Waiting for my pacemaker

Hello. I just joined this prestigious group and am waiting for my pacemaker to be installed next week. Most of the postings recount problems. Does anyone have a positive ending to their story? What questions should I ask my doctor and the PM rep before Ieave the hospital. I will not have a choice of PM brand, but will receive one selected by the doctor.

11 Comments

There's a lot of positive

by Edouard - 2011-04-21 08:04:07

Hi Jobby
It's normal for you to read about problems in a forum such as this. After all, one of the primary reasons for the existence of a forum is to seek solutions to problems. If you read through, however, you will meet many well-adjusted people whose lives were greatly improved thanks to their pacemaker.
In my own case, (and I'll keep it short), implantation was a snap. I was awake through the whole procedure, endured minimum discomfort and enjoyed a quick and easy recovery. I've resumed my physical activities as before and I'm much less worried about passing out at inopportune moments.
Some people have it tougher than others, but remember that the vast majority are thankful to have their little electronic friend watching over them.
Good luck
Edouard

positive!

by Parrothead57 - 2011-04-21 08:04:37

Welcome to the club Jobby. I am almost 6 weeks post op after recieving my first PM. I had a really easy implant procedure and was home the next morning. In one week I was back at the gym. I feel 100% better than the months leading up to my surgery. All positive!

I have a Boston Scientific PM. They have a really great website as I'm sure most mfg do.

The folks on this website are a wealth of support and information. Come here anytime you need either.

Best wishes on your walk in the park. Please let us know how you did.

Take care,
PH

eveything good

by sallybags@email.com - 2011-04-21 09:04:23

almost 3 months since implant. Playing basketball 3-4 nights a week and lifting 4-5 days. Almost 58 years old and things are great. I go on this site sometimes to find out if feelings I'm having are normal or not. I think a lot of us on this site are really aware of small changes in our bodies and are sensitive to the feelings we experience. You will be fine ,so good health and a long life.

Positive

by Cheryl B - 2011-04-21 11:04:12

It's been five months since they inserted my new best friend. I'm walking over two miles a day, have been back to work (court reporter) since January, and I feel better now than I did before. Oh, yeah, and I QUIT SMOKING. I am so happy about that. I have a St. Jude, and I didn't have a choice. I was undergoing nine hours of ablation, and at the end, they put it in and closed me up. I thought when I first got home that I would end up dying everytime I went to sleep. But I kept waking up, and then I kept reading this site. Every time I feel sorry for myself or scared, I get on here and get help. Yes, we have problems, but so do people without a pacemaker. The people on this site couldn't be more helpful to me. You're in good hands. Welcome.

Idea

by ElectricFrank - 2011-04-22 01:04:02

Maybe some of ought to ask for help in understanding why our pacers are working so good. Must be something we can do to make things worse.

Any ideas?

frank

happy endings

by Tracey_E - 2011-04-22 07:04:50

Keep in mind that a lot of people come here for answers because they have complications. That doesn't make complications the norm, it just means there are thousands of people out there getting on with their lives with no need to look for answers or support. In reality, complications happen less than 2% of the time with pm implants.

I've had 4 pm's now, no complications. I live a full, perfectly normal crazy life. I'm a parent (had babies post-pm), own a business, do a lot of volunteer work, work out avidly and play hard too. Most of my vacations are hiking or skiing. Most people don't even know I have it and they do a double take when they find out.

Most people don't choose their brand, don't worry about it. There are no bad ones out there, they will all get the job done! Most drs choose the ones they know best and/or the mfr they have the best relationship with. I'm happy to have it this way, my dr is the expert and the one who will be taking care of it so let him choose.

first week

by fishfighter - 2011-04-22 08:04:38

I'm in my first week of having a CRT-D. Yes, I am having a bit of trouble, but its due to meds so my doctor says. After a vist yesterday and a adjustment on meds, I have to say I feel a bit better today sofar.
I still have a lot of pain were the CRT-D is implanted. One of the reasons is that that sucker is three times bigger then a regular PM. Dam near the size of a pack of smokes! I have less then 10% body fat every other day. I'm still taking fluid pills every other day. My body weight will jump as much as 7 lbs overnight. So I got to watch what I eat along with what I drink and the amount of that. I'm 6' tall and weight in at 180 lbs every other day.

I am sure in time I will get things under control as long as my heart keeps pumping. I had read here that some people have releif right after they get there implant. Myself, I was hoping for that, but it didn't happen. Myself, I came down with heart trouble last Nov. I didn't know I had any trouble up to that point. I was very healthy for my age(now 53). I didn't take any health meds at all. My heart trouble came from a viro infection that I picked up somewere and didn't even know it at the time till it was to late.

Best of luck and get second opions if not third!

Yes!!

by LS - 2011-04-22 08:04:39

I had my PM "installed" a year ago Jan. Yes, it was an adjustment for a few months, but I never had any problems. I felt my side effects were more emotional, but Part of that was getting used to the meds I was put on.
Good luck to you!!
Liz

So far So Good

by marietta - 2011-04-27 05:04:06

It has been 2 1/2 weeks since my pacemaker was put in. Other than this, I am in good health. I found this site because I Googled problems wearing a bra. LOL, sometimes it is just the little things. I find it nice to know others are having the same questions!

batteyry change

by Sidman - 2011-05-02 11:05:53

Jobby in my previous comment I meant they don't techinally change battery they install new device sorry! for typo error

It will be fine

by Sidman - 2011-05-02 11:05:55

You will go through this with flying colors.I had a ICD inplant which serves as a defib too.it's been 5 yrs now and due for a changeout since techinally they change batteries probably within a few weeks.Battery is getting low and mine is a medtronic device.Had some discomfort for a day or two and the surgery well they give me a local The table I was on was not comfortable at all.but,overall it's not a bad experience Good luck and you will be fine and enjoying activities you like doing

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