All's Well (so far)

Hello Everyone,
Well, I had the procedure yesterday, and am now the proud owner of a Medtronic PACER (that's what they call it at my hospital).
Today, soreness is present, but not overwhelming; more itchy than anything else.
I must say that the hospital staff (Kingston Ontario) were absolutely top notch - cheery and professional. I knew it would be an interesting experience when the Scottish speaking cardiologist asked me what type of music I'd like to listen to during the procedure. Then I laid back and let her cut into me while blissfully listening to my favorite Cold Play album.
I must let my American friends know that thanks to Medicare, absolutely everything connected to this experience, from cotton swabs to MRI and C Scan cost me not one cent out of my pocket. All I had to to was show my Ontario Health Card.
This is the type of system that your newly re-elected (YAY!) President Obama is working towards, and, frankly, us Canadians are somewhat perplexed that it is meeting so much resistance.
But I digress....
After consulting with my doctor, I decided that I would go with placement of the device under the skin, as opposed to muscle. As it turns out, it is only visible as a "bump", though we'll see what it looks like after the swelling goes down. Doctor explained that with time, the body will surround the device and leads with new tissue, which should keep it in place during physical activity.
I've been told not to drive for a week, which means a few more days off work, I'm so disappointed.
Anyway, I will be here, looking and joining in on chats. Glad to be a part of the gang.

6 Comments

Thumbs up

by Shepheart - 2012-11-07 02:11:25

Hi Stefan, glad to hear that things have gone well so far. Keep looking forward on the positives. This is a new phase of life needing some adjustment but should be ok. I too am happy about our Canadian health care.

Keep us informed of your progress. All the best,
Shepheart.

Excellent!

by ChristieD - 2012-11-07 02:11:29

So glad you are pleased with the surgery and that you're feeling well. Hope you have a speedy recovery!

Hmmmm ??

by Tattoo Man - 2012-11-07 02:11:30

Stefan,..I'm with all these guys..good that you had such a successful result.

One thing though ...Coldplay ??...if they had played that for me ,I wouldnt have needed an anaesthetic !!

Joshing..( well a bit )

With you on the Political front.. ( Apologies to the Moderators...will you settle for a couple of 'Hail Marys' ? )

Tattoo Man from the land of the free (Healthcare)

I

Happy

by freddycycle - 2012-11-07 02:11:37

Went for a walk this morning and decided to put the unit through it's paces. Walked briskly up hills that would previously be tiring, and what a difference! Going out soon to pick up a cycling trainer, looking forward to being active again.

hello

by mytrose43 - 2012-11-07 04:11:14

I am so glad to see such positive feedback after getting a new pacemaker, as we all know everyone is different and deals with things in our own way,I always worry about the new people that come in here looking for help in dealing with this new little device that they have received or are about to ,When they read so many posts that are not so positive it can be very scarry to them as it was to me so it is wonderful to see such positive thoughts and i am sure it helps alot Thanks
Valerie

Day 2

by freddycycle - 2012-11-08 04:11:05

Seems like whenever I twist my left arm, or even move my right arm in certain ways, that the incision is getting stretched. Surviving without meds, but pain comes and goes, with itchy feelings. Probably the best thing would be to have the arm in a sling for a week or two.

You know you're wired when...

The mortgage on your device is more than your house.

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I love this new part of me, and very, very thankful that this technology exists and I know that it's all only going to get better over time.