Most Recent Messages in Surgery & Recovery

Post Message!

Just recieved a PM

So I just got a pacemaker put in on wednesday. I had a horrible experience. I'm 26 and this is nothing like id hope it turn out to be. I've been having horrible chest pain like a heart attack... doc said that's not uncommon because I have a screw in my heart and it could leak enzymes which could cause chest pain. I've been having weird rhythms that I can feel. My heart rate was at 34 before surgery now its set at 50. I have a complete heart block. To me it feels like my heart is trying to go bac...

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Recovery Still?

So I had surgery for a PM in June 2010. My first PM. You all have welcomed me with open arms and offered up great advice with some of my physical and personal issues. I appreciate it more than you could imagine. It's hard to talk to somebody who doesn't know what you are going through. As much as they try to support you, its just not the same as talking to somebody who has a PM.

With that being said, as I mentioned, my PM surgery was 6/2/10 and I am actually coping much better now wi...

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Newly "wired"

I'm now a full member after having my pm implanted on Sept 30th. The ep doc & his team were great and so far everything seems to be going well. Like a lot of people, I got conflicting info when it came to showers, driving, when I can return to work, etc. My dr, the nurses, everyone was pretty clear on not raising my left arm above my shoulder while the leads (I have a dual chamber pm) get attached. Now I'm a bit paranoid so here's my question - would I know if a lead came loose? I'm up and a...

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Learn

Please explain the implantation of pace maker

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35 year old that has bradycardia

I am a 35 year old mother that was just placed on a 30 day monitor to see what happens when I faint. Long story short I was DX with POTS in Nov 07 but then didn't have any problems until May 2010 when I fainted in my daughter 's class. Then July 12- now I have fainted about once a week. I am actually about 12 days in from my last faint and that's the longest time I have went since July. My new Cardiologist is 2nd guessing my DX of POTS since my only symptom is fainting. I don't even get a warnin...

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post pm advise

I am 39 years old and had a pm put in 6 days ago for bradycardia. For the most part I feel a lot better but I run out of gas very easily still. Not sure when I should start feeling back to normal. I did stop smoking about a month ago and am very itchy off and on mostly neck chest and abdomen. I am not on any medication and this started before I got my pm. The itching is not as bad but still having some. Anyone else have this problem or have any advise.

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How much can you do in the first six weeks

Hi All

What a great club, it's lovely to hear from people with similar problems and to get different feedback and opinions. I had my biventricular implant on 16th sept 2010. How soon did you guys return to work? (i've been told two weeks by Doctor).

The paperwork and booklets given by the Hospital seem to condradict them selfs a bit. One will say don't put your hand above your shoulder for six weeks and the other will say four weeks.

My problem is i'm left hande...

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ablation

just had ablation for a fib on aug,25,was back in my local hospital twice for fluid build up,in the stomach.they had to drain almost 3 liters of fluid out of my stomach,getting better,just wondering if it has hapenned d to any one else.

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When can you drive after surgery.

I am scheduled for installation of a pacemaker in three days. I have been advised by my doctor’s assistant that I cannot drive a car for eight weeks!  Is this true?  I live alone and have to obtain food and other staples and occasionally my work requires that I drive. A response is appreciated.
dchap

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Finally!

Well I am finally getting my pacemaker. I have a complete heart block that I've had since birth. I am 26 and my doctor says it's time to get one in. I have an appointment with my cardiologist next Wednesday about the date of the surgery. I am terrified of being awake during this process. I am also terrified of needles. I know it's silly but does anyone remember if the numbing needle was painful. Also, I was wondering if you could feel the wires being threaded into your vein to the heart? I'm exc...

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Pacemaker Placement

I didn't know there were options when it comes to where the dr places the pacemaker. I'm right handed and my doc indicated he was going to put it just under my collar bone close to my shoulder. Is that the typical location? Any suggestions on a different spot where it might be less noticeable? Thanks to Gloria (sugarleaf4) for letting me know I have a say!

Cheers,
Paul

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showers

how soon after your PM was put in should you take a full shower?

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duel chamber

hi all, i am 25 have had a pace maker since i was 5, ive had the singular chamber now my doc is thinking about going to a duel chamber? i enjoy going to the gym, was just wondering will it help me gain weight easier?

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pacemaker moving

Hi all,

just wandered, I have had pacemaker now for almost 4 weeks, I get alot of palpitations still which I expect until I have ablation but with the palpitations I get alot of pain, almost like a wire is hitting against something?
Also can the pacemaker itself move as I have pain under my armpit to the left of the pacer and it feels very uncomfortable?
Thanks
Karen

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Surgery next Thursday

Hi Everyone,
On Sept 30 I'll be getting my 1st pm. Do you have any advice for someone after surgery? My EP doc was rather vague when I asked about restrictions. I'm sure I'll get instructions once I leave the hospital but figured I would ask the "experts" - all of you :)

thx

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message for willowrose

I am 84, had my pm fitted on September 9th. I didnt sleep at all the first night after application and heart was beating in a strange way but ever since then I have felt fine but quite tired. I go for a very short half an hour slowish walk every day. Not sure how much walking to do. I had to have pm put in twice! I came back from first one and lay on my bed and suddenly I experienced huge twitchings on my left side under ribs. A wire had come out and I had to have whole thing done again! I t...

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#1grandma


Thank you all soooo much for responding to my questions about needing a sling. It really helps to talk to those that have been through the surgery. I'm feeling much better. It was the unknown that scared me. Thank you again and I will let you know how it goes.

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Considering PM surgery

Hello: I am brand new to this site. I would like some feedback from anyone who has had a similar medical history and opted to have a PM.
I have had UNCOMPLICATED SVT ONLY for about 10 years and 2 unnsuccessful ablations. Tried 3 meds, beta and ca blockers no success.Just made me sick and dropped my bp. Now on low dose rhythmol twice a day...it has decreased the length of my tachycardia runs but not the frequency...I still get it (on average) about every 10 days. I have had it as long...

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#1grandma

I am having my first PM surgery on October 12th have a question or two. I have been told that some wear an arm sling after. Is this the best way to go and if so how long do you suggest one wears it?

Thanks

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New implant

Hi, fellow pacers:

I just want to tell last monday I had my second pacemaker implanted. Everything OK but the doctor that did it, set the pacing limit to 60-110, while the doctor that did the first one and had done all the checkings during 5 and a half years, had set it at 70-110.
I asked why he had lowered this limit, but seemed that it was a personal choice, and said there was no reason why my heart should beat at 70 even while I was resting,and I wouldn't notice the change.

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You know you're wired when...

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Member Quotes

At age 20, I will be getting a pacemaker in few weeks along with an SA node ablation. This opportunity may change a five year prognosis into a normal life span! I look forward to being a little old lady with a wicked cane!