Hello New Family!

I am so amazed at how wonderful and helpful everyone is in this forum. Thanks in advance to all.
I have just turned 70 and due to a six month period of daily and frequent PVC's that lasted a long time and caused my blood pressure to become very low (50's/40's &some 36's) they have decided that a PM will be the best solution for me. It will be implanted next monday 3/4/13 as an out-patient. Eight years ago I had a minor heart attack, however still have 90% of my heart functioning and a healthy ejection fraction. My pulse however even before the PVCs was usually only in the low 60's so I always felt low in energy.

My questions are....How will I feel my first two weeks? I live alone and want to prepare mentally as best as I can. I've already purchased 2 weeks of groceries, etc. I read the pillow idea when sleeping (great idea) and I am going to have to line my pillows up behind me because unfortunately I have always been a left side sleeper....wouldn't you just know! I also have button blouses ready....and I plan to just wear a bra and let the left strap hang?!

But what sensations will I be feeling from the PM and how long will the pain last and how soon can I walk around and fix meals etc? Will I feel dizzy when I stand up? Will my heart race? Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks to all of you for your help.

4 Comments

Welcome

by Nancylyn1991 - 2013-02-27 11:02:20

I just got my device on valentines day 2 weeks ago and I am already cooking and cleaning but I still can not lift my arm up ( drs orders) I have no feeling of the pm just my scar was burning and sore. Everyday gets better and better. My problems were all anxiety related. The people on this site are the best resource for all your questions they helped me greatly! Will be praying for you and know we are all here for you


Nancy

Glad you found us!

by Grateful Heart - 2013-02-28 01:02:11

You should feel more energy. You'll probably be up and walking around fine when you go home. Just don't push it and take the time to heal. Finding this forum beforehand is a huge plus!

Follow Doctors orders and do not raise your arm up past your shoulder for at least 6 weeks, but use your arm in general so you do not get "frozen shoulder".

It sounds like you are very prepared and have a great attitude. That is a big part of success in your recovery.

Keep in touch on this site and ask any questions as they come along. The more you learn about your device, the more comfortable you become.

Welcome to the family!!

Grateful Heart

Grateful Heart

reply to Pandysbuddy

by mtulau - 2013-02-28 12:02:35

I had a reply half done and lost it, so start again. I am senior lady also living alone. Had pm in 21 months ago. Knew nothing of this site, expected no problems, got no problems, not an ache nor pain, learned to sleep on RHS or if LHS, keeping hip to hip vertical. That took care of the slow pulse rate, a great feeling of comfort. However reacted adversely to all medications to stop high pulse without success. Have just had an AV ablation which appears to be great, now 8 days ago- Good walk each day, pulse goes up, and stays even, doing gardening, nothing heavy yet, so far feel just marvellous.

Best of luck to you, think pink. MT

New device

by daisy41763@yahoo.com - 2013-03-01 04:03:52

Hi ! It's much easier than you may be worrying over.
I got a replacement this past November and it went good.
I did take loritabs for about 4-5 days then I took
Tylenol extra strength. I took it easy. Forget housework. Just rest. Eat. Rest again. Eat. Sleep watch tv. Read a book. Talk on the phone. Rest eat. Drink plenty.
I rested a full week. Ate easy to prepare stuff.
My heart felt great afterwards I stopped feelings
It jumping around skipping all the strange things it
Makes you feel. Worst thing was just soreness like any other surgery. I didn't use ice though.
I was told its best to not touch it period. It's a seat belt.
You know it's there no sense in messing with it
You can hardly see a line now where mine was.
I couldn't shower got 48 hrs. Then I showered and used my opposite side to wash my hair.
Only caution is follow the instructions they give you.
Come here if you need to talk. God speed in recovering.

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