Upcoming implantation

Hi
I wrote earlier about whether or not I should get a pm. Thank you for all of your comments. I finally made the decision and am going to get it this summer. I was originally supposed to get it on Monday, but they want to put in an MRI compatible pm so they are waiting for it to arrive from Europe. My appt now is Aug 31st. They are going to put it under my breast in order to hide it since I'm only 22. Has anyone else had this? I start nursing school about 10 days after the implantation, do you think this will be a problem? Will I be feeling ok after a week and a half? Is it a harder recovery since they're hiding it? Also he said that the anesthesia team will be with him that day, so they'll put me right to sleep, is this necessary? I'm usually completely asleep and it takes a long time for me to feel normal again just with conscious sedation, so I'm nervous about how I will handle general anesthesia. Thanks for all your help again!
Melanie

3 Comments

Hello

by 8thID - 2010-08-05 08:08:30

Melanie,

Since I'm male, I can't really help you on the question about PM placement. But I will tell you that I'm exactly 10 days out from my implant today. I go in for my first check tomorrow. I'm 44 and had a PM/Defib put in. I was put out so they could actually put me in an abnormal rhythm to test the defib. Even though I slept, I was not put fully out. I was not intubated, etc. I remember nothing. You may want to ask your Doc exactly how they will handle your sedation. I'm much older than you and my EP didn't feel I needed to be put completely out. ASK. ASK. ASK all kinds of questions. After leaving the hospital the day after, I had a hard time sleeping for about 3 nights. Pain in the area of implant and I really enjoy sleeping on my stomach so I had to make a few adjustments. I feel much better now. On the question of starting nursing school, well that will have to be decided by you and your Doc. One piece of advice, after you get home---DO STUFF! I'm not saying run a marathon, but don't just sit there. I did that for a couple days and well all I did was think about my device and what I'd just gone through, etc. Since then I've been out doing non-strenuous things with my wife and daughter. There is still a little soreness left, but it's OK. I will be returning to work possibly on Monday with a few restrictions. I have a great paying job that I HATE!!! So, I will soon be in college again part-time doing something I should have done years ago--Learning to be a chef!! Sorry to ramble--Just remember you're in control of the procedure and it's your body, so ask questions. Try not to worry too much. I hope and pray all goes well for you and good luck in your nursing career! Take Care!

Jeff

Close to your age!

by tcrabtree85 - 2010-08-06 04:08:13

Hi,
I am close to your age and have had all my pacers placed under the breast. It does hurt for a while. I think for nursing school it all depends on if you will be doing clinic or not right away. If you were going to be going out and doing clinic right away I would tell you NO! You need to take the time to heal. You have a six week period of no lifting any heavy objects which in clinic you would be doing.
You don't want to lift anything too soon and I know I am more sensitive to this than others but I have pulled my leads from not following the 6 weeks of keeping my arm down and not over lifting. So please if you have clinic time post pone if you don't I think you could handle the class part.
I would recommend getting a bag on wheels and not to lift your books as when it is placed under the breast it is more tender and the lifting so much would be uncomfortable still at least for me it was still at 10 days out. I think it depends on your level of handling pain and I don't like pain. My bruises lasted a long period though also b/c they burried it deep so I wouldn't have issues with it flipping or moving around on me.
I would ask if you are getting a local I don't see a need for them to do complete anesthesia with tube etc down your throat. I agree with Jeff and ask a lot of questions.
If you have anymore questions feel free to send me a private message. By the way I am 24 and please don't feel alone there are other younger people out there.
Take care and please keep us updated.

Tammy

healing

by Tracey_E - 2010-08-08 06:08:39

Mine is under the breast also. I'm on my 4th one now. My first three were done with general anesthesia. My last one- battery replacement, lead replacement and a plastic surgeon assisted to clean up the scar tissue in the pocket- was done with conscious sedation. I was a little concerned having something so invasive done without being out but liked it a lot better. I felt much better that first night than I did when I had general.

You will be sore for a few weeks. It takes longer to heal when it's buried. Going to class won't be a problem but carrying books or any kind of labs might be. I was mostly back to normal and feeling pretty good by 2 weeks but bending, twisting, lifting still hurt for a good 6 weeks.

Good luck!!!

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