Surgeon

Do I really need to see the surgeon after a PM implantation? (implantation 3 weeks ago) I've twice seen the technician to adjust my PM and I feel fine. Also, they have the pace set at 80 and before all my problems started my heart rate was between 40 and 50 so I don't understand why they have the pace set so high.

3 Comments

no

by BillMFl - 2013-11-14 09:11:15

You don't have to see him. The follow up visit is mostly for him to inspect your surgical site. For him it is largely to avoid legal issues such as malpractice for not following your recovery. You are probably fine, but by not seeing him you probably free him from any responsibility with regards to your surgical recovery. He doesn't get rich on initial follow up appointments, They are often at no charge as part of the procedure cost. It is also possible that he wants to run a strip, listen to your lungs, check for fluid build up, etc. But you feel pretty good right now so why bother, eh? I would go if I were you.

A rate of 80 does seem high, but I don't know your history. It does mean that you will be pacing virtually 100% of the time and that may have been their intent.
I'm not going to guess why. If you go to your appointment he can probably tell you why.

Suggestion

by KAG - 2013-11-14 11:11:03

You should ask for a copy of your PMs interrogation report, if you don't have one yet. That way if you have questions for the folks on this site you can give us some details, like what mode your PM is set to and the upper and lower rates, etc.... It will help to give you better suggestions.

I haven't seen the surgeon since the day he put my PM in, I'm viewing that as a good thing. :-)

Kathy

My EP

by rfassett - 2013-11-15 08:11:58

implanted my PM. I saw him the next day, a week later, and he wants to see me again in January. This is besides the visits with the tech. I will visit with my EP as long and as often as he deems prudent and necessary.

You know you're wired when...

You have a little piece of high-tech in your chest.

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