New Pacemaker this week...

Hello all.
Went for my checkup today (I have had my current pacemaker for 9 years)- have been feeling funny this week (out of breath, heavy chest pain)- I was attributing it to stress at work, turns out my pacemaker went to back up mode starting last Monday so going back this Friday for my replacement. They will also go through my groin to see if I need a lead replacement.

Wondering how long this surgery will take? (I neglected to ask simple questions like this as I am still in shock).. and how long should I plan on taking off of work? I know you all know best! I don't remember either answer form last time.
Thank you in advance!
-Angie

2 Comments

Pacemaker

by cans624 - 2013-04-02 07:04:26

Was this your first pacemaker I would like to know the answer to that to since I am on my second pacer and never had a lead replaced and had my pacer 10 years already my replacement surgery wasn't bad but Didnt have any leads replaced on my second pacer now

leads

by Tracey_E - 2013-04-02 09:04:55

I'm a little confused about the lead. I had a bad lead, they knew it was bad from the interrogations. I kept it until the battery died when the ep did a venogram (injected dye in a regular iv in the cath lab) to see if there was room to add another lead without going in the other side or extracting. There was room, so he added the lead through the same incision when he replaced the battery. The two replacements before that I just needed the battery, they popped out the old one, put in the new one, fast and easy. So I guess I'm saying I've had 4 and they've never gone through the groin. That's usually for ablations or ep studies, I've never heard of it for checking leads. Recovery is a lot different when they go in through the groin. YOu have to stay flat with a pressure bandage for so many hours (4?) then take it easy for a few days.

When I had just the battery, if I got an early appointment I was home fixing my own lunch. Did it on Friday, did not miss any work. When I got the new lead, they kept me overnight, restrictions were same after as the first placement.

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