Tomorrow

Well tomorrow I will become an officail member of this club. My surgery is in the morning to get my PM. I am full of emotions today, but will be glad to get it over with and start feeling better. This site has helped me alot to feel prepared and I thank all of you. Friends and Family don't understand, just keep saying "Oh it is nothing, I know someone that got one." or "don't worry you'll be fine". Well, I know all that but still. This is life changing, and scary. Just trying to keep my chin up today.

8 Comments

Good luck.

by Pookie - 2014-05-14 02:05:44

Good luck tomorrow. I can just imagine the thoughts rolling thru your head today, but I'm sure you will be fine and perhaps feel SO much better after the procedure. Don't forget to give yourself time to heal and don't expect too much as your body has to adjust to your new buddy and a lot of times it takes several trips back to see your PM Tech to get the settings adjusted to YOUR needs. So try and be patient, which is SO much easier said than done, eh!!!

As far as family & friends: I really wish they wouldn't say things like that. My motto: don't judge what you haven't lived thru. AND if you can't say something positive; don't say nothing at all. You will need emotional and perhaps some physical support during the next few weeks....at least you know you can get the emotional support here - cuz that is what we are here for.

I wish you all the best.

Take care,
Pookie

You Old Grandma/Grandpa

by NiceNiecey - 2014-05-14 03:05:55

That's what I kept hearing from family and friends. Virtually ALL my friends said, "Oh my mother, MIL, grandfather, (insert name of all old people) has one and they are fine."

I think my husband was the only one that initially grasped the gravity of the situation. But don't fret: we get it! You are YOUNG and this will help you live to be old.

My prayers are going out for you.
Niecey

Welcome to the Journey

by Mywingman - 2014-05-14 05:05:29

I had a change in my path March 19th. I call it my God given second chance. I had a very low heart rate and descending. It happend very suddenly. 2nd Degree Heart Block Type II. I was a healthy 57 year old that ran three time a week. Surgery was short and went very well. I was out of the hospital by the end of the day. Heart rate went back to normal right away. I am now just getting back to doing the fittness program again. I am a professional aviator. The only issue is to wait 3 months before I fly again. Still waiting.

There is a lot of support and help on this site.

Blessing on you new journey.

Ready

by melbee - 2014-05-14 08:05:03

Thanks all for the encouraging words. Family took me to dinner (even though I really couldn't eat much, nerves) I am going to chill and watch The Middle and Modern Family get some laughs in. I am ready to get it over with and get back out walking. I am glad i am the first surgery in the morning. I will keep all posted. Thank you all.

Welcome

by Grateful Heart - 2014-05-14 10:05:03

Good luck tomorrow. It is scary but it's the anticipation that is the worst.

Short story: There was a little delay before my surgery. The procedure before me took a little longer than expected....it happens. But I remember thinking, I could get up out of this wheelchair and just leave right now.

I talked myself out of that and decided to stay. LOL

Even with the ups and downs and bumps in the road of hosting an ICD, it was a good decision.

Family and friends just try to be supportive, but we need that too.

Keep your chin up.....one more day!

Grateful Heart

LIFECHANGING!

by kmom - 2014-05-14 10:05:43

THIS is life changing! for the better! I know it was for me!! You will do great! and you know what? it really is nothing as far as the procedure is concerned! but you'll feel sooo much better at least I did! almost immediately!! but I had severe symptoms! I just got back from vacation and I wouldn't have been able to do the things I did if It wasn't for that PM! yeah I was tired when I got back home from all the extensive walking I did but no more symptoms! Just be sure to ask for an ice pack after the procedure because that helps with swelling and pain. they usually won't bring it unless you ask for it--in fact the nurse looked kinda funny when I asked for it but it does help. be careful with the arm on the side of procedure but don't keep it in a sling anymore than just a couple of nights (this is only to prevent you from raising your arm in your sleep.) they had me wear a sling the first night in the hospital. you need to use your arm after the initial first 8 hrs or so. just don't lift anything for the first couple of weeks or so but do move it because you can get frozen shoulder if you don't. Keep us posted--will be thinking of you!

It is scary

by jimb - 2014-05-14 11:05:53

This is scary and life changing, but for the better. Recovery will take time, follow drs directions, you soon will be amazed at how much better you feel! Keep your chin up and let us know how good you feel with your new friend!
Jim

Good attitude

by KAG - 2014-05-14 12:05:23

You're going in with a good attitude, I think that's a huge help. I'm sure you'll follow the Dr's orders. Make sure to gently move your site side arm though. If you've been on this site and searched for new or newbie then you've seen the debates about slings. I used one to go home and then only at night for a few days since I tend to put my arms above my head. Hugging a pillow helped to get my arm comfortable to sleep.

Get moving as soon as you can. Go slowly at first and listen to your body. Then get back to your normal activities ASAP.

Most important is to enjoy life!

Let us know how it went
Kathy

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