Pacemaker scheduled for 4/19

Nervous, anxious, scared, you name it, I'm feeling it right now. This is my first pacemaker. I am 61 and receiving the PM for bradycardia. I have a history of CABG, stents, numerous heart caths. The latest blockage was too small for another stent so beta blockers tried and brought heart rate to the 40s, hence the pacemaker. Any suggestions on how to keep a stiff upper lip and yet be aware of what the doctors don't always tell you?

6 Comments

Take a deep breath

by Jax - 2013-04-18 01:04:32

I too was a nervous wreck. I hardly slept the nite before the pm. I was 64. The procedure itself was not terrible.
The recovery was about 2 weeks or so... But minor pain. Some discomfort but like I said not terrible. I took extra strength tylenol when I needed it. There are some restrictions but nothing terrible. Any questions we are here for you.

Agree with Jax

by janetinak - 2013-04-18 02:04:40

I was 61 also when I got my 1st PM & was a wreck too. Didn't sleep night before, very easy insertion (usually is) & went home next mid-day. Somewhat sore for awhile but a as I found out I was "allergic" to Percocet that night
( vomiting) & codeine (rash) the next day I was OK with Tylenol after that, 1st always take a little longer to heal as pocket made for PM & tissue needs to heal. You can look under the "Search" button upper right of this page & put in the subject & can look at previous posts.

Let us know how it goes,

Janet

pacemaker

by Hope - 2013-04-18 04:04:16

Hi! Try to think of what the pacemaker can do for your future, not the surgery itself. Fear is normal, just don't get stuck there. Be sure when you leave the hospital
that you not only have instructions, but you understand them clearly. Be comfortable and prepared that is not only ok to ask questions, but to perservere until you get an answer now and in the future. Try to be glad you know what your body needs, it is available and you are getting it for a better life. Keep us posted and know we care. Hopeful Heart

pacemaker

by Hope - 2013-04-18 04:04:16

Hi! Try to think of what the pacemaker can do for your future, not the surgery itself. Fear is normal, just don't get stuck there. Be sure when you leave the hospital
that you not only have instructions, but you understand them clearly. Be comfortable and prepared that is not only ok to ask questions, but to perservere until you get an answer now and in the future. Try to be glad you know what your body needs, it is available and you are getting it for a better life. Keep us posted and know we care. Hopeful Heart

No Worries :)

by uvagershwin - 2013-04-18 10:04:18

Hi amsid12! I got my first pm when I was 15 hours old, but that obviously won't help you much. My most recent replacement was in 2003 at the age of 8, and it was a piece of cake! I was under general anesthesia, but nowadays they can just give you a sedative and do the procedure while you're awake (don't know if that's going to help either). Sometimes they even let you go on the same day! The entire procedure will take about an hour. Recovery is probably the hardest part, but honestly, if you've come through a CABG and several heart caths, this will be easy-peasy. My pain was managed pretty well with extra-strength Tylenol as well, although I did find a prescription for codeine that my parents never filled for me... lol!

Good luck, and feel free to message me anytime :)

Sydney

Newbie also

by juju - 2013-04-18 11:04:58

Hi Amsid12! I just received my1st PM last Tue April 9th. I too was scared and so nervous but the great members here helped ease some of that with their support.

I too had a low heart rate probably from a Cox Maze procedure done in 2005 for a fast rate.

I thought maybe I would have a "heart attack" waiting to go into surgery. I told them I just wanted to sleep through it but my surgeon only does conscious sedation and a local where the incision is made. They did give me the sedation drug which makes you relax but never did make me sleep - but I was OK with that. The surgery was "a piece of cake" and I did not FEEL ANYTHING!!! I ahead of time told them I was claustrophobic because I know they drape a medical drape over your head - so they opened up the right side (pacer went in left) and a nurse kept checking on me. I could not believe how easy it was. There is some post pain which is to be expected but totally tolerable! I used Tylenol because the pain meds did not agree with. Just follow your post restrictions and all will be well!!

So keep in touch with these great, caring members and they will, along with your doctor, get you through this!!

Take good care,
juju

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