Surgery post pacemaker

Hello
I received my PM 6 years ago when I was diagnosed with Bradycardia due to an electrical blockage. I had gained a huge amount of weight and was so tired and short of breath it would take all the energy I had just to wash my hair. I thought I was just fat and lazy and needed to get off my rear, and so did my Dr. I have no idea how long I had the condition before it was discovered in an EKG that a new Dr had suggested I get during a physical. I was on the waiting list for an EKG for 2 months. The day after the EKG I received a pacemaker. I truly feel like I am lucky to be alive. I am 33 years old, pretty young for a pacemaker but with a resting heart rate of 38 I rely on it every day and I know how lucky I am to have it. It has made such an impact on my life, I have lost 100 pounds and exercise regularly. It hasn’t held me back one bit, until just a couple of weeks ago. I went to a plastic surgeon for a consult for breast reduction surgery. I am very top heavy and always have been. I’ve dealt with daily back pain for 19 years but with the weight loss I am very disproportioned now and it has gotten worse. I’ve tried physical therapy, chiropractic and dry needle therapy with little success. When I saw the surgeon he said I do have a medical case and it would more than likely be covered by medical insurance however my pacemaker would interfere with the cauterizing equipment that he needs to use to perform the surgery. He is putting a call into my cardiologist to see if there is anything that can be done as turning the pacemaker off is not an option. I will not likely not be approved for the breast reduction surgery but now I am also concerned about other things, what if I need emergency surgery for something life threatening? Has anyone had any surgery elective or not post PM implant? What is done to maintain heart rate if the pacemaker interferes with surgical equipment? Thanks for your help!

3 Comments

Hi.

by Pookie - 2010-11-08 03:11:04

I'm just guessing but I think they use an external pacemaker to keep your heart going if you need surgery. There are other members on here that will be able to answer your question a heck of a lot better than I just did, but I think that is what I remember they said.

I also had breast reduction but mine was prior to the pacemaker - best surgery I ever had:) I'm sure there will be a way for you to get your surgery....keep the hope!!!

Take care,
Pookie

Surgery W/Pacemaker

by donb - 2010-11-09 09:11:32

Just want to mention that in year 2000 with my 2nd PM I had major laminectomy back surgery L1 through S1. Surgery was 4 1/2 hours stretched upside down over a sawhorse. I had no PM related problems. I did have chin and palms of both hands bruise badly from being supported that way causing lack of circulation. Alot of repair was done as I had back surgery 40 years prior year 1960. Last back surgery was very sucessfull.
I also had 4 PM related surgeries, PM removal, old site restorations and new right chest PM implant in early 2009. In my case having my PMs' over the past 18 years have really kept me in good physical condition to bounce back. The only PM set back has been the (No MRI). I had to endure much pain with broken T2 & T7 upper back early this year, had to tough it out for time to heal, then Therapy was followed which did the job. So, as the medical field is improving every day, like pacemaker friendly MRIs', we survive!! donb

Update!

by TexaCaliSierra - 2011-03-09 10:03:19

Hi All!
Thanks for your input, just wanted to provide an update. It took a few months but I have been cleared for the surgery! I will see the cardiologist the day before and after surgery to have the pacemaker reprogrammed to eliminate whatever it is that interferes with the cauterizing equipment. I am so excited and relieved that surgery is still an option for me. Thanks again!

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