Just had my PM implanted 2 days ago

So I just had my PM implanted 2 days ago, and I am feeling a variety of things, excited that I may finaly havea normal life again, overwhelmed, I have 2 lil ones that are not cooperating and hubby works a lot and i am in pain, I have lots of questions, no answers, scared, uhmm lots of things. I was diagnosed with bradycardia back in June, but my card. seems to think I have had this probelm for a few yrs. I would drop down to the low 40's even 30's at times, pass out in strange places, very lathargic, it was hard to breath all the time, and ohh all sorts of things... the thing that bothered me the most was the light headedness...when my BP dropped. I dont know what to think at this point, excpet this could have save my life, and QUESTION what can I NOT do?? as far as eating, drinking, excersising, ect. any help would be great!!!

6 Comments

New Pacemaker

by SMITTY - 2010-03-14 01:03:53

Hello Brookle,

Welcome to the Pacer maker Club.

First and foremost, follow your doctors instructions on your limitations during your recuperation from the surgery which may take from a few days to a few weeks - it is different for different people. Then don't let that pacemaker take over your normal life style. It is there to help your heart as needed, not to replace anything. As for eating or drinking that pacemaker will not care what you eat or drink. So long as the beverage is not one that could cause you to fall and possibly take a direct lick on the pacemaker. Even a direct lick on the PM will not hurt it, but it will cause you pain and it is possible to damage the leads this way.

As for other precautions, there are few. Yes, STRONG electromagnetic fields (EMF), such those generated by electric welders can interfere with the PM operation. However, the it is extremely rare for the EMF from this or any electronic device, cell phones, computers, radios, etc., to damage the PM.

That is not to say no electronic device will effect your PM. It can happen, but the good thing is if it should occur it will feel somewhat like an irregular heart beat. However, as soon as you get away (1 to 10 ft.) from whatever is causing the problem the PM will return to its normal operation and no harm will be done.

Since you have had your PM for only two days, I'm guessing you haven't had a PM checkup yet. During a PM checkup they place a magnet over the PM to shift it to another mode to collect stored data, make adjustments in the settings and other things, and you will feel this as an irregular heart beat. Remember this feeling it as that is about what your PM will feel like should you ever get into some area where your PM's operation is affected.

If I could give one piece of advice it would be to forget you have a PM. It will sit there doing its job day in and day out. Should anything ever happen, even to the point of stopping, for which the chances of that happening are some where between zero and none, it will let you. In that case your heart function will return to what it was before you got the PM and you will need to call your doctor.

One last word. The initial settings on your PM may need some adjustments. Should you think something is not right call the Dr. otherwise they will have no way of knowing things are not perfect.

Good luck,

Smitty

Re: to Brooke1803

by LS - 2010-03-14 12:03:02

Hi Brooke!
As far as your questions, you'll be able to do everything you did before. (Even better I'd imagine)
As for right now, no lifting, extending the arm above your head (the incision side) etc.
I bought a book called "Pacemaker Owner's manual" by JoAnn LeQuang. I would highly reccomend it to any PM patients.
Make a list of questions to ask your Dr. when you return for your check up.
Good luck to you!
Liz

Re: to Brooke1803

by LS - 2010-03-14 12:03:02

Hi Brooke!
As far as your questions, you'll be able to do everything you did before. (Even better I'd imagine)
As for right now, no lifting, extending the arm above your head (the incision side) etc.
I bought a book called "Pacemaker Owner's manual" by JoAnn LeQuang. I would highly reccomend it to any PM patients.
Make a list of questions to ask your Dr. when you return for your check up.
Good luck to you!
Liz

...

by Charli - 2010-03-14 12:03:30

You can't really do anything that emits a high voltage. Here are the most important things to avoid:
dodgems
welders
industrial electromagnets
diving below 20 meters

I've found a few things out such as you have to be careful if you ever go on a rollercoaster with an overhead restraint or those shock games. Basically look at the health advice before using something and you'll be fine.

Oh yes...

by Charli - 2010-03-14 12:03:41

It's a good idea to take it easy and not do any contact sports as it can dislodge the wires. It can take up to a year before the wires are fully settled into place!

Hi...

by qwerty - 2010-03-15 01:03:43

Welcome to the Club. Listen to these guys... they are the best. My only piece of advice is to give yourself time to heal. Let your kids wait on you a little and take the time you need so you can get back to your normal life!

Good Luck
Cherell

You know you're wired when...

You have an excuse for gaining an extra ounce or two.

Member Quotes

I have had my pacer since 2005. At first it ruled my life. It took some time to calm down and make the mental adjustment. I had trouble sleeping and I worried a lot about pulling wires. Now I just live my life as I wish.