getting pacemaker fitted

Getting my pacemaker changed in a weeks time and have a few questions if anyone knows anything? many years ago when i got my pacemaker fitted one of the leads didnt work right and i felt dizzy faint because my heart couldnt pump the blood fast enough i wanted to know when they take my old pacemaker out to fit new one how do they keep my heart at a normal rhythm so i dont feel faint and dizzy lol is that a stupid question to ask lol also will i feel anything when they do the procedure

3 Comments

Very quick procedure

by SaraTB - 2014-11-09 08:11:36

I'm 100% paced, and when mine was replaced, they had an external pacemaker available, but my EP is so quick with the changeover - in seconds - that it wasn't needed. Be had the leads attached to the new PM so fast - of course, they so that before they need to actually implant the device back into the pocket.

Not a stupid question! I asked it too!

I was awake, but sedated, during the procedure, and felt nothing. I was fully awake within minutes of the suturing, and was home for lunch, back to normal. It's much, much quicker and easier than the original implant.

Talked with a PM nurse

by Theknotguy - 2014-11-09 08:11:43

Talked with a PM nurse who used to work in the PM operating room. Her comment was, "First priority is to keep the heart beating."

They check to see how your heart will react when the old PM is removed. (Don't know how they do that.) If necessary they attach an external pacemaker to keep the heart beating while changing out the old PM.

They've got the procedure down to a real science. So you don't have to worry about lying on the table gasping for air while the doctor fumbles around trying to get the new PM in.

There is at least one previous post where the person goes into detail about his PM replacement. Check the search button on the upper right corner of this website.

Hope everything goes well.

thanks

by PMC - 2014-11-10 07:11:41

Thanks guys u have put my mind at ease now :)

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I finished 29th in London in 2 hours 20 minutes 30 seconds which is my fastest with or without a device so clearly it didn’t slow me down ! I had no problems apart from some slight chaffing on my scar - more Vaseline next time.