Getting my PM on Wed.

After nearly 25 years of misdiagnosis and the wrong meds, my docs figured out my epilepsy was actually a heart condition with secondary seizures from the lack of blood flow to my brain. If only someone had ordered a tilt test all those years ago...

And so at a fresh 40 years old and two kids under 8...I head to the hospital to get stuffed for with a PM for Thanksgiving. Any advice for planning my recovery? I'm hoping to avoid general anesthesia at all costs (I get sick every time).

Do most PM folks wear medic alert tags? Are any of these PM "protector" products (to prevent rubbing from your seat belt/bra strap) actually worth it? What other lifestyle accommodations should I expect?

thanks!

10 Comments

Getting A New Pacemaker

by SMITTY - 2011-11-18 04:11:49

Below is a comment I prepared last year for someone getting a new pacemaker. It is pretty much based on my experience from getting a pacemaker. It may provide some answers. I'm sure you will hear for others on this subject.

Pacemaker implantation is minimally invasive surgery. Mine was done under local anesthesia, and generally takes less than 45 minutes.

After the area under the patient's collarbone is numbed, a small incision is made (usually about 3 inches long,) and a “pocket” is fashioned in the tissue overlying the muscle. The leads are inserted through a vein near the site of the pocket, and advanced into the heart using fluoroscopy for guidance. The leads are then attached to the pacemaker which is then placed in the pocket, and the incision is closed. Once a pacemaker is implanted, it must be programmed which may take 15 to 20 minutes.

After the implant I stayed at the hospital for about 3 hours and then went home. For the next couple of weeks I had to limit my left arm movement to be sure I didn't raise my elbow above my shoulder. Also I had limitations on the amount of weight I could lift - I think that limit was 10 lbs. The Dr should give you instructions on all this. I should add that pain was so little, a couple of ibuprofen was all I needed.
After the recovery time (the amount of time varies and is something for your Dr to answer) you can expect a completely normal life. In fact, after getting many people find they are able to do even more after getting the pacemaker. About the only activity you will need to avoid is that which could cause you to get a direct blow on the PM implant site. The blow will not hurt the PM, but it will probably hurt you and it may damage the leads going from the PM to your heart.

Periodic pacemaker checkups are necessary, to check the function of the device and to see if any changes in the settings are needed. The frequency of the checkups will be determined by the doctor. At the end of each checkup the person doing the it will get a printout of what was seen and what, if any, changes were made. If you8 can get a copy of that printout. You may not understand all of what you see but that printout is an excellent source of questions about your PM. Also, any changes made in any of the setting will be marked with (>).

What devices can interfere with pacemakers?
Home appliances do not interfere with pacemakers, and should not cause any concern whatsoever. (This includes microwave ovens, despite the signs you still see posted in some restaurants.) In fact you will find there are few things you come into contact with that will affect your PM. So few that I never give it a thought.
Arc welding equipment and other devices that generate powerful magnetic fields – medical devices and heavy duty industrial motors – can inhibit the function of pacemakers.

Cellular telephones, if held in close proximity to the pacemaker (which may happen if the phone is kept in a breast pocket) can potentially affect the function of a pacemaker. As long as the phone is kept 6 inches from the pacemaker there should not be a problem. That is what the book says. If my shirt has a pocket it will be located within a couple of inches of my PM location and I always carry my cell phone in that pocket. In 11 years I have not had a problem from the phone.
MRI scanners can interrupt the pacing function of pacemakers, and under some circumstances may be dangerous to the pacemaker and the patient. Patients with pacemakers should discuss the risks and benefits of MRI scanning with their doctors.

The settings on a new pacemaker is the best guess of the doctor for a particular patient. The majority of the time these settings are good, but not always. If you think your pacemaker is not doing the job contact the doctor. He will have no way of knowing changes in the settings are needed if he doesn't hear from you.

Some folks do wear the medic alert tag. I just carry my ID card. The protector pads must work as I see people mention their benefit here from time to time. I have never had to use one. And for your last question "What other lifestyle accommodations should I expect" they will be so few, that my answer for myself would be "none."

One last word, After you get your pacemaker I'm sure you will have many questions. We have many members here able and willing to answer them so stay in touch.

Good luck,

Smitty

Well, Happy Thankgiving!!

by donb - 2011-11-18 09:11:10

Just read your posting and happy to see Smitty giving you lots of scoup. 20 years ago there were so support groups to get answers as I was at age 60 with my 1st PM. Sooo, I didn't know about all the what If's and What can't I do. One thing I want to suggest is a real important suggestion to avoid the all common "depression" factor. Seems so many PM patients go through this initial period. I didn't know I was supposed to get depressed with having a new PM.

As I had always been very active I started to walk like 4 miles non-stop within the 1st few weeks after my implant. I realize now that was the best move to prove to my mind that I was OK. Naturally I had the sling and no lifting restriction. Another big mind healing manuever was to ease my question of taking my plane for a good flight. Well, I took my best pilot friend and we went flying, climbed to 8000' and found with this great feeling of lots of blood circulating was the best mind healer of all. Also, don't forget the bedroom scene!! Prove to yourself that I'm OK which is half the battle. As I'm almost 80, double your age and just had my setttings changed 2 days ago by a very good looking St Jude Tech Rep lady. I've got to contact our Electric Frank member and run some of my numbers as I'm finding today that I've picked up a few more RPM's doing the final fall leaf cleanup. Good Luck & Enjoy your turkey on Thursday with your new toy. donb

I had a Pacemaker Thanksgiving last year!

by AmyS - 2011-11-18 11:11:08

Nov. 19 will be my PM implant first anniversary. I was 44 at the time, also with 2 kids (there are plenty of us "youngish" folks here). Four days after my surgery, we made the 10 hour drive to Nebraska to meet up with family. I didn't have any issues at that point and the pain was negligible at the implant site. I can't remember the showering restrictions at that time, but that would have been the only issue. I was told not to raise my arm above my shoulder and that made washing my hair difficult (the nurse just told me to bend forward and I could reach just fine, although you get a bit of soap in your face).

What luck for you that they have found out what's causing your epilepsy and can fix it with a PM. This is a mechanical medicine that does all the work for you with no side effects (after a while). Once everything is healed up, you won't have anything else to worry about. Do get adjustments as needed because they are not programmed correctly at first. I'm not sure what kind of settings you will need for such an issue, but if you have a good cardiologist, they should be able to make adjustments as needed. Good luck and stay in touch. Amy

ALL Good Comments ~ ~ ~

by Carolyn65 - 2011-11-19 02:11:31

As always, the above comments by the ones who posted are the best advice you could ever ask for. Smitty, Electric Frank and several others were my first contact on this site when I joined. I was so scared.

I was a scared 'newbie' who was told I needed a PM. On 11/09, I took the 'plunge'. I think the only reason 'they' put me to sleep was just to 'shut me up' ~ I tend to non-stop talk when I am scared and or nervous. They did keep me overnite, just for observation. I think that is b/c I live in the 'stix' and not near a Dr/hospital.

Since I already slept on my side, I had lil' pain, UNless I rolled on to the side w/my PM. I followed what my Dr. told me to do. The main thing I would suggest, is, listen to your own body. Your body knows what it needs, what you should do ~ just listen.

As far as a 'cushion' between the seat belt/you ~ they are cheap, but after buying one made just for that, I grabbed an ol' towel one day when I used a different car, and the towel 'cushioned' just as well for the very short period you will need it. Don't rush yourself.

Keep us posted,
Carolyn G. in TEXAS ~ PRAY for RAIN in TEXAS ~

ID card

by Big Gray - 2011-11-19 03:11:01

Good luck with your op. Make sure you get an ID card if you intend travelling by air.
BG

keep positive

by jane32 - 2011-11-19 04:11:23

I was helped a lot by my friends on this forum to keep a positive attitude and I am sure that helped in my recovery. I have had my pm for 3 months, I only had local anethesia, it took less than an hour for the procedure. I stayed in overnight. Make sure you take a button or zip down the front top as it is easier to get on. I was very nervous but the thought was worse than the procedure. I find now I can do so much more than I could before getting pm. I didn't need anything other than a soft cushion to put between me and seat belt, and that was only for a few days. I will wear my medic alert bracelet when I get it updated, but only because I am on the blood thinner pradaxa. Keep in touch, there are so many good people who have far more experience than me that can help you. Best wishes Jane

Anethesia

by ElectricFrank - 2011-11-19 12:11:07

There is no reason for general anesthesia. As Smitty mentioned it is a minimally invasive procedure.

In fact if you have it implanted just under the skin below the left clavicle as is common there is really no reason for even a sedative. I had my original pacer implanted in 2004 and a replacement in 2010 both done with only local injections of a local pain killer around the site. It was very easy. I've had worse experiences getting a tooth filled.

One helpful suggestion. For first few nights it helps to sleep on the side opposite the pacemaker with pillow in front of you to support the upper arm. This keeps from squeezing the surgical area which can cause pain. I got a good nights sleep the first night after the implant.

It's also helpful to get back to being active like walking right away. It not only helps healing, but also encourages a good attitude about having the pacer. Just follow the instructions about not raising the pacer arm above shoulder level for 2-6 weeks (depending on your doctor). Don't panic if you forget. It's unlikely it will cause any problem.

best wishes,

frank

Thanks so much!

by nsyzdek - 2011-11-19 12:11:52

Thanks so much for all the information and advice everyone. It's really helpful!

I'm guessing I'll have to put getting a full-body massage on hold for awhile. How long before you can comfortably lay on your stomach and get a rub down without worrying about your leads?

Massage

by ElectricFrank - 2011-11-20 03:11:05

Depends. As long as you can put your pacer side arm down to your side or even hang over the edge of the table it should be OK. The only other thing would be any pain from pressure on the incision.

I've had trouble with my nose clogging up with my face on the head piece for a number of years so I have had massages laying on my back and then one side. If you used the side position laying on the side opposite the pacer it should work. Put a pillow in front to support the upper arm.

I wouldn't let a little thing like a pacemaker interfere with something important like a massage. LOL. Years ago I had one just a few days after back surgery.

best wishes,

frank

Post-op update

by nsyzdek - 2011-11-26 05:11:50

My surgery went exceedingly well. I wimped out and did the heavy sedation. The only thing I remember was the feeling of someone pushing on my chest as (I suspect) they were making the pocket under my skin for the PM.

My recovery went so well, I was released that night at 9, making my time in the hospital a mere 11.5 hours!

My recovery at home has been very smooth. Getting that first shower was tricky, but we did it and kept my steri-strips dry (thanks to glad press-n-seal).

I had a few issues with my heart randomly racing a bit even though I was just sitting or laying down. Three days out, those problems seem to have settled down.

I'll be happy when the incision finishes healing and I can lay on my left side again!

Thanks to everyone for their advice and assurances. It's been incredibly helpful!

You know you're wired when...

Bad hair days can be blamed on your device shorting out.

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