Still recovering

I have only posted twice on this site but had not read anyone having the same "disturbances" as I've had until today from simplicity who wrote of her mom's discomforts. I too have been having some sudden sensations from my heart that last a few seconds. I do know that some is normal but how often is normal? I go in next week to see the Medtronic tech. and am hoping that she can tweak my pm so that I won't have these feelings. My friend who has had her pm for three or four years did tell me that she had some at the beginning but her's went away on their own.
I have had my pm since 8/19. The first implant was 8/12 but was redone when one of the leads dislodged. I feel pretty well but am so afraid to move my left arm due to the dislodgement of the lead from the first surgery. I was instructed not to put my arm over my head for about two or three more weeks.
Ladies how did you wash and style your hair?

3 Comments

My Experience

by ppt - 2009-08-27 08:08:53

Washing was easy .. in the shower ... just use one hand. Styling is a different story !! Somehow you just have to figure it out. I bent your head down way down so that I could hold the dryer in the arm that you should not lift ..then used the other arm to using curling iron etc. Good luck :-)

Still Recovering

by Pookie - 2009-08-27 09:08:57

Hi Quilterlady,

Sorry I can't help you with your "disturbances", but I can certainly relate to having more than one surgery for your pacer; I had 5 total, which is very rare. My leads fell not once, but twice and 6 months later the entire device decided to take up home in my armpit. Again, that is not that common but it can happen if the device is not "anchored". You can read my story as I was featured (and very honored) in the last Newsletter.

I too was pretty strict on myself when it came to using my left arm, but I also found there is a fine line from using your arm a bit, to not using it at all as I certainly didn't want to end up with Frozen Shoulder.

Your hair!!!!!!!! oh, how I know what you mean...lol. It's amazing how we can find ways to do what we really want. The first week I washed my hair in the kitchen sink with one hand, matter of fact I blew it dry too with only my right hand and I'm a lefty. The curling iron was a tad trickier. But, how about wearing a baseball hat!!

It won't be long before you're back to doing all you once did. The waiting for things to get back to normal is the hard part.

You'll find your way.

Pookie

Dsiturbances

by ElectricFrank - 2009-08-27 11:08:57

The most common cause of noticeable sensations are what is known as PVC's. They produce a variety of sensations such as a feeling of missed beat, heavy thumps. and even mildly painful beats. They are generally not an indication of anything serious. The aren't necessarily due to the pacemaker, and are more likely due to whatever caused the need for a pacer. They may have been there all along and only noticeable because you are more sensitive to them.

My experience with the Medtronic reps is that they are very knowledgeable and can be trusted. Just keep in mind that they work under the direction of the doctor and sometimes are caught in a bind. I ran into this early on and brought it up with the doc that I didn't want any behind the scenes politics.

best,

frank

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