No info from hospital

Hello! So glad I found your group! I recieved a pacemaker 1 week ago, and was released from the hospital 5 days ago. I asked the assistant, then the Cardiologist, then the nurse for information about the pacemaker. All I got was it was a biotronik permanent pacemaker with two wires for my complete heart block. When I went for my wound check today, I asked the office staff again. They were short handed and said would get back to me but most people don't get a card. But from what I've read this isn't true. What should I do? I've felt dizzy today and want to know it can be checked if need be. Thank you!

4 Comments

basic info

by pace-man - 2014-01-28 01:01:26

I know what you mean about lack of information, I had a Biotronic pacemaker with 2 wires fitted to me in October last year, they gave me all the usual printed matter , but not a lot of information, I have received more information from this site than from the hospital , It wasn't until I got to see my cardiologist a few weeks ago that I got a lot of my questions answered I am glad they fitted me with a Biotronic brand pacemaker as they are a quality unit , they are shielded from a lot of external interference, they are also MRI tolerant, what part of the world are you from ? I am in Australia and when I was discharged from hospital I was given a temporary card , then they sent me out a proper card a few weeks later It could be different in part of the world. .If you click on the top right corner of this screen and enter a topic you will find a lot of information. I will let someone else answer your question about being dizzy, I know that I have had a few dizzy spells , but they pass ok . It is only early days for you and I am sure that you will be glad that you have got your new electronic friend. have a great day . Rick

Card

by valley01 - 2014-01-28 08:01:37

I received a temporary card when I left the hospital (I'm in the US) and then received my permanent card about a month later. I also have a Biotronic. As for being dizzy I felt all kinds of crazy things the first few weeks after implant and my EP staff was very good about getting me in and checking things and all was fine. I think part of what I was feeling was just my body recovering from surgery plus I was hyper-aware of every little thing my heart was doing.

No info

by Marianyork - 2014-01-28 09:01:53

Understand what you mean about no info. I am in Australia, got basic information but nothing how I might feel or what to expect. If it wasn't for this site it might have had a few trips to ER. I am 10 weeks post op and still feeling all sorts of things.. Still not used to it being there, but it does improve daily, all of a sudden you realise that you are not feeling something that you were a week ago.

Overall feel heaps better than I did prior to implant, just getting back to water erobics which I did before implant and it is ok, although went today and pushed myself a little and feeling the effects tonight. Keep looking at this site as it helps a lot.

Basic info

by PaulFromSydney - 2014-01-30 02:01:11

Hi
I had my Biotronik implant done 8 days ago in Sydney SAN hospital. Had the card sent to me 2 days after I got home. Also had the Biotronik remote monitoring people call that day making sure all was set up and saying they were happy to receive calls. I couldn't have asked for better service - you could call them - Carlyn from Biotronik 0401 198467.

On dizziness I have had a little (when I first started walking the dog) but I think it is quite normal. Also feeling lots of different things but again I think quite normal "YOU HAVE BEEN CUT OPEN" - worth reading Donr's post on Tough Love for Newbies (use search in upper right corner). Likely should be a separate topic area as essential reading.

What I would say is the doctors don't tell you much (especially about what to expect e.g. the psychological impacts). I think to them it is such a routine low risk surgery. My first meeting with the specialist will be 7-8 weeks after implantation - long time with your body coping with a foreign object and limited information. This site has been invaluable just to understand what others have been through and that it is normal.

Paul

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