New PM

Hi. I’m a fairly new here. I have been hanging around and reading many of the posting. I can’t tell you how helpful it has been. First it was just to help me get ready for implant day and now it’s been helpful in letting me know I am not crazy with many of my physical and emotional experiences since my Medtronic pacemaker was implanted on Aug 9th. I am 2 weeks post-op today. Wahoo! All has been going pretty well. I developed a rash almost immediately (of course I was convinced my body was rejecting the pacemaker or leads or both!) but after a dosing of steroids that is better. It may have been the antibiotics or something in the procedure. I have been walking a lot and feeling pretty good. Incision site is still really sore and I have my first post-op appointment next week so I am looking forward to that. I am worried about the whole leads need to settle part of this. How do you know if you mess that up? I am trying to remember to not lift my arm or reach behind me but as I am feeling better that is getting harder to not do. Thank you to the members before me that have helped me settle and adjust to my new normal. I hope I can do the same for members that will come after. It truly does feel like we are in a club that those without devices can’t really get!

Thanks everyone,
CK

2 Comments

3 wks post-op for CRT-D! Pacing myself!!!

by dingbot - 2012-08-27 11:08:44

Good to hear someone from my "week", I was Aug. 8th, and Wed. I'll be 3 weeks post-op. I guess this has been more painful and arduous than I had thought. I needed a Medtronic biventricular CRT-D pretty fast and didn't have a whole lot of time to think about it, but I knew it was time, since I'd put my teaching career on hold for 1 1/2 years after suddenly developing pneumonia, then resultant (they think) heart failure, with a discovery of Sjogren's Syndrome as well. I guess I didn't need too much time because I just want something to HELP! So, I had alot of the same experiences as everyone that I read here. The first week was horrible pain, last week was exhaustion and pain, and this week I'm pacing myself out, weaning off the pain pills, and taking short walks or going to stores with my husband and setting off the alarms with the CRT.
I just support everyone, this IS a new normal, plus I think I look significantly disfigured-but not to complain, I'm alive... SO...it takes time. It's worse than I thought, but at least I don't have any nerve damage like it sounds so many of you do, and I'm here typing and going on FB and trying to stay positive, It's sad that it's the first day of school and I'm still not back in my classroom, but i am ALIVE, so who knows what tomorrow will bring? You'll be OK! KIT! Maybe we'll turn a corner at the 6 wk mark...let us know and i will too!

All the best!
Patricia :)

3 weeks today!

by CK108 - 2012-08-30 04:08:38

Hi. Thanks for responding. It is awesome that we are the same week. But you are a day older! :-) I'm doing pretty well. The incision site is REALLY sore. All seems to be healing ok I can just feel the PM all the time. I wonder if that will change. Do you really set off the alarms? Oh my! That would freak me out a little I think!

I too feel like my chest looks disfigured although my surgeon did a great job I just can't help but think everyone sees the bulge! Maybe someday I will feel different about it and wear it like a badge of courage! haha

It's so great you are staying positive even though there is some sadness. I turned 50 yesterday and had mixed emotions. It was a beautiful day here in VA so I spent sometime outside enjoying the day and being happy to have my life..PM and all! I hope we can keep in contact and compare notes!

All the best to you too!
Carlyn

You know you're wired when...

You have a $50,000 chest.

Member Quotes

My eight year old son had a pacemaker since he was 6 months old. He does very well, plays soccer, baseball, and rides his bike. I am so glad he is not ashamed of his pacemaker. He will proudly show his "battery" to anyone.