pacemaker

Hi all,
I have had a vasovegal response problem for probably over 12 years, but it only happens if I get sick to my stomach. Had a surgery done this past March and my stomach got upset and a vasovegal response happened and my heart stopped for 24 seconds and I was laying down at the time. They started to call a code blue, but I woke up. The doctor said I've set a new record for him. Earlier that morning it had only stopped for 4 or 5 seconds. I also have left bundlebranch blockages that occur under major stress, but I am unaware of them when they happen. The doctors are going to put in a pacemaker this coming Friday and I must say, I'm really scared. I've had two major surgeries last year and one this year and something always seems to go wrong. I'm no young person anymore, just turned 67. If anyone has any positive experiences with this procedure, I sure would appreciate hearing from you.
Thanks so much.

2 Comments

Very Positive

by ElectricFrank - 2011-10-31 02:10:10

First off I was 74 when I had my implant. Then at 79 had it replaced due to low batteries. Both were trivial surgeries. Like someone on the forum mentioned a while back, getting the pacer was easier than having a tooth filled!

At our age it doesn't pay to have the pacer implanted under a muscle or breast for cosmetic reasons. So having it just under the skin below the collar bone on the the left side speeds healing.

Allow about the same time you need for any minor surgery to heal. There is a restriction on raising the arm on the pacer side above shoulder level for 1-6 weeks depending on your doctor's whim. It also helps for a few days after the surgery to put a pillow in front of you while sleeping to support the pacer arm. The idea is to keep from squeezing the site like any incision.

I was back to walking 3 miles/day in just a day or so after my implant.

best wishes,

frank

pacemaker

by birdie - 2011-11-04 03:11:36

Thank you Frank for sharing your experience. It really gave some relief from worrying. Will be getting the implant in about 6 hours from now. I'll keep your positive attitude in mind!!
Stay well.
Pat

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