less than 24 hours

I am getting my PM changed tomorrow morning and I am more scared now then when they put it in the first time. Any words of encouragement out there? Not sure why I am so scared just have that bad feeling in the pit of my stomach.

8 Comments

It's typically easier than the first time...

by jenny97 - 2011-08-23 02:08:59

Most people on this site (me included) find the replacement survery a lot less painful and challenging than the original placement. The pocket is already made and the leads are already placed, so the surgery itself is a lot less invasive.

That said, I was nervous too when I got my replacement. But it really was easy as pie. And it was the first same day surgery from which I actually got out of the hospital on the same day!

Good luck!

Know the feeling!

by MLValadez - 2011-08-23 04:08:11

I know what you're saying! I was scared when I had my replacement done in June this year. I 'm 100% dependent on my PM, and had to have a temporary PM inserted into the groin area into my heart, so DR.could do the replacement. Also had to have a second lead inserted into the ventricle area. I don't know what they gave me, but I didn't feel a thing! One min. I was laying there looking at the DR. and the next min. It was finished, or it seemed. If you are just having a battery replacement done, it should be a "walk in the park". Try to think positive thoughts... I think you will be fine. Will keep you in my thoughts!

MLValadez

We all get anxious

by Andersen - 2011-08-23 05:08:49

You are in my thoughts. Are they going to up-grade your PM?

Being Anxious

by Pookie - 2011-08-23 06:08:18

I'm sure it's quite normal to be anxious. I haven't had my replacement (yet) but I did have 4 surgeries within 10 days because one of my leads kept falling and each surgery was much much much easier than the initial implant.

Great advice above from Jenny & Valadez:)

Take care and let us know how you make out....ok?

Pookie

Lie Back and Relax.....

by gulliver80 - 2011-08-23 08:08:48

Slightly different for me but after my initial ICD implant i had to have it repositioned after 2 of the leads had dislodged and mny second check up is tomorrow morning - apprehensive is a little mild!! lol

That said, totally agree with the advice given from Jenny and Valadez, the first intrusive surgery is far worse than the revision PM - i certainly found that with mine, admitedly, i did not like it one bit but its not as bad as first time round!
All the best and wish you a speedy recovery.
Darren

Funny you should ask this today

by janetinak - 2011-08-23 10:08:45

I just (about 2 hrs ago) came home from my 3rd replacement. And, yes, I was almost as nervous as the 1st one.I have had a lead replacement with the 2nd but just a "change out" today as the pro's keep calling it. And it went great! As others have said, it was so much easier than I thought it would be, Took about 30" in the cath lab & most of that was prep. time. I went in @ 8 AM & out at 1 PM. Hope yours goes as well as mine did today.

Janet

Let us know how things turn out.

by Andersen - 2011-08-24 02:08:13

You are in our thoughts and prayers and we would like toknow how you are doing.

Andy

you will be fine!!

by Lisarose - 2011-08-24 12:08:47

I have only had my PM since June, but consider what you have already been through, you will be fine, all at this site will be with you :)
Lisarose

You know you're wired when...

Your ICD has a better memory than you.

Member Quotes

Your anxiety is normal. It takes some of us a little time to adjust to the new friend. As much as they love you, family and friends without a device just cannot understand the adjustment we go through. That is why this site is so valuable.