often and pressure is under control, now I am thinking pacemaker, which I have checked every 6 months. Battery still has lots of life. Has anyone experienced same. Was doing lots of chest/overhead exercises. I stopped and the problem subsided, but still there.
Spoke to Dr. 15 Mar 05 Thinking that the Atenolol medication might be slowing down my heart to much, he told me that Blood pressure and pacemaker were two different issues.
Thanks in Advance,
Richard Wooten
Published Mar 17, 2005 - 02:09 AM
Falling
Has anyone had sudden sensation of falling. It lasts only a second or two. But very unnerving.
Published Mar 15, 2005 - 06:53 PM
Pacemaker shocking me
I have had my PM since Feb of 2000. From time to time I get shocked right where my pacemaker is. I am very thin and it is on my left upper side.
Does anyone else have this problem? thanks so much.
Published Mar 14, 2005 - 07:20 PM
Skipped heartbeats
I've had my PM since dec 04. 60 beats at day, 45 at night. In jan 05 i needed a new op to read just one lead. Since then I've had several skipped heartbeats and heartbeat pauses every day. I feel it very good. Almost as it jumps up my throat. Esp. when active, or just moving my arms, turning my face etc. The docs have checked me many times, taken 24h ecg two times and 2 xrays. Now they want me to take beta blockers to fix the skipped beats and pauses. I think this is very strange. Since I did not feel this before the first op, and not after the first op, but after the second op. I also feel kind of electric in only my left side, ribs, stomach, under left arm, and strange when breathing.
Published Mar 13, 2005 - 06:56 PM
Bill S
I have severe pain in my left arm since the implant. I had the implant of the pacer on 3/3.
Has anybody else expierenced this and how long does it last? The pain is quite severe & continous.
Published Mar 08, 2005 - 07:42 PM
Anonymous
My sister is 45 and went in yesterday for "routine" replacement. She's had a PM since she was about 10. During one of the last replacements they left lead wires in. This time they decided they were going to remove the old leads. During this process they tore the artery and she lost a lot of blood in her chest cavity. Then they did thorasic surgery. They had to lower her body temperature to 13 degrees celsius. There was heart damage, but I don't know to what extent. Then they had to do the PM surgery on the right side. About 12-18 hours has passed and all she's done is moved her arms and opened her eyes, but has not been responsive. I live in another state and feel so helpless and ignorant. Can anyone help me understand what's going on?
Published Mar 08, 2005 - 11:46 AM
Shocking the Heart Procedure with a Pacemaker
Hello,
I personally do not have a pacemaker but my Grandma does. She has had one for 7 years now. Every once in awhile her heart goes out of rhythm, causing her fatigue and nasuea - but after a short period of time it goes back into rhythm. Well, about 2 weeks ago it did the same thing and it has not gone back. Her doctor put her on Coumadin to thin the blood thinking that might help. It has not. So, the next step is to do a procedure she describes as shocking the heart to get it back into rhythm. I guess they mildly shock the heart (while she is under) and it will hopefully work. Has anyone heard of this? Does it work? Isn't it dangerous. I heard they have to stop the heart first before shocking it. Is this true? I am very worried about her and I am wondering if I can get any more answers. Please help soon. She is going in for this procedure next week and we are not very clear on it. THank you.
Published Mar 07, 2005 - 07:33 PM
Help needed!
First time on this site. 42 year old female. Had PM (dual chamber) on Nov. 02/04 and atrial lead poked a hole in my heart, which turned into a huge emergency, which should be on the Oprah show, then the top lead dropped 2 more times. 4 operations in 10 days, which was 4 months ago now and I still feel SO tired and exhausted all the time. I also have scary feelings around my heart, nothing startling, but little grabs, is this normal? I had burning around the scar and was told it is nerve damage, live with it!! But I am mostly concerned about how dizzy I am.
Would someone please help me? PLease email me at amirauk@region.halifax.ns.ca
Published Mar 07, 2005 - 03:16 PM
Pacemaker change
Hi everyone
I was born with ASD, surgically corrected, then 12 years ago had my first radio frequency ablation, second one last October, electrical connection between atria and ventricles was fried so they had to do emergency procedure to implant dual chamber pacemaker. First week after implantation I felt absolutely wonderful- better than I had in my whole life. Then things started to decline. I became more tired and short of breath all of the time I couldn't even climb 2 flights of stair without getting so short of breath that I was panting like a dog. It was a slow and not a fast decline so I didn't see it at first but now I am noticing.
My local EP doc kept telling me nothing was wrong. But I had him do some tests then took the results to a doctor at university of Chicago hospital. This doctor says that the local guy did not put in the right type of pacemaker- that I needed a bi- ventricular dual chamber and that the current pacemaker that I have can cause me to go into a type of pacemaker induced heart failure. He did some adjustments on my current pacemaker and we are watching my ejection fraction because it is declining if things do not improve I will need to have the other type of pacemaker implanted. I am very scared. I am only 30 years old and I just want a chance to live with vitality.
Has anyone had a pacemaker changed from dual chamber to bi-ventricular? How is the surgery the same or different from regular implantation surgery? Will they need to implant a different generator / battery or do they just add a lead/ wire? Is this something I should look into doing something legal about- malpractice suit? I have done some net research on the bi- vent pacer and I am just so scared. Does getting a bi-vent mean I am going into heart failure since that it what it is used for? Are my parents going to end up outliving me? I feel ok most of the time- just tired. How do I reassure them that I can be ok if they want to take a vacation, my brother and his family will stay with me while they are gone so that I am not alone. They need to enjoy some time without me relaxing and getting ready for the stress ahead.
thanks Heidi
Published Mar 06, 2005 - 07:52 PM
how long to worry about infection?
Hi folks,
I had a generator change almost a month ago. The leads were fine and they were left in place so all that was done was placement of a new generator. Everything went great, sore for a few days but then felt fine, but within the last few days I have had very significantly increased pain around the pacemaker. I looked at it and it looks very red (just at the incision - not around it). It is not swollen or oozing anything, but I have had fevers off an on for a few days. I am concerned that it could be an early sign of infection - my question is, is a month after surgery too late to get a pocket infection? Have any of you had infections - what were your symptoms and how long after your surgery did you get the infection?
Thank you very much!!
Published Mar 06, 2005 - 04:28 AM
Dad afraid of PM
My Dad had PM put in about 5 years ago. Felt TERRIBLE afterwards - tingling all over, felt like he was crawling out of his skin, etc. After several months of misery, got Doc to remove the PM. Has felt fine since, but heart beat is now dangerously slow - down to 40's at night. Docs want him to put PM back in. He is SO afraid of same symptoms returning. Discovered he's allergic to silicone and they can make a PM with no silicone in it. He's still hesitant. Anyone with same symptoms? What happens if he doesn't get PM - can slow heart rate kill him? (He is 79 years old and in otherwise very good health.)
Published Mar 06, 2005 - 04:25 AM
Hick-ups with an ICD
I am FINALLY going in to surgery on Monday and was told by my surgeon that sometimes the lead from the ICD does not adhere to the heart and can cause constant hick-ups. Can any one tell me what the percentage of this happening.
Nancy in Cali
Published Mar 04, 2005 - 12:02 AM
Throat pressure with position change
I have had my pm for 6 days. The first night, I had sensations of strangling due to brief periods of throat tightening upon exertion or change in position; the hospital staff thought it was from my antibiotic and discontinued the medication. The next day, this tightening in my throat happened even more frequently. By the 3rd and 4th days this sensation was with me every time I moved; it went away if I stayed in one position. It almost feels like I'm folding something in half and feeling pressure backing up or something. Yesterday this sensation began to include my upper chest, a pressure feeling that did not improve if I held still. I called the cardiologist's office and was told to go to the emergency room. After 4 hours of Xrays, CT scans, blood work, EKG's, nothing was found and the ER doctor told me he thought it was either stress or I was very sensitive to body position change with the wires in my heart and that this would get better with time. It's almost as if I was performing a Valsalva maneuver when I move but I'm breathing okay. It did panic me once after the CT scan when the pressure/choking sensation would not stop for about 5 minutes. Has ayone else had problems like this?
Published Mar 03, 2005 - 07:45 PM
First PM change. Some advice/reasurrance needed...
I had a generator change in Dec 04 and haven't felt as well as i did with my previous PM. I feel tired a lot of the time. If i jump or jog down the stairs my HR automatically goes up to its max rate of 140 and i feel puffed out. My previous one slowly increased with excerise, so this feels odd. I get a referred pulse twitching on my right breast every time i lean forward? and lastly the PM wasn't put deeply into a pocket like before so it is pretty ugly and can be easily seen when I put my arm up and is caught daily by my little boy when he climbs etc!! Apart from that all is fine! Any one else share these feelings!! Be good to have some feedback, new to site. Bex
Published Mar 02, 2005 - 07:41 PM
My Implant
I had a 3 wire SJ. Jude Implant pacemaker. One lead is for Defib.s.p/,one for Atrials/sp an one for vent s/p,I had the inplant on 12/07/04,I felt 199% better fron day one,but I have numbness under my arm pit an Often have a shapr pain shoot down my arm now an then,My Dr. says this is common,due to all the nerves he cut during sergery An I would have to learn to live with it.Has anyone had this problem. Thank You Doug. djmnnch
Published Feb 28, 2005 - 09:26 AM
Pleurisy
I have had my PM for 5 weeks now. Immediately after surgery I started to have severe pain on my opposite side, especially when taking a deep breath. Nothing showed up on any tests and my doctor put me on some muscle relaxers for muscle spasms. This seemed to help a little (even though the symptoms would still come and go) However, for the past 2 weeks, I had not had one flare-up. Then yesterday AM, I woke up with the tightness, pain, and difficulty taking a deep breath. It was so bad, I could not even get comfortable, and I was sweating terribly. After 1.5 hours of this, I went to the ER. The DR came to the conclusion that the lining of my lungs and chest wall were inflamed (pleurisy). Has anyone had this complication or anything similar? I am on anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxers, which seem to be helping (I can at least take a painless deep breath). How long does this last?? carynPM
Published Feb 25, 2005 - 08:30 PM
Pacemaker scar got big bubble on the bottom of it
Hi! I've had my pacemaker in now for 5 months now and had alot of trouble with it. It has been taken out twice and cleaned inside my chest, due to an infection. Now it has got a bubble on the scar, one of leads not working, the scar a right mess looks horrible. Now I'm being sent to another hospital to have it removed and placed on the other side of my chest, as my doctor said my skin is not very good at healing up on the side it's on now. I think it's an excuse as she has not done it right the first time. Has anyone had any similar experiences? If so love to hear from you. ~ JOANNENOLAN1
Published Feb 25, 2005 - 12:56 PM
The Answer is in Your Pacemaker
There is a common thread in this section The pacemaker user has a problem and is told the DR doesn't know what is happening. Modern pacemakers store a running log of significant events that are downloaded when it is checked. There should be plenty of data there and the DR should be able to diagnos what is happening if it is pacemaker related.
Don't be timid..ASK. Expect sensible answers and look elsewhere if you don't get them.
I see my cardiologist tomorrow and have sent him a 2 page list of questions I expect to be answered. ~ElectricFrank
Published Feb 23, 2005 - 08:17 AM
fatigue
Im a 38 year old man and have been pacemaker dependent since January 2005. Before this my pacemaker was only a back up and I never noticed any difference in my life. But since becoming dependent I allways seem to be tired! I wonder if anybody else has had a simular problem and what they have done to rectify it. They say I have to keep fit and active but find it very difficult to do this feeling like I do.
Published Feb 16, 2005 - 06:54 PM
Pacemaker Syndrome
Hi all! This is more of an FYI than anything. I had my pacemaker implanted last August for Sick Sinus Syndrome/Asystole (no heart beat). I gradually became more fatigued over 5 months. By January, I was so tired, I couldn't even work. I started having chest pain, shortness of breath, pain/numbness/tingling of both arms, and pain in my back. All I really could do was sleep. I had also noticed an increase of irregular heart beats, some of which were quite painful. My cardiologist was ready to put me in the hospital for tests, but decided to do a pacemaker check while we waited. I was already hooked up to a 12 lead monitor. He trigger the PM, then turned it off. I've always been able to feel my heart when they do the ckecks. This time, my heart did not convert back to it's own rhythm. It was still pacing as if the PM was still on. He was certainly surprised to see this! He explained that everytime the PM sent a message or did a reading (of any kind) to the ventrical, my atrium would sense it, and would start pacing. This would then trigger the PM to send another signal to the ventrical, my atrium would sense it and pace again. Basically, I was in atrial fib. This, over a period of time, left me exhausted. It was like running a marathon 12 hours a day, every day. He also said this is because my heart is extremely sensitive. With the help of the PM rep, I'm now doing just fine. The settings were changed to reduce the voltage. I rarely feel it now, although, I do anytime it takes a reading or sends a signal. But, it only happens about every 1-2 weeks and only lasts a few seconds. This is just something I have to live with in order for the PM to work properly.
So, if any of you have simular symptoms, be sure to have your cardiologist check your pacemaker first. It could save you a lot of "heartache."
Cindy
Published Feb 16, 2005 - 06:53 PM
Has anybody experienced atrial tachycardias with their PM?
Has anybody experienced atrial tachycardia with their their PM? My son got home after PM op and after 3 hours went into an AT of 178 bpm. He reverted out of this but then had another one that lasted 45 minutes at the hospital. Doctor says it may be pacemaker mediated tachycardia or just irritation to the atrium after the op. He has a 2 lead PM. My son is worried that it is another pathway that the doctors didn't notice when they ablated his extra pathway. ~Dot
Published Feb 09, 2005 - 10:46 AM
broken lead infected
My best friend had a pm among other medical issues. He has been fighting an infection since September. Everything foreign has been removed including the pace maker. They needed a cardiac surgeon to do laser removal but the lead fractured and remained inside as the surgeon did not want to do open heart surgery. He went off antibiotics last Monday and Thursday's cultures came back positive with the same infection. Does anyone know where the place for a combination of cardiology and infectious disease is? aronmm@hotmail.com
Published Feb 06, 2005 - 03:42 PM
SUDDEN RATE RISE
I HAVE DUAL CHAMBER LEADS SET AT 50 BPM FOR A SLOW RATE. ON TWO OCCASIONS WHEN JUST SITTING MY RATE WENT UP TO 130. I WENT TO THE ER THE FIRST TIME AS IT STAYED THERE FOR 15 MINS. THE SECOND TIME IT LASTED ONE MINUTE. I HAVE BEEN TO THE CLINIC FOUR TIMES TO TRY AND GET THE RATE RIGHT.I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET AN ANSWER FOR THE SUDDEN SCARY RISE IN THE RATE. HAS ANYONE ELSE HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND THE SOLUTION? THE PM WAS PUT IN THREE MONTHS AGO.
Published Feb 05, 2005 - 01:53 AM
Complications inserting pacemaker
My 55 yr old dad stopped breathing two weeks ago. He was sent to er. It was discovered that his artificial pig valve had literally exploded and he had open heart surgery this past Monday to replace his aortic valve and for an aneurism. He ended up being opened up twice that day as he had complications - blood clot forming on the artificial aortic valve and a 'filament'??? His heart rate is only 31 on his own so he is on an external pacemaker. Today they tried to install his pacemaker for 4 hrs to no avail. They figure either he was tied off from his original valve surgery when he was 8 or there is more deformation of the heart than they anticipated. Anyone else heard of complications inserting it? The hospital says he is the second case in the history of the hospital. He goes for a 2nd attempt on the left side tomorrow morning (Fri).
Thanks
a concerned daughter
Published Feb 04, 2005 - 11:47 AM
Head Pain
Hi There,
I had a pm 23rd November and everything has appeared fine but I am not feeling at all well at moment and wonder if there could be a connection?
I am having quite severe pains in my head but not like a migraine, no photophobia etc., It all seems bony pain but radiating down and around.
I have had it for a week now and pain killers do help but it remains. Thanks
Published Feb 03, 2005 - 07:32 PM
Scars
I was just replying to someone about operation scars and remembered the question I meant to ask. I've had my pacemaker nearly a year now (it's birthday is in april) and the scar is still red, raised and pretty damn ugly. I could almost get over it being ugly if it didn't hurt. It's still kinda sore when I touch it and it gets itchy every now and then. I didn't mind this at first cos well you expect to be sore after surgery. I'm thinking it should really be healing up at this stage. I think it's a keloid scar.
What I was wondering is, has anyone had the same problem? One of the doctors told me they can inject the scar to make it calm down. has anyone had this done and did it work?
It would be great if someone could tell me what happened to them.
Thanks,
Laura
Published Feb 01, 2005 - 08:47 PM
i hate pacemakers
I am 16 and I have a pacemaker and I hate it. I'm not eating, sleeping, I am having restless nights and frankly I want to give up. I am having counseling sessions, but they are not helping at all. I get jealous of the people who have got a perfect chest and who can show it off, but me nooo, I have 2 ugly scars going down mine. aww I am sorry :( if I am sounding selfish, but it's the way I am feeling. Can anyone give me advice so I can try and accept it ?
charlene
x x x x
Published Feb 01, 2005 - 07:13 PM
Every time is torture
Hi, I am a 23yr olf girl from dublin. My story is quite long but I will try and shorten it. When i was born i had 3 holes in my heart, 2 closed up and the 3rd was closed with open heart surgery. I had a pacemaker fitted. I also had a turn in my eye and the doctors didnt know about my heart complaint while fixing it, they were dosing my with anesthetic and I coudl of died. Anyway, unfortunatly everytime I go in seems to be trouble.
Published Jan 24, 2005 - 12:39 PM
Blocked vein due to Pacemaker
Hi everyone,
I would like to know if anyone else has had problems with vein blockage due to Pacemaker leads.
I had my pacer put in 15 months ago and about 3 months after having it done i had problems with my arm turning blue and lots of pain. I had heaps of tests done and the doctor said it is scar tissue around the veins causing the flow of blood back into my arm when i use it to cease or flow very slowly.
At the moment they are not going to do anything, but if it gets any worse i will have to have a stent put into the vein to open it up. The problem is i swim and do very heavy lifting at work, so my arm is constantly in use. When in use my arm is 8 - 10 cm larger than my good arm.
Has anyone else had this problem and if so how did they fix it.
Thanks in advance
Cleo
Published Jan 23, 2005 - 11:29 AM
Headache
Hi Everyone!
This is an amazing website. I'm from Norway, 24 years old, and am not well informed about pacemakers. I had mine installed i december 04 and felt great the first two weeks. Then I suddenly felt bad and had many days with pain and strange symptoms. Today I was at the hospital for a check-up. It seems that one lead is not well-functioning. On Monday, I'm getting a new check-up. My question is: I've had really bad "vibes" in my muscles and nerves. And for 4 days I've had a headache and pain in the neck. Are these symptons reactions of the stimula from my pacemaker not only "training" my heart but also the nerves and muscles? The headache and pain in the neck disappear after sleeping or at rest. But sometimes it really makes me feel seasick, dizzy or gives me bad headache...
Thanks for any responses! Love this website :o)
Published Jan 13, 2005 - 07:04 PM
cardiologist lied
Doctor said that ablation surgery would stop AF and I would be off Coumadin. Still have AF and still on Coumadin. Insurance company 60,000 dollars out of pocket and I'm disappointed. Do wonder their malpractice insurance is ridiculous……Now what do I do?
Published Jan 13, 2005 - 11:32 AM
New PVCs with new pacemaker
Hello, I am a 36 year old who just had a dual chamber Medtronic En Pulse inserted after a 5 year stuggle with blackouts and seizures related to vasovagal syncope triggered by eating. The pacer is now 8 days old. My daily vasovagal episodes are completely gone however about every other day I am experiencing unpleasant, sometimes painful, strong and rapid contractions of my heart. When I went in for a check of the device it appears that the pacer is triggering runs of Premature Ventricular Contractions (up to 16 in a row)which cause the symtoms. I was told this will go away with the healing process. Any feedback on this subject would be appreciated. Thank you. Martha
Published Jan 12, 2005 - 03:57 PM
Jumping muscles and a Jolt
Has anyone ever had a actually jolt from there PM ? It was weird, My son said it was like Im just jump and shook for a minute. It felt like I got shock.
I'm having alot of muscle pain and muscle spams around the site. Please let me know;
Elisa ~LISAAK
Published Jan 06, 2005 - 02:34 PM
Medtronic Pace Maker
Have had dual lead Pacemaker for two years--Prior to inserting, never had Angina, however since inserting have had frequent Angina pain, is this to be expected? Is it a direct result of the Pacemaker? Has anyone out there had a similar experience?---- Also, I am being checked every two months, is this normal for an instrument only two years old? Any insight into this will be appreciated-----soso
Published Jan 05, 2005 - 10:47 PM
The Effects of Medication
Laura, just read your message to "Concerned Mom" about the problems her daughter is having and noticed you mentioned you are having headaches. I have a question for you, are you by any chance taking Plavix? I don't know if Plavix is a medicaiton given for tratment of people getting a PM, but it is given to those that get stents. If you are taking Plavix, I strongly recommend that you talk to your doctor about the possibility of there beign a connection between Plavix and your headaches.
Published Jan 05, 2005 - 07:00 PM
surprise blackout - any ideas
First of all a Happy New Year to all Pacemaker Club posters.
I've had a great 10 weeks with my pm. Healed up nicely, pacing atrialy to prevent av block when its supposed to be etc. Resumed gentle exercise after 3 weeks with no problems and generally feeling so much better than before.
Then out of the blue last week i started to feel light headed and 5 mins later blacked out. The pm seems to have been working OK which suggests some other reason for a fall in blood pressure and the blackout.
The people i was with said my pulse was quite hard to find after i passed out but that it was beating very fast c. 180bpm. I was unconscious for about 3mins and took another 10mins or so before i knew where i was and what was happening. Its taken a few days to start to feel normal again, i have been very tired.
Any ideas what might have happened ?
thanks
Published Jan 05, 2005 - 06:59 PM
shock-like sensations week after placement
My aunt (82yo) had a pacemaker inserted several weeks ago (BBB). She has since been experiencing daily shock-like sensations and can sense her heart beat. It has at times woke her up from sleep. It is not actually painful but it is disconcerting and uncomfortable. She has no tingling or hiccups. The primary care doc said "inflammation" and prescribed Advil. The surgical site is clean and non-tender. What causes this?
Published Jan 01, 2005 - 04:58 PM
Mom - 2nd question
This is another question re: Mom's pounding pm. Her doc has run all kinds of test on her heart and pm - nothing shows to be wrong. He believes that she could be having panic attacks but she doesn't believe that's the problem. I tend to agree with the doc only because after she gets to the er after about an hour she's calm with no pain and breathing problems. They always keep her over night and can find nothing - the doc told her yesterday that he can find nothing wrong with the pm or her heart. I want to help her but I don't know how - she doesn't seem to believe the doc and says "it's not in my head" to me. I know the problem is real, whether it's her heart or panic attacks. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can help her? The ER has become her 2nd home!
Published Jan 01, 2005 - 12:28 AM
Mom - PM pounding
My mom has had a PM for 2 yrs - 6 stints and 11 angioplasties. She goes to the ER every few weeks with chest pain. They say they can't find anything wrong but continues to have problems -says it feels like a thumping for 3-4 hrs at a time and gets tired,weak and can't breathe. She's concerned she's having another heart attack but they can't find anything wrong. Has anyone experienced this? Is it normal to have a pounding of the PM?
Published Dec 31, 2004 - 03:05 PM
Wrong pacemaker
2 years ago I had a Vitatron Clarity SR pacemaker installed, Last week I had it removed. The "New Cardiologist" said that this pacemaker was for a 90 year old man. That would explain why I gained 50 pounds and felt like a 90 year old. I was wondering if I could start legal action against the "First Cardiologist" I'm 57 years old and after this 2nd pace maker I feel my age.............Advise
Published Dec 31, 2004 - 02:10 PM
help asap...
I'm not quite sure what to do right now. I feel like i'm being a pain by asking so many questions but you guys' are the only people i know who to ask!
I'm writing this post in tears of pain and uncomfortableness. And I'm just shaking my head back and forth because this pressure and my migraine won't go away (had migraines since i wa s 7 and take imatrex). My head pressure is probably a ten..it's hightest, and it's never been this bad..it litterally feels like my head is on fire and going to explode and this pressure is not radiating down my neck the side of my head too. My chest tightness has been here all day. It's really bad and I don't know what I should do..call an on call EP or just wait it out. Also, I can't eat anything because i'm so nauseous. I tried a bight of popsicle but had to put it down. I feel extremely weak and when i'm up like i just need to sit back down. I'm 15, got my PM in june and a second revision 2 months later, other posts i've written lately are the PT wants me to ask and the scary episode! thanks, laura
Published Dec 30, 2004 - 12:22 AM
Pacemaker Flutter???
Hi...I had a pacemaker and defribrillator combo installed a year ago.i lately noticed a kind of fluttery feeling at times in the chest area..even lower. I was on a monitor last night at the hospital and the Dr.said that sometimes the "pacemaker kicks in and is doing its job when the heartrate is low" and this helped me not to worry if I have this fluttery feeling.
Have any of you experienced this? I do have anxieties in general and this feeling adds to it...but the Dr.did help me to understand it better.Any of you wish to add your comments? Many thanks..and a Very Happy new year
Charlie Handelman Charleshandelman@cs.com
Published Dec 29, 2004 - 02:10 PM
hole in chest
in july 2002 1st pm installed,11-02 lead revision, 11-03 i woke up one morning with a hole the size of a silver dollar in my chest and a gold color object behind it, very little bleeding dr called id corrosion i found out from a different dr that the pm was most likely had a leaking battery and as the acid eat through my chest it cortorized the skin the pm was removed and had to be replace on the other side of my chest needless to say i've lost a lot of strengh in my upper body and no longer have the stamina i use too has any one else had similiar expierence. ~leew
Published Dec 27, 2004 - 07:32 PM
Continual Diagnostic Palpatations
I have had my PM for almost 4 years and have asked a lot of questions regarding funny sensations due to the pacemaker. Over the years I have ignored, but still felt, the pacemeker going through its diagnostic checks. It makes the muscle where the PM is implanted twitch and then makes my heart thump. It usually lasts for only a minute or two and is over. On Xmas eve I started having this sensation again but it did not stop. I called my doctor and he was gone for the holiday. I called St Jude and they told me it could take up to 8 hours for this diagnostic test. Three days later it has not stopped. I called my doctor today and they are getting me in to be checked. Has anyone else had this problem? ~DonnaS
Published Dec 27, 2004 - 12:19 PM
scary episode! Ideas?!
Hi! I posted about the 'PT wants me to ask this.' I'm 15 and got my PM June 4 and a revision surger July 27. Since then I've had bad pressure in my head and sharp pains in my chest (but those don't come on often).
Yesterday, I went shopping at a large mall with a friend and her mom, I've gone shopping all day, several times before and had no problems. This time, at about 6:30 pm something really weird started happening. I suddenly started shaking pretty violently and sweating a ton! Along with that I felt like I was going to pass out and that my legs would give out when I was walking, I also had my head pressure increase and the stabbing pain come on along with a tightness in my chest. My friends mom wanted to take me to the ER but I suggested we call my parents (we were 2.5 hours away from home) first to see what they thought. We decided to head straight home to see what happened. It slowed down in the car (about an hour later) so we didnt call the oncall EP when we got home. This morning I'm still shaking (you can kinda see my hands and legs but not nearly as much as yesterday) and there's a tightness in my chest, the pressures bad, and i feel nauseated. Do you all have any ideas on what's going on or what to do? I think I'm going to call my EP this morning when my mom wakes up b/c this has never happened and i'm worried about it. Thanks! Laura
Published Dec 20, 2004 - 09:16 AM
New heart murmur
I'm 22 years old, I had my pacemaker inserted in July of 2004. I had a full cardiac work up that June and after an EP study it was discovered that i had sick sinus syndrome. Since then i have also had a VP shunt inserted. I'm still having ongoing issues with my pacemaker incision. Due to a connective tissue disorder i have known as elher danlos syndrome i have a very hard time healing. The wound is still open but superficial. I've been having a hard time keeping my BP up and was sent to the ER last week by my cardio for dizzy spells that he thought was my shunt since my bp was actually normal for a change, it usually doesn't go any higher than 90/60 and thats ona good day. At the ER the doctor asked how long I'd had a heart murmur i told him that was the first I'd heard about it. I saw my pcp the next day and he also confirmed it. He said since i didnt have it before it concerned him and he wanted an echo to check for endocarditis.
Has anybody developed endocarditis this long after pacemaker surgery. My pcp felt with the shunt surgery it could have also predisposed me to something As far as fever it's been a little higher than normal here lately, i normally run about a 97 and it's been running between 98.6 and 99. Any advice that anybody has to offer while i wait for my cardio's office to call back is very much appreciated.
Published Dec 19, 2004 - 06:28 PM
Pneumothorax anyone?
Hello, I posted once before as a newbie. I really still am one I just had my pm in on Dec 3rd. I have followed all the "rules" for a good recovery, no lifting the arm for two weeks, no picking up heavy items even the kids, blah blah blah. I started having pain in the center of my chest almost two days ago when I would take more than a half of a breath. Laughing was out of the question unless I wanted to cry also. I finally called the Doc and they sent me to the ER. With it being possibly related to a recent pacemaker and pain in the chest area I must say it was the best treatment I have ever had in an ER. : ) They did find I had a bubble of air next to a small tear in the sac containing my lung. Put me on Very Light Duty- YUCK! I was just getting around great on my own. Anyway, is this a complication common with pacemakers? A fluke or what? The Doc in the ER said that he's never hear of it but also said he's not a cardio Doc. I have been healthy as can be since the initial surgery. Any imput would be great. Thanks for all the info this site offers, I can't say what I would have done without it. I am completely armed for my first follow-up. : )
Thanks!!
Nat ~natbuckle
Published Dec 19, 2004 - 10:59 AM
Pain in heart area
Does anyone have pain that comes and goes after having pacemaker. Had one in September and every once in a while feel pain in heart area (also in pacemaker area) Anne
Published Dec 15, 2004 - 05:55 PM
Infection necessitated a second pacemaker
A complete heart block on May 7, 2004 with a pacemaker implanted May 10th. Infection set up in the pacemaker pocket, treated three weeks with vancomycin. The infection persisted, hospitalized September 8, 2004 and the old pacemaker removed from my left side. Treated with antibotics for another two weeks and a new pacemaker installed on my right hand side on September 22, 2004. I still feel very tired with little stamina. Have others been through similar difficulty?
Published Dec 15, 2004 - 04:59 PM
Blood Pressure Machines
I have just had a rate responsive two lead pacemaker installed on December 10. 2004. Yesterday I was in Afib and had a high blood pressure and was directed to the hospital. The nurse used a monitor which showed my blood pressure to be "reversed" ( 138/156). It is apparent that neither the hospital automatic machine nor my home machine are capable of taking an accurate blood pressure with the pacemaker if I am in Afib. Does anyone know if there is a machine that will do this accurately.
Published Dec 15, 2004 - 04:46 PM
PM shut off by mistake
Hello,
I was just wondering if this has happened to anyone else? I was going to have surgery on my shoulder and the EPS doc did something to my pm 2 days prior to surgery. It was supposed to be set to check for afib. Well, it took me 4 hrs to awaken from surgery and then twice at ER in the following month with erratic irregular hb...sooo went back to device clinic and she said there was a glitch in the system and called Medtronic and they took an hour and half to reprogram it.
Published Dec 15, 2004 - 04:45 PM
PaceMaker turned 180 degrees Lead disloged
Our mother, 83 years old had a pacemaker implanted on Dec.4th,2004. Family members, along with a health care nurse, and neighbor helped assist with her recovery. On Dec.9th., Mom became ill & was vomiting, but claimed she thought it was a virus and would be alright.
Needless to say, two days later, she had to go to the emergency room and was readmitted to the hospital.
Published Dec 15, 2004 - 04:43 PM
Frozen shoulder
I'm a 51 year old female PM implanted june 22,04. Diagnosed with sick sinus syndrome on june 21,04. Had some minor discomfort after, but then I had a mamogram oct 08,04. I was told there would be no problem. I went to an othopedic specialist who sent me for a bone scan and an arthogram. The results were inconclusive.
Published Dec 15, 2004 - 04:41 PM
Frozen shoulder after pacemaker insertion
My pacemaker insertion was 2 years ago. As I was waking from conscious sedation in the Cath Lab I experienced severe pain in my left shoulder when moving my left arm and shoulder. I was discharged with my arm in a sling. For several weeks the pain remained and I was unable to move my arm due to severe stiffness. I was sent to an Orthopedic Physician who ordered an Arthrogram and then diagnosed my condition as a frozen shoulder.I spent 3 months in physical therapy and was finally able to raise my arm without shoulder pain. Today I have normal mobility, and rare stiffness or discomfort in that shoulder, but it took forever to regain this status. I have been told that a frozen shoulder with pacemanker insertion is rare but can happen. My question is, have any of you experienced this with pacemaker insertion or know of anyone who has? If so could you tell me what you know about it. Thank You ~dily
Published Dec 14, 2004 - 05:12 PM
Need help possible infection
I had a pacemaker put in on 12/01/04. Immediately after I developed considerable bleeding around the heart, followed by spots in the lungs. I left the hospital on 12/08/04. The bleeding had been stopped. The following day I developed a blood clot in chest, making my left arm purple/pink and swollen. Now I am taking a blood thiner hoping to dissolve the clot. I have been running a fever up to 102.0 plus and my white blood count is high meaning infection somewhere. Today I had chest X-ray, and urine test. These areas are clear. My question: has anyone had this problem before? What are the signs of pacemaker infection? My cardiologist says there is an infection but he doesn't know where. He is sending me back to the hospital if I don't improve. Thank you for your help! Andrea
Published Dec 13, 2004 - 05:17 AM
PT wants me to ask ASAP..please help!
Hi,
I got my PM in June at 15 y/o and had a lead revision surgery 2 months later which was very traumatic for me. I've been experiencing an immense pressure in my head and after seeing several cardios and being referred to a neurologist, she said that I probably had a neck imflammation (which is squishing all of my nerves and joints) from the surgery. I've been taking small doses of amitriptyline to bring it down a long with physical therapy 2x a week. I've had about 8 appts with my physical therapist and the appts. don't really help, today on my last one she said she wanted me to post on this site to ask a question. She thinks that something else is wrong because she would've expected a little bit of improvement. She's calling my neurologist and I see the neuro next wed. to talk to her, and they might do xrays.
My PT wanted me to ask if any of you pacers experienced this terrible head pressure after you got your PM? Along with this I also have chest pain that radiates down my arm and up my neck when the pressure is really bad. My daily normal on a one to ten scale is a 4.5 but today after PT it was 7.5. She thinks it's something else and wants me to hear from you all. Thanks a ton for your help!
God bless,
Laura (sweettartgirl)
Published Dec 02, 2004 - 04:02 PM
Pacemaker
I had a pacemaker implanted 7 days ago and while it was happening I had a very severe pain down my left arm exactly like an electrical shock. I also a second but it was not as severe. Now I am experiencing numb episodes on my arm and at times both legs. They dont last long though...is this of any significance? Thank you
Published Nov 30, 2004 - 05:40 PM
Panic attacks
I have had my pacemaker now for 11 weeks. I had lots of complications at first, but the good news is that the pm is now working wonderfully and I am able to do all kinds of things. My body rejected many of the medications and I had lots of side effects. The good news is now I have lots of energy, in fact I ran the lawn mower on saturday. My family was a little scared but It felt great. Most of my complications are under control now except that I am experiencing some pretty intense panic attacks. It's hard work to get my self back under control. I am now also experiencing insomnia. Has anyone else experienced this and does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks happy Thanksgiving to all. ~cyndi
Published Nov 23, 2004 - 12:20 PM
effects of not replacing battery
What would hapen in a case where the pm was NOT needed after implanted? My wife was misdiagnosed 11 years ago and had a pm put in but never used it. Now drs want to replace it. If she decides not to have it changed, what complications might she encounter?
Published Nov 20, 2004 - 10:20 PM
Hardware problem?
My pacemaker seems to be sensitive to vibrations. For example if I stride off the footpath to cross the road, sit on a shaky bus or travel in a car on a bumpy road I get an uncomfortable pounding feeling in my chest. It lasts for only a couple of minutes, then abruptly stops.
Does anyone else experience this?
Published Nov 12, 2004 - 03:24 PM
vibrations around groins
Hi everybody,
I had my pacemaker on 5th May 2004. It has been about six months. I feel very strange vibrations around my groins when I lie on my back, while walking I do not feel anything.
Does anyone feel this the same way I do?
Please reply,
rabin44
Published Nov 11, 2004 - 08:30 AM
Complications?
I had my pacer implanted in June ,2004. I ended up with brachial plexus nerve damage in my shoulder,arm and hand. This is my left arm and I'm left handed. I would like to to know if anyone has experienced this problem. I had third degree heart block. My heart stopped for over half a minute. I am 32 years old. I would like to hear from any pacers and anyone about this problem. The doctors in my area say I'm the first case. Pain is intense and I have had no relief yet. Thanks,lightining
Published Nov 03, 2004 - 06:23 PM
Figured it out!!! :)
Hello to all!
I wanted to post something letting everyone know what the verdict was on what was wrong with me, seeing that a lot of you have given me your advice. I had terrible chest pains and a huge pressure in my head. Today I saw a neurologist and they actually gave me an answer!
Turns out that during my lead revision surgery, since I was under a local, my neck might've gotten moved around and stuff. I was on pain killers for about a month afterwards and stareted feeling these pains a few weeks after that. I have all the signs of inside my neck being inflammed. The inflammation in my neck is squishing all of my nerves and joints together, causing this pain. I'm going to be taking meds that will build up and help fix this for hopefully only a few months. I start physical therapy for it tomorrow and will do it 3 times a week for hopefully only 1.5 months. Thanks so much for all of your advice and support!
God bless,
Laura (sweettartgirl)
Published Nov 02, 2004 - 05:28 PM
Fluttering sensations near pacemaker
I have had my Medtronic pacemaker since January 2003. A week ago I noticed a tingling/fluttering feeling in the chest area where my pacemaker is implanted. The sensations last for a few seconds and have been fairly regular throughout the day and night. The sensations do not cause any pain--but they are constant. My cardiologist ran tests on the pacemaker and said that it is functioning normally and that I should see my regular physician. I have and have had numerous other tests (echocardiogram, Holter for 24 hours, chest xray, and blood workup) which all check out normal. I feel as if I am losing my mind and my physicians think so too. Has anyone else experienced these? Do they go away?? Could it be my lead connctions? Thanks for any suggestions.
Published Oct 29, 2004 - 03:05 PM
Skipping beats
I have had my pacemaker for one year and 5 months. Four months ago i started have dizzy spells and feeling faint. My heart is skipping beats. Can anyone help?
Published Oct 26, 2004 - 06:44 PM
Breathless
I had my pacemaker fitted in june last year and feel much better for it, although I still have spells of breathlessness, I have had quite a few more tests done but they all are clear, is this normal? is anyone else having a similar problem? ~Breathless
Published Oct 23, 2004 - 11:08 AM
Gasto intestinal troubles
Hi! I am 52 and today marks the 6th week since my pacemaker implantation. After some difficulties the pacemaker is working great and other than a little soreness and tingling at the incision site things are good. My difficulty is that I have developed some severe gastro intestinal difficulties. Feelings of nausea and many episodes of diarrhea daily. If I can only fix this I would back to feeling me again. Has any one else out there experienced this? Any ideas? This web site has been a God send to me. Thank you for helping me feel I'm not alone out there. ~cyndi
Published Oct 21, 2004 - 10:46 AM
Pocket Twitching Leads to Upper arm Twitching!
I had implanted my first Pulse Generator(PG)in 1993. It was a unipolar one & made of Telectronics. In 1999 it battery gone & I replaced it. The problem now Ii face is THERE DEVELOPED A POCKET TWITCHING since 2 days.It means the area wherethe pacer implanted get twitched with each beat and it even radiates to right hand. Any one developed this condition?
I'm under investigation by my Doctors. There is no lead displacements
Kindly give your suggestions for which am thanking in advance ~manu
Published Oct 20, 2004 - 09:27 AM
Shaky, feel weak and swollen feet?
I have had the pace maker for three weeks for third degree heart block. I am 56. I was told I would feel so much better but other than dizzyness I did not feel bad before but now I am shaky and feel weak. My feet have swollen to the point where I can not walk. The water pills prescribed are helping to reduce the swelling but I have also had a ringing in my ears for 2 weeks. Is this normal and how long will it last. Is it all in my head. I have had everything checked and the doctors say everything is fine but I still feel weak Any answers would be welcome. Ted lyndarotteau@cabletv.on.ca
Published Oct 18, 2004 - 06:15 PM
Platelet count & pacemaker?
I am a 70 year old woman who was diagnosed with ITP (low blood platelets) about 10 years ago. I went through gamma globulin treatments to get my platelet count up because I just had mitral valve surgery. Now I am taking blood thinners (which scared me because I have ITP). The doctors now say that I need a pacemaker because the medicine is not stabilizing my heart rate. Is there anyone who is in a similar situation? My email address is gtavormina@hvc.rr.com
Published Oct 18, 2004 - 06:15 PM
I have a pacemaker and still having PVCs
Hi, I just got my pacemaker implemented about 3 weeks ago. I have been experiencing some of the symptoms of dizziness/palpitations that I was feeling prior to the implementation.
I kept going into my cardiologist and had tons of tests...and finally the holter showed that I was having PCVs. What does this mean? Wouldn't my pacemaker prevent this from happening?
I am trying to get back into exercise (walking for starters) and when my heart starts skipping all over, I get scared. It is hard enough to deal with a pacemaker (I"m 29 and it was a very sudden thing) but I was hoping that the pm would prevent me from feeling dizzy again. Is my pm not set right? Will I have to take medicine for this?
If you have any info on this, coudl you let me know? This site has been such a blessing. I"m feeling less alone now....Aleah
Published Oct 17, 2004 - 06:44 AM
Short of Breath after Pacemaker
Hi... Have had my pacemaker since July. AV pacer to control A Fibrillation that was not controlled by medicine. I still go into A Fib. (actually, according to the pacer clinic, last month I was in a fib 64 times over a two month period for an average of 3-8 hours a piece) Anyway, I am having periods of shortness of breath. When I am in atrial fib. the ventricular pacer is the driving mechanism....any word of encouragement... e-mail at AHGraz@cybrzn.com Thanks
Published Oct 15, 2004 - 04:02 PM
similar problems again
I have had my pacemaker for a year and 5 months.
For three months now i have developed the same
smytoms as before I had my pacemaker implanted. I am dizzy, feel like i am going to pass out and get very clamy on my skin and weak. Could my pacemaker be failing and has anyone else had this?
Published Oct 05, 2004 - 06:55 PM
what's wrong w/ me?!?!
I'm 15 and got my pacemaker in June and had a second surgery 2 months ago to fix a wire problem. Over the past 2 weeks I have been feeling very sick, with pressure in my head and tightness in my chest. But for about 3 days now it's gotten much worse. I saw my general doc. (not my cardiologist) yesterday. At first my symptoms were that of a heart attack so he did a chest xray and that was it. He said that nothing was wrong and that he was just a general practicionar and that he would talk to my cardiologist today.
I'm very worried though because usually he is wrong. When I went in for passing out on two different occasions in November (the beginning of everything) he said nothing was wrong but he'd send me to a cardiologist just to make sure. Well sure enough lots of things were wrong. I am in a lot of pain. I have a huge tightness in my chest and it feels like my heart actually hurts. I also have pain that sometimes goes up my neck and to my jaw as well as in my back a little. It's also harder to breathe when I'm upright and there's a huge pressure in my head. I can't stay up for more than a few minutes because I feel like I'll just collapse. At this moment it's very bad. Does anyone have any ideas or experienced this. I'm very worried and I know that it's something. Please let me know, my email is Sweettartgirl@comcast.net
Thanks,
Laura (Sweettartgirl)
Published Sep 28, 2004 - 01:21 PM
Clicking and ticking sounds
My little electronic friend was installed on August 1, 2004. Within a short time, I had blood clots form in the vein used to thread the wire. Now I'm taking Coumadin daily. Then I had an infection in the incision, which had to be cared for. During all this, the pacemaker has evidently been operating quite well. But I hear noises coming from my chest/collarbone area. They're very faint, not all the time, but definietly there! The sound is a clicking/ticking. It will last up to 3 or 4 minutes, or just a couple of ticks. No pain or faint feelings occur.
Can anyone here shed some light on this?
Thanks a lot - Lillian
Published Sep 25, 2004 - 08:52 PM
Itching on the pacemaker wound
I have had my pacemaker implanted about 4 months back. the surgery wound took a bit long to heal. But is perfect now for the past two months or so. the thing is for the past 2-3 weeks, I have a lot of itching on and around the wound. My questions are
1) Is this normal. and pass off ?
2) when i scratch the area. Is it possible that i move / tamper the pacemaker. will it make any harm to me ?
3) should I consult the surgeon who operated upon me again ?
4) Any other suggestions you all might have
thanks so much
Santosh rao ~dual_chamber_guy
Published Sep 20, 2004 - 05:37 AM
Loose Wire????
I am a new 45 year old Pacemaker implantee. Four weeks ago this past friday. I have noticed a tightness in my chest when it goes off. I had my first appointment today with the rep that said that I should not feel anything at all. He told me that I could have a loose lead or it may need to be relocated. He called my surgeon right away and I have an appointment tomorrow. I'm a little freaked out at the prospect of having something else done. I had plan to continue playing in several adult basketball leages in a couple weeks and now I'm not sure what to do.
Has anyone had these problems and what happen? What is involved it changing of moving leads after 4-6 weeks? Any questions that you suggest I ask the Doc?
Thanks for your support!
Eric ~elmwoodman
Published Sep 14, 2004 - 08:08 AM
sweats (?) and more
Hi, I'm 15 and had my pacemaker implanted June 4 and then a second surgery to fix a wire about 1.5 months ago. I'm still recovering from it though because it was very traumatic (get worn out very easily, sick, pain, etc). Recently though, I've been getting out and around more and school started last week. Since then, i've noticed that about every 10 minutes, when I'm sitting (don't really notice when i'm standing), that I feel like my heart rate is high and that I need to get up and walk around to match it...could this be a pacemaker setting problem (i see my cardiologist and guidant rep tuesday)? Also at those times I get kind of like a hot flash or something. Any ideas? Lastly, I was wondering if feeling terrible spurts of pain (litterally make me wince it hurts so bad) about once an hour is still normal for 1.5 months after the second surgery and has anyone experienced numbness/stinging pains in BOTH of their hands on and off? I'm assuming it's just a nerve that was hit. Any thoughts would be great and I'd like to know if this is normal from a pacer's perspective! Thanks so much.
God bless,
Laura (Sweettartgirl)
Published Sep 12, 2004 - 05:38 PM
Can regular pace makers cause an electrical shock?
My mother has had a Pacesetter pacemaker for several years. She says that recently she gets an electrical shock into the heart. Her Dr. says it is not from the pacemaker or the wires. Has anyone ever experienced any type of
electrical shock from a standard pacemaker?
Thank you.
Published Sep 08, 2004 - 09:26 PM
Slow pace of Medtronics Pacemaker
My Medtronics Pacemaker which was implanted in May 1991, set at a pulserate of 72, is now slowing down. It is showing a pulse rate of 68 and downwards continously.
Is the battery slowing down or otherwise?
Published Sep 06, 2004 - 07:14 AM
Old leads and high fevers?
I have had a cardiac pacemaker since I was 18 years old. Last year I underwent a procedure to remove some of my old leads and put in a new pacer. The old leads were not able to be removed. Scar tissue. Over the past 3 I have been experiencing very high fevers followed by terrible headaches. My doctors are testing me for tons of stuff. Has anybody had anything similiar. I am concerned it may be an infection at the pacemaker site. Please email me at dhoernecke@yahoo.com.
Published Sep 02, 2004 - 04:42 PM
Pulsation in right side of upper abdomen
I'm not sure what I should panic over or just chill. I'm 55 and had my first pacemaker inserted 3 weeks ago. I've already had one trip to ER, and found that the problem with my many fibulations was that my blood was not at therapeutic level(2-3. Now I'm having these pulsations on the right side of my chest, hmmm, anyone experience this?
-Leah
Published Aug 31, 2004 - 10:55 PM
Chest Pains???
Hi,
I have had a pacemaker for coming up on 2 years this september. But for the last year I have had extreme chest pains in the area where my pacemaker lies. My question really is whether or not any one has something similar.
Am I the ONLY ONE?
Published Aug 31, 2004 - 05:03 PM
Can you feel you pace maker kick in ? I feel mine all the time.
I have had my pace maker for over 5 years now. It is a dual chamber Legacy II DR. When I lie down or get real still in a chair I can actually feel my pacemaker kick in. I would describe the feeling as being like someone was tickeling me with a feather inside my asophugus....
After the tingeling, I feel what I call a "hard" beat in my chest then it goes back to normal ticking. I have Sick Sinus Syndrome so my pacer doesn't come on until my pulse is below 55. Is this pounding feeling normal? I also feel that I need to take a deep breath when this happens.
If I am up and moving I do not feel it at all. Only When I am still. When I check my pulse it will feel normal then all of the sudden I feel a pause in my heartbeat, then the tingeling feeling, then pulse goes back to normal.
Other than this feeling , I have not had to change anything I do. I still play golf, football, baseball, and run. I actually forget I have one until this tingeling feeling comes alone. Has anyone else had this feeling?
Published Aug 27, 2004 - 12:54 PM
Heartburn or pain in arm muscle?
Does anyone that has a pacer have heartburn or pain in arm muscle?? My email is kconne@aol.com.
Published Aug 22, 2004 - 06:04 PM
Has anyone ever heard of pacemakers being removed?
I had a pacemaker inplanted on July 13,2004. My doctor did this because my pulse dropped to 15 or I would have no heart beat for 4-5 seconds. Every thing is wonderful now that I'm the bionic man. They did a nuclear stress test and it shows that I have some spots on my heart that aren't receiving sufficent blood flow. I'm scheduled for a angiogram (sp) on Sept. 10. My question is, suppose they can fix the blockage. Would it then be possible to remove this pacemaker?
Published Aug 20, 2004 - 11:30 AM
Time for replacement pacemaker...
I've had my PM for 13 years and on my last phone check I was told it is time for replacement. They said I may or may not need new leads (50% either way)& won't know until they do the procedure. They say if the leads need replacing they just add new ones and don't remove the old ones. Has anyone had this done? How many leads can your heart hold anyway? Has anyone actually had the leads removed? My doc says it is riskier to try to remove them than to just leave them there. Looking for any comments. Thanks!
Published Aug 16, 2004 - 04:03 AM
Looking for people with Guidant devices who are having problems
I have a Guidant pacemaker for 7 years. I suffered alot of problems with it including,tachardia,pvc's,and was placed on a toxic level of a beta blocker to control it. Two weeks ago I had to have the pacer changed out due to battery failure. Since I got the new pacemaker I haven't had one eppisode of tachardia,pvc's,nor have I had to take any medications. Is it faulty?? I need to know if there is anyone else that has had any of these issues, or simular ones. Please leave me a message or e-mail me,thank you ~imgoobergrl
Published Aug 11, 2004 - 04:20 AM
Defective pacemakers?
I have had a faulty pacemaker and I'm trying to find other people with the same problem. PLease reply to this message or send me a private message. My username is imgoobergrl.
Published Aug 10, 2004 - 04:34 AM
Tightening of pacer site and weakness in left arm?
Hey everyone! I'm a 23 yr old female that has a question. I had my pacer for over 2 yrs now and finally used to the thing!!! Anyways, for the past week I have been experiencing slight tightening in the pacer site with a dull pain and also my left upper arm and hand feel like they are slightly numb sometimes and become weak. I have never had this problem before and was wondering if anyone has experienced this before. Who knows it might not be even related to the pacer but thought it was a little odd. Give me any advice or opinions you might have and then I'll go from there. Thanks for all your help.
Jenny -sweetkozy
Published Aug 07, 2004 - 06:02 PM
atrial lead caused hiccups
I got my pacemaker June 4 and about a month after I started getting these side hiccups/convulsions. I was at camp last week when they got really bad and lasted for 40 minutes. I called home and went straight to my cardiologist. I had my pacemaker checked and as they would turn the voltage up on the atrial lead the hiccups would happen. The doctor came in and ordered an xray. Turned out that my atrial lead had moved and the end was against my diaphragm, so when it would pace my heart it actually was pacing my diaphragm. I had to have a surgery to fix it. It was supposed to take 30 minutes but actually took 2 1/2 hours. I was going to just stay overnight in the hospital but the pain was pretty bad and i had nausea so I stayed four days. Now I'm home and I sleep most of the day from all the medications I'm taking. Just a warning, if you are a new pacer, make sure and be careful with your arm, I waited a month (as told by my doc) to lift it but it still came disconnected. Good luck to all you new pacers!
~Laura (sweettartgirl)
Published Aug 07, 2004 - 05:59 PM
Has anybody gained WEIGHT?
Hi All,
Has anybody gained weight since having their pacemaker fitted? I did gain alot of weight at first then in the last few months I have been taken slimming tablets (herbal) and thankfully I`m losing it now.
I still have not got much energy though, whether this is related to having the pacemaker I`m not sure, I am going to have a blood test this tuesday to check my thyroid level.
Any comments would be appreciated
Best Wishes to All
Carol
Published Aug 07, 2004 - 05:57 PM
Burning, Stinging Pain
I had a pacemaker implanted on May 28, 2004. Over the last two weeks (since July 12) I have experienced burning stinging pain over the site. Is this normal and if so, how long does it last and what can be done to alleviate the pain?
Sandee in AZ -SF0528
Published Aug 07, 2004 - 05:53 PM
Muscles aching after physical exertion
I have had my medtronic dual lead pacermaker since April 2003 and am going to be 58 years young in Spetember. Have not had any major problems with the pacemaker. Recently after physical exertion my muscles ache for several hours, like cutting the grass. I have an appiontment with my doctor this week. I have been taking Crestor since March 2004 and I was wondering if anyone out ther has had a similar experience and are they taking crestor.
A fellow pacer,
Tom
email trh55@msn.com
Published Jul 26, 2004 - 04:48 AM
New pacer with problems and questions
Hi -- I'm a new member here -- I had a metronic pacemaker put in 3 weeks ago. I am 65, have been very active all my life and want to continue to be. I have had a very slow heart rate for the last couple ofyears,and finally had a pacer done. anyway, I haven't felt very good since having it put in -- still feel weak and light headed -- now my legs are swelling. I'm waiting for the doctor to call me back right now, but wondering if anyone else has had problems at first. My Dad had a pacemaker for years and felt great. e-mail me at ginnietls@sbcglobal.net. thanks,
Published Jul 18, 2004 - 05:24 PM
Hiccups?
G Folks, I had a Medtronic Kappa inserted July 1. 4 days later I started getting hiccups (for the want of a better term) It is not continuous & gets bad with a drop in ambient temperature. It's not painful but is a bit disturbing. I am now just on 2 weeks later & it still happens. Has anyone out there had this experience? My right side, lower chest convulses at heart rate. Any suggestions? Thanks & regards, George. hawthorn@silchip.com.au
Published Jul 13, 2004 - 05:40 PM
Pacemaker Repositioned
I am a 73 yr. old woman. In January, I had a Medtronic pacemaker (3 leads) embedded. In June, while a surgeon was doing a "Heart Ablation", he discovered that my pacemaker had dropped in the soft, fleshy breast area and the leads were pulling out. I was taken back into OR and another surgeon repaired the damage and inserted the pacemaker higher on my shoulder area. It was a bit traumatic for me. Has anyone else experienced this? Your comments will be appreciated. Bridget email: bmcigates@aol.com
Published Jul 06, 2004 - 04:40 AM
Side hiccups due to recent pacemaker??
It's Laura again. Yesterday I started getting a weird hiccup feeling on my right side when i move my right arm to my left shoulder or even just walking. They're starting to come more often. It's like a hiccup right there but I don't feel it in my throat and it kind of takes my breath. I saw my cardiologist and had various tests done on Fri, Mond,& Tues. and was diagnosed with an inflamation & infection around my chest/heart after having a pacemaker for 4 weeks now. Could it have anything to do with the pacemaker or that? Anything will help, thanks!
~Laura (sweettartgirl)
Published Jul 04, 2004 - 05:30 PM
Medtronics Kappa DR 901 Problem?
Newbee needs to know if anyone has had a Kappa DR 901 fail due to body fluids leaking in and shorting out the unit. My wife had hers replaced three days ago, it was only nine months old. Same model was used as replacement without consulting either of us. Need to know just how good are these units anyway. Anyone with Kappa DR 901 failure please reply.
Thanks to anyone with replys.
Trimman
tcfm@gwtc.net
Published Jul 04, 2004 - 05:29 PM
Hearing things?
I have had a Medtronic KDR701 pacemaker since Dec 1999. I had a heart attack in Jan 1997 and bypass 1 week later. I did ok until 1999 when I went into chronic afib. I tried all of the meds and got the pacemaker, but nothing helped. I am in afib 100% of the time.
When I lay in bed with my ear on the pillow I hear a noise, almost like an engine running. It is too fast to count most of the time, I would estimate about 4 or 5 times my heart rate, but it will speed up and slow down,it even starts and stops now and then. Does anyone else hear this? I never heard it before I got the pacemaker. I have asked my Dr about it and he dosen't have a clue. my ep nurse says that they have one more person with the same noise. - nitelite
Published Jul 04, 2004 - 05:28 PM
Pacemakers and Sleep Apnea
I had a bi-ventrical pacemaker put in Feb 2003, after which I felt quite fit and active for about 4 months. Then, I started to feel very tired again. After a couple more check ups, the docs found I had broken one of the leads, which I had repaired in March this year. Since then I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and have to wear a c.p.a.p. machine mask at night which I'm finding quite difficult.
My doc said that the need for this machine can happen after a pacemaker so I just wondered if anyone else has this problem? barmyb1onde-x-
Published Jun 20, 2004 - 04:40 PM
Hiccups?
I received my pacer about a month ago. Yesterday I had 2 episodes of hiccups. My medical info says that I should go to the hospital when hiccups happen. Please someone tell me what the big deal is with hiccups? Thanks for listening. Melissa (aka-p051204)
Published Jun 20, 2004 - 04:37 PM
Not anexiety
I have had my pacemaker for two years. I am a 34 year old female. I was having episodes of passing out. I could also feel my heart beat differently than it used to. It scared me. I went to several doctors who patted my hand and said I was having aniety attacks. They gave me drugs for aniety and depression and sent me on my way. I finally found a doctor that would listen to me and he implanted a recording devise. Ends up my heart would stop beating for 10-30 seconds and I would pass out. It took me seven years and many broken bones to be diagnosed. Anyone had the same difficulty getting the medical field to listen? cyou
Published Jun 10, 2004 - 05:43 PM
Pacemaker Syndrome??
I received my pacemaker yesterday (St. Jude Medical dual chamber rate responsive, model 8536). While the Dr. was attempting to pace my lower lead I had severe fibrilations, he said I was having Pacemaker Syndrome & later explained the whole deal to me. Ater returning home & researching it seems that this normally happens with single chamber pacers? Anyone have any insight or knowledge? - ragre1
Published Jun 04, 2004 - 04:58 AM
Problems with medtronic pacemaker
I am wanting to know if anyone has had any problems with the medtronic pace maker. Problems such as a lead/insulation wire malfunctioning. Please email me at mycleanair@insightbb.com
Published May 17, 2004 - 08:37 AM
Sweating a problem on pacemaker side?
I've had my pacemaker for 3 weeks and all along I've noticed increased sweating under the arm where the pacemaker is implanted. The nurse at my Dr's office said she'd never heard of that before.Anyone else experience this? What's this from? Thanks.
Published May 13, 2004 - 06:26 AM
Veins leading from pacemaker incision
Shortly after my pacemaker was installed, I had a lot of bruising ( way more than usual ) now, 11 months later I have huge varicose type veins leading from the pacemaker incision-like a road map across both sides of my chest, down both arms, down into both legs and feet.I have gotten no straight answers from the surgeon who installed the pacemaker. I live in daily fear of a blood clot. Anyone know anything about this problem? CTIA@VICLINK.COM
Published May 05, 2004 - 04:52 PM
Vigorous pulsating?
I'm a 59 year old female. I have had my pacemaker 3 months and sometimes get very vigorous pulsating in my muscle area around and up from where the pacemaker was implanted. It is a dual St. Jude model Identity ADx XL DR 5386. The more active I try to get, the more it does this when I go to relax. There is no set time. It seems to go up towards the neck area...and I have no blockages. Anyone have this happening or know if it goes away?? Also, been down a lot for 8 months with all of this in which time had two ablations and IV Isolation prior to pacemaker. I just can't regain my strength and get very fatigued trying to get on with life. Dr. keeps saying it will take time. Any of you had to take a lot of time to bounce back?? I may be getting impatient, but just think I shouldn't still be getting so tired for several days after doing much. Thank you. Sparky (From all the electrical showers I had) My email is mpharp@mchsi.com
Published Apr 30, 2004 - 04:29 AM
Really need answers!!!
My mom has had her pacemaker positioned 3 times since August 2003 and it is still not right it appears to be "slipping" again. On the 3rd attempt it was place directly in the muscle and we were told that there is no way it can slip again however there is an inditation again. Has anyone ever heard or been through this before? PLEASE LET ME KNOW WE ARE AT OUR WITS END!!! THANK YOU - Ferf
Published Apr 26, 2004 - 10:58 AM
ABLATION FROM LEFT SIDE OF HEART - ANY INFO?
Had ablation from RH side and dual lead pacemaker fitted 2 years ago due to AF. All wonderful for 10 mths. Then horrendous problems with almost continuous AF and painful rapid heart rate several times daily (every time I got up after resting quietly for a while). After 6 months of tests, visits, told ablation procedure failed and will have to be done again from LH side of heart. But again have another 6 months wait for this to be done. Plus there is a risk of a stroke occuring during procedure I am told. Just want my life back! Anyone had this procedure done? I am 52. - cathyd
Published Apr 21, 2004 - 08:16 AM
Lady Shocker
I have a Kappa 900 DR pacemaker implanted 07/05/02. This followed a grand mal seizure - they think triggered by my previously unsuspected heart rhythm problems and un- diagnosed sleep apnea. I had been extremely sluggish for some months prior, but without specific symptoms. About two weeks postop I started having "shocking" symptoms in the immediate vicinity of the pacer. My procedure was performed at one of the major "heart" hospitals in Nashville. However, when I returned for my first visit, I was told my cardiologist was not available, and his nurse practioneer told me there were two things that caused the shocking sensation I was describing - and I didn't have either of them. He essentially just shrugged me off. I have seen my personal physician since for my routine pacer checks.
Published Apr 19, 2004 - 05:11 PM
Pulse and pacemakers
Wondering if anyone else has experienced a high pulse rate after having a pacemaker put in? I had a medtronics insync system implanted. At first, my blood pressure was a little high, but that has correct itself. My pulse is staying up in the high 90's and goes up to 110 ( i.e anywhere between that). I was hoping with time that would come down to. Is there any danger in that. I go back to my doctor the last of May.
Thank you. GrandmaJudy
Published Apr 17, 2004 - 04:16 PM
Guidant pacemakers are faulty recall in process.....
My name is Laura and I am 26 years old. Last August I went in for an artificial arotic valve aka St. Jude valve. After that I was in complete heart block with a heart rate of 40. I had a dual chamber pacemaker put in and within a month felt these brief moments like my pacemaker was not working. No one believed me even the specialist put me on paxil for anxiety attacks. On February 16 my pacemaker completely stopped. I went into the hospital thinking I was finally going to prove once and for all what I was talking about and it turned out that it was shut down. I then had a new one put in by the same company and was issued an official letter from Guidant that this happens. There was a foreign object in the timing device that was causing it to momentarily shut down and then once unlodged restart.
My attorney and I are trying to find people who have a dual chamber Guidant Entra 1904 pacemaker. They just came out a little over a year ago. Even if you are not experiencing symptoms, please contact me for more information. I am trying to make everyone aware so they do not have to almost die like myself. Please help me to protect those who do not have medical knowledge like myself and depend on them for information.
Laura McDonal, username: lamcdonald
St. Louis, Mo
Published Apr 13, 2004 - 04:50 AM
Pacemaker shifted ??
Hi, I've had my pacemaker for over 2 years now. Just had my phone check this morning. For first time, I had to put the left lead on my left foot instead of left arm. I was told my pacemaker had probably shifted. I'd not heard of this before. I don't understand why the phone check would work any better on foot than my arm? If the pacemaker is still working, what's the difference where the lead is placed?
Anyone had this experience before? -Rose
Published Apr 12, 2004 - 11:18 AM
In Pain?
This is my 1st post so I am not sure how this works but here goes. I am a 60 yr, old male. Until 2 weeks ago I played hockey twice a week and played golf 2 to 3 times a week as well as worked out so I am (was)in pretty good shape. I got a single lead device 2 weeks ago. After trying 6 or 7 times to feed the lead through the vain the normal way (pacemaker in top right shoulder)they had to stop and feed it up to my neck and then down, not great but I'll deal with it( i.e. 2 bumps one in neck and device). This is my problem from day one to now my chest area, right upper side stings so bad I would compare it to extreme sunburn or raw flesh yet no discolour or swelling, both pacemaker site and neck look great.I have an appointment a week from now but don't know if I can wait. If anyone out there has had this experience would you please respond just so I know if its normal or not. My wife thinks the nerve ends in my chest may be the problem. Thank you in advance.
Published Apr 11, 2004 - 05:56 PM
Pacemaker-Not Pacing???
I have had a pacemaker now for approx 5 months, as a result of being diagnosed with third degree heart block. THe cause was considered to be of unknown origin (Idiopathic). The condition arose over a short period of time, approx. 3 days.
My concerns are mainly that I feel tired all the time. I need more sleep than I've ever needed in my life, and I get out of breath within a few minutes of any kind of light exertion. I have recently discovered that my pacemaker has not turned on once in the 5 month period since insertion. Being honest I feel as weak as a kitten, almost like I am recovering from a very bad virus or flu. All relevant investigations reveal that I appear healthy.
If this is what the medical investigations reveal, why do I feel worse with the pacemaker, and appear to becoming increasingly symptomatic?
My pulse regulates between 60 and 65, which is much lower than prior to my short term illness and pace-maker insertion.
Any advice appreciated. Tara
Published Mar 28, 2004 - 09:31 AM
Reablation Support?
Hi Everyone: After almost a year of search, I found this web site and I'm very happy to see it. I was wondering if anyone has had to go back in for an additional ablation after their pacemaker was placed. I had my pacer placed a year ago and due to complications the physicians were unable to ablate the sa node entirely, we are now looking at that as an option and was wondering if anyone might share their thoughts on this. We have been retrying medication but the side effects of the meds are not good so it looks like the another ablation is the way we are headed and I am a little concerned thanks for your input.
kcruz413
Published Mar 06, 2004 - 04:01 PM
New Member With Palpitating Pacemaker
Hi, I am new to the board, I had St. Jude pacemaker implanted in 2002. For the most part I have been doing good, although occassionally my left side of my chest gets sore. A few days ago I went out to eat with my husband, after dinner I got up, felt a little funny and by the time I went to the car my pacemaker was palpitating. Has anyone experienced this, is cause for concern?
- mgloriam
Published Mar 01, 2004 - 12:28 PM
Jugular clot...
Last January was treated for pacer/defib. infection. Unit was removed and placed on side opposite my heart. Since then I have had reocurring partial clot near jugular. Overnight my neck and face tend to become swollen and have mild headaches in lower back area of my head. I have my INR generally in the right range. Feel a mild pressure around my throat area that is uncomfortable. Bending is also uncomfortable from blood pooling in neck area. As the day progresses the force of gravity from standing allows for the blood to leave my head/neck area. My cardio says that in time my body will create alternative vein passage ways and the clot will cease to be a problem. It has been over a year now and am becoming tired of it all. Fatigue is also a side effect due to underlying cardiomyopathy and reduced EF. Any one with similar experience or advice???
Thanks, Pat
Published Feb 24, 2004 - 06:38 AM
Keloid scar?
Three months ago, I had a pacer fitted resulting in a KELOID SCAR. The whole area around my pacemaker is so itchy and irritating that I cannot bear anything touching it. I have to "line" every blouse or clothing article with a stiff peace of paper, as otherwise I would go mad with the constant rubbing.
Please does anyone have a valuable remedy?
- bumbelina
Published Feb 22, 2004 - 04:43 PM
Frighten of Pocket Infection
Hello everyone,
We are new at this, but no one responded to the question: Should a pacemaker be replaced at the first sign of infection? There was no easy answer to that question. Obviously, no members had similar experiences. I can only pray that we made the right decision. My wife is taking Vancomycin by (I V). If that doesn't cure the infection, the pacemaker must be removed and replaced. Does anyone out there know anything about this or care to offer support for a pacer?
Lurlene/Clyde
Published Feb 20, 2004 - 05:21 PM
Should a pacemaker be replaced at the first sign of infection
My wife had a medtronic pacemaker inserted on December 03, 2003. She is now hospitalized as of February 11, 2004. Between these dates, she experienced no problems. The pacer became warm to the touch and the pocket area swollen on February 09, 2004, but she had no fever. Antibiotics(I V)have reversed the condition and the blood cultures produced negative results. Doctors feel a general infection occurred. However, two(2) Doctors recommend pacer removal/replacement, and two(2) recommend continued treatment of antibiotics.
After reviewing most messages from members, I noticed that "jebb" and "faye57" both reported similar infections. I am quite antonished at how so called routine procedures end fatal and need advice on whether or not we should elect removal and replacement of the pacer, this early.
Please understand that my wife is doing well and feels much better, in fact, she is ready to come home. When the doctors were told this, it was suggested that a test be performed via the esoghagus to determine if the pacer leads are infected. We have until tommorrow(February 18, 2004) to make this decision, will someone please respond as soon as possible,
thanks in advance! clyde
Published Feb 17, 2004 - 05:56 PM
Palpations and Pain?
Hi! I've had My Pacemaker for seven years now. I have complete block and Mitral valve reguration. Recently, I have been getting palpations with a heart rate ranging from 125-249bpm. I get breathless, dizzy and get chest pain (seems to be only when heart rate goes towards the higher end of the scale). The chest pain I get seems to start centrally over my breats bone, as it eases I am left with pain over my pacemaker site which can last for the rest of the day. Anyone had similar problems, or have any idea to what could be causing my symptoms?
Published Feb 17, 2004 - 05:53 PM
Cold weather question?
I have a pacemaker since Jan 2001. I was wondering if extremely cold weather (5 degree weather) causes breathing problems for anyone else that has a pacemaker. It like takes my breath away sometimes.
Thanks, Karen
Published Feb 17, 2004 - 05:47 PM
Pacemaker Insertion Death?
Hi! My mom had a pacemaker inserted in Oct 2004. She died on the operating table. The coroner attributed her death to 1. Cardiac rupture and 2. Pacemaker insertion. I believe the leads ruptured her cardiac sac. She had normal vitals etc.. It was suppose to be a 'routine' insertion. I wish I could have done SOMETHING to have prevented her death. Why didn't the surgeon prevent this from happening to her? Was he sloppy?
Published Feb 09, 2004 - 05:40 AM
Joe Morris - Help Please
I wrote several weeks ago about having a dual
lead pacemaker inserted at age 80 , soon to be 81. A couple of people responded, one who had similar problems and another who encouraged me to hang in there. I have one heck of a time sleeping, and I am very nervous over this. The doctor has had the pacemaker upped to 70, and I have had an MRI of the head for lightheadedness and a carotid artery check. Everything appears to be o.k. with those tests but I am getting progressively worse. They are telling me now that they have checked everything there is to check. Has anyone else had these problems. I think the Dr. thinks I am a "head case."I would appreciate hearing from anyone with similar experiences.
Joe
Published Feb 06, 2004 - 04:28 PM
Cold-Exercise Effect?
I received a guidant dual chamber pacer 10-03 for a total heart block, and have had 3 adjustments so far. However cold weather 0-20 and no scarf nor mask can send bpm to 30 and light exercise up and down two flights of stairs can send the bpm to 160 at both times I get short of breath and feel general exhaustion. Cardiologist says its all in my head, however I am using a life source BP monitor which stays in normal range 60-70 bpm with moderate activity. Has anyone else had similar problems?
Regards, GCWebb
Published Feb 06, 2004 - 04:27 PM
Tingling?
I got a dual pacemaker on April 3, 2003. Sometimes, I have this tingling feeling in my left arm and occasional chest discomfort. Could this be related to my pacemaker?
Published Feb 06, 2004 - 08:07 AM
Stinging?
April 3 of this year, I will have my dual pacemaker for a year. I have a question. I often feel a stinging feeling over my pacemaker. It feels like a bee sting. Has anyone ever had this? Should I be concerned?
Published Jan 29, 2004 - 07:00 AM
Pacer Lead Removal - Pediatric
We have been told that my daughter, Cassie (12) needs to have her pacer and leads replaced (they have been in for four years). We would like to hear of any similar experiences, and to know if there are physicians out there who specialize in this, have done substantial numbers of these procedures, and have very good outcomes. Thanks for you help.
Worried Dad. user, alancathcart
Published Jan 19, 2004 - 08:11 AM
Retired Octogenarian With Questions
I will be 81 years old in 3 weeks. I had a Metronic double lead pacemaker put in a month ago. Everything was great until about 2 weeks ago. I get light-headed and am having trouble sleeping. I hate to get hung up on sleep medicine, but this is making me very nervous. Pacemaker was checked and they tell me it is working fine. Could this light-headedness and nervous feeling be caused by the medicine? Dr. doen't think so. Have any of you experienced this? I would appreciate a reply very much.
Published Jan 18, 2004 - 09:21 AM
Aging and Active
Hi,
I am 74 yrs. old & had my Medtronic pacemaker implanted in June. I am extremely thin and have had trouble adjusting to the "lump" where the pacemaker is. All is getting better however. Then on Monday I had a mammogram & they called this a.m. & said I need a Sonogram. They say they see a "pocket" of some type in my left breast. Does anyone know if this is a commonality with pacemaker implants? I really think what they are seeing is pacemaker related, but it would be comforting to hear from someone else who maybe has had an experience similar to this.
Knitwit
bwags@kconline.com
Published Jan 15, 2004 - 12:46 PM
I have a few questions!
Ok, here goes. I'm a 26 year old female with a Guidant Dual Chamber Pacer. Since they implanted my pacer in March of 2003, I have had to have one of the leads replaced due to a fracture. They said I went back to work to soon, that my doc should have known better. At this point in time, after ten months of having my pacer, I am still having all kinds of trouble including; blacking out, major chest pains, shortness of breath, dizzy spells, loss of energy, and all around discomfort. I have ask several different doctors about this and have been told everything from; this is normal to you are just plain crazy and need to see a phsyc. doctor. I'm not crazy this is really happening!!! All they seem to want to treat me for is acid reflux,that isn't the problem. I've been tested for that!!!!! At this point in time I'm ready to just give up. I don't know what else to do. They couldn't even tell me why they had to implant this thing other than slow heart rate. One day I was perfectly healthy the next day I thought I had the flu so I went to the doc. I've been in the hospital atleast 200 times since that day. And no one knows why. I'm so lost and confused. Can some please tell me if this is normal and if not what should I do from here.
Christym
Published Jan 11, 2004 - 02:15 PM
Pain & Tingle?
My Dad had a pacemaker procedure about 1 year ago. He has had the battery replaced already. Also, he occasionally gets a dull "tooth-ache" pain in his heart. He has asked his heart doctor and GP about this pain but they have not provided him an answer. Is this type of situation someone with a pacemaker may expect? He also says that occasionally his left fingertips "tingle".
Please post a reply. Bob
Published Jan 07, 2004 - 05:42 PM
Having a problem - Need Help!
I'm having a major problem. I am new to all of this. I got my device the day before Halloween 2003. I have felt worse as each day goes by. Can anyone tell me about what is going on? I have a large lump over the spot. Also, I am beginning to ache all over and have trouble with movement. I have very little energy. Has anyone else had anything like this and what is going on? My doctor has been less than helpful. Thanks a lot.
Teach
Published Jan 07, 2004 - 06:12 AM
Wound Site Problems?
I had my pacemaker implanted 3 months ago and the wound is still sore and red. Its a bit like the pain you get from a scald or burn and it also pricks a lot which really hurts at times. My doctor seems puzzled and is refering me to a plastic surgeon. My next check up at the pacemaker clinic is in 1 month and I'm worried that they will want to open me up again. Apart from that I'm fine, I wake up feeling much more alert and everyone says I'm much brighter and responsive. I'm 39 and have 2nd degree heart block. I'm new to this site, its great being able to talk to someone with the same problem, I don't know anyone else who has a pacemaker.
PLease post a reply if you have any advise.
duppy
Published Jan 04, 2004 - 10:31 AM
Getting worse.
I had a pacemaker implanted in April 2003. For a while now have been having tingling down arm and bad dizziness. My doctor says when I got this I should have no dizzy spells anymore period. What should I do? I have more than one heart problem.
Post a reply.
Published Dec 18, 2003 - 10:08 AM
Tingling Down Left Arm?
Hi, I was wondering if anyone ever had tingling down their left arm. I have a dual pacemaker. I got it in April 2003.
Please post a reply.
Published Dec 13, 2003 - 12:43 PM
Strange Spasm Feeling In Chest
Hi everyone, I'm 36 and just had my pacer put in 2 weeks ago. I feel really good, but notice a few funny things. When I lie on my left side (where the pacer is) I have this strange "spasm" feeling behind my breast. It sort of feels like a muscle spasm or something. Does anyone have that??
I have also noticed a few heart palpatations still. But overall, my energy is better and also my endurance. Glad to see this site here as I feel sometimes I'm the only younger person in the world with a pacemaker.
Hope to hear from someone. Post a reply.
Published Dec 08, 2003 - 05:41 PM
New Member - Dizzy Spells?
I just found this site and it is great. I got a pacemaker in April 2003. So far, I'm doing great. I have a question if anyone can answer it. After having a pacemaker are you suppose to have dizzy spells and break out in sweat? It has happen to me a few times in the last week or two. I have mitral valve prolaspe also.
Please post a reply.
Published Dec 01, 2003 - 04:51 PM
Medtronic quit with no warning
HI,
I am new to the site. My father recently had his third pacemaker implanted (Nov. 4, 2003). He is completely pacemaker dependant. He now has a Bi ventricular Guidant pacemaker. His last device was a Medtronic which he got checked every three months in the office by the Medtronic representative. His Medtronic pacemaker was last checked at the end of September and he was told that he had 24 months left on the battery and that it was not showing any end of life signals at that time. To our suprise, at 2 a.m. on Nov 4th, my father began experiencing severe fatigue, light headedness and felt like he was going to pass out...
Published Nov 12, 2003 - 08:21 AM
Pain At and Around Implant?
My St. Jude's pacemaker was implanted 9-18-03. Other than getting used to having it in me, I had no problems until last week. I began feeling a sort of pinching pain in my chest near the implant site. I called for an appointment with my doctor, but they can't see me until 11-24. Has anyone else experienced this pinching pain?
Published Nov 11, 2003 - 12:58 PM
Pacemaker pocket looks bruised?
My husband received his pacemaker on 9/29; yesterday the pacemaker outline looked red. We went to the doctor and he said he never saw anything like that before. This morning, the area is now looking darker red and somewhat bruised. Does anyone know what this could be. The area was fine until now. Please help!
username; ebbartlett
Published Oct 30, 2003 - 05:28 PM
Flushed & Sweating - Odd Sensations Response(s)
I am thankful to have found this web-site. For 2 years I've experienced exhaustion, profound tiredness, flushing / sweating, and for the first time I've read of someone having the same sensation I experience daily. That is the feeling that someone is "flicking" my heart with their finger...
Published Oct 13, 2003 - 05:03 PM
Shortness of breath
I am 38yo female with a Medtronic pacemaker that is 8 years old. For the past 2 years I have had episodes of shortness of breath. Over the past 3 months or so the episodes have been much closer together (all the time). Two years ago I kept going in for pacer checks and changes but nothing was helping. They decided that "my timing is off" and they can't adjust it to what I need. The blood is reaching my lungs just a tick faster than it should and it is giving me this feeling. I hate it and I am thinking of making an appointment with a cardiologist to see what else can be done. Has anyone ever had their pacemaker changed before the life of the battery is up?
Published Sep 14, 2003 - 05:31 PM
Pacemaker Misfiring?
I was recently in court where a very reluctant party suddenly grabbed his chest, threw himself back in his chair 4 or 5 times, each time screaming. When the medics arrived to take him to the emergency room (and out of the court room where he did not want to be) he was in no pain. He explained to the medics that his pacemaker has "misfired" because of all of the excitement.
Is this possible? Can an otherwise properly functioning pacemaker provide such a shock to the implantee as to cause a sense of massive electrical defibrillation? Would excitement cause this to occur? Your thoughts and comments are appreciated.
Published Aug 18, 2003 - 05:57 PM
Pacemaker moving in pocket and jabbing me
Hi everyone. I had my Medtronics dual chamber installed April 4, 2003. Recently, I started experiencing some pain around my pacemaker. It appears to be moving and turning in the pocket. Sometimes it jabs me pretty good. Has anyone else experienced this? I am going to call the doctor tomorrow and see what they say. I have an office checkup on Sept 8th but hope that I don't have to wait that long.
Please reply to this posting, send me a private message (user tomh140) or email me at trh55@msn.com
Tom h
Published Aug 14, 2003 - 03:55 AM
Pacemaker pocket infection
I'm a 31 year old male from Manila, Philippines. I received my first pacemaker in 1994 due to a complete heart block. What started out as a routine replacement in February of 2003 went terribly wrong due to a pacemaker pocket information in April which led to three more operations - two of them under general anesthesia. What a year it has been for me. I am now recuperating hoping that the infection will not recur. You can write to me at jebb@gmx.net.
jebb@gmx.net
Published Jul 22, 2003 - 08:24 AM
Guidant pacemaker
Contact me if you have problems with your guidant pacemaker.
Post a comment or send a private message to tomdelor.
Published Jun 22, 2003 - 04:53 PM
Still tired and out of breath with exertion after AV ablation and pacemaker
I am 81 years old and was diagnosed with Afib on April 21st. My Afib could not be controled with medication and a cardioversion was not attempted because the Afib had weakened my heart muscle. I showed some improved refraction in my heart muscle after 10 days and eventually had an AV node ablation and pacemaker inserted on May 14th.
My question is this...
I am still tired and slightly breathless upon exertion. My resting heartrate is set at 70 bpm. I've seen my regular doctor who did a chest x-ray with no visible abnormalities. I don't see my cardiologist for a pacemaker check and new echo for another two weeks. Has anyone else felt like this? So far the doctor's don't seem to be worried.
Published May 29, 2003 - 09:28 AM
Tingling in arm?
I had my pacer replaced a year ago and I teach fitness classes. I'm finding that I'm getting a lot of tingling in my left arm as well as shooting pains. Is this normal? Should I be worried?
I go in for an apt next month sometime I'm not sure whether I should try to go up sooner or not? It's like... tingling all down my arm, I have to stop my activity for a few minutes before continuing. I've never had this before.
Please respond email me at J_Surettelemon@yahoo.ca if you have any suggestions or experience anything similar.
Published May 14, 2003 - 05:42 PM
Weird Symptoms After Getting Pacemaker?
Hello: I am a female in my 30s and had a pacemaker implanted two weeks ago because I was diagnosed with heart block. Before now, I did not have any symptoms (I fainted while exercising and they figured out my problem in the ER). I am writing because, while the incision is healing fine and I am no longer sore, I am experiencing a number of symptoms on a daily basis. These include:
-headaches
-occasional light-headedness
-having a hard time concentrating (feeling sort of "spacy" and out of it)
-slight tingling in my arms and hands.
I am wondering if anyone else has had these symptoms? (I've been back to the EP specialist who checked the leads and pacer and said everything looked fine.) I'd love to hear from anyone who has had a similar experience. Do these symptoms go away over time? Thanks in advance, Nan
Published May 12, 2003 - 05:08 AM
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Champioms -
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Robert Stacey and Charlie Dawg live in the Silverlake Hills of Los Angeles.
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#204 From: robert stacey
Date: Sat Jan 28, 2006 12:00 am
Subject: Food Poisoning rbobbyleestacy
Offline
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The dilemma.
As we grow older, and depend on others to care for us,
inlcuding those who operate the food chain, we are
increasingly more at risk.
I know an old man, 88, who says he lives in a small
trailer and he uses a microwave. He complains
frequently of diarrhea and cramps, and sometimes food
borne illness.
How do you cook, I asked? Well, he says I just put the
stuff on a plate and microwave it. Microwave kills
everything, he says.
Well the truth is that microwave is not able to kill
all of the things that cause our immune system to
respond to food borne illness.
We have to wash and dry our plates everytime we use
them. We should be using boiling hot water to be sure
every bit of food is washed off or sterilized.
If we use microwave, instead of conventional heating,
we should be sure the food reaches the desired
internal temperature, is allowed to rest, and eaten
when warm enough.
It is actually a lot safer to bake things in a toaster
or conventional oven until they are warm enough.
Otherwise things should be heated all the way through
in a skillet or dutch oven.
A temperature probe is a good idea, that way you can
be sure the food you are eating has had time to reach
serving temperature.
There's an old story about a man who ate stewed beef
from the same pot, without washing it, for over 20
years. His secret, he kept the pot full of stew,
adding new ingredients every day, and he never ate
from the pot before it had an hour to heat and simmer
almost to boiling. The meat must have been tough but
he never got sick.
Perhaps the reason is that bacteria will invade and
spread in things that are left out to cool. That is
why modern cooks refrigerate, even hot stew,
immediately after eating. That way the frige can take
it down to a temperature where bacteria will cease to
increase.
Everytime I reach for the lomotil, which is a staple
at my house, I try to remember all of the above. But I
know I never can be too careful. and I admit, I still
make mistakes.
My wish is that all who have had foodborne illness
will recover quickly, and be able to reduce the
possibity of reoccurrence.
I also meant to say that counters, dishes, plates,
silver, all benefit by a rinse with a bit of bleach in
it.
If you have pets washing the hands often will also
help.
And if you have rug rats running around the house,
i.e., little bitty kids, you must always clean and
rinse. You never know what is causing the runny nose
they bring home from preschool.
And remember to give yourself an extra dose of love
when you are not feeling well, cover up with a warm
blanket, make some chamomile tea, crunch on a cracker.
Think about all those who are more ill, less
fortunate, suffering, and count your blessings.
My wish is for you to be the best you can be.
Robert
--- "Kate Purcell, RN"
wrote:
> Hello Everyone,
>
> Yesterday, I apparently was food poison, on some
> stew.
> I had eaten the day before, and was just fine, it
> had
> odd smell or weird taste, but something sure went
> wrong.
>
> I spent 18 hours vomiting up, every hour, on the
> hour,
> everything I had eaten for the past two days. I am
> weak,
> having chills, fever came tonight, and sleeping off
> and on.
> I cannot seem to stay awake, for any length of time.
> Of
> course, I did NOT get much sleep, last night, kept
> being
> woke up with sickness.
>
> I was finally able to keep some chicken noodle soup
> down
> tonight. My body is very dehydrated, lost three
> pounds
> from vomiting. It had been two days, since I had a
> shower,
> finally got hold of my daughter, and she stayed on
> the phone,
> in case I fell in the shower, due to weakness. Her
> Elec
> got shut off, and her gas is due to be shut off Feb
> 3rd.
> She needs prayers, as Preston is also vomiting and
> sick
> with the flu. She started doing some drawings, and
> has
> sold some of them, so hopefully, she will pull
> herself
> out of this mess. Maybe this is what needs to
> happen
> to open her eyes, that her Daddy cannot continue to
> pay to bills.
>
> Will get to your questions, when I am a little
> better.
> I just do not have the strength to talk on the
> phone, or
> stay on the computer, tonight. I pray, that I will
> be
> better tomorrow. I was food poison, back in 1980,
> and was down for four days.
>
> Will keep in touch, when I can. For now, I am going
> back
> to bed, and try to sleep, without being woken up
> with sickness.
>
> Hugs to all,
> Kate
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Robert Stacey is accompanied at all times by his dog, Miss Charlie
now almost 6 years old. She runs this house. Taken in at 8 weeks of age, as a
delightful but precocious puppy, she knows no other life.
She takes the center of our kingsized bed, wants a bite whenever we eat,
demands walks and water,and likes her daily trips to the Silverlake Dog Park.
If you have a dog Miss Charlie would most certainly want to
be your friend. If you have a cat , we'll see.
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
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#205 From: "robert stacey"
Date: Sun Feb 26, 2006 10:07 pm
Subject: Res;ons for diarrhea, gas, and stomach discomfort, along with nausea robert.rbobbyleestacy@...
Send Email
I understand the normal does is 20 mg, they have me taking 40. Can't stay off the pot.
Lovastatin
Common brand name: Mevacor
Type of medication: Part of a group of medications called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors or "statins"
Why is this drug prescribed?
Lovastatin is prescribed, along with dietary changes (restriction of cholesterol and fat intake), to reduce low- density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides. Both are lipids (fats) found in your blood. Lovastatin is used to lower these blood levels:
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) -- cholesterol particle produced by your liver; its job is to transport cholesterol around your body
Triglycerides -- form of fat that circulates in the bloodstream Lovastatin is used to slightly raise this blood level:
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) -- good or "healthy" cholesterol
High levels of LDL and triglycerides are related to heart disease. Lovastatin helps lower these levels and raise HDL - the good cholesterol. High levels of HDL are linked to a lower risk of heart disease.
How does lovastatin work?
Lovastatin acts mostly on the liver by blocking its ability to produce cholesterol. The liver responds by increasing the number of LDL receptors on the cells. The receptors pull the LDL from the blood into the cells, decreasing the amount of LDL and cholesterol in the blood.
How and when should lovastatin be taken?
Lovastatin comes in tablets and is usually taken with your evening meal, or with your morning and evening meals if you are instructed to take it twice a day. This medication can be taken with or without food. Take it with food if it causes an upset stomach.
Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. Follow these instructions carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part that you do not understand. NEVER skip doses or take less or more of the medication than your doctor prescribes.
The starting dose of lovastatin is usually 20 mg once a day, but your doctor may increase the dose as necessary. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
What special instructions should I follow while using this drug?
Follow a diet and exercise program as recommended by your doctor.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory so your response to the drug can be monitored.
Do not take this medication if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Follow your doctor's guidelines on smoking, diet, exercise, alcohol, and weight control.
Talk with your health care provider about any other medicines you may be taking, including vitamins, herbals, dietary supplements, and other prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medications.
Tell your doctor if you have liver disease or a muscle disorder.
Talk with your doctor about consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice because of a possible drug-food interaction.
Before any surgical or dental procedure, or emergency treatment, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking lovastatin.
NEVER stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Be sure you always have enough of this medication on hand. Check your supply before holidays, vacations, or other occasions when you may not be able to easily attain it.
How soon will I see results?
You should be able to see cholesterol-lowering results within 2 to 4 weeks after taking lovastatin. It has been shown to lower LDL by 25 percent to 35 percent. It has also been shown to slightly lower triglyceride levels and raise HDL levels.
What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose.
What are the common side effects?
Although side effects of lovastatin are uncommon, some side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, stomach cramps, flatulence (gas), indigestion, diarrhea, or constipation
Very few people taking lovastatin will notice these side effects. The side effects usually occur when first starting to take lovastatin. The medication rarely needs to be stopped. To prevent stomach upset, take lovastatin with food.
Headaches
Nausea
Unusual tiredness (fatigue)
Skin rash
Call your doctor if any of these symptoms are persistent or severe.
About 1 percent to 3 percent of people who take HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors develop elevated liver function blood tests.*
Blood tests are done every 6 to 12 weeks for the first 15 months of lovastatin therapy. These blood tests monitor liver enzymes, blood lipids, and the muscle enzyme CK to detect liver and muscle problems, and to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy. These blood tests can usually detect problems before you are aware of any symptoms. If liver enzymes or CK are elevated, they will return to normal within a few weeks after the medication is stopped.
When should I call my doctor?
Call your doctor right away if you:
Have muscle pain, weakness, tenderness, or cramps (especially if these occur with a fever)
Experience persistent or severe side effects
Develop new symptoms after starting this medication or after your dose has been changed
Have any other symptoms that cause concern
Have any questions or concerns
What storage conditions are necessary for this drug?
Store tablets at room temperature.
Keep lovastatin in the container it came in, tightly sealed.
Store it away from moisture, heat and direct sunlight. Do not store this medication in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in damp places.
Keep lovastatin out of the reach of children.
Never share your medication with anyone.
Never take outdated medications. Some medication prescription labels list an expiration date. If such a date is not on your medication label or if you are unsure how old a medication is, call your pharmacy.
This handout summarizes information to help you understand and safely take your medication. Other information--not included in this handout--may be important for you to know because of your unique health status. Ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information on the medications prescribed for you and your unique health care needs.
© Copyright 1995-2005 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All rights reserved
--
Robert Stacey and Charlie Dawg live in the Silverlake Hills of Los Angeles.
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#206 From: "robert stacey"
Date: Thu Feb 23, 2006 2:18 pm
Subject: About the heart - guess I was lucky after all the **** that I'd been through that the nurses understood robert.rbobbyleestacy@...
Send Email
Still can't believe that anyone could hate me so much. This is informative:
Arrythmias associated with cardiopulmonary arrest.
Rachel Alton. Nursing Times. May 11, 1994 v90 n19 p42(3).
Abstract:
Nurses should be able to recognise and treat life-threatening
arrythmias, with good knowledge of the normal conduction of the heart,
electrocardiographic complexes and cardiac arrythmias. Ventricular
fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, sinus brachycardia, complete
heart block, asystole, ventricular standstill, and electromechanical
dissociation are all life-threatening arrythmias.
--
Robert Stacey and Charlie Dawg live in the Silverlake Hills of Los Angeles.
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#207 From: "robert stacey"
Date: Sat Feb 25, 2006 3:48 pm
Subject: Bradycardia, slow heart beat, less thant 60 beats per minute robert.rbobbyleestacy@...
Send Email
I found this information at http://www.kp.org health care heart conditions
Featured health topicsHealth encyclopedia
Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate)
Overview
What is bradycardia?
A heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute is called bradycardia.
The average resting heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute.
Sometimes bradycardia is normal. For example, healthy young adults and
well-trained athletes often have resting heart rates of less than 60
beats per minute.
Inappropriate sinus bradycardia, also called bradyarrhythmia, is an
abnormally slow heart rate that is caused by certain medical
conditions. In severe forms of bradycardia, the heart beats so slowly
that it does not pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. This can
be life-threatening.
In bradycardia, electrical signals that normally keep the heart
beating in a regular and rhythmic manner are disrupted, resulting in a
slow heart rate. See an illustration of the electrical conduction
system of the heart .
What causes bradycardia?
Bradycardia is caused by:
The aging process.
Diseases that damage the heart's electrical system, such as coronary
artery disease,
heart attack,
endocarditis, sarcoi
I found dosis, and myocarditis.
Conditions that can slow electrical impulses through the heart, such
as hypothyroidism, and electrolyte imbalances, such as abnormal blood
levels of potassium (hyperkalemia).
Some medicines, such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers,
antiarrhythmics, and digoxin.
What are the symptoms?
If you have bradycardia, you may feel dizzy, lightheaded, or short of
breath. You may feel tired and find it harder to exercise. You may
have chest pain or heart palpitations. You may feel confused or have
trouble concentrating. You may faint if your slow heart rate causes
enough of a drop in blood pressure.
However, some people do not have symptoms, or their symptoms are so
mild that they think they are caused by aging.
If you think you might have bradycardia, check your pulse. See taking
your pulse . If you notice that your heartbeat is slow or does not
have a regular rhythm, talk to your doctor.
How will my doctor diagnose bradycardia?
Because bradycardia is a problem with your heart's electrical system,
the most important diagnostic test is an electrocardiogram (EKG or
ECG).
An EKG translates your heart's electrical activity into line tracings
on paper and can show signs of bradycardia. See an illustration of EKG
tracings .
An EKG can confirm that you have bradycardia only if you are actually
experiencing it during the test. Bradycardia often comes and goes.
If bradycardia is not present at the time you are having an EKG, then
you may need a portable (ambulatory) electrocardiogram, which is also
called Holter monitoring or cardiac event monitoring. During this
test, you wear a lightweight device that can record an EKG constantly
while you do your usual activities or only when you turn on the
device.
How is it treated?
How bradycardia is treated and how you will respond depend on what is
causing bradycardia. Also, treatment depends on your symptoms. When
bradycardia does not cause symptoms, it usually is not treated.
Bradycardia is often caused by another heart condition that has
damaged the heart's electrical system. People older than 65 are most
likely to develop one of several different types of bradycardia that
usually require a pacemaker.
A pacemaker is a device placed under your skin that helps correct the
slow heart rate.
If another medical problem, such as low thyroid or an imbalance of
electrolytes, is the cause of your bradycardia, treating that problem
may cure the bradycardia. Treatment may be more complicated if a
medicine is causing your bradycardia. If you cannot stop taking that
particular medicine, you may need a pacemaker.
If for some reason severe bradycardia is not treated, it can lead to
other serious problems, including fainting and injuries from fainting,
seizures, and death.
What can I do to make living with bradycardia easier?
Since bradycardia is often the result of another heart condition,
making changes to improve your heart condition will usually improve
your overall health. Some of these changes include controlling your
cholesterol; eating a low-fat, low-sodium diet; not smoking; limiting
alcohol and caffeine; exercising (with your doctor's approval); and
taking your medicines as directed.
If you have a pacemaker, you will need to be careful around strong
magnetic or electrical fields.
You can use the following things, but keep them about a foot away from
the area where your pacemaker is implanted. For example, use your cell
phone on the opposite side of your pacemaker. Be careful around:
Stereo speakers.
Magnets.
Magnetic wands used at airports.
Industrial power generators.
Arc welders.
Battery-powered cordless power tools (such as drills or screwdrivers).
Cell phones.
Completely avoid:
Large magnets.
MRI machines.
CB or ham radios.
Radio transmitters (including those used in toys).
High-voltage power lines (keep at least 25 feet away).
More information
More information on your heart and how it beats
What is heart block?
Who is affected by a slow heart rate?
Continue to Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate)--Frequently Asked Questions
Medical review Author Last updated
Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Ellie Rodgers
July 14, 2005
Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
--
Robert Stacey and Charlie Dawg live in the Silverlake Hills of Los Angeles.
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#208 From: "robert stacey"
Date: Tue Feb 28, 2006 9:27 pm
Subject: Guide to better nutrition robert.rbobbyleestacy@...
Send Email
Nutrition Problems and Their Solutions
A variety of medical problems can affect your appetite.
Your illness, medications, or surgery can cause these problems.
Many patients become frustrated when they know that they need to eat
to get well but they aren't hungry, or when they gain weight because
they are fatigued and unable to exercise.
Each of the following sections describes a nutritional problem and
suggests some possible solutions. Not all solutions will work for
everyone -- choose the remedies that fit your situation.
Decreased appetite
Lack of appetite, or decreased hunger, is one of the most troublesome
nutrition problems you can experience. Although it is a common
problem, its cause is unknown. There are some medications that might
stimulate your appetite; ask your doctor if such medication would help
you.
Solutions:
Eat smaller meals and snacks more frequently. Eating six or even or
eight times a day may be more easily tolerated than eating the same
amount of food in three meals.
Talk to your doctor. Sometimes, poor appetite is due to depression,
which can be treated. Your appetite is likely to improve after
depression is treated.
Avoid non-nutritious beverages such as black coffee and tea.
Try to eat more protein and fat and less simple sugars.
Walk or participate in light activity to stimulate your appetite.
Meal guidelines
Drink beverages after a meal instead of before or during a meal so
that you do not feel as full.
Plan meals to include your favorite foods.
Try eating the high-calorie foods in your meal first.
Use your imagination to increase the variety of food you're eating.
Snack guidelines
Don't waste your energy eating foods that provide little or no
nutritional value (such as potato chips, candy bars, colas and other
snack foods).
Choose high-protein and high-calorie snacks.
Dining guidelines
Make food preparation an easy task: choose foods that are easy to
prepare and eat.
Make eating a pleasurable experience, not a chore
- Liven up your meals by using colorful place settings.
- Play background music during meals.
Eat with others: invite a guest to share your meal or go out to dinner.
Use colorful garnishes such as parsley and red or yellow peppers to
make food look more appealing and appetizing.
Weight loss
If your doctor tells you that you have lost too much weight, or if you
are having difficulty maintaining a healthy weight, here are some
tips:
Drink milk or try one of the "High Calorie Recipes" listed below
instead of drinking low-calorie beverages.
Ask your doctor or dietitian about nutritional supplements. Sometimes
supplements in the form of snacks, drinks (such as Ensure or Boost) or
vitamins may be prescribed to eat between meals. These supplements
help you increase your calories and get the right amount of nutrients
every day. Note: Do not use supplements in place of your meals.
Avoid low-fat or low-calorie products unless you have been given other
dietary guidelines. Use whole milk, whole milk cheese and yogurt.
Use the "Calorie Boosters" listed below to add calories to your favorite foods.
High-calorie snacks
Ice cream
Cookies
Pudding
Cheese
Granola bars
Custard
Sandwiches
Nachos with cheese
Eggs
Crackers with peanut butter
Bagels with peanut butter or cream cheese
Cereal with half and half
Fruit or vegetables with dips
Yogurt with granola
Popcorn with margarine and parmesan cheese
Bread sticks with cheese sauce
High-calorie recipes
Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake
Ingredients:
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
3 tablespoons chocolate syrup
1 1/2 cups chocolate ice cream
Directions: Pour all ingredients into a blender. Mix well.
Makes one serving; 1090 calories per serving.
Super Shake
Ingredients:
1 cup whole milk
1 cup ice cream (1-2 scoops)
1 package Carnation Instant Breakfast
Directions: Pour all ingredients into a blender. Mix well.
Makes one serving; 550 calories per serving.
Super Pudding
Ingredients:
2 cups whole milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 package instant pudding
3/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder
Directions: Blend milk and oil. Add pudding mix and mix well. Pour
into dishes (1/2 cup servings).
Makes four 1/2 cup servings; 250 calories per serving.
Great Grape Slush
Ingredients:
2 grape juice bars
1/2 cup grape juice or 7-up
2 tablespoons corn syrup
1 tablespoon corn oil
Directions: Pour all ingredients into a blender. Mix well.
Makes one serving; 490 calories per serving.
Calorie Boosters
Food Item
Suggested Use
Egg yolk or whole egg
Before cooking, add egg yolk or whole egg to foods such as meat loaf,
rice pudding or macaroni and cheese
(To prevent illness, avoid the use of uncooked eggs)
Nonfat powdered milk or undiluted evaporated milk
Add to beverages (including milk) or to these foods:
Creamed soups Yogurt
Scrambled eggs Casseroles
Pudding Mashed potatoes
Custard Gravies
Hot cereal Sauces
Cream cheese or shredded, melted, sliced, cubed or grated cheese
Add to sandwiches, snacks, casseroles, crackers, eggs, soups, toast,
pasta, potatoes, rice, vegetables or serve as a snack.
Vegetable oils, mayonnaise, butter, margarine or sour cream
Add margarine or mayonnaise to sandwiches; add any of these items to
bread, casseroles, soups, eggs, cooked cereals, pasta, potatoes, rice,
vegetables, pudding
Peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
Spread on bread, crackers, apples, bananas or celery. Or add to
cereal, custard, cookies or milk shakes.
Nut "dust" (Grind any type of nuts in a blender or food processor)
Add to puddings, gravy, mashed potatoes, casseroles, salads, yogurt cereals
Miscellaneous foods (limit to one serving per day)
Add:
Sugar, jelly, jam, preserves
Honey
Corn syrup
Maple syrup
To:
Hot cereal
Fruit
Sweet potatoes
Winter squash, cold cereal, fruit salad
Heartburn
Heartburn can occur for many reasons, including overeating, eating
certain foods, taking medications, or as a result of surgery.
Solutions:
Avoid foods that have caused heartburn before. Some foods commonly
associated with heartburn are highly seasoned foods, greasy or fried
foods, chocolate, alcohol, and beverages that contain caffeine
(coffee, tea, and soft drinks).
Eat five or six smaller meals a day instead of three large meals.
Decreasing the amount of food in your stomach eases digestion and
reduces the chances of heartburn.
Remain standing or sitting for at least two hours after eating. If you
lie down, keep your upper body raised at a 45-degree angle.
Eat your last meal several hours before going to bed.
Take an antacid one hour after meals to relieve heartburn. You can
also try taking antacids before going to bed. If you take antacids
frequently, tell your doctor or dietitian.
Changes in how food tastes
How food tastes often determines what you like to eat. If food begins
to taste different -- if it becomes too sweet, too bland, bitter, or
metallic-tasting -- your appetite can be affected. Medications often
cause these taste changes.
Solutions:
Brush your teeth after meals and snacks. Good oral hygiene helps
control bad taste. Ask your doctor or dietitian if using a mouthwash
would help.
Cold or room-temperature food may taste better.
Eat alternatives to red meat. Try turkey, chicken, fish, eggs, or
dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, or cottage cheese.
Use marinades to add flavor to poultry, red meat, or fish. Fruit
juice, teriyaki sauce, Italian dressing, beer, or wine will also add
flavor.
Add spices, such as herbs, onions, bacon bits, or almonds to flavor
plain foods.
Use strong seasonings to improve the flavor of meats and vegetables.
Rosemary, oregano, basil, tarragon, or mint are good possibilities.
Eat snacks that leave a refreshing, pleasing aftertaste: fresh fruit,
chewing gum, hard candy, or cinnamon- or mint-flavored foods or
beverages.
Sore mouth or throat
A sore mouth or throat can make eating difficult. Medications or mouth
infections can cause soreness.
Solutions:
Eat bland, mild-flavored foods. Spicy or salty foods can irritate soreness.
Eat lukewarm or cold foods. Hot food can irritate soreness.
Puree foods before you eat them. Most cooked foods can be pureed in a
blender or food processor.
Avoid carbonated beverages or drink them only after they have gone
flat. Carbonation can irritate soreness.
Drink soups or other liquids from a straw or a cup instead of a spoon
to keep foods away from sore spots in your mouth.
Talk with your doctor about using an anesthetic mouthwash to help
relieve discomfort.
Have your doctor examine your mouth to see whether you have a fungal
infection. Such infections are treatable and often occur in patients
who are ill, especially those taking steroids or antibiotics.
Avoid rough foods that may be hard to swallow, such as hard breads,
toast, popcorn, raw vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
Eat soft foods that are easy to chew. Try casseroles, meat with gravy,
mashed potatoes, cooked cereal, ice cream, eggs, pudding, or cottage
cheese.
Eat foods that are less acidic: Try bananas, canned pears and peaches,
applesauce, or fruit nectars. Avoid tomatoes, oranges, grapefruits,
and pineapples.
Drink plenty of liquids all day to keep your throat moist and to help
prevent dehydration. Try milk shakes, eggnog, juices, and soups.
Dryness in the mouth
Dryness in the mouth can make certain foods more difficult to eat.
Fever, medications or mouth infections can cause dryness.
Solutions:
Drink eight or more cups of liquid each day; 10 or more cups if you
are feverish.
Dunk or moisten breads, toast, cookies, or crackers in milk, hot
chocolate, or coffee to soften them.
Take a drink after each bite of food to moisten your mouth and to help
you swallow.
Add sauces to foods to make them softer and moister. Try gravy, broth,
sauce, or melted butter.
Eat sour candy or fruit ice to help increase saliva and moisten your mouth.
Don't use a commercial mouthwash. Commercial mouthwashes often contain
alcohol that can dry your mouth. Ask your doctor or dentist about
alternative mouthwash products.
Ask your doctor about artificial saliva products. These products are
available by prescription.
Nausea
Nausea (an upset or "queasy" stomach) is a feeling of sickness that is
sometimes accompanied by vomiting. Medications, pain, constipation or
the flu can cause nausea. Many medications are available to treat
nausea. Ask your doctor if there is a medication that can help you.
Solutions:
Eat dry foods when you wake up and every few hours during the day.
Nausea is often worse on an empty stomach, and dry foods can relieve
some of the discomfort. Try pretzels, plain crackers or cookies, dry
cereal, or toast.
Drinking liquids on an empty stomach can add to the feeling of nausea.
Try sipping beverages slowly during your meals or drinking 30 to 60
minutes after eating solid foods.
If the smell of food bothers you, avoid foods with unpleasant or
strong odors. Eat somewhere other than the kitchen, where the odors
may be strongest.
Avoid greasy, fried, or spicy foods. These foods take longer to digest
and can make you feel bloated, uncomfortable, and more nauseous.
Avoid large meals and infrequent meals. The smaller and more frequent
your meals and snacks are, the more comfortable you will be.
Eat foods and supplements that are high in calories and protein to
maintain your nutrition when you cannot eat a lot.
It is important to replace liquids if vomiting occurs. If you can,
drink eight or more cups of liquid each day. Add an additional 1/2 cup
to 1 cup of liquid for each episode of vomiting.
Fresh ginger is sometimes helpful in reducing nausea. Do not eat fresh
ginger if you are taking anti-coagulant (blood-thinning) medications,
such as Coumadin. Also do not eat fresh ginger prior to surgery.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is an increase in either the number of stools, the amount of
liquid in the stools or both. Medications, a reaction to certain
foods, stress, and ordinary colds or flu can cause diarrhea.
Prolonged diarrhea can cause dehydration, weakness, fatigue, and
weight loss. When you have diarrhea, important nutrients such as
calories, protein, vitamins, water, sodium, and potassium are lost.
This loss can be serious if you are already ill or trying to recover
from an illness. Your doctor must know the cause of diarrhea to treat
it correctly.
Try the following solutions for two days. If after that time you are
still having diarrhea, call your doctor. Liquids and nutrients are
lost quickly, and treatment must begin before prolonged diarrhea
causes harm.
Solutions:
Drink eight or more cups of liquids per day.
Add one to two cups of liquids to the daily eight cups for every
episode of loose, watery stool to replace losses.
Talk with your doctor or dietitian about increasing or decreasing the
amount of fiber you eat.
Drink a variety of beverages to help replace lost liquids and
nutrients. Try water, coffee, tea, iced tea, lemonade or
fruit-flavored drinks, fruit or vegetable juice, broth, milk, or cream
soup.
Eat soft foods that contain large amounts of liquid, such as sherbet,
gelatin, yogurt and pudding.
Use less sugar and fat. Limiting sugar and fat may decrease the amount
of water in the intestine and reduce the number of episodes of
diarrhea.
Ask your doctor whether adjusting your medications might help relieve
the diarrhea. Do not change your medications without first talking to
your doctor.
Don't take over-the-counter (nonprescription) drugs for diarrhea
without talking to your doctor.
Constipation
Constipation occurs when bowel movements become difficult or
infrequent, usually more than 48 hours apart. Constipation can be
caused by medications and by not drinking or eating enough liquids or
food and inactivity.
Solutions:
Drink eight or more cups of fluids per day, such as water, coffee,
tea, juice or flavored beverages.
Drink something hot as the first beverage in the morning, such as hot
water, coffee, tea, or hot apple cider. Hot liquids may stimulate a
bowel movement.
Drink 1/2 to 1 cup of prune juice in the morning to stimulate a bowel movement.
Increase the fiber in your foods. Try whole grain breads, fresh
fruits, whole grain cereals, and fresh vegetables.
Emphasize fruits that stimulate the bowels such as watermelon, plums,
and other summer fruits and avoid fruits that constipate, such as
bananas.
Add two to four tablespoons of unprocessed wheat bran to foods and
drink plenty of liquids (liquids help bran to be effective). Try bran
sprinkled over hot or cold cereal, casseroles or mixed with
applesauce, pancake batter, pudding, muffin batter, milk shakes, or
cookie dough.
Activity such as walking helps normalize bowel function
Plan trips to the bathroom immediately after meals since eating is a
natural stimulus for having a bowl movement.
If constipation continues, call your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe
a stool softener or laxative. Don't take any medications, including
over-the-counter (nonprescription) medications, to treat constipation
without talking to your doctor.
Swallowing problems
Weakness in the muscles of your mouth may make it difficult for you to
chew and manage solid foods. A delay in the swallowing process in
either your throat or pharynx (the digestive tube between the
esophagus and mouth) may also make it difficult for you to swallow
without coughing or choking.
Solutions:
Positioning: Sit upright at a 90-degree angle, tilt your head slightly
forward, and/or remain sitting or standing upright for 45 to 60
minutes after eating a meal.
Dining environment: Minimize distractions in the area where you eat.
Stay focused on the tasks of eating and drinking. Do not talk with
food in your mouth.
Amount and rate: Eat slowly. Cut your food into small pieces and chew
it thoroughly. Do not try to eat more than 1/2 teaspoon of your food
at a time.
Swallowing: You may need to swallow two or three times per bite or
sip. If food or liquid catches in your throat, cough gently or clear
your throat, and swallow again before taking a breath. Repeat if
necessary.
Concentrate on swallowing frequently. It may help to alternate a bite
of food with a sip of liquid. If you have difficulty sucking liquid
all the way up a straw, cut the straw down so there is less distance
for the liquid to travel. Change the temperature and texture of
liquids (make the liquids colder, try carbonated beverages).
Saliva management: Drink plenty of fluids. Periodically suck on
Popsicles, ice chips, lemon ice, or lemon-flavored water to increase
saliva, which will increase swallowing frequency.
If chewing is difficult or tiring, minimize (or eliminate) foods which
require chewing, and eat more soft foods. Puree your foods in a
blender.
If thin liquids cause you to cough, use a liquid thickener (your
speech pathologist can recommend one for you). You can also substitute
thin liquids with thicker liquid choices such as nectars for juices
and cream soups for plain broths.
Taking medications: Crush your pills and mix them with applesauce or
pudding. Ask your pharmacist for recommendations on which pills should
not be crushed and which medications can be purchased in a liquid
form.
--
Robert Stacey and Charlie Dawg live in the Silverlake Hills of Los Angeles.
Reply | Forward | Messages in this Topic (1)
#209 From: robert stacey
Date: Thu Feb 16, 2006 8:39 pm
Subject: Re: cumadin therapy robert.rbobbyleestacy@...
Send Email
I called the hospital pharmacy and found out that the doctor has been
contacted and the cumadin has been dispensed so I can go over and pick
it up.
The doctor authorized #50 which he prescribed last time. I realize the
dangers of cumadin were any grandchildren able to get into it and the
need for Kaiser to control the dispensation of it.
It appears, however, that the rule of a prescription for 100 day
supply is certainly not being met here, so I am being overcharged. The
last prescription lasted till yesterday, approximately 1 month.
Probably the next prescription should be #150, or thereabouts, or the
price per pickup should be reduced to $3.33 rather than $10.00.
What is your opinion on this matter.
I want you to know I appreciate the close attention you pay to my
cumadin therapy, its of the very best one can get from what other
folks in other health plans tell me.
I would like to see that refills are automatic based on your input as
the therapist or recommender of dosage, and it seems that it would be
easy to set up automatic mailing in advance with my credit card no. on
file based on your instruction.
As it is, I'm paying three times the price set up by my membership
rules at kaiser and I run out and can't get my critical medications
timely to continue the therapy correctly.
It does not disturb me all that much but it would be a shame if
someone were to lose their life from these indiscretions. Just a
desire on my part to make the system work better.
Would you be so kind as to forward a copy of this email to member
services in order that they may consider the problem and make a
possible resolution?
My membership no. is 8738442 Robert Lee Stacey
Thankyou and have a good day. Soon I'll be taking my cumadin again and
we may have to renegotiate the amounts since I had to go for a while
without it.
On 2/14/06, robert stacey wrote:
> We got the dog out ok and didn't have to use the police to get her back.
>
> I understand that you want me to take 2 tonite, tues, and continue a
> pattern of taking 2 on mon, tues, and thursday.
> And that you me to test on each Monday.
>
> until you change the above instruction.
>
> Am I correct?
>
> Thanks
>
> On 2/14/06, Yunhee.X.Seong@... wrote:
> >
> > Dear Mr. Stacy,
> >
> > Your blood result came back INR of 1.6 on 02/13/2006 which is below your
> > desired goal range of 2.0-3.0.
> >
> > I would like you to take Warfarin Sodium Tab 5mg:
> > 10mg 2/14 then continue the same dosage of 7.5mg QD x 10mg Mon/Thu.
> >
> > And the Next scheduled blood test for INR will be 2/20/06
> >
> > If you have any questions please e-mail or call us.
> > Thank You.
> >
> > And good luck with your dog. (:
> >
> > Have a great day!
> >
> >
> >
> > Yunhee Seong, Pharm.D.
> > Per Protocol, Anticoag Serv.
> > (323)783-8293
> >
> >
> > CONFIDENTIAL OR PRIVILEGED: This communication contains information
> > intended only for the use of the individuals to whom it is addressed and may
> > contain information that is privileged, confidential or exempt from other
> > disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you
> > are notified that any disclosure, printing, copying, distribution or use of
> > the contents is prohibited. If you have received this in error, please
> > notify the sender immediately by telephone or by returning it by reply email
> > and then permanently deleting the communication from your system. Thank you.
>
>
> --
> Robert Stacey and Charlie Dawg live in the Silverlake Hills of Los Angeles.
>
--
Robert Stacey and Charlie Dawg live in the Silverlake Hills of Los Angeles.
Reply | Forward | Messages in this Topic (1)
#210 From: "robert stacey"
Date: Mon Feb 27, 2006 9:43 pm
Subject: How do I get rid of the hiccups robert.rbobbyleestacy@...
Send Email
from yahoo questions and answers
Michael Quoc
2 months ago
Report Abuse
how can i get rid of the hiccups?
Schmanne
2 months ago
Report Abuse
Best Answer - Chosen By Voters
Numerous home remedies for hiccups exist. The reason that these
remedies are thought to work is that carbon dioxide build-up in the
blood will stop hiccups, which is what happens when you hold your
breath. If the vagus nerve that runs from the brain to the stomach is
stimulated, hiccups can also be alleviated (this is what is happening
when you drink water or pull on your tongue).
Try these methods at home:
* Hold your breath.
* Drink a glass of water quickly.
* Become frightened.
* Use smelling salts.
* Pull ******* your tongue.
* Place one-half teaspoon of dry sugar on the back of your tongue.
(You can repeat this process 3 times at 2-minute intervals. Use corn
syrup, not sugar, in young children.)
Source(s):
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/articles/...
3 Votes 75%
View comments (14) Sign in to rate this answer
Email QuestionComments
sunshine
4 weeks ago
Swallowing a big mouthful of water while plugging your ears with your
thumbs & nostrils with your index fingers works for me.
Chrysla
3 weeks ago
Plugging the ears and drinking copious amounts of a non-carbonated
beverage works wonders because it normalizes the air pressure in your
system. I get hiccups a lot. I've been to the emergency room they get
so painful. A doctor told me about the ear trick, and I have never had
a problem since.
Stacy@5
3 weeks ago
Nothing can stop your hiccups! Whatever you do
You just have to wait until it stops.....
Igrok42
3 weeks ago
put your fingers in your ears and take a drink of water. works every
time, tough unless you are orally dexterous, can require assistance.
westchesterw...
3 weeks ago
Drink a glass of water while leaning over. Dring upside down and your
hiccups will IMMEDIATELY dissappear. Seriously!... This works!
hott_for_yaw...
3 weeks ago
http://www.streetwhips.zoomshare.com/...
http://www.streetwhips.zoomshare.com/...
http://www.streetwhips.zoomshare.com/...
http://www.streetwhips.zoomshare.com/...
http://www.streetwhips.zoomshare.com/...
shock1547
2 weeks ago
say I will give you $5 if you hiccup again. It always works for me.
freedom_near...
1 week ago
Some of those look pretty good, but I have an idea my grandmother
taught me when I was little. Stand up, lift your arms up over your
head, point index/baby fingers of each hand toward each other, and
repeatedly bring them close to each other but without touching. Almost
ALWAYS works to this day.
bblefou07@sb...
6 days ago
ALL I DO IS DRINK LOTS OF WATER REALLY REALLY FAST AND THEN OH MY
GOSH WHAT DO YA KNOW!! THE HICCUPS ARE GONE!!! LOL!
jacksonsjvic...
5 days ago
I think that the water is a good idea also hold bresth for three min
then let it out.
jacksonsjvic...
5 days ago
I think that the water is a good idea also hold bresth for three min
then let it out.
smado_impex
4 days ago
ref:jacksonsjvic...: Yep!! If i hold my breath for three min i'll die
and hiccups won't be a problem anymore :))
blackbox
3 days ago
Need another person, but this works without fail!
1) hold your nose with one hand, a cup of water/liquid in the other
2) have a friend plug both of your ears.
3) drink the water
Hiccup free!
tankgirl_1973
9 hours ago
Drinking a glass of water upside down has never failed me. Nothing
else has ever worked for me. Lean way over and hold a glass of water
to your upper lip. It can take a little practice to not get water all
over you. Stay bent over while taking a few swallows. Stand up and
your hiccups are gone!
* You must be logged into Yahoo! Answers to add comments
Other Answers
Bron
2 months ago
Dec 21, 2005 at 3:26 pm
(modified)
Report Abuse
Holding your breath as long as you can always works for me. Let
someone scare you, or stand on your head(old wives tale)
0 Votes 0%
speedyyone
2 months ago
Report Abuse
stick one finger in the palm of someones hand and look directly at
them for 30- 40 seconds
0 Votes 0%
kirun
2 months ago
Report Abuse
If holding my breath doesn't work, sometimes a heaped teaspoon of
sugar does. In any case, it's a good excuse to eat one!
0 Votes 0%
sc00by_d00
2 months ago
Report Abuse
Exhale once completely, then inhale as large a breath as you can.
Hold it for 3 seconds, then try to exhale that same breath you just
took in through your mouth while it is closed, building up pressure in
your mouth (like Louis Armstrong playing). Don't let any of the air
you inhaled get out. Do this for as long as you can, then breathe
normally. This has worked for me before.
A real big spoonful of peanut butter works great for me. Try to
swallow it fairly quickly without choking on it. It works all the time
and seems to stop even the most intense hiccups immediately.
a spoon of honey with powdered roasted clove will stop hicups in some cases
Source(s):
this is a tested remedy form the old age grandma's treasure.
I'll give you a dollar if you hiccup again.... lol works for me every
time. I concentrate on hiccuping so hard that i can't
--
Robert Stacey and Charlie Dawg live in the Silverlake Hills of Los Angeles.
Reply | Forward | Messages in this Topic (1)
#211 From: "robert stacey"
Date: Tue Feb 28, 2006 10:08 pm
Subject: More on chronic diarrhea robert.rbobbyleestacy@...
Send Email
All you ever wanted to know about diarrhea
22:5
Diarrhea
Jane S. Horne, Pharm.D.
Larry N. Swanson, Pharm.D.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diarrhea is a common symptom that can range in severity from an acute,
self-limited annoyance to a severe, life-threatening illness.1 The
frequency and consistency of bowel move-ments vary within and between
individuals. Some individuals may normally defecate as many as three
times a day, while others only two to three times per week.2 Diarrhea
is defined as increased volume, fluidity, or frequency of fecal
discharges compared with the patient's normal stools.3 Clinical
features vary greatly depending on the cause, duration, and severity
of the diarrhea, on the area of bowel affected, and on the patient's
general health.3
Diarrhea is often a major problem in day-care centers and nursing
homes. In the United States, acute infectious diarrhea accounts for
250,000 hospital admissions and nearly 8 million office visits to
physicians each year.4 Groups at high risk for developing acute
infectious diarrhea in this country include travelers to or from
developing nations, persons who eat shellfish, homosexual males, and
intravenous drug users.4 Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
patients are at particularly high risk for developing serious enteric
infections.
Etiology and Pathophysiology
While there are many causes of diarrhea (see TABLES 1 and 2), it is
most often due to an enteritis (inflammation of the small intestine)
of infectious or noninfectious etiology.5 In the U.S., most cases of
infectious diarrhea are of viral and bacterial origin. Most infectious
diarrheas are acquired by fecal-oral transmission via contaminated
food or water.4 Improperly cooked meats may also be the source of
infection. (For a discussion on Traveler's Diarrhea, see U.S.
Pharmacist, August 1995, pages 16-25.6)
Diarrhea results from an imbalance in the absorption and secretion
properties of the intestinal tract; if absorption decreases or
secretion increases beyond normal, diarrhea results.2
Diarrhea may be acute or chronic. Acute diarrhea is the abrupt onset
of frequent, watery, loose stools. It may be accompanied by
flatulence, malaise and abdominal pain. Some clinicians consider acute
diarrhea to be the passage of three or more loose stools in a 24-hour
period, continuing for less than two weeks.7 Usually, acute diarrheal
episodes subside within 72 hours of onset. In the U.S., common
diarrhea-producing pathogens are Shigella, Salmonella, Campylobacter,
Staphylococcus, Bacillus cereus, Norwalk viruses and rotaviruses.5
Toxigenic Escherichia coli and S. aureus cause diarrhea through an
enterotoxin, while Shigella, Salmonella, Campylobacter and invasive E.
coli directly invade the mucosal epithelial cells.5 Toxin-producing
pathogens usually cause a watery, large-volume diarrhea. Nausea,
vomiting, cramps and fever may also occur. Invasive organisms may
invade the large intestine and produce frequent small-volume stools
that may contain mucus or blood.5
Diarrhea may be classified into four general types, based on the
mechanism: osmotic diarrhea, secretory diarrhea, exudative diarrhea
and motility disorder diarrhea (see TABLE 3).3,5 Osmotic diarrhea
occurs when ingested solute which is not fully absorbed in the small
intestine draws fluid into the intestinal lumen. The nonabsorbed
material can be a maldigested or malabsorbed nutrient or drug.
Diarrhea of this type may result from disorders such as chronic
pancreatitis, bile duct obstruction, celiac disease (nontropical
sprue), or Whipple's disease. Acute osmotic diarrhea may result from
ingestion of certain fruits or candy, gum, dietetic foods, lactose or
the sweeteners sorbitol or fructose.4 Secretory diarrhea occurs when
the small and large bowel secrete rather than absorb electrolytes and
water. Bacterial toxins, viruses and some drugs (e.g., prostaglandins)
may cause this type of diarrhea. Mucosal inflammation and ulceration
caused by inflammatory diseases and cancers may result in the
outpouring of plasma, proteins, mucus and blood into the stool,
resulting in exudative diarrhea. Loose stools can result when
intestinal contents are not exposed to the absorptive surface of the
GI tract for a sufficient amount of time. Diarrhea due to motility
disorders is caused by conditions such as diabetic neuropathy or
irritable bowel syndrome.3,4
A more common cause of osmotic diarrhea is intolerance to lactose.
Lactose intolerance may cause bloating, abdominal pain or cramps, gas,
or diarrhea. An estimated 50 million Americans experience some form of
gastrointestinal discomfort shortly after consuming lactose-containing
dairy products. Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency of the
intestinal enzyme lactase and is more common in African-Americans,
Indians and Asians.8 Patients who are lactose intolerant should avoid
or limit their consumption of products that contain milk, lactose, dry
milk solids, or whey. Patients should be instructed to consume one
serving at a time along with solid food to help limit or offset the
symptoms of lactose intolerance.8 Tablets and capsules that contain
lactase (e.g., DairyEase, Lactaid) can be taken up to 30 minutes
before ingestion of a milk product.8 (See Consult Your Pharmacist in
this issue.)
Diarrhea in infants and young children is often caused by a viral
infection of the intestinal tract.5 It is estimated that approximately
half of all infantile diarrhea is caused by rotaviruses.5 Infection is
seen most often during the winter months, and children aged 6 to 24
months are most susceptible. After an incubation period of 12–48
hours, vomiting, watery diarrhea, and a low-grade fever develops. The
signs and symptoms of Norwalk viruses resemble those of rotaviruses.
Low-grade fever, malaise, mild nausea and abdominal cramps often
accompany the sudden onset of diarrhea. Norwalk virus outbreaks may be
seen when municipal water supplies are contaminated.5 The most common
nonviral organisms involved in day-care outbreaks of diarrhea are
Shigella, Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium.4
Diarrhea lasting for more than two weeks may be difficult to diagnose
due to its often multifactorial etiology and the fact that patients
with chronic diarrhea may not always have frequent daily passage of
watery stools. Chronic diarrhea may be caused by gastrointestinal
disease, may be secondary to systemic disease, or may be psychogenic
in nature.5 Pathophysiologically, chronic diarrhea may be categorized
as inflammatory diarrhea, osmotic diarrhea (malabsorption), secretory
diarrhea, intestinal dysmotility and factitious (self-induced, e.g.,
from laxative abuse) diarrhea.4 Chronic laxative abuse can result in
serious fluid and electrolyte loss, protein wasting (hypoalbuminemia)
and colitis. Patients who experience persistent or recurrent diarrhea
and are unaware of its cause should seek medical treatment; a change
in bowel habits is one of the seven danger signals of cancer (e.g.,
colon cancer).
Table 1.
Etiology of Diarrhea 2,4,5
Bacterial Malabsorptive Inflammatory Osmotic
Salmonellae Tropical sprue Regional enteritis Saline cathartics
Shigellae Symptomatic sprue Ulcerative colitis Magnesium antacids
Staphylococci Celiac disease (nontropical sprue) Irritative
Psychogenic and/or Neurogenic
Streptococci Whipple's disease Fecal impaction Vagal
Escherichia coli Chronic pancreatitis Foreign body Sacral
Campylobacter Bile duct obstruction Neoplasm
Bacillus cereus Irritable bowel syndrome
Clostridia Surgical Chemical
Parasitic Endocrine and Metabolic Vagotomy Poisons
Amebiasis Hyperthyroidism Gastrectomy Cathartics
Trichinosis Adrenal cortical insufficiency Dietary
Ascariasis Carcinoid tumors that secrete Cyclospora certain NTs, e.g.,
serotonin Food intolerance (lactose intolerance) Vitamin deficiencies
Giardia AIDS Coarse food Sorbitol/fructose
Diabetes mellitus Viral Allergenic
Norwalk viruses Drug or food sensitivity
Rotaviruses
Table 2.
Medications That May Cause Diarrhea
Antibiotics Gastrointestinal Drugs
Clindamycin Laxatives
Ampicillin Antacids
Cephalosporins Misoprostol
Erythromycin Olsalazine
Tetracycline
Sulfonamides
Any broad-spectrum antibiotic
Antihypertensives Hypolipidemic agents
Reserpine Clofibrate
Guanethidine Gemfibrozil
Methyldopa HMG–CoA reductase inhibitors
(e.g., lovastatin, fluvastatin, pravastatin)
Guanabenz
Guanadrel
Cardiac Drugs Neuropsychiatric drugs
Quinidine Lithium
Digitalis Fluoxetine
Digoxin Alprazolam
Procainamide Valproic acid
Hydralazine Ethosuximide
Beta blockers L–Dopa
ACE inhibitors
Diuretics
Cholinergics Miscellaneous
Bethanechol Theophylline
Metoclopramide Thyroid hormones
Neostigmine Colchicine
NSAIDs
Some chemotherapeutic agents
Table 3.
Classification of Diarrhea 5
Type Mechanism Some Typical Causes
Osmotic Unabsorbed solute Lactase deficit, magnesium antacid excess
Secretory Increased secretion of electrolytes E. coli infection, ileal
resection, thyroid cancer
Exudative Defective colonic absorption, outpouring of mucus and/or
blood Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, shigellosis, leukemia
Motility disorder Decreased contact time Irritable bowel syndrome,
diabetic neuropathy
Patient Assessment
In order to assess the patient with diarrhea, the pharmacist should
ascertain the duration, onset, frequency and severity of the diarrheal
episodes and whether or not the diarrhea is accompanied by abdominal
pain, vomiting, fecal overt or occult blood, steatorrhea (excessive
amounts of fat in feces), weight loss, tenesmus (painful, ineffectual
straining to defecate) or appetite changes, or is associated with the
consumption of certain foods or products (including dietetic food,
candy or chewing gum).3 In addition, it is important to determine
whether the patient has recently traveled to a foreign country or has
otherwise consumed nonchlorinated water.5
Elderly people, young children, individuals with certain underlying
medical problems requiring diuretics and persons with severe diarrhea
are at higher risk for dehydration.7 Preschool children, adults over
60 years of age, persons with multiple medical conditions or chronic
illnesses and pregnant women with diarrhea should be referred to a
physician for a complete diagnostic evaluation.5 In addition, patients
with the following symptoms should be advised to see their physician:
moderate to severe abdominal tenderness or cramping, presence of
bloody or mucoid stools, evidence of dehydration, high fever (·101oF
or 38oC), weight loss of greater than 5% and/or diarrhea that has
lasted two days or more.5
Treatment
Nonpharmacologic: Adult individuals with acute diarrhea who are
otherwise healthy are not likely to develop dehydration. Lost fluids
and electrolytes can be replaced with virtually any beverage plus a
source of sodium chloride (salted crackers, etc.).7 Patients can rest
the bowel by avoiding high-fiber foods, fats, milk and other dairy
products, caffeine and alcohol.1 A bland diet emphasizing such foods
as bananas, clear soups, juice, gelatin and boiled vegetables may be
helpful. The diet can gradually be returned to normal as tolerated and
as stools become formed.7 For less than severe diarrhea, an oral
glucose-electrolyte solution may be given if nausea and vomiting are
not severe. Intravenous fluid therapy is necessary for the treatment
of severe dehydration or diarrhea that is accompanied by severe
vomiting.
The degree of dehydration present determines the treatment of a child
with diarrhea. Children with diarrhea who are not dehydrated should
continue to be fed age-appropriate diets.9 Oral rehydration therapy
(ORT) is the preferred treatment of fluid and electrolyte losses
caused by diarrhea in children with mild to moderate dehydration.9
Several glucose-electrolyte or rice-based physiologic solutions
(Pedialyte, Infalyte, etc.) are commercially available for children
who require ORT. Parents should be discouraged from using
nonphysiologic solutions (cola, apple juice, chicken broth and sports
beverages) to treat their children with diarrhea. These solutions are
hypertonic and have low electrolyte concentrations. While commercially
available pre-mixed solutions are recommended for ORT, several recipes
exist for homemade oral replacement solutions. One example is noted in
TABLE 4.
Table 4
Oral Rehydration Formula Recipe 1
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
8 teaspoons sugar
8 ounces orange juice
Dilute to 1 liter with water
Fluids may be given at rates of 50 mL/kg/24 h to 200 mL/kg/ 24 h
depending on the patient's hydration status.
*Premixed rehydration formulas are preferred.
Certain foods may be better tolerated by children and adults with
diarrhea—complex carbohydrates (rice, wheat, potatoes, bread,
cereals), lean meats, yogurt, fruits and vegetables. Fatty foods or
foods high in simple sugars (tea, juices, soft drinks) should be
avoided. The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast), while
tolerated, is low in protein, fat and energy.
In the majority of patients, diarrhea is mild and self-limited and
responds within five days to simple rehydration therapy or
antidiarrheal agents.1 Symptoms that suggest the need for prompt
medical attention include high fever (>38.5oC), bloody diarrhea,
abdominal pain, diarrhea that does not subside after 4-5 days or
dehydration.1
The goals of treatment are to maintain hydration, treat the underlying
causes and relieve the symptoms of diarrhea.10 Rehydration and
correction of any electrolyte imbalance is critical in the treatment
of diarrhea. Symptomatic relief is a second therapeutic goal.
Pharmacologic Treatment
Several agents can be used as adjunctive therapy in the management of
acute nonspecific diarrhea and acute exacerbations of chronic
functional diarrhea. These agents are not curative and are palliative
at best.11 The antimotility agents (e.g., loperamide), adsorbents
(e.g., attapulgite) and antisecretory compounds (e.g., bismuth
subsalicylate) are not recommended for preschool patients.11 TABLE 5
contains a list of antidiarrheal agents along with their common doses
and contraindications.
Table 5.
Types of Antidiarrheal Agents 9,23
Antidiarrheal Type
(Representative brands) Dose* Contraindications*
Antimotility Agents
Diphenoxylate HCl
with atropine sulfate
(Lomotil, Logen) Adults: Individualize dosage.
Initial dose is 5 mg 4 times a day.
Children: 0.3 to 0.4 mg/kg/day, in 4 divided doses. Invasive bacterial
diarrhea, pseudomembranous colitis, not recommended for preschool
children.
Difenoxin HCl
with atropine sulfate
(Motofen) Adults: Recommended starting dose: 2 tablets, then 1 tablet
after each loose stool; 1 tablet every 3 to 4 hours as needed. Total
dose during 24 hours should not exceed 8 tablets. Invasive bacterial
diarrhea, pseudomembranous colitis, not recommended for preschool
children.
Loperamide (Imodium AD, Kaopectate II, Maalox Antidiarrheal, Pepto
Diarrhea Control) Adults: 4 mg initially, followed by 2 mg after each
unformed stool. Do not exceed 16 mg/day (see product information).
Children: 1 mg tid to 2 mg tid (see product info.). Invasive bacterial
diarrhea, not recommended for preschool children.
Adsorbent/Absorbent Agents
Attapulgite, activated
(Kaopectate Advanced Formula, Donnagel, Diasorb, Rheaban Maximum
Strength) Adults: 1200 mg after each bowel movement, up to 7 doses
per day.
Children: 300 mg–600 mg after each bowel movement, up to 7 doses per
day. Not recommended for preschool children, patients with blood or
mucus in stool.
Calcium polycarbophil
(FiberCon, Fiberall, Mitrolan, Equalactin) Adults: 1 g one to four
times daily or as needed. Do not exceed 6 g in 24 hours.
Children: 500 mg one to three times daily or as needed.
Do not exceed 1.5 g/day to 3 g/day
(see product information for dosing based on age). Not recommended
for preschool children.
Antisecretory Agent
Bismuth subsalicylate
(Pepto-Bismol) Adults: 2 tablets or 30 mL every 30 min to 1 hour, as
needed, up to 8 doses in 24 hrs.
Children: 1/3 tab (or 5 ml) to 2/3 tab (10 mL), depending on age
(consult physician for children < 3 yo), every 30 min to 1 hour, as
needed, up to 8 doses in 24 hrs.* Interaction with tetracycline,
caution with concomitant aspirin/salicylates Impaction may occur in
infants and debilitated patients. (Children and teenagers should not
use salicylates if chickenpox or flu symptoms are present because of
the association with the development of Reye's syndrome, a rare but
serious illness.)
* These are the most common dosages and contraindications. Consult
product information for complete list of cautions, contraindications,
drug interactions, and dosage ranges.
Prescription Agents: The opiate analgesics as a class have an
antimotility effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Agents such as
paregoric (camphorated tincture of opium) and paregoric-containing
products have been used for many years. They rely on their content of
morphine, which exerts its effect by decreasing the hyperperistaltic
movements of the small intestine and colon, thereby slowing down the
passage of intestinal contents.12 Related agents diphenoxylate HCl
with atropine sulfate (Lomotil, Logen, etc.) and difenoxin HCl with
atropine sulfate (Motofen) are specifically indicated for the
treatment of diarrhea. Both of these agents are chemically related to
meperidine (Demerol), but they lack analgesic activity. Difenoxin is
the principal active metabolite of diphenoxylate and is effective at
one fifth the dosage of diphenoxylate. The atropine has been added in
subtherapeutic doses to discourage deliberate abuse. At the
recommended doses, anticholinergic activity is usually not a concern.
Diphenoxylate and difenoxin appear to provide an antidiarrheal effect
by slowing intestinal motility through a local effect on the
gastrointestinal wall. Because of these agents' structural
relationship to traditional opiates, potential side effects include
dizziness, drowsiness and sedation in a few patients. Addiction to
(physiological dependence on) diphenoxylate and difenoxin is
theoretically possible at high doses and after chronic use but this is
rare. It is particularly important that these two agents not be used
in the management of invasive bacterial diarrhea. These agents may
prolong or aggravate the diarrhea associated with these organisms that
penetrate the intestinal mucosa (i.e., toxigenic E. coli, Salmonella,
Shigella) or in pseudomembranous enterocolitis associated with
broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy.
Agents that slow intestinal motility may induce toxic megacolon.
Therefore, patients who have ulcerative colitis should be monitored
carefully and these agents should be discontinued promptly if
abdominal distention occurs or if other untoward symptoms develop.
Because of the opiate-related agents' depressant effects on the
central nervous system, barbiturates, tranquilizers and alcohol should
not be used concomitantly. Patients should be warned about the
potential for causing drowsiness or dizziness and should use caution
when driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness,
coordination or physical dexterity. When these agents are used for
acute diarrhea, clinical improvement is usually seen within 48 hours
and treatment beyond that time frame is usually not necessary.
Nonprescription Agents: As part of the FDA OTC Review process, three
agents—attapulgite, polycarbophil and calcium polycarbophil—are
considered safe and effective for diarrhea treatment in the Tentative
Final Monograph. Loperamide was approved by the FDA for OTC status via
a new drug application (NDA) procedure which was not part of the FDA
OTC Review process. The FDA continues to review data for kaolin-pectin
combination (the old Kaopectate formulation), kaolin alone, bismuth
subsalicylate and additional data regarding attapulgite and calcium
polycar-bophil.13 It is likely that the Final Monograph will contain a
significant number of changes from the Tentatative Final Monograph.
The Final Monograph for antidiarrheals had been originally planned to
be released in 1994,14 but is now not expected to be completed for
another six months to one year. .For this final monograph, one of the
FDA advisory committees has recommended a reversal in the Tentative
Final Monograph published in 1986 to place attapulgite in Category III
(data insufficient to permit classification) and to place
kaolin-pectin in Category I (safe and effective).14
Because of concerns regarding significant dehydration and electrolyte
imbalances, OTC agents available for diarrhea must not be used if the
diarrhea has lasted for more than two days or in patients less than
three years of age.15 Patients who should be under a physician's care
are those who are under three years of age, are over 60 years of age
with multiple medical problems, are pregnant and those who have a
history of chronic diseases, bloody stools, abdominal tenderness,
fever, dehydration, a weight loss of more than 5% of total body weight
and diarrhea for longer than 48 hours.16
Loperamide HCl (Imodium AD, Maalox Antidiarrheal and Pepto Diarrhea
Control) is an agent which slows intestinal motility and affects water
and electrolyte movement through the bowel. It appears to inhibit
intestinal motility by a direct effect on the circular and
longitudinal muscles of the intestinal wall. The bulk density and
viscosity of a bowel movement is increased with a concomitant
reduction in daily fecal volume and a decrease in a loss of fluid and
electrolytes.
The same contraindication concerning the use of this agent in the
presence of invasive bacterial diarrhea applies as noted for
diphenoxylate HCl with atropine sulfate and difenoxin HCl with
atropine sulfate. As an OTC drug, loperamide is indicated for control
and symptomatic relief of acute nonspecific diarrhea, including
traveler's diarrhea. As a prescription drug, loperamide may be
prescribed for the control and symptomatic relief of chronic diarrhea
associated with inflammatory or functional bowel diseases.17 It may
also be used to reduce the volume of discharge from ileostomies. The
adverse effects of this agent are generally minor and self-limiting
and are more commonly observed during the treatment of chronic
diarrhea. CNS penetration of the drug is minimal and it therefore does
not usually produce the CNS side effects noted with opiate use and it
lacks potential for abuse.13 The agent may cause some drowsiness or
dizziness and patients should observe caution while driving or
performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination or physical
dexterity. Dry mouth, constipation, nausea and vomiting may also
occur.10 For the treatment of acute diarrhea, clinical improvement is
usually observed within 48 hours.
Attapulgite, Activated (Kaopectate Advanced Formula, Donnagel, Diasorb
and Rheaban Maximum Strength) has been considered by the FDA as a
Category 1 agent (safe and effective) for the treatment of acute
diarrhea. It is considered an adsorbent agent and is a naturally
occurring hydrous magnesium aluminum silicate that adsorbs about eight
times its weight in water.13 Attapulgite is not absorbed systemically,
therefore side effects are minimal. The adsorbent effect reduces the
liquidity of the stool.13 The primary problem with attapulgite is that
adsorption is not selective; the systemic absorption of nutrients and
other drugs may be disrupted.10 Because of this effect, patients
should be counseled not to take any other medications within two to
three hours of taking attapulgite.10 OTC labeling indicates that
patients should not use this agent for more than two days unless
directed to do so by their physician, nor should it be used if blood
or mucus is present in the stool or in infants or children less than
three years of age.15 In June, 1994, two FDA advisory committees
recommended reversing the status of attapulgite from Category I
(generally recognized as safe and effective) to Category III (data
insufficient to permit classification).18 After reviewing four
clinical studies on attapulgite, the committees determined that the
trials were inconclusive in supporting the efficacy of the
ingredient.18 The Nonprescription Drug Manufacturers Association
(NDMA) is currently sponsoring a clinical study to provide data to
support monograph status of attapulgite, but the final results from
this study have not been completed.19
Calcium polycarbophil (Mitrolan, Equalactin, FiberCon, Fiberall) is a
hydrophilic polyacrylic resin that possesses absorbent properties.13
In addition to its use as a bulk-forming laxative, in diarrhea when
the intestinal mucosa is incapable of absorbing water at normal rates,
it absorbs free fecal water, forming a gel to aid in the production of
formed stools. Like attapulgite, polycarbophil is not absorbed
systemically so no systemic side effects are produced. It can absorb
up to sixty times its weight in water.10 Studies have demonstrated
that polycarbophil decreases the frequency of bowel movements and
improves stool consistency in patients with acute as well as chronic
diarrhea.12 Epigastric pain and bloating may occur which may be
somewhat minimized by giving smaller doses spaced more evenly
throughout the day.13 Minimal fluid intake is encouraged and the
tablets should be chewed well and not swallowed whole. Because calcium
in this product can inhibit the absorption of tetracycline, this
antibiotic should not be given at the same time as the calcium
polycarbophil.15 It is indicated for acute nonspecific diarrhea or
diarrhea that is associated with conditions such as irritable bowel
syndrome and diverticulosis.
Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) has been sold OTC for the
treatment of diarrhea in the U.S. for more than 75 years. It appears
to have antisecretory and antimicrobial effects. Studies have
confirmed its efficacy in pediatrics protocols with intravenous
rehydration and also in adults for the prevention and treatment of
traveler's diarrhea and against Norwalk viral gastroenteritis.20,21 It
has been shown to enhance the effects of oral rehydration by
shortening the episodes of diarrhea in infants (mean age 13.5 months)
in a study in Peru.22 The salicylate portion of this agent provides
the antisecretory effect while the bismuth portion may exert
antimicrobial effects. It is especially important to consider the
amount of salicylate that a patient is receiving, as two of the
bismuth subsalicylate tablets yield 204 mg of salicylate and 30 mL of
the suspension yields 258 mg of salicylate. This would be especially
important to consider in patients who are on long-term high doses of
salicylate, such as patients who have rheumatoid arthritis. One must
simply consider the total amount of salicylate the patient will
receive. This agent is indicated for the control of diarrhea,
including traveler's diarrhea. If the diarrhea is accompanied by a
high fever or continues for more than two days, a physician should be
consulted. The stool may temporarily appear gray-black with use of
this agent. The tongue may also be partially discolored.
Lactobacillus preparations (e.g., Lactinex, Bacid) have been available
for years. These products contain lactobacillus organisms
(Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus). They have
been touted as effective in restoring normal bowel flora when diarrhea
is thought to be caused by the administration of antibiotics, but
there is no solid documented evidence to support this claim. Milk,
yogurt and buttermilk have been reported to be equally effective in
re-establishing normal intestinal flora.12
Special Populations
Of special concern are infants and children and elderly or debilitated
patients with diarrhea. These patient populations are at increased
risk from complications from diarrhea, including dehydration and
electrolyte imbalances. In addition, diarrhea may be a symptom of
underlying disease in certain individuals. If diarrhea is secondary to
another condition, treatment of the primary disorder is most
important.
Parents of infants and young children should be educated about the
signs of dehydration (thirst, dry mouth, concentrated urine, etc.) and
should seek medical treatment if their child becomes dehydrated. The
American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that, as a general rule,
pharmacologic agents not be used to treat acute diarrhea in children.9
Patients with chronic diarrhea should be managed by identifying and
treating the cause or supportively managing each diarrheal episode.
Psyllium or another hydrophilic agent may improve stool consistency by
absorbing excess water. Diphenoxylate and loperamide may be helpful in
patients with mild to moderate secretory diarrhea. Other drugs, such
as octreotide (e.g., Sandostatin), clonidine (e.g., Catapres), proton
pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole [Prilosec]), H-2 receptor
antagonists (e.g., ranitidine [Zantac]) and cholestyramine (Questran)
may be beneficial in certain patients with certain types of diarrhea.4
The choice of agent should be individualized; some agents may be
contraindicated in certain populations. Since chronic diarrhea may be
the result of many conditions, patients should confer with their
physicians as to the appropriate medication or antidiarrheal agent (if
any) to use when they experience diarrheal episodes. Some patients who
suffer from persistent diarrhea are aware of the cause and can manage
the condition symptomatically. See TABLE 6 for a list of patient
counseling notes.
Table 6.
Patient Counseling Notes 5
Questions to ask before recommending an antidiarrheal:
How long have you had diarrhea, and how often do the episodes occur?
Do you have any other symptoms in addition to diarrhea?
Which antidiarrheal medications have you tried, if any, and did they help?
What are the characteristics of your stools? Do they contain any blood
or mucus?
Have you changed your diet (including drinking nonchlorinated water)
or traveled to a foreign country recently?
Do others in your household have diarrhea, or can you associate the
onset of the diarrhea to a particular food or drug?
Which medications (prescription and OTC) are you currently taking?
Do you have any medical conditions or chronic illnesses?
Patients with diarrhea who should be referred to
a physician for a complete diagnostic evaluation:
infants and young children
elderly patients
patients with chronic and/or multiple medical conditions
patients with abdominal tenderness and cramping
pregnant women
dehydrated patients or those who have lost more than 5% of their body weight
patients with high fever (·101°F or 38 °C)
patients with stools that contain blood or mucus
patients with severe diarrhea, or diarrhea which has lasted more than
2 days, with or without treatment
Conclusion
Diarrhea is a common, annoying and sometimes life-threatening symptom.
Pharmacists are often called upon for advice on the treatment of this
disorder. Patient assessment is very important in the treatment of
diarrhea; patients may present with acute or chronic diarrhea. There
are a myriad of potential causes, and by thorough and careful
investigation of individual patient's symptomatology, pharmacists can
suggest the best treatment option, whether it be an antidiarrheal, a
change in diet, or referral to a physician. It is important for
pharmacists to recognize which types of diarrhea may be potentially
serious and also which populations of patients are potentially at risk
for complications from diarrhea. In addition, it should be noted that
stopping the diarrhea is not necessarily the goal of treatment for all
patients.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. McQuaid KR. Alimentary Tract. In: Tierney LM, McPhee SJ, Papadakis,
MA, eds. Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment. 35th ed. Stamford:
Appleton & Lange; 1996:489–502. 2. Longe RL, DiPiro JT. Diarrhea and
constipation. In: DiPiro JT, Talbert RL, Hayes PE, eds.
Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach. 2nd ed. New York:
Elsevier;1992:566–78. 3. Berkow R. ed. Merck Manual. 16th ed. Rahway,
NJ: Merck Research Labs;1992:806–8. 4. Friedman LS, Isselbacher KJ.
Diarrhea and constipation. In: Isselbacher KJ, Braunwald E, Wilson JD,
eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 13th ed. New
York:McGraw–Hill;1994:213–21. 5. Longe RL. Antidiarrheal products. In:
Covington TR, ed. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. 11th ed.
Washington, DC: American Pharmaceutical Association; 1996:245–260. 6.
Pray WS. Traveler's diarrhea. U.S. Pharmacist. 1995
August:16,21–22,24,25. 7. Wolfe MS. Acute infectious diarrhea. In:
Rakel RE, ed. Conn's Current Therapy. 1996 ed. Philadelphia:W.B.
Saunders Company;1996:16–9. 8. Aurisicchio LN, Pitchumoni CS. Lactose
intolerance. Postgrad Med. 1994;95(1)113–20. 9. Provisional Committee
on Quality Improvement, Subcommittee on Acute Gastroenteritis.
Practice parameter: the management of acute gastroenteritis in young
children. Pediatrics 1996;97(3):424–33. 10. Engle JP. Antidiarrhea
Products. American Druggist 1994;210:48,50. 11. Olds SM. A
pharmacist's guide to pediatric diarrhea and constipation. APhA; 1995
(The One Minute Counselor). 12. Oh JH, Gill M, Jhee SS. OTC:
antidiarrheals & laxatives. California Pharmacist. 1994; May:36–45.
13. Hogue VW. Diarrhea and constipation. In: Herfindal ET, Gourley DR,
Hart LL, eds. Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 5th ed.
Baltimore:Williams and Wilkins;1992:436–49. 14. F–D–C Reports – The
Tan Sheet, June 27, 1994. 15. Pray WS. Relief from acute and chronic
diarrhea. US Pharmacist. 1993 June: 24,26,28,30,31. 16. Dukes GE.
Over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications used for the self-treatment
of acute nonspecific diarrhea. Am J Med. 1990;88(Suppl.
6A):6A,24S–26S. 17. Daugherty LM. Loperamide hydrochloride. American
Pharmacy. 1990:NS30(12):45–48. 18. F–D–C Reports – The Tan Sheet,
March 13, 1995. 19. F–D–C Reports – The Tan Sheet, June 3, 1996. 20.
Okhuysen PC, Ericsson CD. Travelers' diarrhea, prevention and
treatment. Med Clin N Amer. 1992;76(6):1357–73. 21. Roberts JA.
Bismuth subsalicylate for pediatric diarrhea. Emergency Medicine.
1993(Aug):13–4. 22. Figueroa-Quintanilla D, Salazar–Lindo E, Sack RB,
et al. A controlled trial of bismuth subsalicylate in infants with
acute watery diarrheal disease. N Engl J Med. 1993;328:1653–58. 23.
Olin BR, ed. Drug Facts and Comparisons. 50th ed. St. Louis; Facts and
Comparisons;1996. 24. CDC. Outbreaks of cyclospora cayetanensis
infection––United States, 1996. MMWR 1996;45:549–51. 25. CDC. Update:
outbreaks of cyclospora cayetanensis infection––United States and
Canada, 1996. MMWR 1996;45:611–2. 26. CDC. The Centers for Disease
Control [Resource on the World Wide Web]. URL:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/cyclospo/cyclohp.htm. The Center
for Disease Control. 1996, June 21.
--
Robert Stacey and Charlie Dawg live in the Silverlake Hills of Los Angeles.
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#212 From: "robert stacey"
Date: Tue Feb 28, 2006 9:25 pm
Subject: Diarrhea === how to deal robert.rbobbyleestacy@...
Send Email
Dealing with Diarrhea
Quick Tip
Diarrhea can be a life threatening problem if not treated correctly
and rapidly. Diarrhea can purge the body of needed fluid, resulting in
dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. The causes of diarrhea include
HIV, certain medications and many types of infections. Here are some
tips on how to cope with diarrhea.
Eating foods high in soluble fiber can slow diarrhea by absorbing
water otherwise not absorbed in the intestinal track. Examples of
soluble fiber include soft breads, oatmeal, and wheat products.
Avoid foods that have insoluble fiber such as fruit and vegetable skins.
Avoid greasy or spicy foods and dairy product which aggravate diarrhea.
Replenish fluids with broth, carbonated beverages, juice, Jell-O(r),
Gatorade or Popsicles.
Consult your doctor and nutritionist for ideas or medications that
will help ease diarrhea.
Dehydration symptoms include headache, dizziness, fever, and dry lips,
tongue and mouth. If you develop any of these symptoms, contact your
physician immediately.
===================================================================
If you are getting care for cancer:
Diarrhea may be due to chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, infections,
viruses, and may also be a symptom of cancer itself. We define
diarrhea as more than three loose or watery BM's in a 24 hour period.
If a person is having fewer than 3 BM's in 24 hours, or if BM's are
frequent but not loose, the patient should not take the diarrhea
treatment outlined below. It is important for your doctor to be aware
that you are having diarrhea, especially if it has persisted for more
than 24 hours or if you are getting dehydrated. Please call your
primary office to leave a message for the nurse.
The following treatment plan is primarily for diarrhea caused by
chemotherapy. Please talk with your doctor about treatment for other
causes.
Step 1. Avoid milk, dairy products, and citrus juices (citrus
irritates stomach linings). In addition, fatty foods (hot dogs,
pizza, bacon, fried foods, and gravies), foods that contain lots of
fiber (whole wheat bread, bran, nuts, popcorn, seeds) or foods
containing caffeine (coffee, tea, colas, Mountain Dew, chocolate) can
also make diarrhea worse.
Step 2. Do drink plenty of clear liquids, especially water, Gatorade
(which can be diluted to half-strength), and apple juice. It is often
helpful to limit your diet to clear liquids for 12-24 hours, or until
diarrhea stops, then gradually add clear soups, bread, and crackers.
Once these stay down you can gradually resume your normal diet.
Step 3. Imodium AD -This over-the-counter pill is useful to slow down
diarrhea. Follow these instructions instead of the instructions on
the box.
-Take one pill after each loose BM (If BM's are not loose or watery,
do not take Imodium).
-You can take as many pills a day as you have loose BM's. If you are
having more than ten BM's daily, call the nurse at your primary
office.
-Stop taking Imodium when BM's are down to one or two daily, or when
they begin to firm up. You can make yourself constipated if you take
Imodium past this point.
Step 4. Lomotil -This prescription medication is a little more potent
than Imodium. If Imodium is ineffective, call the nurse at your
primary office for a prescription. The directions are exactly the
same as for Imodium.
Step 5. If the above are ineffective you need medical evaluation and
more potent medications. Patients who become dehydrated from rapid
fluid loss may need hospitalization. Call the nurse at your primary
office to come to the office for evaluation and treatment. If it is
after office hours or on a weekend, call your primary office and ask
the answering service to call the nurse practitioner or MD on call to
call you back for further instruction. If you have no answer in 30
minutes, please call again.
=========================================
-Diarrhea
Contents of this page:
Illustrations
Alternative names
Definition
Considerations
Common Causes
Home Care
Call your health care provider if
What to expect at your health care provider's office
Prevention
References
Illustrations
Campylobacter jejuni organism
Digestive system
Cryptosporidium, organism
Diarrhea
Alternative names Return to top
Stools - watery; Frequent bowel movements; Loose bowel movements
Definition Return to top
Diarrhea is loose, watery, and frequent stools. Diarrhea is considered
chronic (ongoing or prolonged) when you have had loose or frequent
stools longer than 4 weeks.
Considerations Return to top
Diarrhea in adults is usually mild and resolves quickly without
complication. In infants and children (especially under age 3),
diarrhea is more concerning. Children can become dehydrated fairly
quickly.
Common Causes Return to top
The most common cause of diarrhea is a mild viral infection that
resolves on its own within a few days. This is called viral
gastroenteritis or "stomach flu." Viral gastroenteritis often appears
in mini-epidemics in schools, neighborhoods, or families.
Food poisoning and traveler's diarrhea are two other common causes.
They occur from eating food or drinking water contaminated with
bacteria or parasites.
Certain medical conditions can also lead to diarrhea, such as:
Malabsorption syndromes -- you are unable to absorb or digest certain
nutrients. Common examples include lactose intolerance, gluten
malabsorption, and intolerance to specific foods like beans or fruit.
Inflammatory bowel diseases -- Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
are two recurring types of diarrhea that are generally bloody and
accompanied by abdominal pain.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) -- a chronic form of stomach upset that
gets worse from stress. You generally have alternating diarrhea and
constipation.
Immune deficiency.
Medications can also cause diarrhea, especially antibiotics, laxatives
containing magnesium, and chemotherapy for cancer treatment.
Other less common causes of diarrhea include:
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
Nerve disorders like autonomic neuropathy or diabetic neuropathy
Carcinoid syndrome
Following gastrectomy (partial removal of the stomach)
High dose radiation therapy
Home Care Return to top
Drink plenty of fluid to avoid becoming dehydrated. Start with sips of
any fluid other than caffeinated beverages. Milk may prolong loose
stools, but also provides needed fluids and nourishment. Drinking milk
may be fine for mild diarrhea. For moderate and severe diarrhea,
electrolyte solutions available in drugstores are usually best.
Active cultures of beneficial bacteria (probiotics) make diarrhea less
severe and shorten its duration. Probiotics can be found in yogurt
with active or live cultures and in supplements.
Foods like rice, dry toast, and bananas may help some.
Avoid over-the-counter diarrheal medications unless specifically
instructed to use one by your doctor. Certain infections can be made
worse by these drugs. When you have diarrhea, your body is trying to
get rid of whatever food, virus, or other bug is causing it.
Rest.
If you have a chronic form of diarrhea, like irritable bowel syndrome,
try adding bulk to your diet to thicken the stool and regulate bowel
movements. Such foods include rice, bananas, and fiber from
whole-wheat grains and bran. Psyllium-containing products such as
Metamucil or similar products can add bulk to stools.
Call your health care provider if Return to top
Call your doctor if:
You have blood or pus in your stools or if your stool is black.
You have abdominal pain that is not relieved by a bowel movement.
You have symptoms of dehydration -- see article on dehydration.
You have a fever above 101°F or your child has a fever above 100.4°F
along with diarrhea.
You have foul smelling or oily-looking stools.
You have recently traveled to a foreign country.
You have eaten with other people who also have diarrhea.
You have started on a new medication.
Your diarrhea does not get better in 5 days (2 days for an infant or
child) or worsens before that.
Your child has been vomiting for more than 12 hours. In a newborn
(under 3 months), you should call as soon as vomiting or diarrhea
begins.
What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top
Your doctor will take a complete medical history and do a physical
examination, paying careful attention to your abdomen.
Questions that the doctor may ask include:
When did your diarrhea start?
How long have you had diarrhea?
What is the color and consistency of your stool?
Do you have blood in your stool?
Are you passing large amounts of mucus with your stool?
What other symptoms do you have?
Do you have abdominal pain or severe cramping with the diarrhea?
Do you have fever or chills?
Are any other family members sick?
Have you recently traveled out of the country?
What makes your pain worse? Stress? Specific foods?
Have you had abdominal surgery?
What medications do you take? Any recent changes to your medications?
Do you drink coffee? How much?
Do you drink alcohol? How much? How often?
Do you smoke? How much each day?
Are you on a special diet?
Your doctor will ask you to obtain one or more stool samples in
special containers to test for signs of inflammation and infection and
to identify the organism causing infection.
If there are signs of dehydration in addition to the diarrhea, your
doctor may order:
chem-20 (to check electrolytes)
urine specific gravity
BUN and creatinine
Prevention Return to top
Wash your hands often, especially after going to the bathroom and
before eating.
Teach children to not put objects in their mouth.
When taking antibiotics, try using Lactobacillus acidophilus, a
probiotic or healthy bacteria. This helps replenish the good bacteria
that antibiotics can kill.
When traveling to underdeveloped areas, follow the steps below to
avoid diarrhea:
Drink only bottled water and DO NOT use ice.
DO NOT eat uncooked vegetables or fruit without a peel.
DO NOT eat raw shellfish or undercooked meat.
DO NOT consume dairy products.
References Return to top
Yates J. Traveler's diarrhea. Am Fam Physician. 2005; 71(11): 2095-2100.
Guerrant RL. Practice guidelines for the management of infectious
diarrhea. Clin Infect Dis. 2001; 32(3): 331-351.
Update Date: 5/28/2004
Updated by: Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine,
Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Boston, Ma. -
==========================================
Robert Stacey and Charlie Dawg live in the Silverlake Hills of Los Angeles.
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