Most Recent Messages in Surgery & Recovery

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Arthroscopic knee surgery/knee replacement & pacemaker w/AV node ablation

I have put off knee surgery for 15 years on and off since it got better with cosamine and hyaluronic acid supplements.  However, now it's been more bothersome.  Had MRI before pacemaker 2 years ago; but can't have MRI anymore!  Knee surgeon prefers to have MRI to see what he's in for; xrays shows knee cap pretty shot and MRI showed torn meniscus and meniscal cyst 2 years ago. 

When the shooting pains come, I want to get knee surgery.  Got cortisone a...

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Huh?

I'm only 2 weeks out.....Ok- so now I'm confused. I've read up on restricitions after Pacemaker insertion- I thought I knew the drill. And then I go to my doctor to have the staples and bandage removed and he said "normal activity" when I asked. Normal Activity? Does he not read Wikipedia? What's up with that? So I don't know what to do-wait out the 6 weeks to start exercising or run to the gym now?? Hands over head, ok or should I continue to play toy soldier, h...

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Ablation

I had an ablation last November and it was only partially effective.   My doctor/EP recommends another ablation although he says it's optional.  I'm very active in sports and it's really a lifestyle decision. The EP says the risks are minimal and he thinks he can fix it, ie. eliminate the A Fib.  

Any comments from ablatees?  

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Moist vs dry wound healing

Been diving into moist vs dry wound healing.

Most sources I've seen seem to say that a wound will heal faster, and with less scarring, if you keep it moist.  I'm not too concerned about the speed, as I'm healing well, but am concerned about the scar that I see forming.

Has any of your doctors ever recommended  moist healing for your incision?  

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10 days out

Hello All!

I am 10 days out from having my pacemaker implanted. Like many say, I do tire easily but what concerns me is the pressure I feel on my chest- like a kettle ball is on top! I've been very careful not to carry anything heavy-probably the heaviest has been my Chromebook. I have forgtten at times and lifted my hands over my head but it's been quick. I tried to get in to see my dr today to have the bandage/stiches removed-I feel very uncomfortable and hope that by rem...

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10 days post op

So I'm 10 days post op. Things are ticking along.  Today however, I find that my incision site aches acting moving more than normal, working at the computer.  It's a like a dull ache.  Do you think it's the healing incision or do you think it's the foreign object under my skin.  Have you experienced this and will it go away?  I'm kind of concerned that it will always be like that.  

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shoulder and upper arm discomforts

I had my pacemaker put in over 6 months ago I have noticed over the past month I am getting non cardiac shoulder pain that goes half way down my arm between the shoulder and the elbow depending how I move it with limited range of motion.  The PM was put in on the left side.  Any one else been through this.  I am 46 yo female

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New to my life.

I have had my pacemaker for 2 days now. I am just wondering how I'm supposed to be feeling. I have some dizziness and little twinges in my chest but I was told that this was normal. My pulse and blood pressure are good. I don't know how I'm supposed to feel or for how long. I am still in shock over this

 

 

 

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Shoulder stretch exercise recommendations

Hi All,

I am about 10 weeks our from a Medtronic CRT-D insertion (Jan 30 '18) and have just been released from my left arm restrictions.  While I tried to keep mobility within the restrictions, now that I can move the arm fully, I am surprised at how tight the shoulder is.  I have tried active range of motion and passive (walking my fingers up the wall and then leaning in).  When I do this, I do feel quite sore - like I am pulling a muscle (I guess I am).  I know...

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Second doubts

Hello All,

I'm so glad I found this group and hope ya'll who have gone thru similar circumstances can offer me advice as the anxiety is beginning to grow.

Real quick recap-scheduled for Pacemaker this coming Friday after Loop Monitor (which never sent me any notifications) reported extremely high 269 and extremely low 39-heart rates. I have had arrytmias at least for the past 20 years but it's just now that doctors took the condition seriously and ran tests. There are...

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recovery time

I had my surgery on March 2, 2018. It was placed so close to my armpit that I can feel it press against the bone in my arm, my arm sometimes goes numb to the fingers. It always aches, it feels as though something is being pulled when I put my arm out away form my body. The area of the implant is still very tender to the touch of fabric, actually anything. There was a stitch that was protruding on one end that they snipped and pulled out, on the other end there was or is still a stitch that ne...

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new install

5 days in very dizzy when i stand or try to smoke bad reaction to nicotine patch on no meds other than medical maurijuana and 3 beers daily hope to feel better and get back to work

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New Pacemaker

Hi 18 months ago I had my pacemaker and leads removed due to infection. It took the surgeon 6 hours and apparently a difficult op. I am now due to have a new pacemaker installe under the muscle so scared.

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Burning sensation

Three lead put in 1-24-18, all has went well feeling better but have last week have burning sensation and pain around pacemaker and incision. Will this go away

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Pre operation

I am having a pacemaker implanted in a little over a week. I am nervous about it and really want to make sure that everything is in order before I do it. I am the main person that takes care if my daughter, husband and household stuff. My daughter will be staying at her grandma's for a few days after the surgery and I'm going to try to do my spring cleaning before the surgery. My question is, what other things can I prepare for now so it'll be easier on myself and my hus...

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Post Surgery Symptoms

Hi. I am a 53 year old male with high grade AV Block. I had a Medtronic dual lead PM installed about 10 days ago.  I’m on 20 mg of Lisinopril and 100mg of metoprolol each day. How do I know what I’m pacing at during the day? I and still getting lightheaded and having anxiety especially at night.  Has anyone else had these issues? How long wil they last? 

How long til I can get back on an elliptical or a treadmill? Sorry so many questions.

Thank...

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8-months post op, still discomfort

Hi all,

    I am on my 5th pacer and am 21 years old. I had my new one put in last June and am still recovering... This one is under the muscle, and this recovery has been SO much worse than previous ones. I have full range of motion and strength back, but the site still bothers me on a daily basis. My doctors gave me some cream to put on it, but it doesn't seem to help much. Anyone else experience something similar? I'm going crazy... I feel an internal itch that does...

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Pacemaker

I’m a 54 year old woman who just had a pacemaker implanted due to severe vasovagal response—my heart stopped for 50 seconds. I’ve had these episodes my whole life but had one during a tilt table test with ekg hooked up. I never knew my heart stopped. I had the pacemaker put in a few days later. Was experiencing jolts and kicks, much like a baby kicking, and called the dr. They said it was unusual but weren’t concerned. A week later they discovered during an echo that o...

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Recovery

Hello everyone, 

I'm new to this site. It's great to have a support group with lots of people who have experience with pacemakers. I'm 33 and 2.5 weeks ago I had a dual chamber biotronic pacemaker placed. It's been a rollercoaster since then. The reason I had a PM placed was due to bradycardia and bradyarrhythmia. My pulse was in the 20s and 30s. With my new PM my pulse can't go below 60. They had to adjust some settings after implant. That's were the roller...

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Swelling my chest

2 weeks ago I had Icd replacement and have swelling around Icd replacement. But no redness or draining.  It looks like it almost healed and don't remember it being this swollen the first time Icd was implanted in my chest.  I had a follow up last week and doctor was happy with healing and never said anything about swelling in NY chest.  John B

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