Most Recent Messages in Surgery & Recovery

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Post heart transplant

I had a Medtronic ICD while I had an LVAD while I was on the transplant list. The ICD gave me alot of shoulder pain and now I have recieved my transplant 11 months ago and they removed the ICD I have severe shoulder and arm pain still after Excersise and be patient to return to a bareable pain. now it is progressed into dibilatating cramps at times. I spent 2 days in the hospital and all they could tell me that I was dehydrated. they ran MRI and ECG tests to ensure nothing was going on there....

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Comfortable bra

Hi, I just stumbled upon this site when searching for the best bra to buy post pacemaker.  I had an emergency pacemaker implanted three days ago and the implant site is of course very sore.  I wear a 38D bra and can't go around without one for much longer and wanted to know if anyone has any advice on what specific bra has been comfortable for them.  

On a side note, altough I feel fine, normal and simply sore from the procedure and the way I have to sleep r...

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New Pacemaker

Hi!  Newbie here.  Received my pacemaker on Friday.  Where can I learn about what it feels like?  Early I felt an odd pain and wondered if that is normal.  It was a little jolt.  When I left the hospital no one told me how it would feel.  Any insight is appreciated.

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Incision site

7 weeks post dual lead implementation for 3rd degree heart block / bradycardia. 
 

scar healing nicely had 6 week check last Monday. Estimated battery life 14yrs. 
 

last few days pain when moving around incision site  like stabbing pains  feeling very tired  am I right in thinking nerve regeneration? And this can last up to a year ?

 

am new to this and think am scared of doing any damage. Have gained over 8lbs in weig...

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Medicine before icd surgery

my file says no med holds before surgery but I’m taking aspirin which I stopped 1 wk ago but forgot about the multivitamin still taking - problem? Kind of irritated that I’m having to look this up and remember from my bypass

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Visible Pacemaker

I had a complete pacer/lead extraction on 12/20/19. My pacemaker was relocated from under my arm to my chest. I am a small person (5 ft 6, maybe 120lbs) so while the scar is not bad it feels like the pacer is very obviously placed on my chest and I can feel it if I touch it. 

It is placed under the muscle so it is still sore and I am not sure if it would still be swollen at this point or if, due to my size, you'll just always be able to see my pacer. 

Is there any ex...

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Conventional dual chamber pacemaker V closed loop stimulation

Hello everybody,  I have had a conventional dual chamber Boston pacemaker for 14 years and am due a change, I have been listed for a Biotronik closed loop stimulation pacemaker, if anybody would like to share their experiences of CLS it would be appreciated, I have read some things online but there is no doubt lots I still don't know, I'm just used to a low setting (of 50) for bradycardia but it sounds like there is an upper limit too? I exercise regularly, weights...

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Sicd surgery

I had a cardiac arrest in June woke up 3 weeks later in hospital.  Stayed another 5 weeks in icu and therapy, came home aug 23. Scheduled bypass for mid oct to fix 2 100% blockages but heart not coming back to full power so sicd placement scheduled.  I am very fearful of the surgery - I know it’s not a huge deal compared to Cabg but see,s like I am waiting for something to go wrong.  How is the icd surgery-should I be worried?

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Getting a PM next week

Hello.

I found out yesterday that I will be getting a pace maker next week. Although I knew it was an option "down the road" it was still quite unexpected as my cardiologist kept saying I'm too young (50 this year). I know so little about what to expect. The information online just talks about after care and recovery time. My husband seems to think I can keep the bookings I have for 3 days later (I do make-up).

WHAT are the questions you wish you had asked BEFOR...

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New recipent

Hello, any information on  Azure S Dr MRI just had it inplanted Dec 20th 2019. What to expect having a pacemaker. Everything is new to me.

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Moved

8 weeks after a PM inserted it feels like one corner worked its way out of the pocket somehow. I can feel the whole corner. Are they insert to move around? Does anyone else have this?

Thanks as always

-joe 

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Newbie Here with Questions

Hello everyone! 

On 12/30 I received my first PM. It is a Biotronik dual chamber PM. I am 39 years old and was diagnosed with sick sinus syndrome. The odd part is that mine was only when I slept. I have pretty bad OSA as well. During the day I had no pauses or bradycardia, but when I slept I would pause up to 8 seconds and my HR would drop really low. After they adjusted the pressure for my sleep apnea the pauses reduced to 4 seconds and under but it would happen nightly. As for th...

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Replacement Pacemaker after 3 months

Has anyone had to have a replacement Pacemaker put in after only three months?  

I had mine out put in late Oct - Dual Chamber- I went and saw the doctor today and my EF rate is at 35% and now they are recommending I get a biventricular pacemaker put in.  

Pretty big bummer as I am getting back to doing everything normal.  Also a nurse mentioned during my first surgery back in Oct, right before the procedure I should consider getting a biventricular p...

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Conundrum

Facing belly surgery to repair an incisional hernia on 7 Jan.  Last week had a PM check & battery life now projected at less than a month to 20 months.  RN from pacer clinic says  "No Sweat, you still have 20 months."  Interesting note is that it went from 1 month to less than 1 month in a month.  Hmmmm!  That sounds like a 60 day drop in 30 days.  Today went to Coumadin clinic.  RN takes my pulse on an automatic device & it sa...

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Pressure dressing after pm implant

Hi, I am not finding a good website to show me how to apply pressure dressing to my daughter's pacemaker incision sight. She just had it implanted Friday, 12/20/2019. I applied the 4X4 gauze pads and used 3m foam tape that the hospital provided. I am just concerned that it is not puting enough pressure on the site. It is going across her chest. I cannot put it under her left armpit because she had an incision there, as well. So it goes from one shoulder to the other shoulder. Any suggesti...

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Recalls

Does anyone know if there has been any recalls on the metronic pacemaker that was inplanted in 2017.

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Under muscle?

Hello I'm 40 and enjoy hiking kayaking and have 4 young kids. Getting a pacemaker in 2weeks. Will under the skin suffice or does anyone suggest under the muscle? My EP doesn't do under the muscle so I have to be put out and a surgeon does it. Seems more risky. Kind of rather have my EP do it but not sure if under muscle is worth it or not. 

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Left arm pain

Hi, I had my ICD implanted since July 3, 2019. I feel really good but when I move my left arm in a sudden or certain way, it literally takes my breath away with pain. Has anyone else experienced this issue? Has the pain in your arm lasted longer than six months? I was told it could last up to a year. I use my arms like normal, but now and then, it is horrible. My doctor says I don't need physical therapy. Any response would be helpful!!!

cheryl

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sleep apnea after PM

Has the PM improved anyones sleep that had been diagnosed previously with sleep apnea? I had my PM implanted just 2 days ago. My sleep seems a little better but first night I was still in the hospital which I hear noboby sleeps well in a hospital.

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Pacemaker neck discomfort.

It's been 4 weeks and a day since my pm surgery. Im moving around a bit more and have a green light for normal activity on Thurs. Ive had a slightly stiff neck on pm side going from collarbone to just under the jawline near the lymph nodes. Not really pain but just a slight discomfort. I left a message for my ep and waiting for call back tomorrow. I have to admit I really babied my arm during the last 4 weeks. Any thoughts or advise would be appreciated. Thanks!

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You know you're wired when...

You play MP3 files on your pacer.

Member Quotes

I have had my pacer since 2005. At first it ruled my life. It took some time to calm down and make the mental adjustment. I had trouble sleeping and I worried a lot about pulling wires. Now I just live my life as I wish.