New

My mother just had a pacemaker put in Friday she is 77 she seems to be doing good, but I have a lot of questions, I think I am being Anel about. This but she almost died, first of all howling will it take for her to get strength, is it normal for her to still be tired, no it's not tired, but weak, I Am a bucket case and don't know what to expect, she can burp and I have a particular attack, please some one that has had one let me know,,,,what next
Thanks
Chicken granny

5 Comments

Granny's New PM

by SMITTY - 2013-08-27 03:08:52


Hello Chicken Granny,

First let's start with what the pacemaker it will and will not do. If she has a dual lead PM all it will do is increase her heart rate. The dual lead is the most common type implanted and if you do not know the answer, it will take about 3 seconds to get an answer from the dr.

When she got the PM it had a low and a high setting. The low set point is usually in the 60s range (from say 50 to 80). If the heart rate as maintained by the hearts natural PM, drops below the low set point the PM will bring it back to that point and hold it there. It does this job 24/7 without ever missing a beat. If the heart rate goes above the high set point the PM continues to monitor the heart beat but it is just a monitor since the heart rate is above he low set point.

As for making your granny feel strong, that answer is dependant on how long it takes her to feel strong, or better with a faster heart rate. Since there are no magic numbers for that answer, you will need to ask the dr. some questions. Like what was her heart rate before she got the PM and what is the low set point on the PM? What is his guess as to how long it will take the PM to make her feel stronger with increased heart rate, if she in fact has an increase from the PM.

Now don't be surprised if she has an irregular heart beat for a few weeks after the surgery. This usually means some skip beats, or some fast heart beats. Remember, even with the PM her hearts natural PM can cause faster heart beat that is also irregular. Other than feeling uncomfortable, there is nothing to be concerned about with this. If you are concerned, again call the dr. Every time I have had any type heart procedure (there has been maybe 15 or 16 minor ones plus a few major ones)

Just remember, that PM is going to do what it was programmed to do, without fail. Think of the Energizer Bunny. Your Granny's PM is just as dependable as whatever has been keeping that bunny going all these years.

By the way, I got my first PM in 2000 at age 71. Today at age 84 I'm on my second PM and I have experienced all of these things I mention.

The most important thing is if your Granny is concerned about something with her heart, don't look for answers here or somewhere else on the internet. Call the dr. Unless you tell him he has no way of knowing that things are not just as he expected for your Granny.

Good luck to your Granny,

Smitty

I was 52 .....

by dad4dds - 2013-08-27 03:08:55

When i had mine placed. It took me a couple of days to get back. I felt better once I recovered than I did before pacer was placed. She bieing older may take a little longer.

Good Luck Brian

Thanks

by Chickengranny - 2013-08-27 10:08:24

Thanks u all I am so scared not knowing what to do and the postings was such a help, and for you all to take time to reach out to a stranger just shows me there is good people in this world, if you can think of anything else that might ease this mind of mine will be greatly appreciated!


Chicken granny

hi Chick...

by lubro - 2013-08-28 11:08:31

Yes, being scared is a big part of this new territory, but the best part of being here is the support you get from others who are going thru or have gone thru the same things you are experiencing...being scared is a natural reaction, but having friends who care will help get you thru the hard times... Just remember that you are not alone with your feelings. You have gotten some very sound advice from others here, and you are absolutely right... reaching out to others ( strangers as you say... but you are not a stranger any longer ) and offering words of advice and comfort is what this club is all about. You will do just fine. Try to relax and not stress yourself out over things you can't control. Focus on what you can do...Each day, you will feel more confident, and you will do a great job of taking care of mom...
take care of yourself as well... :~)
Come back and let us know how things progress, and don't be afraid to ask lots of questions...
welcome to the club...

I can't believe this

by Chickengranny - 2013-09-02 07:09:20

Thanks lubro !

You know you're wired when...

You can feel your fingers and toes again.

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I just had this miracle implanted two weeks ago and I’m feeling better.