Most Recent Messages in Surgery & Recovery

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CRT device in the abdominal area, is it really that bad of an idea?

History: CHB, 100 percent pacer dependent, current device is Medtronic dual chamber atrial sensed.  New diagnosis of paroxysms of SVT and other arrhythmias, EF somewhere between 35-40 percent, moderate to sever mitral regurgitation, bioprosthetic tricuspid.

Upcoming surgeries procedures: Mitral valve repair or replace (repeat sternocotomy), addition of left ventricular lead and swapping out the current device for crt device, ablation after for SVT and arrhythmias.

So I have r...

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upper lead replacement

I have been told that my upper lead is not working and needs to be replaced.Anybody have any info on this type of procedure.I am 69 and nervious about the idea.

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Moving position of pacemaker

Hi there!

I've had a pacemaker almost all my life and it's always been submammary. 

I'm due for a battery change soon and have been chatting to my surgeon about changing the position of it. Reason being is I'm thinking about what the surgery and recovery will be like the next time it's changed over (maybe in 10 years time) when I'm a bit older and maybe not as fit as I am now.

Has anyone moved their PM from submammary/sub...

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NEW GUY ON THE BLOCK

A HEALTHY HELLO TO ALL MY FELLOW PACEMAKER RECIPIENTS. i HAVE RECENTLY  PASTED THE FOURTEEN MONTH MARK SINCE MY PACEMAKER IMPLANT. i ORGINALLY WENT FOR MY REGULAR SCHEDULED  APPOINTMENT AT THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION, I HAD BEEN HAVE DIFFICULTY WITH SHORTNESS OF BREATH THAT WAS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. ON THE PRE-CHECK WITH THE NURSE A HEART BEAT OF 30BPM WAS DETECTED. i WAS IMMEDIATELY TAKEN TO EMERGENCY AND THEN TO GEISINGER HOSPITAL FOR SURGERY THE FOLLOWING MORNING...

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Electrophysiologist is a jerk who gave no information

Please research your electrophysiologist before your implantation surgery. I did not - just went with available doctor - due to COVID concerns. His implantation job has my PM jutting deeply into my armpit - plus had lead dislodgment reimplantation surgery a month after my first PM put in August. Then he yelled at me and shook his fist in my face in front of hub when I questioned him. Urrrggggh. Angry.

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Swelling and pain

Hi 

4 weeks post generator change I have swelling to left just above armpit swells more as day goes on and pain in armpit going up into neck I still have 1 stitch in that hasn't dissolved 

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Some swelljngy

Hello!   My pacemaker was inserted six days a ago.

So, muscle in left side of chest was cut to insert it.

i do have some bruising and swelling at that site.  I am assuming that would be natural, as inserted just six days ago into muscle.

Thank you,

 Steelerbabe

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Aching arm and pins and needles

Is it normal to have an aching/tingly left arm, 3 weeks post box change? I don't remember this after the initial PM implant surgery (7 years ago). I have been getting pins and needles.

Thanks in advance.

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Pacemaker box change advice

Hi all

I had a pacemaker box change just over 3 weeks ago (my first box change). It is a different device and one I can monitor at home. I have just taken off the remainder of the steri strips and the box seems more prominent than before. Is this because of swelling or have others noticed this after a box change? Feeling a bit sad as the last one was hardly noticeable (other than the scar).

Many thanks

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Appetite

I had my bi-ventricular defibrillator implanted Sept 8th and thus far my recovery has been easy.  I've learned a lot from many of your posts and experiences. The one thing I've yet to see is, did the implant surgery impact your appetite?  I've been so hungry afterwards almost to the point that I don't ever feel full. I'm eating the same amounts that I did pre-surgery but I just don't feel full. I do eat gluten free but pre-surgery I would feel my hunger...

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Arm Pain

Hope this the right place for this. Had PM placed approx 2 weeks ago, initial diagnosis was heart block, have had afib for a few years with no symptoms, saw nurse and tech yesterday for the first time they both said everything was good, after i got home started have pain on the inside of my left bicep and forearm, and some on top of left shoulder, pain hard to explain, not in the muscle seems to be on the lining of the muscles, was hoping someone had experienced some thing similar, thank...

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Slow recovery

Hi everyone

 

i am a new member but have actually had a pacemaker since the age of 10 and I am now 47.  Three weeks ago i had a routine battery replacement (it had been 12.5 years since my last one).  The surgeon had real trouble getting my pacemaker out, apparently between scar tissue and cartilage growing around the unit they essentially had to cut it out, and create a whole new 'pocket' rather than using the existing one.  I am improving and my wound...

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Discomfort

Hello, Everyone My Name Is Suki I'm 49 And I Received My Pacemaker Wich I Named "Grace" On July 27th 2020, On My Last Check Up My Dr, Said I Healed Quick And My Incision Looks Amazing, But I Still Feel Discomfort On The Incision It's Self Is That Normal?

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Palpitations

Hi there, I had a CRT-D inserted 2 weeks ago. Post Op has been smooth until yesterday when I started feeling dizzy and had slight chest pain, with some crazy palpitations. Has just happened again in the last hour. Can anyone give me an idea if this is normal. My BP is low, usually around 90/70 but during these spells rises to around 130/85. Would really love some input, feeling very alone and anxious. 

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Newbie

Hello!! I am scheduled for a pacemaker on Thursday! I am 51. I have been trying to get in shape for several years-finally found out why I was failing at any strenuous exercise( sweaty and felt horrible pounding in chest/neck). According to my stress test, my heart rate did not get above 50...I am very nervous, but hopeful. I was hoping for some tips on post op sleeping, pain relief, etc! Also, will the pacemaker help the pounding feeling? Thank you all so much in advance!!

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Palpitations

I had my pacemaker done on Tuesday August 11.  I know it is very soon to be expecting to feel better, but, I thought I would not had the palpitations anymore. I feel my heart beat in my throat constantly. When I go for my first check up, will they adjust my pacemaker?  How is this done?  

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20 days post implant

Its been 20 days since surgery and it's omewhat achy at site and the left shoulder area. 

Bandage is still intact with only minor swelling and no redness. I'm having some trouble getting comfortable at night and it's taking some time to fall asleep.

Trying not to freak out but i would  have thought I would be further along with the healing process. I will be calling the nurse tomorrow as back up, but I thought I should speak to the experts here...

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Arm Pain

Hello members. Had pacemaker implanted June 22. Wondering how long it usually takes to have complete use of arm on implant side and be pain free. I still experience pain when raising arm above shoulder.

Thank you

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Incision

I had pacemaker surgery 3 1/2 weeks ago & I was stitched inside then steri strips & glue on the outside, they just came off, on one side it looks like it is way too open, the rest still has glue, should I put antiseptic on & keep it covered, since it's Saturday & I can't reach the Dr until Monday.

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Diet

My husband recently has had a CRT-D implanted 2 days ago. He is aged 38 and is a bit of a foodie. Just wanted to ask about the dietary restrictions/requirements post the device implantation. Thanks! 

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You know you're wired when...

Your kids call you Cyborg.

Member Quotes

Yesterday I moved to a new place in my mind and realized how bad I felt 'before' and the difference my pacemaker has made.