New pacemaker

Hi, just had my 2nd pacemaker changed yesterday. Went in at 11am, taken to theatre at 3.45 out at 4.15 and sent home at 5. All went well, usual soreness but not enough to take pain meds. Although it was quicker than the last change this one was more unpleasant. Turned old one Down and heart rate went to 30bpm, once he unplugged the old one was when it got horrible and felt as if I was at about 10bpm, everything went uncomfortable till I got meds to speed up my heart. Went the opposite then and heart was pounding, new box was in and gradually meds wore off. All in al must off been about 5 mins but felt like ages. Just now need to see about getting off beta blockers as I was put on them while old pacemaker was under review for renewal

2 Comments

temp pacemaker

by lizzie - 2014-08-02 01:08:58

I'm on my third pacemaker but always get hooked up to a temporary pacemaker through the groin during surgery. Personally i feel safer with this and my heart rate is stable is ed that way. Wouldn't like to depend on drugs to regulate my heart beat. Good luck.

I'm with Lizzie

by Many Blessings - 2014-08-03 02:08:58

My EP doctor explained when the time comes for my CRT-P to be changed out, I will be hooked up to a temporary pacemaker and put out with general anesthesia. He said because I do not have an escape/base rate on my own anymore (undetectable with tests), and do not "twilight" sedate well, it would be very uncomfortable (like you described) without those two things I'm not sure why he feels both are necessary, but that is his plan. It sounds like you are in the same situation as far as your own escape/base rate. Next time, I would ask if either general anesthesia and/or a temporary pacemaker is a possibility. Best of luck!

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