Pacemakers, how are finding yours?

I can’t have an induction hob due to my kitchen being very small and my consultant advised against having one. My pacemaker cured the problem but I now need further surgery. Also insist on having a pacemaker that is MRI compatible.

My sons both have pacemakers- one is a second one and unfortunately used "old wiring" which means it's not MRI safe. The new ones are MRI safe I understand but his old wires are a different make so they don't risk MRIs.

One son has an induction hob. His consultant said jokingly "I suggest you don't sleep on it".

Both sons have had no problems. The one in America has his checked remotely through his computer and can log into his stats online.

DH has had one since 2012 and they are a brilliant piece of kit. He forgets most if the time he has one which apparently is kick starting his heart approx. 15% of the time. He is totally unaware of this happening.

I expect you will get a much more up to date all singing all dancing job than he has.

As for energy levels - can’t say I’ve noticed any difference 😄😄😄

Oh! And induction? - no problem

I had one fitted ten weeks ago, completely out of the blue.I had been shopping in the afternoon and had a couple of "episodes " on the bus.Rang the surgery and answered a few questions re any face droop and raising arms etc.
Eight hours later ( 1.30 am ) I was having an emergency pacemaker fitted and ended up in Coronary Care .Three days later a double pacemaker was fitted and I've had no problem since,apart from not being able to wear a bra for the first month or so.

I haven't as much energy but I'm 80 now and a long-term diabetic .It is still early days so am hoping for further improvements.

One thing that did amuse me while I was in Resus,was the IV drug that also contained glucose.When I commented that it would raise my blood sugar,the Doctor said " __ the blood sugar ,lets sort the heart"

I have had my Pacemaker for 18 years - no problems. Two battery changes - 1 after 6 years, second after a further 11 years, as time has passed battery life has improved considerably.
Remote monitoring is good "Merlin" registers any problems to the hospital, but to date there have been none.
Induction hob on the advice of consultant "do not use". Also applies to chain saws! (I am a keen gardener).
Totally unaware of pacemaker being in my body.

If you wear a bra make sure they mark where your straps go..my mother in law had one and they put it where her bra strap went and she could wear a bra as the strap put pressure on the pacemaker and hurt her. But she just wore a vest . She was in her 80's and didn't go anywhere where anyone would notice.

I don’t really know anything about having a pace maker except that my son in law’s father had one fitted and has been super since. Hope it all goes well when the operation dates arrives and you’ll soon get back to your regular horse riding.

A relative had a pacemaker fitted and was told not to use one of those revitive foot pad things for some reason.

I’ve had three pacemakers. I am 77.
As a walker I have reaped great benefits…I can walk up hills ,and go further than I used to. I don’t ride anymore and I wonder how air vests would impact on it. You will need to check that out.
I found it difficult for the first year as I couldn’t sleep on my side without it digging in,but that was the only drawback.Now,I hardly notice it.
I wish you well.

I had one fitted in 2017 and i also have a mitral valve which i have had since 1997. The pacemaker is a St Jude which makes me smile (he was a saint to help the helpless). I forget i have it except now i hear it could habe a new battery. I guess i will contact the cardiologist about it. Good luck! The technology we have these days is smazing.

I have a Pacemaker and I'm a Cardiac Physiologist who's still working a couple of days a week in the Pacemaker/Devices Clinic.
We only get our planned implants in for half a day your normally fine to go home a couple of hours after implant.
Most Pacemakers now last between 10 - 15 years. All new implications are all MRI compatible.
After 6 weeks you are free to play Golf /Tennis etc as the wires will be stable and the wound should be completely healed up.
We do not routinely see patients it's all done by Home Monitoring or even via your Smart phone (depends on manufacturer) HM is done /transmitted via the Mobile Phone network.
We just report and phone you for your 6 week check, but if you have either a Implantable Defib or a BiVentricular Device we see you once a year, with every 6 months a Download on your home monitor.
Home Monitoring is amazing if anything goes off kilter it's patched to us as an Alert so we can check if you need a change of meds we will sort via your GP.
From personal experience, I have not had any problems, I agree I did have a Bra that irritated me but all ok now.
You just need to let your Dental Hygienist know as they have to ensure they keep about 6 inches away with Ultrasonic kit, just move your head back more.
Induction Hobs, don't lean over them.
Basically no Magnetic field close /on top of the Pacemaker, Hairdressers sometimes use a magnetic collar when cutting hair.
And don't loose your registration card, you need at Airport etc or please don't take up Arc welding!!

You will be fine, just ask the Pacing Team any problems, trust me we know the answers.

Visgirl Thanks so much for this, it's really helpful. I'm pleased that I won't have to get a new hob, I really like my induction one. My doctor daughter rang me yesterday, she's an anaesthetist so knows nothing about pacemakers but she made me laugh. She said that she hoped the hospital realised that I was not a normal 75 year old, I think she was worried that the pacemaker would limit my ability to ride etc. I'm hoping that I will have at least the same amount of energy if not more once it's fitted.

Thanks also to everyone who has replied, it's always good to get some reassurance.

What a helpful thread as I had one fitted very recently and never knew what to avoid apart from airport walk through scanners.. Will ask for info at six week check up. Why don't they provide a booklet on it. Have a home monitor but I can't access the info. Need to ask whether I can

I’m on my fourth pacemaker. First one when I was about 40, newest one last year, and I am now 71.
Started with AF, but other stuff has happened and now I’m in level 3 heart failure, take a bucket full of drugs daily.
The pacemaker should give you confidence that all is well. It’s there to protect you, your very own guardian angel buried in your chest. Celebrate how lucky we all are to have one at all, trust it, and live a better life with it.
I wish you all the best as you move forward with it 😃😜

Thank you Janiepops for your kind words . I will be glad when its all healed and I can sleep on that side again.

Thank you Visgirl very useful information. As of last week I too have joined the pacemaker club.