Getting my first PM tomorrow

Hi all. New here. Getting PM tomorrow.
Bradycardia. Scared. Any advice?

9 Comments

Pacemakers are routine

by wandoloswki - 2013-06-10 10:06:47

You should have no problems, just get plenty of rest tonight, and follow what the Doc has told you. After the pacemaker implant you may spend the night in the hospital, which is just normal procedure for about 77% of people. I have SSS. Had this pacemaker for 2 years and 4 days. It is a Boston Scientific. What brand name are you getting. Did the brady cause you symptoms.

Welcome to the club

by Betts1963 - 2013-06-11 01:06:16

I was welcomed into this club just last week. Friday I received my PM. This group is supportive and full of information. I'm still sore as you probably know about that by the time you read this. They had a little trouble placing one of my leads and because of this I'm probably a little more sore than if they'd had an easier time. My doctor gave me a sling with an immobolizer rap as a reminder to keep my arm down. It's helpful now for me at night. I can say that I know mine is working and because of that I feel so much better. As soon as the soreness goes away and I'm able to lift my arm I can get back to normal....whatever that is. I haven't been normal for several years. That's how long it took for people to believe that I had a problem, it took passing out behind the wheel of a car to get attention.

Let us know how you are doing, and welcome to the club.

Good luck

by maarmstrong - 2013-06-11 03:06:32

I got a pacer for bradycardia, too, on Memorial Day. I passed out four times, the last time in the ER hooked up to the heart monitor. When you flatline, this gives the docs some good diagnostic info, which is how I got my pacemaker. Warning: this will really scare your wife if she's in the ER with you.
Anyway, I had my surgery that day. I had local anesthesia and then the sleepy time la-la land drugs during surgery. The incision site was the biggest pain. Expect bruising. I spent the night in the hospital and was out the next day. I took a week off from work and returned to light duty in a week. Two weeks later, the incision area still feels sore. I've been icing it and putting TraumHeal on it, which helps.
I was really scared and confused from my ER episode and a LifeMed helo medevac to a bigger city, but the end result is peace of mind. I live in Alaska and had been camping alone a week earlier. If I'd passed out alone, it might have been bad.
I was lucky to have my wife and sister with me at the hospital. People have been awesome about expressing their concerns. Lead with your non-pacer shoulder for hugs.

thinking of you

by Hope - 2013-06-11 10:06:41

Hi! You may already have your device by the time you read this. I just want to say welcome, and I hope all goes well for you. We are here for you, anytime we can help. Hopeful Heart

Hi

by Jax - 2013-06-11 12:06:05

You'll do fine. Not a terrible surgery. A little discomfort.
I took extra strengh tylenol and I was ok.
Welcome to the pm club.

Hi Minnesota

by jeanlancour - 2013-06-11 12:06:16

Welcome to the club. I"m in way northeastern Mn. received my little friend in Oct. 2012, sore for about a week but felt better than I had for a long time. It is an easy surgery, just follow orders without to much wiggle room and you"ll be fine. Best wishs Jean

hey minnesota...

by lubro - 2013-06-11 12:06:36

just wanted to add my best wishes to you on your implant and recovery. i've had my pm for about 4 months...Feel pretty good overall, and am relieved that things have been going smoothly... I have a-fib, and having the pm in place takes a little getting used to, but knowing that it's "watching" over me is comforting...You'll be sore for a while... uneasy about moving about...scared...worried about lifting that arm... lots of natural feelings for what you are going thru... but, most people here have been thru it all, and the best advice is to just take it slowly, let yourself heal, both physically & mentally...find what works for you, then just get on with your life...you might need to try different meds... different settings on the pm... that sort of thing...but, I'm certain that you'll make out just fine... when you get back home and are feeling up to it, drop us a few lines and l;et us know how things are going...
welcome to the club...

Lubro

Thanks all for advice and support

by Minnesota - 2013-06-13 04:06:24

I am home with my new device. It is more sore in my shoulder and upper chest than I expected. But I'm fairly
Thin under the clavicle. The device sticks out more than
I thought it would. But those issues should fade. I believe
The benefits are making themselves known. Less shortness of breath and rhythm quirks and heavy thuds. Enough oxygen at night so I don't have hypopneas and wake gasping for air. So hopefully I am on track to a better quality of life like the rest if the group. Thanks again for welcoming and supporting me.
Ps. I named my pm "Lucky"

Good to hear

by Grateful Heart - 2013-06-13 05:06:18

You and Lucky are doing well and feeling better. Take the time you need to recover now.

Grateful Heart

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