New pacemaker

Hi everyone. I have had my pacemaker about 3 weeks now. Started with LBBB and progressed from there. Felt like someone put a bag of fireworks in my chest and lit them and felt like a growling feeling in the middle. Heart rate was in the 30/40 range. Had been taking Cardizen, wore heart monitors, went for a chemical stress test and had to be sent by EMS to ER. Cardiologist referred me to EP doctor. Went in for the EP study and ablations. He found Sick Sinus so didn't do ablation and scheduled me for Boston Scientific Dual lead pacemaker. Had that done on Tuesday, went home Wednesday, lead came loose Friday. The pain was excruciating. I drove myself to the ER about 4 blocks from home. Was hooked up to external pacer till the Boston tech could get to the hospital. The lead was reattached the next day. Taking Flecainide and Verapamil. Was scheduled to have the ablation a week after the pacemaker. but my doc postponed it after my lead came loose.
ANYWAY...I'm so glad to find this site where I can understand what others have been through and they the same, cause when I talk to my family and friends about it their eyes seem to glaze over and I hear cricketts. Went for my wound check Tuesday, and it's looking good, go this Tuesday for pacemaker monitoring clinic. Thanks for listening.

5 Comments

New pacemaker

by pcrews - 2014-05-30 01:05:04

Thanks so much Grateful Heart. I am finding that they are becoming more at ease (especially my husband) when I know how to communicate and explain my condition to them. I was feeling like before the pacemaker I was talking about it too much, but I wanted those around me to know what it is and how to respond if I passed out or something and not think it's something like diabetes and stuff.

It takes time

by Grateful Heart - 2014-05-30 01:05:14

It's good to talk about it, that's how we learn.

You're right, it's important for them to know how to respond in any emergency.

You have found a great site with caring, experienced and knowledgeable fellow PM/ ICD hosts. Ask any questions or concerns you may have...this is the place.

Grateful Heart

new pacer

by Pookie - 2014-05-30 01:05:44

Wow, you sure have had your share of issues, but at least the worst is behind you now.

I too didn't have a very pleasant experience after my initial implant. One of my leads poked a hole in my heart, the heart bled out into the heart sac completely filling it; hence my heart could not beat - I coded not once, but twice then I had to have emergency surgery to drain all that blood and was in critical care for 10 days. While there my bottom lead fell 2 more times. To make a long story short I had 4 surgeries all within 10 days then 5 months later I had to have my 5th surgery as my pacemaker migrated into my armpit. Then it took them 5.5 YEARS to get my settings adjusted so I felt human. It was quite the journey, but I made it thanks to the support of this awesome group...that was 10 years ago.

I wish you the very best and please keep us up to date on how you are doing.

And oh - I'm so glad you found this group as they are a great bunch of people more than willing to support you in any way that they can.

Take care,
Pookie

Welcome

by Grateful Heart - 2014-05-30 12:05:28

This is all new to your family and friends....just like it is all new to you. They are scared for you and don't know what to say or ask.

I found the more I learned and educated myself, the more comfortable I became and then I could explain it to them and ease their mind as well as mine. Knowledge is power.

Their glazed eyes will clear and the questions will come.

Glad you found us. I didn't find this site until 2 years after my implant.

I hope you are feeling better and on the mend now.

Grateful Heart

New pacemaker

by pcrews - 2014-06-02 09:06:33

I am feeling so empowered from this site. I am getting a wealth of information here. Actually found it about a week or so before getting my pacemaker.

Like I mentioned, I was scheduled to have the ablation. But then my EP doctor said no to the ablation and scheduled the pacer a week later Then, was supposed to have the ablation a week later. Anyone had ablation post pacemaker? I go for my 1st visit tomorrow so I'll ask then, but would like to hear from any of my fellow pacers.

THANKS AND GOOD HEALTH TO EVERYONE HERE!!

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