Told today I need a pacemaker.

I have a loop recorder and it was read today for the first time. It showed that my heart is stopping.and I have to have the loop recorder removed and pacemaker fitted.
I'm still trying to get used to the idea. I am waiting for a date to have PM fitted. Can anyone tell me about recovery time. . I am planning to go on a trip to Spain in seven weeks and am looking for views or advice on having PM fitted in next few weeks or waiting until I return from my trip or cancelling the trip.
I have read some posts here and i think this site is going to be very helpful to me.
Brend.

7 Comments

Have it done prior

by cb - 2013-04-09 06:04:10

It is an idea that takes a bit of getting used to. I have discovered that you DO feel better after the PM is in and probably did not really register how not well you were fairing before. Going on vacation with all the walking and stress of travel AND knowing your heart is not what it should be would not be a good idea. Give yourself a few weeks minimum to recover then go on the trip. Hope you have someone to help you with luggage?I am only 7 weeks post pm...so glad to be here!

Get it done!

by Grateful Heart - 2013-04-09 07:04:25

You said it shows your heart is stopping. Waiting is not a good idea, get it taken care of so you can enjoy many more trips in the future. Ask your Doctor about the trip to Spain...good chance you can still go....with your new pacemaker taking care of you.

Grateful Heart

All of the above

by Zia - 2013-04-09 09:04:38

If it's a simple PM then by all means get it done first so you won't have to be concerned about stuff like heart stopping at the most inopportune time (as if there WAS an opportune time). The recovery is usually short and simple and you should have plenty of time for it before your trip.

OTOH if it's an ICD or such, better listen to those who have one which I don't. They are said to be very different in reaction time, tho. In any case I wish you the best and you have certainly come to a good place for information and/or opinions.

Go for it!

by CEWesterlund - 2013-04-09 11:04:46

Brend,
In 2010, I received my pacemaker implant two weeks prior to a long-planned trip to Italy. In the ER, one of the first questions I asked the EP was "will I be able to travel to Italy?" He said "Of course." I have a two lead Medtronic Adapta. Of we went to Italy and it was wonderful, a trip of a lifetime. We did take it easier than we usually do, but we walked all over and did as much as possible. If you feel up to it, go!

Definitely go for it !

by IAN MC - 2013-04-10 01:04:22

Hi Brend .Like CE Westerlund, I had a pre-planned holiday.

I drove to the South of France from the UK on day 7 after implant and had a great holiday . I did all the driving, 1500 miles round trip. Recovery is very rapid after having a PM ;
only you need to be careful about living your arm above shoulder height in the first 6 weeks

Cheers

Ian

Brend

by Vpainter - 2013-04-10 04:04:23

Hi I had this exact thing happen to me my loop recorder picked up that my heart had stopped for over 30 seconds, the only difference being I wasn't allowed home then until I had my pacemaker fitted. I have recovered/healed well and quite quickly. I hope you get sorted real soon and that everything goes well for you. Take care :D

thanks

by Brend - 2013-04-10 12:04:29

Thank you all for your comments. I am getting a pacemaker (medtronic). Other than that, I don't know. I am not familiar with ICD or CRT, so I am presuming I am not getting these.
I made a call this morning to book the earliest date available to have the pacemaker fitted. Cardiac surgeon is away until next wednesday, so I wont know anything until after that.
Brend

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Member Quotes

I am just thankful that I am alive and that even though I have this pacemaker it is not the end of the world.