Questions

Hello all,
The longer I have this pm the more I realize I don't know. An earlier question was asked about tattoos and infections. Do we need to be more aware of infections than other people? Is a general infection more likely to head for our heart or for the pm site?
I'm also wondering about genetics. I'm diagnosed with sic sinus syndrome. Are there any concerns I need to have about my kids?
Thanks again,
Rusty

2 Comments

What I've been Told

by ela-girl - 2007-04-24 01:04:22

My EP and my DO tell me that pacers do need to be more careful and aware when we get upper respiratory infections. If a cold gets into our chest or lungs, it can travel towards our hearts via the lining of the lungs that connect with the outter lining of the heart--usually causing pericarditis. And infection likes to travel to foreign objects in our bodies. Now I'm not a doctor, but I remember my EP and DO telling me this information, and I believe I've repeated it here correctly. Something like that anyways! Ask you cardiologist of family doctor your question next time you are in to see him/her.

Many doctors also suggest taking an antibiotic when going to the dentist since any infection can easily get into your bloodstream via the mouth and travel quickly.

I've had pericarditis...yuck. It was very painful and not easy to get rid of.

Sometimes it is better to err on the side of safety, but I don't recommend going overboard about it either. It's okay to call and ask your doctor what s/he thinks about something before doing it (like "I'm getting a tatoo should I take an anitbiotic because..."). That's what you pay them for!

Happy pacing!
ela-girl

thanks ela

by randrews - 2007-04-24 09:04:56

Man, my doctors haven't said anything about this to me. It's like pulling teeth to get information from them. I have started a list of questions for my next visit.
Rusty

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