Most Recent Messages in Surgery & Recovery

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Hot tubs

I am having a my pacemaker changed next week and I was wondering how long I need to wait before I can use a hot tub. I planned a surprise vacation for my husband, and I paid more for a room with a balcolny and hot tub. I hope I didn't waste my money. Does anyone remember what their Dr's reccomendations were?

Thanks for you help!

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over

Well I finally got my pm yesterday!!! Im so glad its over. I dont really feel up to typing a long post so I just wanted to let you know I was okay and I will get back with everyone later. I am in alot more pain then I thought I would be but I had the av node ablation. Which prolly wouldnt be so bad. One the other hand im "blessed" up top so it pulls on the site!!! Thanks to everyone who has been there for me!! It means more then you will ever know!

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new pm

I'm getting my second pacemaker in a week. My doctors told me the battery is so low that they can't even run more tests on it because it would take too much voltage. For the past few weeks I've felt tired and lightheaded all of the time. I'm only 21 and that isn't normally the case. Could this have anything to do with the PM? How did y'all feel right before you needed a new one? Any thoughts would be great. Thanks!

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Still Itchy?

I am 7 months post-op and doing fine but for my incision still itches. Not constantly, but frequent enough to be bothersome. I've used the major scar creams and oils to help relieve the irritation, but they haven't helped. Have any of you been bothered with problem? Any home remedies out there that you've tried?

Thanks and best wishes for a healthy and happy New Year. Patsy

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Sex after implant

So Im 28. Just had a baby 6 weeks ago, just had a pm implanted 12-17-07. My OB will be releasing me to have sex tomorow, I really dont feel like calling my EP and asking if its safe to have sex. So let me have it. How long did you all wait? How should I limit myself?

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Pacemaker Problems or valve Problems

Hello my name is Doreen and I had surgery for a valve replacement on Sept 11 th and then I had to have a pacemaker put in a week later after the surgery . Has anyone had this happen to them ?? After the surgery and the heart rate was very low they told my family that I may need a pacemaker if my rate does not go up . So after a week they implanted it , I wasn't very happy having to go back in the operating room again to say the least , but I have not felt good , I thought after the surgery I...

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Hematoma following receiving new pacemaker

Hi-

I am new to the site - what a great resource! I just had my old pacemaker (implanted March 1st, 2007) removed and replaced with a new device in a new position. Since I am on Coumadin, and had to switch to Lovenox for the surgery, I developed a hemotoma at the surgical site, about the size of a half lemon. I was in the hospital a week instead of overnight, and iced the site 24/7 for that week. I have now received advice to begin hot compresses for 20 minutes 3 or 4 times a day...

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28 with a pacer

HI Im 28 and just had my pacer installed 12-17-07. Merry Christmas to me =) IST for 3 years then all of a sudden Brady with a missing P wave so they slapped one in. No other heart issues or conditions that run in the family. I wasnt born with any defect and I dont have any heart disease or structural issues. I have two kids at home. A 2 year old and a 4 week old. I have been told I cant pick my 4 week old up or even support her wieght for at least 4 weeks. How restrictive do I really have to be?...

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Pulling a lead

I was just wondering how easy it was to pull a lead. I was about a week and a half after surgery and i tripped over the dog. I was wondering if it was possible that I pulled a lead out. I got back for a check up but im worried what the dr is going to say.........Any one got anytips?

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PM revision 26th Nov

Hi all, Monday I had my PM changed for a new one, with one new lead also being added (the lower chamber lead) The old lead was left in situ as the Doc said because it had been there for 11 years the risk of damage to the heart was to great it was best to leave it.
Whilst the Operation wasn't the nicest of experiences ( the sedative given via the drip didn't seem to have any effect at all ) Any pain or discomfort felt was bearable. Since having it done I feel 100% better, in fact the moment...

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It's done!!!

Hi Everyone,

Well, the deed has been done. I got home about 4 hours ago, and am now the proud owner of a St Jude Medical 5826 PM, with an IsoFlex S 1645K Atrial lead and a St Jude 1688TC ventricular lead. I have no idea what any of the numbers etc actually mean, but apart from a very achey left arm, I feel great - Yey!!!

Valerie, can I add my new arrival to the PM birthday please? He/she hasn't got a name yet, but as he/she was 'born' today it makes them a 'Sagittauirus' ;...

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defibulator implant

Hello, I had a defibulator implanted under my breast on October 5th. It was a one night stay and the surgeon told me it would take longer than in surgery than if I put it in the usual place, but that's ALL he told me. It's now been almost 8 weeks, my breast is swollen and there are sharp pains. Has anyone else had a defibulator placed as I have, and if so, how long will this pain go on? I'm about to say take the darn thing out...

Many thanks for a response.

Kate

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The time has (almost) arrived

Hi Everyone,

As a regular 'pre PM op' visitor here for the past couple of months, thought I'd let you know that I'm about to become a fully battery operated member. My cardio called this afternoon and they have a cancellation next Monday (26th Nov) so I'll be having my first PM impant.

I'm a little nervous, but thanks to all you wonderful people here (extra shout out to Allan and Lotti) for sharing your stories, tips and experiences, I'm not half as nervous and terrified a...

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My Shoulders Hurt!

Hi Everyone, my name is Jen and I'm from Scotland. I got my pacemaker just there on Friday 09th November because I've had neurocardiogenic syncope for at least 8 years and none of the meds have worked. I had the pacemaker checked on Monday and the technician said that it's been activated 15 times in 3 days which is a lot apparently. My problem just now is that although the scar hurts sometimes my left shoulder is absolute agony all the time. The pacemaker is right under the collar bone and no ma...

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Looking good!

Hello fellow PM folks!
I'm in my 4th day of recovery to revise PM. Surgery went very well on Nov. 8th! I no longer have a wire protruding out, nor skin paper thin! The surgeon relocated underneath my muscle just below my collar bone and you can't even tell I have a PM, with the exception of the incision! It's night and day! I am very excited and thankful! They used Durabond (like superglue) to close the incision and tell me that it'll take about 5-10 days to wear off. Having it unde...

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Heart spasm after peacemaker replacement...?:(

Hello everyone!
I had my pacemaker replaced on Oct-30-07. It was upgraded from a dual to a Biventricular Pacemakers by Guidant. And I am not doing well at all. Right after the replacement I started getting chest pains. It is not only a pain but I feel tightness and pressure in my chest and in my trough at the same time. At first I thought that probably the settings just needs to be adjusted at that new pacer. After calling that electrophysiologyst who did that surgery I was told that my new...

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Help!!4 months after Pacemaker

I got a pacemaker installed about 4 months ago - recently I have been feeling some problems - I feel shortness of breath and my pulse rate is fast and I feel like my pacemaker is fluttering
I am currently visiting the US and will return to my home country in 3 weeks
Anyone else face similar problems - is this normal

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new member

Hi I am william just had cardioverter defibrilator change 10/26/07 after having my devise for 4& half years. Have 9 year devise now 37 years old new member am doing great just hate they had to recut and put another devise in but I thank GOD for it to keep on living. email is wmcroy09998@tampabay.rr.com

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Surgery to relocate PM

Hello fellow PM folks! Hope everyone is well!

In June 1999 rec'd my first PM. In July 1999 had PM relocated as it was hitting my collar bone! Ick!. On April 3rd, 2007, 8 years later, not bad... I had a new Medtronic PM/Battery put in, however, the location isn't too good on this PM and a wire is protruding out with that skin being very thin! Yikes! On Nov. 8th, Thursday I am going in to have my PM relocated under my muscle. All sorts of feelings as one prepares for the out-patie...

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Moving the PM

Well, I met with my Cardiovascular & Thoracic surgeon on 11/2 and he too agrees my PM should be repositioned. I have a wire protruding out, not out of the skin, however, the skin there is extremely thin and very uncomfortable. I had my battery changed in 4/07 and haven't been comfortable since.

The surgeon said he would place under my muscle, although I am very small framed...has anybody had their PM put under the muscle? What is the recovery time? It seems like it would be long...

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You are always wired and full of energy.

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We are very lucky to have these devices.