Suggestions and first awesome thing?

Hello,

I am having my first pacemaker put in day after tomorrow for heartblock. I was wondering if anyone could give me any other suggestions on what else I might need to prepare for the surgery. I have tried to go ahead and do all the housework I can do, bought some button downs and packed a bag for the hospital, picked up some quick meals to eat, and books to read for when I get home.

Also, any encouragement would be great to hear, as I am still really nervous. But I do know this whole experience is going to make me stronger and make me feel so much better. And another question, what was the first really awesome thing you noticed after getting your pacemaker?

Thank you!

~Andicat

6 Comments

what I remember

by ohiolaura - 2012-11-15 08:11:52

I recall not having bad feeling when my HR would drop down to the low 40's.I felt like I use to before the HeartBlock became an issue.
I had a huge sense of relief as well as confidence
that I was going to be ok again,like I was before this all happened to me.
It does sound like you have it covered,I think it's got to be very helpful to be able to plan for it (something I wasnt able to do).
I agree w/Frank,use a pillow to support and protect the PM side,for the gravity part that pulls down your arm,and protect it incase you lay on it.I used a pillow for the support for a couple of weeks I think.Helped alot.
You may be tired after surgery,even if they dont put you out,with the other meds as well as the surgery itself,I think it would be normal to be a bit tired.
I was awake,and after a bit tired,but mostly hungry!
When you cant eat before,thats all you want,I do recall how good the hospital food was when they brought me lunch,I inhaled every bit!
Good luck,and God Bless,you will be fine.
Doesnt hurt to give some thanks above.....I found alot of Faith while I was in the hospital.
Laura

awesome thing

by Tracey_E - 2012-11-15 09:11:08

You sound ready! I'd take a book to the hospital. The best thing to do is what you're already doing- take care of the things in your control, try not to dwell on the things you can't control, focus on how good you are going to feel.

So many awesome things have happened, I guess the first was waking up and not feeling dizzy for the first time in a year. Sometimes I was dizzier than other times but I didn't realize how bad it had gotten until it was gone. My head felt like it had come out of the fog, my mind was noticeably more clear and I just felt energized.

Hint

by ElectricFrank - 2012-11-15 12:11:07

It helps to sleep on the side opposite the pacemaker and put a pillow in front of you to support the pacer arm. This keeps the weight of the arm from squeezing the incision area which can be painful and wake you up.

I used this the first night in the hospital and slept like a rock.

best wishes,

frank

Sounds like

by Grateful Heart - 2012-11-15 12:11:22

You have a good attitude, that is half the battle. You have it all covered. Now just try and relax, easier said then done I know.

What I first noticed was waking up to a beautiful blue sky on a winters morning and being able to breathe better than I had in a long time.

You'll be fine...keep us posted,

Grateful Heart

I hope you feel as good as I do

by janetinak - 2012-11-15 12:11:29

after getting my PM. Sounds like you know what to expect after the PM goes in. Sure you have read here about the PM side arm limitations. Sure ypou will get more info. Think positive thoughts.

Janet

You have it under control

by admin - 2012-11-16 08:11:21

From you're post, I'd say you're ready. A positive attitude will get you 90% of the way there. Like Tracey says, focus on the good things in your life. Before they put me to sleep or start the procedure, I make a habit of thinking of every person that is important in my life.

Al the best.

Blake

You know you're wired when...

Your pacemaker interferes with your electronic scale.

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It made a HUGE difference in my life. Once I got it, I was finally able to run, and ride my bike long distances.