New PM today

Hi, I just recently joined and am thankful for all the information and support that can be found here. I had my (first) pm implanted this morning around 8am and was home by 2pm. All went well except for some atrial flutter and dizziness after getting back to the recovery room. I was fully awake for the procedure and found it interesting, exciting and a little bit scary, but not bad at all. The doctors and nurses were great.

The reason for the pm was tachybrady with paroxysmal atrial flutter and Afib with pacs and pvcs. The PM is Medtronic ADDRL.

I do love this site.

6 Comments

Welcome

by ElectricFrank - 2012-10-05 11:10:05

It's a new experience having the implant while fully awake, but once you've done it you like won't ever want it any other way.

Be sure and post any questions here as they come to you. Having a pacer is a new experience.

frank

Well Done!

by Wannabe - 2012-10-06 07:10:46

Well Done, Shepheart - you're doing so well. Keep up the good work and you'll be fighting fit in no time. Welcome to our club. It's an excellent source of information with the kindest possible membership. There's always a helping hand here if you need it. Be safe and well. Sheila

thinking of you

by Hope - 2012-10-06 07:10:50

Wow! You are doing great, and your positive attitude will make your recovery so much easier. Take care. Hopeful Heart

Thanks for the welcome

by Shepheart - 2012-10-06 08:10:45

Thanks. Reading on this site really helped prepare me for what was coming. I was on a waiting list for 12 weeks and got it done after learning of a cancellation the day before.

The next step is the process of getting the right meds to control the Afib. I am a little hesitant about some of the strong antiarhythmics. I guess it will be a kind of trial and error sort of thing.

I go back in 4 weeks for a pm interrogation. Until then I will wait to hear from the doctors. So I have to get some informed questions for them. I know the Pacemaker Club will be a great help in this regard. Thank you again for being there.

Shepheart

Knock me out please...

by kermiehiho - 2012-10-07 05:10:05

Kyaa, I can't even imagine being awake while they cut into me and thread wires through my veins! >v< I'm sure it'd be fascinating, but I can't do it. Of course, this is a person who had to be sedated with gas to get wisdom teeth pulled out...Anyway, props to you!

Hi kermie

by Shepheart - 2012-10-07 08:10:58

While having the implant done they did give me something to calm the nerves but I was certainly aware of what was going on. I felt some tugging and some other stuff but nothing really upsetting. They do cover you up so you cannot see what they are doing.

I have never liked getting needles and such, in fact when I started on warfarin last June I fainted after getting the first blood drawn for the inr test. But having blood taken weekly for 4 months I got used to it. (Still cannot watch the needle going in). It is surprising what a person can do when they accept their situation and take things one step at a time.

You know you're wired when...

You get your device tuned-up for hot dates.

Member Quotes

To tell you the truth I never even give it a second thought. While growing up it never stopped me from doing anything and to this day my girlfriend or my kids need to remind me that I have one!