Hi

Hi everyone,
Im 21 and like a number of you on here (so i have read), have been told I need a pacemaker after fainting episodes. My heart also stopped for 20 seconds during tilt table test a few weeks ago.
I am going in on friday and am getting really really nervous! Was just wondering if anyone would like to explain exactly what they do etc and about recovery. I am a party animal and enjoy sports and am really concerned that I will have to change my hobbies etc?!

I would really appreciate it if someone would be kind enough to reply to this and hopefully reassure me!

Many Thanks,
Hannah

6 Comments

Thank you!

by piglet94 - 2010-03-24 02:03:44

Thank you ever so much. Thats really kind of you and has put my mind at rest! (for the moment!). Has really reassured me.

Fingers crossed it'l all be fine!

Many thanks x

In addition...

by heartu - 2010-03-24 05:03:47

TraceyE did a great job explaining things. I'd just like to add a few things.

My doctor gave me antibiotics for 3 days, if your does, please make sure you take them. I also made sure I ate a lot of yogurt too, because antibiotics give me loose stools (sorry....)

After the first couple of days make sure to use your left arm. Move it a little more each day (no raising your arm - whichever side the pm is on above shoulder height and no lifting usually more than 5 pounds), do arm circles gently while bending over This is so your shoulder does not freeze.

Get lots of comfy pillows to surround you at night so you don't rollover onto the side that your pacemaker is on.

Stay well hydrated, especially right after the surgery and eat healthy so that you stay strong during your recovery.

And remember, each person recovers at his/her own pace. Do not compare yourself to anyone else. Just made steady progress.

And most importantly, come back here and let us know how you are doing. We're here for you!

it will be ok :)

by Sgood - 2010-03-24 10:03:00

I'm 27 and have had a pacemaker my whole life. I have always done whatever I wanted to do, just as long as I was careful not to take any blunt force trauma to the site of my pacemaker. I have lived a prefectly normal life and people are completely shocked when I tell them I have a pacemaker. You're going to see that it is a fairly easy adjustment.

Just some advise: After surgery follow your dr's instructions! They will tell you not to move your arm above a certain hight. This is to ensure that you don't dislodge the leads. The only discomfort I ever have from a new pacemaker is just some stiffness in my shoulder. My doctor has alway placed my pacemaker lower than I see most other patients. And I think that is what helps me to have less pain after surgery. I went hiking and everything about a week after my last surgery. And one more thing...most cardiologist will recommend taking antibiotics before getting dental work done. You can ask your cardiologist about it, but usually your dentist will fill the perscription for you.

Best of luck...and like the last person said, we'd love to hear back for you!

good luck!

by Tracey_E - 2010-03-24 12:03:20

It's going to be fine!!!! I was all worked up about it also then was amazed at how easy it was and how much better I felt after. Wishing you the same experience!

Contact sports are a bad idea, but once you heal anything else should be fine. When in doubt, ask your dr.

Everyone's experience is different, but most of us get good drugs to relax us as soon as we get to the hospital. If you haven't already had it, they'll want bloodwork and a chest xray first. Depending on what kind of anesthesia you get, you may or may not be awake, and you may or may not remember. I don't remember anything!

They usually make an incision on your upper chest, left side, below the collarbone. You might want to ask if they can make yours a little lower and deeper so your scar is less visible and the pm itself is less noticeable. They'll insert the leads into the vein and use xray to guide it into place. in the heart Then they'll hook the leads up to the pm, create a pocket for the pm under the skin, turn it on and close you up. Some stay overnight, some go home after a few hours observation. You'll probably be in a sling for the first day or two.

Take a loose button up top to wear home. You won't want to be wearing anything tight or that you have to pull over your head for at least the first week.

Most feel sore for the first few days but pretty good by a week. By 4-6 weeks you should feel your old self again, without the passing out! You'll need to keep the left arm (assuming they put it on your left side) lower than shoulder level and don't lift with it for 6 weeks. Every dr is different when you're allowed to drive again.

Best wishes for an easy surgery and fast recovery!

Best Advice ~ ~

by Carolyn65 - 2010-03-25 01:03:14

You can always depend on the expertise of your fellow PM Club members. They are always right on! Some members have "tenure" of having had a PM device for a longer period. They seem to be the most well versed.

All the above sounds great. I wish I had of asked the right questions pre-PM. The above advice sounds very comforting and true for "newbies".

I do know, I was told by each medical employee, being it THE Dr., the nurses, the PM rep, the - - - , etc. to not wear an arm sling if one was put on me for stabiliza-tion. Of course, when I "woke" up in my hospital room for overnite observation, there was a sling on the left arm. The cardio. Dr. came in, took it off me and told me to take it home for a souvenier! Everyone said the shoulder will "freeze", and I would lose use of that shoulder. That would entail lenghty/painful rehab.

The only other advice not given, which was a problem for me: As I started feeling better post-PM, I tried to "over do" before my 6-8 weeks of "waiting" were up. Just remember, do what you feel like doing, just do not over do, nor lift your arm involved above your heart for the time period given to you by your Dr.

Take care and good luck,
Carolyn G. in TEXAS ~ Flowers are Springing!

party on girl!!

by Hot Heart - 2010-03-25 05:03:14

Can I come? The pm really hasnt stopped me partying, or going to concerts, or having xxx, just go out live your life knowing that youve got a little insurance policy inside you just in case your heart does decide it wants a rest. Just take it steady and follow the instructions for the first few weeks.

HH

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