Keeping the Beat

By -
Cardionet Heart Monitor
August 5, 2013
August was an interesting month, filled with medical appointments and surprises:
  • August 1 - annual cardiologist appointment - Dr. P was concerned about my Easter Sunday fainting episode. I've fainted previously (years apart - long-time readers probably remember this post), but since the episode in March occurred while I was seated, Dr. P ordered a 30-day heart monitor - my fourth or maybe even fifth in the last 10 years.
  • August 5 - UPS delivered heart monitor (part of which is shown in the photo), which I activated and began wearing.
  • August 9 - Dr. P's nurse left two messages for me to contact the office, a third message told me I had an appointment the following week to see Dr. P because he had seen "something" on my heart monitor reports. I can assure you that message got my heart pumping!
  • August 15 - Dr. P explained my heart rate was dropping too low (28 bpm) and a pacemaker was needed because it appeared that my heart's biological pacemaker was failing.
  • August 23 - Dr. N implanted a dual chamber pacemaker.
I am now moving to the beat of a different and more consistent drummer - minimal heart rate of 60 bpm. Everything is going well - left arm cannot be raised above my head for four weeks, and "big arm" movements and lifting anything over 10 - 15 pounds are out of the question; however, I can drive, knit, and walk - what more is there?

On a side note: A great smart phone App - Heart Rate - uses the phone's camera lens to record heart rate. Two Apps (one free and one for a minimal fee) are available: both record heart rate, the time it was recorded, and any notes or tags that you wish to add. I purchased the upgrade App because it allows me to email a report (an Excel file) to myself or to my doctor(s). The free App saves only the last five readings and doesn't have the email capability.

Comments

  1. Tracy BatchelderSeptember 3, 2013 at 6:48 AM

    I'm glad your doctor discovered the problem and fixed it before it caused any serious problems.

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  2. BonnieSeptember 3, 2013 at 7:56 AM

    You've been a busy gal! Let's hear it for modern technology. Ditto Wool Winder. Glad many things you like and need are still available. I'm assuming vacuuming is out for the time being. Yeah!

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  3. SissySeesSeptember 3, 2013 at 8:33 AM

    Oh neat! I'm intrigued by the apps, but mostly, I'm glad you can knit, drive and walk!

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  4. GraceSeptember 3, 2013 at 9:48 AM

    so happy you were helped quickly and are in good spirits, will keep your continued good health in my prayers!

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  5. KristiSeptember 3, 2013 at 9:48 AM

    28 beats per minute?! Wow, I'm so glad that the doctor caught that! I hope that your recovery goes smoothly and that you are comfortable.

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  6. kathy bSeptember 3, 2013 at 10:09 AM

    oh my gosh Nancy! you are so loved.. I am so glad you have a pace maker to keep those beats up. Dont worry the swap package is under 13 oz which is why it was very inexpensive to mail!!!
    Keeping you in my prayers as well.

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  7. kathy bSeptember 3, 2013 at 10:10 AM

    i looked back, you Even POSTED on that day! I think that's GREAT

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  8. UnknownSeptember 3, 2013 at 10:41 AM

    Moving to the beat of a different drummer...and doing well...Yea!!!!!!

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  9. Judy S.September 3, 2013 at 12:04 PM

    Glad to hear you are on the mend! Sending lots of hugs and good thoughts your way........

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  10. AnonymousSeptember 3, 2013 at 2:12 PM

    Isn't technology amazing!!! Glad you are on the mend.

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  11. BevSeptember 3, 2013 at 3:09 PM

    So happy you are doing well!!

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  12. KatherineSeptember 3, 2013 at 3:38 PM

    Nancy, I had no idea this was going on!! You would definitely have been in my thoughts and prayers, and will be now that I know. I have friends who are doing extremely well years after having pacemakers installed and our daughter has had a pacemaker/ICD for 8 years. One friend said he had trouble sleeping for a few weeks because the sound of the pacemaker kept him awake. I'm so thankful they found the problem and you are on the road to a full recovery. Keep knitting and walking!!

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  13. fancystitchingSeptember 3, 2013 at 7:51 PM

    So glad you are on the mend! And now you can truly knit guilt-free without feeling the need to shove a vacuum cleaner around the house!!

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  14. Paula, the quilterSeptember 3, 2013 at 8:41 PM

    I am so glad your doctor was with it! And also glad that you are doing better. Your fingers can fly with needles now, so let's see some knitted items, 'k?

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  15. BeckySeptember 3, 2013 at 8:49 PM

    Glad that this was caught before anything major happened. We'd like to keep you around for a long time. Don't like to vacuum much myself. :)

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  16. gMarieSeptember 3, 2013 at 9:43 PM

    So glad that everything worked out okay. You can probably sew - or does that raise your arm too high? Glad you can knit - good distraction. g

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  17. Far Side of FiftySeptember 3, 2013 at 10:15 PM

    Good to hear you are on the mend, isn't it wonderful what they can do nowadays! Sounds like your Doctor is taking good care of you! :)

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  18. Ranch WifeOctober 3, 2013 at 1:42 PM

    Well, I have certainly been living under a rock. I'm just now catching up with you. I'm so happy to hear that your doctor was on his toes and that through the wonders of technology you are back in the saddle. I hope you are doing well.

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