Replacement in 2 weeks

I have my PM replacement on 11th January which is only a couple of weeks away. I don't have the same knowledge as a lot of guys on here, but I think I'm single lead paced 70% (up from 40% 10 years ago) - Is it likely they'd want to put in another lead?

It's my first replacement (I thought they were replacing it a year ago but didn't) and I know things have come a long way since I had my first one in 1999. I can't get my head round the whole being awake during surgery thing. It just freaks me out to think about it that way. How do other people deal with that?

Also, I'm on Fludrocortisone medication, so is that likely to have an impact on the surgery or recovery?

Speaking of recovery, how long does it take? What does the incision feel like (I don't remember the first time)? My work are pretty understanding and flexible, but I'd like to get back on the horse as quickly as possible...

Thanks

Ben

4 Comments

Not as bad as first time

by MSPACER - 2010-12-29 09:12:39

I had my pacemaker replaced in Feb of this year. You don't have to be awake if you don't want to. My doctor gave me a local anesthetic and mild sedation. I was sleeping for most of it, but I did hear the doctors speaking, even though I was "sleeping". You will still have pain the first few days. I had my replacement implanted on Tuesday, and went to work on Thursday, which was a little too soon, so I took off Friday, then had the weekend to recover. So you will need at least three to four days to feel ok. Sleeping was a little difficult for a few weeks, but overall, there was much less pain than the original implant.

If you have a single lead, you'll probably get another single lead, unless you have problems with pacemaker syndrome from a single lead. Did the doctor tell you that you would get a dual lead? If so, that surgery is more complicated if another lead has to be threaded through the vein. I'm not too familiar with the medication that you take, so I can't comment on that.

Difference between Repalcement and Replacement

by ElectricFrank - 2010-12-30 02:12:44

Just noticed. Must be getting old. LOL

frank

Repalcement

by ElectricFrank - 2010-12-30 12:12:44

The replacement especially if the existing lead is reused is a piece of cake. The surgery is typically around an hour or less. The pacemaker site is opened, the pacer removed, layed on your chest along side the replacement, and the ventricle lead quickly transferred You may skip a beat or two as the lead is moved, but it is too short to be a problem. The new pacer then inserted back into the pocket and the incision closed.

In my case both the original implant and the replacement were done without sedatives at my request. I was wide awake during the procedures and it was no problem. My replacement only took 45 minutes and with no meds I was transferred back to my bed and resumed reading a book while I received an antibiotic drip. After that I left the facility and stopped for my evening meal at a restaurant.

The incision will be a bit sore for a few days, but since they won't need to make a pocket there is much less trauma. I always suggest sleeping on the opposite side and using a pillow in front to support the pacer side arm. With this approach I slept through the night with no pain meds.

One thing you might discuss with the cardiologist. If your current pacemaker is serving you well ask to have the same settings programmed into the new one. All to often a doc will get creative and change the settings with uncomfortable results. If possible it is also a good idea to have the same manufacturer for the replacement.

best,

frank

surgery

by sarge - 2011-01-01 02:01:15

Ben, I am in no means an expert....only have been PM since Nov 2010. The surgery is a snap, I was awake and did not feel anything and trust me I was anticipating the worst. I actually had whoever it was wheeling me out of surgery to my room stop and get me a cup of coffee. I was totally aware of everything back in my room. I only took Tylenol for pain twice. Trust me a visit to the dentist is 10 times worse, don't sweat it, piece of cake.

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