Hi I'm new here

I just had a Medtronic Advisa DR MRI Sure Scan PM inserted February 19th, 2014. I had a heartbeat of 24 and was basically assymptomatic. I had some difficulty walking my normal pace, and a bit of light headedness, but no more than I normally have on my other medication. I did have an episode of chest pain, combined with fatigue etc. on Valentine's Day on a walk. The next day I was dizzy and had problems going from sitting to standing.

Sunday I was feeling better, but I'd promised a friend I'd see a doctor Monday.

Monday the doctor did an ECG and told me he was going to phone a friend of his at the hospital to get me in for a stress test.

Tuesday I get a call from the hospital saying to come for the stress test at noon! I went with hubby. Arrived and the poor ECG nurse just about dropped when she saw my ECG. Muttered something about giving the doctor more to work with and printed off about a yard of ECG printout.

Was told by the nurse in the stress lab that I was not a candidate for a stress test, but was a candidate for a pacemaker. I laughed at him. I didn't feel THAT bad!

Saw the cardiologist and found out that Monday only one chamber of my heart had quit working. But by the time I saw him 3 chambers weren't working. I was a bit stunned about the whole thing. But decided to make the best of it. I mean, what could I do?!

I almost didn't make it through the night. The nurses kept waking me up when my heart beat went down to 21 bpm. They put on the top of their priority list and I had my PM implanted by 10 AM.

I actually have had a fairly decent recovery. I was very weak, but I had my PM adjusted and it's made all the difference. I was depressed for about 3 or 4 weeks, but upped my vitamin D intake and used my Litebook to help with that.

I had friends recommend a Cardiac Rehab program. I asked about it at my GP's and she applied for it for me. They called me before my post op checkup with the cardiologist. I told them I still wasn't sure what my diagnosis was. But they said 'come anyway'. So I went at about 7 weeks and my heart was all over the place. Ended up at the PM Clinic getting it adjusted and it seems to work relatively fine now.

Big bonus for me is my insertion site does not hurt or ache, as some of my friends say theirs does. I am relieved I do not have that to contend with.

Anyway, that is probably more than you want or need to know about me. I am looking forward to getting to know more of you as I read the messages on these forums. Thanks for being here!

6 Comments

Great

by wjs1954 - 2014-04-25 07:04:06

Sound like you are doing good, never TMI. Talking about it is good, hearing about other is good.
again glad you are doing better....

TMI? TMI? THere's.....

by donr - 2014-04-25 07:04:44

.....NO SUCH THING!

A frequent question is: "I just got a PM - how long is a piece of string?"

It's nice to read that someone is doing well in spite of severe adversity. Good job!

Donr

Welcome!

by bluebowtye - 2014-04-25 10:04:03

Hello and welcome!

I too just had my PM implanted in Feb. (mine was the 17th) My only symptoms were two syncope episodes one night and that was it. I had actually been feeling really good all day and had never fainted before in my life! My husband called 911 and the paramedics came out. At the time they could not find anything wrong with me. All my vitals were normal but they told me to get to a Dr. asap so I did and after lots of tests which showed nothing they had me wear a 24 hour holter monitor and that's when he discovered I had 2nd degree Mobitz type 2 AV block and told me I needed a PM right away. That was on a Wed and my surgery was scheduled the following Monday. I have the exact same pacer as you!

My recovery has been fairly good too. Each day I am getting better and better! This site has helped me so much, especially with the mental part. I was so shocked when I found out I had to have a PM but I have accepted it now.

I wish you the best and hopefully you continue to do well!

Take care,
~Sheila

Welcome

by Grateful Heart - 2014-04-25 11:04:37

Your story is remarkable and a reminder to all to get checked out when something just doesn't seem right. Many of us do not listen to our bodies and chalk it up to something else.

You have a great attitude! I think you will enjoy Cardiac Rehab, it's a very important tool in recovery.

Thank God for friends, family, keeping promises and caring Doctors and Nurses.

That reminds me, it's that time to push my Husband again. The gentle nudging isn't working.

Grateful Heart

Pm surgery

by Dmast400 - 2014-05-06 05:05:55

I'm having mine tomorrow How long does it take. I know it probably varies. Can a few people give me how long theirs was


and how long til back to work



Depends

by hs2o - 2014-05-06 07:05:46

I think it depends on the person. I am younger - 54 - and slightly chubby, but otherwise healthy. I was up and at things in 2-3 weeks. Though they gave 8 weeks as the recovery time, and I carefully followed their rules for that length of time.

They say slightly chubbier people have an easier time with the PM after transplant. Thin people tend to feel the PM a bit more. But I think a lot of it is to make sure you make visits to the Pacemaker Clinic if you feel you are having problems and something needs adjusting.

The operation took all of 30 minutes. They used a local anasthetic with me and they put a wire support type thing over your head, turn your head to the side so you can see the room, and drape something over the lower part of it so you cannot see what they're doing.

I would have gone home that day, but they had to keep me for an angiogram the next day.

They did say no driving for at least a week. No lifting anything heavier than 1-2 lbs. And no lifting my left arm over my shoulder till my 8 week post op period was over. My PM was inserted in my left side.

Hope that helps. :)

You know you're wired when...

Intel inside is your motto.

Member Quotes

Since I got my pacemaker, I don't pass out anymore! That's a blessing in itself.