replacement

Hi, due for replacement feeling feeling pretty scared, any tips

4 Comments

Hi Avril!

by SaraTB - 2013-02-05 09:02:42

I was relieved to find that the replacement procedure was waaaaayyyyy easier than the original implant. They're usually done under conscious sedation (i.e. you're awake, but drowsy). It's much, much quicker, as no leads have to be inserted, and the pocket has already been created.

To put it simply, they just open up the pocket, remove the old pacemaker, detach the leads, reattach them to the new pacemaker, which is then replaced in the pocket and then you're stitched back up. Recovery was so quick, I had the procedure in the morning and was home for lunch. And you don't have to worry about keeping your arm down, as the leads are already anchored in place.

If you are 100% paced, as I am, they will have an external pacemaker available for the changeover, if needed, but in my case they did it so quickly it wasn't necessary: I was aware of feeling drowsier for those few seconds, but that was all.

I hope this gives you some reassurance: there are many members here who are on their second, third, fourth and more.

Good luck with this procedure.

Me too

by ElectricFrank - 2013-02-06 03:02:11

I had the same experience, but skipped the sedation. I was reading a technical book when they came to get me. About 45 minutes later I was back in my room and picked up the book to continue.

So just relax and it will be over. I'd rather have this done than my teeth cleaned.

frank

Blood thinner and a Pm replacement

by crayt50 - 2013-02-24 10:02:13

I on warfin 5 mg daily do I have to worry about bleeding after the procedure

warfin

by annie21 - 2013-02-25 06:02:37

i do not take warfin, so unable to comment.

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The experience of having a couple of lengths of wire fed into your heart muscle and an electronic 'box' tucked under the skin is not an insignificant event, but you will survive.