Pacemaker Interrogation

pacemaker checkup

by new to pace.... - 2021-07-08 12:48:26

hopeully they have you a home monitor. It was easy to set up. I have mine on the side of the bed.  Have a list of dates when the remote does it's thing every 3 months. Without me knowing when and what time.  Then somehow  the results are sent to the pacemaker clinic where it is read .  Then given to the doctor.  They will let you know if their is a problem.

new to pace

Pacemaker Interrogation

by Gemita - 2021-07-08 12:48:49

Hello Paron,

I had my first check up 6 weeks after discharge from hospital, one week seems a bit too soon.  Then I went 3 months before seeing my pacemaker technician again.  It will take around 3 months for both you and your pacemaker to settle down.

An interrogation here in the UK is usually after 6 weeks following implant, then again at 3 months, at least in my clinic, although if you experience any difficult symptoms like breathlessness, chest discomfort, dizziness or anything else worrisome, don't hesitate to contact your doctors for advice.  But please do not worry because doctors usually like to wait at least three months before they make any changes.  Go by your symptoms and you will be fine.  If you feel well, then chances are that you are well.  

Care to share with us why you have a pacemaker?

Interrogation

by Dixie Chick 65 - 2021-07-08 13:30:12

I went in one week after Implant and my EP took off the steristrips but there was no interrogation. I went back 4 weeks later and had my first interrogation. By the way, when you go in 3 months ask your EP or device rep for a copy of your summary sheet. It will give you all your settings, your pacing percentages and other info. While you might not know what all of it means, it's a good way to educate yourself about your device. Glad you're doing well !

Pacemaker Interrogation

by PARon - 2021-07-08 18:41:05

Thanks for responses so far.  I was having episodes of being light headed once or twice a day and finally went to the doctor who got me to the cardiologist.  EKGs were fine but I did have a history of first degree AV block.  I wore a monitor for two days and that's when they saw a few pauses up to 4 seconds.  The diagnosis was SSS.  My heart rate was always on the low side (mid 50s) but I felt great otherwise.

My first week follow up visit was really only to check the incision, remove the glue and add strips and to do another EKG so my 3 month visit will be for the first interrogation.

Thanks again.

Interrogation

by AgentX86 - 2021-07-08 18:57:19

If you're having no problems, three months is a good time.  Because of my AV ablation, I had an interrogation before I left the hospital to make sure the leads were anchored properly. 

I had another when I had my steri-srtips stripped off after a week and and then every month to reduce my heart rate.  It was set high to avoid SCA (a known problem following an AV ablation) and then set back slowly.  At least that was the plan.  After that, it was every three months for a year and now it's six months between  interrogations at the device clinic and at the three month mark between, a remote interrogation.  I have the clock set on mine so the interrogations should be synchronized to the time changes, but they aren't and I haven't bothered to push the point.

Interrogations

by cardifflass - 2021-07-09 04:48:12

Hi, I was checked the morning after my PM implant, X-Rayed, etc., and then sent home.  

I was really scared that I had to wait 3 months to be seen again.  it's a bit like bringing a new baby home from the hospital and being told to get on with things.

However, the device clinic was always there if I needed them (and I had an episode that worried me and everything was fine.

My last cardiology appointment was by phone, though I was told that if there had been any concerns they would have had me into the clinic.  

Just give it time - easier to say than do!

3 months is normal if you don’t have any troubling symptoms

by asully - 2021-07-10 02:31:38

Mine have always been at 3 months post implant, they usually did a check prior to hospital discharge then scheduled for a 3 month.  Several times I had to have interrogations sooner due to symptoms or complications.