HI - Just got my pm 3/19

Hi everyone,
I am so glad I found this support site. This is all new to me - one day I was fine and two days later I was in the hospital having a pm implanted. I noticed on St. Patrick's Day that I was suddenly short of breath just walking normally and figured I had better go to the emergency room and find out what was going on. I am 63 years old and had never been hospitalizedf so it was really scary for me.My cardiologist told me it was second degree heart block and I had the procedure that same week. I don't know if anyone else had the experience of the cardiologist having a difficult time attaching the wires (2 hours) and even trying to get the pacemaker itself to stay in the proper position. I felt everything they did in spite of the local (is that normal?) and now I am in pain due mostly to all the extra probing they did to get everything in place. Next week I go to the pacemaker clinic in my doctor's office and am not sure what to expect. Can anyone fill me in? I would appreciate it - as I said all this is so new to me I don't know what to expect.
Thanks alot. JeanS

4 Comments

What to expect

by ElectricFrank - 2010-04-04 01:04:45

The check up at the clinic is no big deal. Being only a short time since the implant the will likely take a look at incision and PM site to see how it is healing.

They will also run a test to see how the pacer is working and likely change some of the settings to match your heart better. The test is done by putting a small round device over the pacemaker which connects with the pacer wirelessly. It works through your clothes.

During the test it goes through some sequences where it speeds you heart up/down and may cause it to skip a few beats. As long as you expect it the sensation isn't a problem.

And that's it.

frank

Isn't technology great?

by painthorse - 2010-04-04 01:04:50

It is so facinating to me to think about how this little invention is keeping so many of us alive and for the most part well. I am REALLY amazed that you were awake through the whole procedure! My EP let me stay awake for my first ablation but then, (I think because I talk too much) he has always shut me up with the IV happy juice. That soreness will probably last awhile, depending on how fast you heal but DO follow your doc's advice about any restrictions etc. but at the same time don't become a mummy. This site will be about the best support and source of advice that you can imagine! Check in often...daily if you can. You'll be glad you did! Have a great Easter!!

pat

hehehe...boy, do I sound like a veteran?!!! I'm pretty new here also but I am a whole different person than when I arrived!

Hello

by The Fish - 2010-04-04 10:04:17

Hi Jean
I am fairly new to all this too. I got my PM implanted on March 16th. They put in a two lead PM but could only get one lead in properly so they gave up with the second lead. The surgeon said he may have to re do the procedure depending on what the cardiologist says when I see him. I too was awake for the procedure but was quite relaxed on what ever they gave me. So at almost 3 weeks post op, I am still having the odd twinge and tingle in my left arm but mostly feel pretty good. I am sure you will notice a slow but good change each day. Just make sure you take it slow and easy and follow your doctors instructions. All the best to you.
Howard

Thanks

by Jean S - 2010-04-05 12:04:53

Thanks to all of you who answered my questions. It is so nice to be part of a group that can share their experience with one another. Now I know what to expect at the pacemaker lab and don't have to worry about it. It sounds like we all more or less have had common experiences and are all basically new to the pm situation. I wish everyone a Happy Easter and thanks again for commenting.

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