What am I in for?

huh?

by Tracey_E - 2019-04-20 08:29:32

Never heard of floating. Why would he make a new incision? Unless there's a really good reason, ask to go in the same place. Why have two scars and start over building new scar tissue if you don't have to? Maybe I'm missing something but that doesn't make sense to me. I am on my 5th. First 4 were same pocket, same incision.

what're you in for...

by ROBO Pop - 2019-04-20 13:16:25

You're in for life...think about it

A replacement is simpler than the initial install, stop the panic

Relax

by Benjijohn - 2019-04-20 14:30:11

I do not know what you mean by “floating” but just relax. I know what you are going through, but trust all of us, and just relax

You will be in an out of a replacement in less than 30 minutes. It is nothing compared to the initial surgery

Enjoy your new and improved device, good luck

What am I in for?

by Echosmom - 2019-04-20 15:03:49

Thank you all! apparently the pacemaker was put in to close to the clavicle bone the first time. It was put in on a emergency basis the first time. Now I have a cardiologist at Scripps Hospital..chief of cardiology. He said he wanted it to move and be able to float. I just get nervous. I live on a ranch in a rural town and am always so busy physically with horses donkeys and other livestock..I just worry about something happening and me being stationary..sounds silly I guess. 

Thinking it should be easier

by RedRocksGirl - 2019-04-21 20:24:52

I had my first ICD put in 12 weeks ago. Mine was subpectoral, everything I've read was that that's a tougher recovery becasue there's more disecting into the muscle. Because I use forearm crutches  - every step I'm using my pec muscles, the suture holding it in place broke and it ended up moving all around back behind the left breast. So last week I had to go in for a "pocket revision".  This time he put it up higher on my chest beloe the clavical where most peoples are. This second time around was WAY WAY easier than the first.  He didnt have to do anything with the leads, made the incision on top of the first one and I'm absolutley blown away at how much quicker my recovery has been. At one week post op I feel better and am more moblie with my left arm than I was at 3 weeks out after the initial placement procedure. 

Because I use crutches I took extra care and time in the initial healing. I'm active as well and wanted everything to scar in and heal up correctly. So I'd suggest if you're worried about having to be stationary, really do take it easy at the beginning, give it time to heal up and you be back out there with your animals with no worries. I'm planing on being out there hiking mountains sometime this summer -  when my body tells me its ready.  :)

Wishing you the best of luck, I'm sure you'll do great!

What am I in for?

by Echosmom - 2019-04-22 00:11:01

Thank you Red Rocket Girl! I am much less worried now..sounds like you like the outdoors like me..and being active. Yes, I just took in 2 wild donkeys from the Nevada Mountains. Never been around people and never touched. I have been busy getting them gentled down. Taken me 6 months to get them calmed down to where I can be around them comfortably. My critters keep me going. 3 dogs, 1 pot belly pig, 3 goats, 15 chickens, 1 cat, 1 parakeet, 2 turtles and 15 chickens, 1 horse and 2 donekys. Thank you again..walk those beautiful trails..

You've got this

by RedRocksGirl - 2019-04-23 01:41:07

That's great - love that you took in the donkeys! I have no doubt all those critters while keeping you busy will also help with the recovery, I always feel our pets have a positive impact on our healing.  :)   I'm a horse person too, although haven't ridden in years.

What am I in for?

by Echosmom - 2019-04-24 16:10:45

RedRocksGirl...so nice to meet you..we have things in common. I have not been able to ride either since my pacemaker because of motions sensor. But I am gentling down these guys. The one Jenny is about 15 hands larger than a standard..Her name is Nevada. She is 2 years old. Hoping to ride her. Slow and steady but I have my work cut out with her :) typical mare..LOL. My gelding JR is 3 years old. Was a stud in the wild so has some battle scars..LOL he is standard size. Right not training him to drive. Get a little buggy and have some fun. Lets keep in touch! The both of them were the last of their herd. They were not in contact with humans at at all. Lived in the mountains. I am quite attached to them. So different than horses to work with. Stronger than horses and yes..takes lot os patience...:)

Replacement generator

by chrispcritter57 - 2019-06-14 19:03:00

Please don’t feel like you are asking ‘silly’ questions. As they say the only silly question is the one not asked.

I have had a pacemaker since i was 6 years old -I am now pushing 62. Yes - 56 years! I’ve had so many generator replacements, I’ve lost count. My generators have not only been under my left clavicle, but also just under my left rib cage and my abdomen. So, needless to say, I have some experience.

If you have confidence in your doctor, then listen to him/her. Trust is paramount! Having room to move around (and not rubbing on bones or anything else) is a good thing. Particularly given the type of activities you do. 

As to being nervous about the change, that’s ok, too. I am anxious at every one of mine. Any time they cut you open, there are risks. This is a normal response, just don’t let your anxiety rule you. Get the great drugs they give you before hand, and try to relax. 

On a personal note, I worked with horses for about 30 years in my life. I know how physically demanding it is.