Paced.....& feeling great!

• by Janey L
• 2011-09-16 12:09:29
• Surgery & Recovery
• 1594 views
• 2 comments

Hi all
On Wednesday I had a Medtronic MRI Compatible Dual Chamber PM inserted! This was for sick sinus syndrome causing chronotropic incompetence....caused by my 2nd ablation for atrial tachycardia damaging my sinus node, back in June. For 3 months I've had severe bradycardia symptoms. On Monday I was admitted to hospital as my symptoms took a turn for the worse last week. Saw EP Tuesday. PM in on Wednesday.

Well.....I feel GREAT! Whereas my HR was dropping to 32, the PM stops it going below 60 now & it's fantastic to feel "normal" again. I have rate response on as my HR was not going up on exertion with the SSS & CI. The upper limit is 130.

I left hospital last night & straight away was able to do a 15 minute walk to the bus stop, with hubby, to get home...with NO symptoms! Felt great to be able to walk properly again as I haven't been able to walk without feeling really ill for 3 months.

Got home & could climb the stairs indoors again last night with NO symptoms. Haven't been able to climb them for months without feeling ill.

Wow.....WHAT a difference a PM makes. Only had it put in on Wed & already feel like I've got my life back.

My wound hurts a lot but 4 hourly paracetemol is helping. I was given exercises to do to prevent frozen shoulder. Simple things like moving my left arm slowly outwards from my body, with arm bent at elbow. It's hard to describe, sorry. Also moving the shoulder ball joint up & down/around in a circle. It does seem to help stop the stiffness & just gives it some movement.

It's great that I can function again, the last 3 months have been terrible. I know a PM is for life but I'm just so glad I've got my life back.

The procedure was fine. I had morphine, anti-sickness drug, antibiotics & very light sedation for op. I was awake & remember it all but was "spaced out" on the light sedation & was so relaxed I didn't mind what they did. No pain at all, just a bit of tugging. It was nothing like an ablation, this was easy in comparison... and no groin wounds to worry about!

It's only day 2 & I know things might need tweaking (EP said I might need changes to settings due to a junctional rhythm problem I have)....but just wanted to let you know all is good & I feel great so far. Walking again is fantastic....& just being able to function again is amazing. PM technology is GREAT!

Best wishes
Janey