Needing a Battery Soon

Hello Everyone,
Its been awhile since I have posted. I will be needing a battery for my pacemaker soon. Is it a big deal ? Or will it be a simple procedure like my doctor says ?
Thank you

4 Comments

Replacement

by pacergirl - 2010-03-25 07:03:27

Hi, I just had my pacemaker replaced 3 weeks ago. I am doing fine.

The surgery went well, in fact it was a much shorter time frame than the first. The pain after was minimal, but the incision is in a different place. It isn't as easy as getting a few stitches, but not anywhere as intense as getting the first pacemaker. My shoulder is still sore when I roll over onto it, the scar is smaller than the first one and I expect by the end of summer it will fade quite nicely. The swelling has gone down now and I have calmed down. Don't over react as I did when you take a look at it after surgery. It will get better. I can be a little of a Drama Queen as my friends can tell you.

Take care, good luck
PG

simple!

by Tracey_E - 2010-03-25 07:03:51

It's much easier than the first surgery because they only change out the leads if something is wrong, and they go in the same place and use the same pocket, so they're mostly going through scar tissue.

Ditto

by ElectricFrank - 2010-03-26 01:03:33

I was only on the table in OR less than an hour. Since I chose to stay totally awake with just local pain shots around the pocket (kind of like at the dentist) I was back in my room in about an hour.

In my case I never did have enough pain to even take Tylenol afterwards. By the way there is no restriction on raising your arm as the leads aren't affected. I was pretty much back to normal activity (with a little TLC) the next day. As they say though "you mileage may vary" so don't be concerned if it goes a little slower.

You may already know this from your original implant, but it helps to put a pillow in front of you in bed and put the pacer side arm over it for support for a few nights. This makes it much easier to sleep.

frank

Learn Something New Everyday ~ ~

by Carolyn65 - 2010-03-26 02:03:32

Thanks EFrank. I am still "good to go", I hope. Just have gotten my PM 10/09. New battery not needed.

It had not even dawned on me re: the "arm lift". I guess I would go into the battery exchange using the ol' rules given to me with the original PM (not lifting arm).

GRATITUDES to all of you who give all of us such good, educated and trusted advice.

Bear Hugs to All, Carolyn G. in TEXAS ( :

You know you're wired when...

Like the Energizer Bunny, you keep going.

Member Quotes

At age 20, I will be getting a pacemaker in few weeks along with an SA node ablation. This opportunity may change a five year prognosis into a normal life span! I look forward to being a little old lady with a wicked cane!