Most Recent Messages in Surgery & Recovery

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crt and av node ablation

Just curious I'm soon to have a crt device implant along with an av node ablation operation. I have questions does it work well for you. Can you tell something else is beating for the heart. Does it take awhile to get used to. How long is surgery and recovery. Will I be eligible for heart transplant list after implant. Thanks can't find anyone with this device to talk to.

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Bummed

I am wondering if others have had a feeling of being bummed after having to have a pacemaker placed. I am only 42 and all the sudden I had to have a Pacemaker put in.

I am finding myself having a problem dealing with it. I don't sit well anyway and I am sure that is part of it. I also know that finding out I am not invincible is hard too. I lead a very active, busy life and I don't want this to slow me down.

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Submuscular/Pectoral Recovery

Hi,

I'm 43 and I will be having my 5th pacemaker put in since I was 25 this Friday. Super fun with a premature batter replacement, pacemaker pocket infection, lead extraction and move to the right side submuscular and one good ol' regular generator replacement in 2006.

I am trying to remember what the recovery was like in 2006 so I can plan my work schedule. I seem to remember it was very painful and I couldn't lift my arm for some time.

If anyone has had thi...

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Breast bruising after surgery

It's been 5 days since I had my PM implanted...recovery has been painful and slow. Reacted to pain medication in hospital so pain management has been limited.
I was surprised by the amount of bad brusing to my left breast.

Is this common for women after pm implantation.

Thanks.

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exercise after PM implantation

I got my pacemaker 11 days ago. What did the rest of you do for exercise after you got yours and how soon after the surgery did you do it? I just had a weird phone call from the cardiologist's nurse, repeating stuff I already knew, and I mentioned that I was going to walk on a treadmill but hadn't done it yet. She said maybe I shouldn't because what if I fell on it, and grabbed onto something, thereby reaching my left arm up higher than I should. I said, but if I walked on a sidewalk and I fell,...

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really bad shoulder and sore

Woke up feeling a aking shoulder and pacermaker herting around it had it in for over a year now can this be normal . it is sore has anyone else experienced this ?

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New to the forum surgery ?

Hello, I am new here. I have a Medtronic PM (my second one). I may need back surgery someday for a condition. Does anyone know how this would work with a PM? I am wondering if they would use a cat scan in this case to avoid an MRI? Anyon....thanks...Bill

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weak and tired

I had my pacemaker aken out last Thursday to see how I do without it after having it for 8 years and I have been fatique and weak since, why?

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Hopefully a new beginning

Friday is a big day! I get a 3year loop monitor. It's been a long bumpy road since being diagnosed with SSS. I recently had some episodes and one of these I wrecked my car. Not bad thank goodness but did give "The Jolly Roger" a messed up passenger mirror. When we got to hospital of course the tricky SSS decided not to show it's ugly head. I was kept over night in the cardiac unit to monitor but no episodes showed up. At least this way they will get to see what I feel.

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How long??!!!!!!

I just had a pacemaker implanted 3 days ago so I'm new to this club..am an active 70 yr old...my heart is strong, no cholesterol problems..only had low heartrate....starting to feel like my life will never return to normal!!!....tired, incision still hurts, feelings of rapid heart beats with pounding chest etc...am I expecting too much too quick??... Don't see device person for 5 days... Thanks!

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bandage removal

I received a Medtronic dual pacemaker last Thursday. All went well and they said the pacemaker is working perfectly. It's keeping my heartbeat at a minimum of 60. Instructions said to remove the bandage today. I removed it and underneath I found what looks kind of like black fabric tape, which seems to be a little loose and wants to come off. I'm going to call tomorrow to ask them about this, but did others find the same thing? It seems as if it would be logical to put another piece of gauze ove...

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Defribilator question op this week

Hi I Am a 30 year old female having a defribilator inputted this week. I have been given the option of having it inserted in my chest or under my arm. Am struggling with the decision as have been told under the arm can be quite painful. Would really appreciate advice if anyone has any experiences to share. Thanks so much Simone

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New pm

I finally had my pm fitted yesterday and apart from being in a fair bit of pain I feel ok.
Just one question though, since I got home today I've felt my pm pace a few times and I just wondered if it was normal.
The great thing about it is I don't feel dizzy or sick and after years of those symptoms it's going to take a bit of getting used to!

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GREAT/Bad News Today

Hello there, I'm Liz. I'm trying to decide where to begin, I'm sure not everyone is interested in my long(Though short) complicated medical history. If you only read the first few sentences of this post, here's what I'd love to know from you.

Your top tips for pacemaker surgery: Anything special to bring along, anything to be careful of, any funny stories ;)

Your top tips for pacemaker recovery: What helped your pain the most, how long was your recovery, when could you ge...

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Pacemaker needs to be moved under muscle

Hi guys I know it's been awhile! Hope everyone is doing good and enjoying the summer! I had my checkup last week and I have been having a lot of pain in my arm and shoulder. I will have my pacemaker for two years this August! For the last couple of months it seems to be moving like crazy. It sometimes even goes near my armpit where my arm can't close without causing so much pain. My doctor wants to go in and move the pacemaker under the muscle.. He is planning on doing on August 20th. In t...

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What's Normal Movement and recovery?

I'm a little over 3 weeks in and am afraid to move my arm or do things "the wrong way". I was told not to reach across my body too far--movement that would be like putting on deodorant under the opposite arm. When I try to put on deodorant, my shoulder and PM site feels tight and I get some pains. Does anyone know if you can do this, bend over, how far you can reach out or across or if you can put a little pressure on the arm (like to lift out of a chair)? Also, when is it OK to sleep or lay on...

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Still Feeling Dizzy

Hi: I go for my 2 week check-up tomorrow. I still get dizzy at times. I do not feel the extreme weakness that I had before the Pacemaker, but I get an occasional pain in the middle of my chest. Does anyone else get that pain?
I know I have to adjust to this new way of life, but I am concerned I may have blockages in the arteries also.

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Tight feeling

I am 2weeks post op and incision looks good. I feel a tightness that extends a little toward my neck. Anyone else have this during recovery?

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Sometimes not feeling good

Single chamber Medtronic Pacemaker recipient for almost 7 months now due to 3.14 sec pause and low heart of 33 bpm while sleeping. Sometimes after a little work, feeling exhausted or tired and uneasy or feeling nervous.But, most of the time I'm ok and good.Am I still in a healing period or I'm a little bit depressed?Or a little adjustment or tweaking. My low setpoint is 50 bpm. Very much appreciated any comments and thanks in advance.

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Sub Pectorial or is it?

Hi Everyone

A week plus one day since PM implant and thank goodness everything is going well. When discussing the procedure I was fairly insistent with my Cardiologist that I wanted a sub pectorial implant, he was extremely reluctant but finally agreed to my wishes. I have now just had the stitches removed and I am concerned that the implant may not have been sub pectorial afterall. From a distance, its fair to see that there is no noticeable evidence of the PM (apart from the scar th...

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You know you're wired when...

You trust technology more than your heart.

Member Quotes

I am just grateful to God that I lived long enough to have my ICD put in. So many people are not as lucky as us; even though we sometimes don't feel lucky.