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Just got home from having my bettery replaced! I now have a Boston Scientific( formally Guidant) dual chamber pacemaker. I did need general anesthesia so stayed overnight. I am happy to be home.I do feel like a truck drove over my chest. My head is absolutely pounding. All I can hear is my new rate ....UGH.
I am hoping that in the next few days I start feeling better.
I don't think it was as bad as the original placement however it is not a little procedure and I can barely move today....
sm

4 Comments

New Pacemaker

by J.B. - 2011-03-11 11:03:17

If you can feel your heart beat and you think it is caused by your new pacemaker, call your doctor. Something is wrong and it could be that they have the power settings to high. You should not feel your pacemaker any more than you ever felt your natural heart beat.

Feeling the heart beat

by ElectricFrank - 2011-03-12 02:03:10

I've felt mine as long as I can remember. Kind of reassuring. Like hearing that engine running on the front of my plane years ago.

My guess is that your symptoms are mostly related to having the general anesthesia. Without having it or a sedative I went directly back to my hospital room where I picked up the book I had been reading and continued where I left off. It's a whole different experience.

The headache and other soreness can either be the effect of the anesthesia itself or more likely it is from the positions they put your body in when you can't complain. Just think how you would feel afterwards it you had to lay with little or no support for your neck and head, and with your arms and legs tightly strapped down. And all this for an hour or two. Ouch!

frank

Thanks

by sgm - 2011-03-12 07:03:55

Thanks Frank,
You are a dear!
I awoke this morning with no headache. My girlfriend suggested I drink a lot of fluid yesterday and I think I may have been dehydrated. Chest is still sore however much improved over yesterday. I am now just waiting to be able to take a proper shower :)
I too have always felt mine...it took me three days originally to get used to the sound of a normal rhythm and I am less bothered by it today. I am looking forward to resuming normal activities next week. I am excited to work out and see how this new sensor will react to my need for more oxygen. The last one had a poor sensor which required specific movement to increase rate versus sensing my need for oxygen.
I hope you are enjoying the weekend.
sm

Glad you are feeling better

by ElectricFrank - 2011-03-12 11:03:37

Interesting about the sore chest. During my original implant someone in OR decided my chest was a good place to rest an elbow. My complaint got the response that they could give me something to keep me from feeling the pain. I suggested that they give the shot to the person with the elbow and let them sleep it off. That took care of things.

You may need to have a few adjustments to get the response optimized. Good luck.

frank

You know you're wired when...

You have a dymo-powered bike.

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Just because you have a device doesn't mean you are damaged goods and can't do anything worthwhile and have to lie down and die. In fact, you're better and stronger. You're bionic!