Just returned from doctor's check-up

33 year old, 2 months post implant, and my EP doc can't believe the results. He says he's going to use me as his Pacemaker Poster Child, because everyone always thinks that pacemakers are so awful. I guess he considers me as a living example that they are not. I'm glad he thinks of me that way. Hee, hee.
I could not have achieved this "poster child" status without the help and support of this site.
My doctor is also admiring his handiwork as my scar is only 1 inch long. I told him that I can't believe he got my pacemaker through that tiny incision, and he said, "I can't either." He told me I could show that scar to any cardiologist and they wouldn't believe it was a pacemaker scar. I am so proud of him, and he seems to be proud of himself too. Hee, Hee. It seems silly, but just to be funny, I might take a picture of my little scar and send him a copy. He can add it to his portfolio. HA
I am so thankful for the wonderful relationship that I have with my doctor and all of his staff. It really does make a difference. I feel like we're all friends now. We've been through a lot together in such a short time. It will almost be sad not to see him anymore. (he's 4 hours away, and I follow up with my local cardiologist) Him and his staff have always been worth the drive.

6 Comments

Lucky you!

by Loopy Lou - 2008-10-01 01:10:03

You are so lucky in respect of your scars.... I still think pacemakers are awful, as do the majority of people on this site! although we are all so grateful to have them!!!! (I am 43 and had mine on 24th July 08).

Over my left side I have a scar which is 3.5 inches (which is the result of a failed insertion due to small veins) and another scar of 1.5 inches on my right side where my pacemaker fits.

I am so lucky that my CCU department are all lovely and in fact next week I start as a volunteer on the ward where I was for 2 weeks!

Shame yours is so far away - but maybe you could stay in touch between your appointments!

Take care, Loopy Lou xx

Nice???

by Peter.Nash - 2008-10-01 02:10:06

Ok pacergirl it has been 3 years since your implant you can be "Nice" to poor old hubby now hehe.
Peter.N

Volunteering?

by pacergirl - 2008-10-01 02:10:23

Hi Loopy Lou,
Well how about that, finding time to help out... the patients are going to love you! This is fantastic, How I wish I had someone like you to show me how things are done, to listen to my fears and bring up the difficult questions like when can I be "nice" to my hubby again! Things I didn't think about when the dr. said you need a PM. and hello now you have one kinda time.
How very lucky the hospital is to have you there. yipee!

Pacer Chicks Rule!
Pacergirl

strange........?

by Angelie - 2008-10-01 03:10:15

I find it odd that the last 2 posts above have absolutely NOTHING to do with my original post.
How confusing......

Great!

by ElectricFrank - 2008-10-02 01:10:08

Angelie,
It is a great feeling to have things come out well. My guess is that you had something to do with it as well.

I had a similar experience with back surgery in 1984. I was on my feet 6 hours after surgery and never looked back. When I had my 1 week checkup at the surgeons office he kidded me that he was going to have me come back once a week for as long as he could keep it up, just for the effect it had on the people in his waiting room.

My pacemaker experience has been the same.

keep it up!

frank

Who's your doctor?

by TSan1961 - 2008-10-02 12:10:45

Hi Angelie,
I'm so happy to hear about your wonderful experience. I had my first pacemaker implant when I was 34 in 1995 and it was wonderful, it made all the difference in my life! I loved my cardiologist, Dr Charles Machell, he was so caring and did such a great job for me, but he moved away. Then I moved to SW Florida in 2003 and have not found another cardiologist that I feel that comfortable with since. My "battery replacement" in 2004 has not been such a wonderful experience, I often have rythym disturbances and always feel weak and tired. The cardiologist I see here could care less and is only concerned that the PM is working. (I'm 99% paced, after 3 failed ablations) So, where do you live and who is your doctor? He sounds wonderful, like Dr Machell. If anyone has found a good doctor in SW Florida, please let me know. Thank you and best wishes Angelie!
Teresa

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