Now an official member

Pacemaker keychain - check
"You know your pacing when" book - check
Pacemaker implanted (yesterday) - check
Sense of humor still intact - check

Yup, I’m officially family!

Surgery went well. They were initially going under the muscle, but during surgery they decided the bump shouldn’t be noticeable just under the skin.  I’ll be the judge of that when the swelling goes down, thank you. I’m skinny as a rail.

I’ve got some pain, but I only need Tylenol.

Honestly, I’ve felt some odd things here and there - but I have taken the advice of others and just waited a minute and reminded myself it was most likely anxiety...and I think you’re right. It’s a really emotional time right now and I’m focusing in on my heart rate (which is pretty much 100% PM right now) and every little feeling and pain...but thanks to everyone on here, I think I am okay. Not thrilled to have a PM, but I’m okay.

They let me test my smart phone (HTC Thunderbolt) during interrogation I was on facebook with my phone pretty close to the PM site, and had ZERO interference. That was such a relief because I am a total gadget girl. I love my cell phone, tablet, video games, etc. And I feel so much better knowing I don’t have to stop using that stuff.

Anyway - you can’t pick your family and I just wanted to say that you guys are stuck with me now! :)









8 Comments

Welcome x3 :)

by Pookie - 2012-04-20 01:04:13

I'm glad things are going pretty good for you. Yes, anxiety sometimes is part & parcel of going thru this procedure, but with time I'm sure you will be just fine.

I think you have a pretty good attitude and sometimes that is half the battle. I'm just looking at the comment by Cheryl B and I am giggling at the name she gave her device...Thumpalina...I'm guessing Cheryl is around my age and she got that name from a doll back in the early 60's. I named mine Wilson after that movie with Tom Hanks in it (stranded on an island) because Wilson (it was a soccer ball if I remember correctly) was his only buddy that kept him going.

Anyhow, I'm glad you found this group and now you can actively participate and help the newbies with a lot of their questions.

I know for me, this group has been a life saver in more ways than one...I've been coming here almost daily since early 2005. But what's best about it (well there are lots of good points) is the people we meet ~ always helpful and supportive but most importantly - understanding:)

Welcome to the club Renee:)

Pookie

Great idea testing the phone

by ElectricFrank - 2012-04-20 02:04:06

You should add that to the checklist.

frank

welcome x 2

by Hope - 2012-04-20 12:04:01

Hi! So glad you are doing well with your device. I am on my second ICD. I am a "the glass is half full, not half empty" girl, also. Your positive attitude will get you through any tough days. I, too, just take Tylenol. Anytime I am in pain and not feeling well, whatever the cause, I certainly do not need some medication messing with my head, also. I do take my cardio medications. I totally relate to what you said about falling asleep. As I wake up each morning, I am happily aware I have another day and proceed, pace myself, plan ahead, but, also try to live for the day at hand. Maybe, this little saying will give you some peace and comfort .... "Don't worry about tomorrow, God is already there." Hopeful Heqrt

Welcome

by Cheryl B - 2012-04-20 12:04:34

Renee:
What a great sense of humor you have. I look forward to reading your posts. You so described me: Not thrilled to have my ICD, but I'm okay. I'm just glad they make these things, too, or I wouldn't be typing away right now. I remember using my cell phone right after I got home from the hospital, and I was using it on the "wrong" side. I was so scared to fall asleep that night, thinking something for sure was going to happen. I've come a long way, though. I'm not ALWAYS feeling every little pain and wondering if something is wrong. I'm actually having whole days when I forget about it. Yipee. Someone on this site told me I would, and I remember thinking, "I'm different. I'll always think about it." Well, they were right, of course.
Just wanted to say hi, and welcome to the family.
By the way, you have to name your new "buddy." Mine is named Thumpalina, and sometimes I call her Thumper.
Cheryl B.

WOW

by Peg541 - 2012-04-21 09:04:21

Hey Renee glad to see you back and posting. Mine ended up under my skin as well and is just fine. It bumps out a bit when I raise my arm but they are happy with it and so am I.
Glad you feel fine. I found Tylenol did the job famously.

Keep checking in.
Peg

Thanks for the warm welcome :)

by ReneeV2.0 - 2012-04-21 11:04:23

You guys are the best. This is day 4... I'm okay, but when I took the top bandage off (I have steril strips on) and saw the wreckage that was once my beautiful chest, I definitely got sad and a little concerned about all the bruising. I'm black and blue all over that area. I take baby aspirin, and I am REALLY pale, so maybe that's why it looks so bad to me. Any idea's when that will start to clear up?

As far as naming my PM, that is a great idea! But I can't do it right now. We have a love/hate relationship currently and I may end up calling it something I'll regret. lol






Bruising

by ReneeV2.0 - 2012-04-21 11:04:46

Just an FYI I just posted a picture of "The wreckage."

I'm sure it will be better in a few weeks I just hate how it looks now. :(

Welcome to our select group!

by janetinak - 2012-04-21 12:04:50

Your comments made me smile, check.


Janet

You know you're wired when...

Intel inside is your motto.

Member Quotes

I've seen many posts about people being concerned about exercise after having a device so thought I would let you know that yesterday I raced my first marathon since having my pacemaker fitted in fall 2004.