Newbie

Just wanted to say hi to everyone, and I'm getting my pacemaker on 4-23-09 and I'm really nervous any tips?

9 Comments

Be ready

by ShadowWeaver - 2009-04-17 02:04:16

For me, the surgery didn't really hurt much. Actually, it didn't hurt at all so be ready for it to feel different then you might expect otherwise. I say this because it can be easy to think you can do something that you find you can't if you don't feel pain from the surgery. Also, for a few weeks, the doctor will not want you to raise the arm on the side of the pacemaker above your shoulder so as not to accidentally pull the leads out. However, make sure to still move your shoulder so as not to get the dreaded frozen shoulder. All in all, the procedure isn't bad. Very little if any pain, doesn't take long, normally they will keep you overnight for observation, but not always. Oh, and with me, I went into a-fib off and on for a few days after the implant, so don't be alarmed if you do. Just make sure to communicate with your doctor if it gets to bothersome.

Then.....Prepare to feel better!! :) Most people feel a lot more energy after the implant. I haven't gotten the energy boost yet (man am I waiting for that one lol) but my chest doesn't hurt nearly like it use to and my heart doesn't skip beats anymore which feels wonderful.

I just got my pacer two weeks ago, so am still new here myself. I hope this information helps you and answers your question a bit. Feel free to ask any questions you have here or to just vent a little (it is normal to feel some depression afterwards as well). We have all been through it and I have found those on here wonderful as I am going through this process.

Take care and good luck.
Michael

please don't worry

by searchingwoman - 2009-04-17 04:04:28

Please don't worry! I had my 3rd pacemaker put in on 12/08. I was only 36 when I got my first one. I am a real worrier too! Really all three of my surgeries went well. You will be given something to relax you. Trust me, the surgery will be over before you know it.

I think of my pacemaker as my "own little angel" who is with me all of the time.

I'll keep you in my prayers on that day. You will feel so much relief after the surgery and wonder why you ever worried.

Donna

Dont worry

by walkerd - 2009-04-17 05:04:06

Dont know why you have to have one and it really doesnt matter since you need it and hopefully they wouldnt be putting in if you didnt, lol,. I had mine installed back in Sept 08, surgery is pretty easy, except when i had mine i had to wait over an hour in the operateing room because the hospital and doctor had different times, I wondered why they wanted me there so early but hey who am i to question hahaha. I and i assume you will stay over nite for monitoring i think that is normal, do what the doctor says ie" dont raise arm above head that is so that the leads get imbedded in vien and heart so you dont rip them out, dont lift anything to heavy you can lift normal stuff i was told not to lift anything over the wieght of a gallon of milk for a few weeks, and watch your insicion for redness, sepage, and swelling. Keep track of how you feel and when, dizzy,lightheaded,any pains, and what you where doing, walking ect. write it down on a note pad or You will forget to ask or tell doctor if you are like me and really dont like to go to doc so mind automatically goes into the mode of forget info and ull get out sooner lol, and all it may take is a little adjustment to the ole pm which is nothing either. It may take a few adjustments to your pm to make you feel better so dont get discourged, the important thing is to let your doctor whom you see for pm what and when it goes on most of the time the adjustments will work. Smile and dont worry it will be over before you know it, the worst is before hand waiting waiting. Stay on puter or anything else to take your mind off of presurgery worries,occupy your mind.

dave

No worries!

by pezzypooh - 2009-04-17 12:04:20

I just had my PM installed four days ago and have been amazed at how I have felt. I have some pain, but mostly uncomfortable - like muscle pain from the pocket where they put the PM. But, like I said, doing well. I've been taking advantage of being off work, resting and doing a few things around the house - don't do too much!!! Listen to what the doctors say - truly do not lift or raise your arm too much - you won't be able to comfortably anyways!

Surgery was really easy...surprisingly so. My two nurses just talked to me the whole time they prepped me, and then draped me...and gave me some good sedatives, but I was awake the whole time and even talking to the doctor while she was doing the procedure. I didn't feel anything but pressure after I was numbed up, and it was over before I knew it. I was more aware than I was when I had a colonoscopy, if that tells you anything! All in all, it was not a horrible experience at all.

My main advice - rest in the hospital and definitely use an ice pack on your shoulder and incision. I have no outward swelling and very little under the skin where the pocket is. The ice pack was my best friend, and continued to use it when I got home!!! Ask your nurse to give you an ice bag to use when you get home - they should oblige!

Good luck, and you will be fine!

Oh yeah, that wonderful ice!

by bambi - 2009-04-17 12:04:38

Pezzypooh mentioned the ice packs. These are better than any pain medication they give you! I had an ice pack on my incision for three days and managed the throbbing with Advil. Take home the ice packs they give you in the hospital. They are convenient and disposable.Don't worry, this is not a bad surgery! Good luck!
Bambi

Worth It

by trish525 - 2009-04-18 09:04:41

The surgery was pretty easy and the recovery is taking some time. I am almost 6 weeks post op. What is most amazing is how you will feel about 2 weeks after. I didn't realize how bad I was feeling until I started to feel so good.

Be ready for the emotional part. It is an adjustment. Don't hesitate to check back here even if you don't post another question or make a comment. Just reading what all these people write will help you know that anything you are feeling is normal.

Thanks everyone for your support. I have learned to appreciate my pm.

Trish

Thank You!!

by Nikki_Skinner - 2009-04-18 11:04:00

I want to thank You all for your kind words!!! I forgot to tell why I need one :) I've been on a heart monitor for the last month and my heart rate keeps dropping down to 35 and I've had 5-10 second pauses, mostly when I sleep and I've fainted once.
The switched my operation to this Monday, and I guess they are knocking me all the way out for it. Once of the nurses from the hospital called me on Friday and said most likely I'll be home the same day. I'm crossing my fingers for that LOL!
Once again thank you for the advice!!

Much easier than I thought

by Brendakt54 - 2009-04-18 12:04:09

Hi, I am 54 and had a PM (CRTD) a week ago yesterday. I was extremely apprehensive before going in but I was pleasantly surprised. My biggest complaint was it was too cold in the OR but they gave me warm blankets.
I did not stay overnight. They did not give me an ice bag or suggest I use one.

No pain afterwards. I think I took an Advil once.

I have been waking up on my stomach for 3 nights now. I hope I haven't pulled any leads out. I can't help what I do in my sleep.

Also, my surgeon did not want me to use a sling, as some do, and said I could shower in one week and no restrictions on driving.

It really, really went so much better than I thought it would. You'll be in my prayers.

Keep in touch. I just joined this club and the people here are angels that walk among us :-) The support is fabulous!

Take care....don't worry,

Brenda

GET A 3RD OPINION

by ABNORMAL - 2009-04-19 12:04:12

HI IM ABNORMAL I WENT TO THE BODY SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I NEEDED A PACEMAKER IWAS JUST A LITTLE DIZZY OR SHOULD I SAY LIGHTHEADED I THOUGHT IT WAS STRESS I WORK FOR TIME WARNER CABLE WHICH IS A HIGH STRESS JOB 2 DAYS LATER I HAD SURGERY I NEVER FELT SO BAD IN MY LIFE I CANT SLEEP AT NIGHT,I CANT PICK UP MY 1 YR OLD DAUGHTER I HAVE DREAMS OF ME LYINING IN A CASKET,MY JOB IS THREATING TO FIRE ME BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN OUT OF WORK FOR 14 DAYS MY NECK HURTS AND I AM SHORT ON BREATH SO GET ANOTHER OPINION I NEVER FAINTED, MY HEART BEAT WAS AROUND 47 THEY SET THIS THING IN MY CHEST AT 70 AND ITS CONSTANTLY FIRING I AM SCARED TO DEATH

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To tell you the truth I never even give it a second thought. While growing up it never stopped me from doing anything and to this day my girlfriend or my kids need to remind me that I have one!