Replacement this month

Hi Fellow pacers,
I wonder if any of you that have recently had their pacemakers replaced ,could give me a few tips on what to expect and what to discuss with the cardiologist before mine is done.
Im getting a little nervous as I am having mine done 24th June.
I was really pleased that I have no scar or bump showing at all from the original PM and being a girl..(or should I say old girl)
I am worried that the 2nd one may be more noticable!!!
I love to go down to the beach in the summer and also wear scooped necklines..Ha ha ..life in the old girl still !
I would also like to keep my old Pm for a paper weight..Do all cardiologist allow us to keep them? Also what are the risks of infection?
Regards from downunder,
Kay

2 Comments

easy!

by Tracey_E - 2010-06-02 10:06:22

I just got my 4th one in January. If you're just getting a new generator and keeping your leads, it is super easy. They go in the same place and use the same pocket so it's all scar tissue.

Unless it's significantly bigger, how else could it be more noticeable? Mine have gotten smaller each time so they'd be less noticeable. Big or small, don't let it stop you from wearing your scooped neck top!!! Just do it :o)

I kept my first one. I forgot to ask for the second one and I didn't wake up until I was in recovery this last time so I didn't have a chance to ask. Some places won't let us keep them, some do. Can't hurt to ask!

Risk of infection is very small. It happens on occasion but it's rare. I've never had a problem.

You are not an "Old Girl"

by pacergirl - 2010-06-03 06:06:01

If you are than that makes me one too! Oh well, I am in very good company.

I recently got my 2nd pacemaker. It was a breeze compared to the first one. I wasn't as sore, or bruised or in pain. It was great. I healed a lot faster and..... The scar is very small. Healing quite well actually.

I wear what I like as well scooped necklines too. I am looking forward to the new scar to fade, but that will take some time. I only got my new one in March so it is still very noticeable. I did ask for my PM to be returned to me, but it has not happened to this date. I am hopeful though and I will ask about it on my visit later this month.

I hope everything goes well, I'm feeling sure that it will. :-)
Try not to worry, take care,
PG

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Member Quotes

I just want to share about the quality of life after my pacemaker, and hopefully increase awareness that lifestyles do not have to be drastically modified just because we are pacemaker recipients.