I am confused

I have suffered with Af forthe past 4 years, had cardioversions and two ablations he last one was 16 months ago Recently I have been collapsing so it was decided that I need a Pm I am having a three lead pacemaker fitted in little over a week, I am confused as some people seem to recover reasonably quickly and others seem to be unwell months later. These may seem stupid questions but would appreciate some indication of what to expect. How soon after my pacemaker fitted will I feel like going out to do the weekly shop? not carrying it. Do I need someone to come in and do the cooking and cleaning. Am I likely to be in bed for a few days or up and about. I have an elderly husband who will help what he can but it would be helpful to have some idea. I really appreciate being a member of this group, everyone here are friendly and helpful.. Thank you so much
x Beth

10 Comments

Thank you

by BStanding56 - 2013-05-24 01:05:05

Will do:)

Hi Beth

by Jax - 2013-05-24 04:05:30

I had my pm implanted a little over a year now.
I drove in a week and went back to work in two weeks. I was in some discomfort but extra strengh tylenol was all I needed. I don't know about going shopping -- that would be kind of adventurous -- my husband brought food in.
I wore blouses that I could slips in and out of easily and I went to the hairdresser to wash and blow my hair. Sometimes I went braless and I finally bought a pad that attaches to yr bra. It's from the retail store at this site. Go to the top of the page and look on the left. You might also wAnt to buy some plastic plates--- washing dishes was an issue. I had the pm on my left side and I am a lefty so my recovery was a little extended but all in all not terrible.
Actually the whole procedure wasn't terrible.
Welcome to the club. It's a great place.

Thank you

by BStanding56 - 2013-05-24 06:05:05

Thank you for your posts, they have been very reassuring and positve, I appreciate that you have all taken the time to answerxx Beth

Tylenol

by BStanding56 - 2013-05-24 07:05:40

Jax, is this on prescription only? x Beth

i agree

by lubro - 2013-05-24 12:05:09

I am still adjusting to all this... I was always a healthy person until about 3 months ago... out of the blue... no warning... kablooey... hospital... pacemaker... it is very scary... but, it is what it is, and all we can do is deal with it and share our feelings about what we are going thru... This club is great...I'm just learning to maneuver around here... but, just read different posts and learn all you can...in the upper right hand corner is the "search" button... that is very helpful...
good luck, and keep us posted with your progress...

:)

Thank you Loux

by BStanding56 - 2013-05-24 12:05:11

This group is brilliant, I am so pleased I found you, it is quite a lonely place , unless someone has experienced heart prolems, they understandably can have no idea how scary it is.xx

how soon ???

by lubro - 2013-05-24 12:05:19

Hi Beth,

I can't speak for others, but I am now about 3 months post surgery,(1st pacemaker) and I feel pretty good at this stage... It is indeed a scary thing to go thru...the physical is not that bad... procedure usually goes quickly, and you will probably be home in a day or 2... 1st few days, you will probably just try to rest and get used to the idea that you now have a pm... I was sooo worried I would lift my arm and "unplug" the darn thing...you should be careful, but not paranoid about it... I slept with a sling for the 1st 2 days... I would not recommend this... my shoulder actually took longer to heal than the pacemaker implant... you will probably have fears...frustrations...seconds guess yourself... but this is all normal behavior...
just try to realize that you have a new friend to help watch over you...
you will find that simple things like putting on a shirt or such can be difficult... sometimes I found it comical trying to get that damn arm to go thru that sleeve without lifting it...but hey, all in all, I'm sure you will be fine...
you will probably not feel like getting out to shop or such for at least a few days...but it's not so bad...you will probably be advised to not drive for the 1st week... but, each day will probably get a little easier... I think the psychological part is the worst... Physically, you will heal just fine... just try not to worry about every little thing... just get it done... let it heal... and get on with being who you are...lots of good people here at PMC who will help you...you will be fine...
welcome to the Club...

Lou

Thank you Loux

by BStanding56 - 2013-05-24 12:05:53

This group is brilliant, I am so pleased I found you, it is quite a lonely place , unless someone has experienced heart prolems, they understandably can have no idea how scary it is.xx

Tylenol-- in US it's over the counter

by Jax - 2013-05-25 03:05:48

Ask yr EP-- if you can't find ask your doc .
It's pretty mild but the extra strength worked for me. It didn't upset my stomach.
Let us know how you make out.

Tylenol-- in US it's over the counter

by Jax - 2013-05-25 03:05:50

Ask yr EP-- if you can't find ask your doc .
It's pretty mild but the extra strength worked for me. It didn't upset my stomach.
Let us know how you make out.

You know you're wired when...

Muggers want your ICD, not your wallet.

Member Quotes

Life does not stop with a pacemaker, even though it caught me off guard.