Phone Check?

I have my first 6 month phone check tomorrow and I was wanting to know if it feels the same as when you go to the office and the tech is there. I am nervous about it. Does it feel the same? I know this sounds dumb. Do they tell you anything after it is done or how do you now what is going on or should I say isn't? Thanks for any help.

Amy

6 Comments

Hi Cottontop,

by Gellia2 - 2008-01-09 04:01:02

My phone check up is easy. Takes all of two minutes.
I put on the bracelets, put the phone down on the unit, and count to 80. Then I count to 10, put the magnet on (sometimes I can feel the pacer click in, other times not) and count to 40. Then it's back to no magnet for another 40. That's it! They tell me everything looks great and give me my next appt. day for calling.
If there was something wrong, they'd tell you then. There have been times I have had to repeat the test a few times but that is usually due to phone interference and not the pacemaker.
Good luck with your test tomorrow. Everyone passes these with flying colors! Nothing to worry about so make that call with NO FEAR! :)
Best to you,
Gellia

Hmmm

by kyle0816 - 2008-01-09 04:01:04

That sounds different than my phone check but I also have an ICD and not a pacemaker. I have a little medtronic box that I just plug into the phone jack. A light goes on and I hold the little puck (looks about the size of a computer mouse) over my chest box until all the lights light up. I can then take the puck off my chest and it does the rest, calling in the information. I don't feel anything at all and it only takes a minute or less to upload the stuff from my box. I don't think you should be scared in any way, it's really simple and painless!
They called me the first time I did it like a week later to tell me everything is fine. I know they said sometimes they'd call and sometimes they won't. I'd assume they'd always call if something were wrong.
Anyway, don't worry about it everything will be easy and you won't feel a thing.

phone check

by thomast - 2008-01-09 04:01:27

My system is like Kyles, you will have no problem. I call them the day before I send it each time and tell them to send me the summary printout, not just the letter saying everything is ok. After reading them for a couple of years I can understand a lot of it. Mine records fluid buildup, so I can see if and when I have had any and can know what I was doing at the time. I keep a log of what I do each day so can compare any fast beats or anything to what I was doing. Good luck

Well,

by Gellia2 - 2008-01-09 05:01:31

Phooey! Geez,... I'm jealous. I don't have that. My wires are old and unipolar, so I still have the same unit I was given to use 26 years ago! I'm so glad things are improving. I like your way.
Either way is a breeze, though. Have NO FEAR! You'll have no problems!
Gellia!

Thank you!

by cottontop - 2008-01-09 07:01:48

Thanks to all of you for making me feel a little more at ease. That is a good idea to ask for a summary printout. I hadn't thought of that. That's why I love this site and you people. I always get a copy of all my test results from blood work to my heart operations.
Again, thank you!

God Bless you,
Amy

stick-on electrodes

by gevans - 2008-01-10 12:01:56

Mine is also very quick, easy, and painless. However, my kit has two wires that I attach to stick-on disposible skin electrodes. I place the phone in the cradle, wait 40 seconds, then position the round magnet on the PM (sometimes the technician asks me to reposition it) and wait another 40 secs. Then they say thanks, and I hang up.

My only issue is they say because of HIPA (privacy issues) they can only send the data to my Cardiologist. I have asked his secretary, twice, to send me results (or at least a summary page) and this reminds me...I am going to call a third time when I finish typing. Thanks for posting - I needed that reminder.

What this all really means is that I don't even think about the fact that I am paced anymore. My daughter even had to remind me not to go through the metal detector when I was standing in the security line the last time I flew.

Stay active,

Gary

You know you're wired when...

Intel inside is your motto.

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