surgeries

Question 1. Does any one have experience with surgeries after a pacemaker has been implanted. I was told by a doctor that they just place a magnet on the pacemaker in order to do surgery?
Question 2. Also, my check up on the pacemaker scared me as they lowered the pacemaker to see if my heart was working as well and they said that I was 100% dependent on it that day and I also felt a big thump as the pacemaker was lowered in rate and felt dizzy and told the person to stop as it was too intense. Can a person die from this check up?
I do not look forward to the next check up as I feel like my heart is in their hands!

5 Comments

i know

by jessie - 2011-01-08 11:01:22

it happened to me and i was told that it would not cause any serious problems. it was upsetting tho but now i understand it i am not as upset as i was . hope this helps. jessie

I understand

by jenp65 - 2011-01-09 01:01:04

I have only gone for 1 interrogation about a week after implant 12/1/10. It was not a pleasant experience. Scared me so bad I cried. The nurse did not tell me what she was going to do. Felt like I had in the hospital when I flatlined.

I will be more prepared next time. I hope!

Have appreciated all the support from this sight.

Good luck to you.

Jen

No problem

by ElectricFrank - 2011-01-09 01:01:43

It's a good time to get used to the sensations a pacemaker can produce. I've had my pacing stopped for 10-15 seconds to see what would happen if the pacer quit. I'm 100% dependent, but that doesn't mean my heart completely stops. It just drops back about 35bpm like it was before getting the pacer.

Most of the light headed feelings or even passing out during a checkup is caused by the fear response. Some folks pass out just from having a car honk at them while crossing the street, and they don't even have heart problems. I'm not saying that it isn't very real, it's just amazing what we can do to our selves.

One of the best things I find is to ask the tech to tell me when he is going to run the test. Then during the test breath deeply and slowly. Tell your self that you aren't going to die. So what if you were wrong..well at least you wouldn't have to face being wrong. LOL

frank

Hi:)

by Pookie - 2011-01-09 12:01:41

I'll try to answer your questions, but please keep in mind that I am not a medical doctor:)

1) I've had 3 surgeries since having my pacemaker inn 2004 and I've been totally put to sleep for all 3 so I don't have a clue what they did regarding my pacemaker. Sorry. I'm sure other members will be able to answer this question for you.

2) During your pacemaker "interrogation" (check up), they place the magnet over your pacemaker to test it. Part of the testing is turning down your lowest setting to find out what your intrinsic rate is - that means your own natural heart rate - how slow it will go down to. That is why you feel "funny" and got dizzy and felt that thump. Some people feel nothing at all, some people feel a little something (like me) but some people find it extremely uncomfortable to the point of being panicked and/or scared.

No, a person cannot die from the interrogation...as far as I know. When they turn your lower setting down to find your intrinsic rate, it's less than a minute (it just feels like forever) ... your heart rate just goes down to what it would be IF you did not have the pacemaker.

Make sure you discuss this with whoever checks your pacemaker next time...

I know it's not fun, but it has to be done.

Do you go twice a year like me???

Take care,
Pookie

Just had an ORIF

by COBradyBunch - 2011-01-10 11:01:50

Just went through ORIF (Open Reduction Internal Fixation) to fix a broken fibula due to a car broadsiding me over the summer while I was riding my bike and the bone never joining and healing properly. Anyway I was told they do the same thing, just put a magnet on the pacer during the surgery. Why? I have no freaking idea. I had wanted to stay awake for the 2.5 hour surgery on my leg but the doc was totally against it since he said a) the position I would be in would be very uncomfortable and after 30 minutes it would be hard for me to keep still and b) the work he was going to have to do on the bone halves themselves would involve power tools and most people couldn't handle it (a. I agreed with, b. I called bull pucky).

Anyway, not sure if that answers your question but it does appear to be SOP for pacer patients. One other thing that REALLY SUCKED was the fact that I had to be done in a full fledged hospital instead of clinic, both due to the costs involved and the scheduling issues it created.

You know you're wired when...

Intel inside is your motto.

Member Quotes

I've seen many posts about people being concerned about exercise after having a device so thought I would let you know that yesterday I raced my first marathon since having my pacemaker fitted in fall 2004.