scheduled pm next week and have questions

I am scheduled to receive a pacemaker next week to control my bradycardia and related symptoms. I am 45 years old. I am married with children and I am very nervous about the procedure and would like to know what to expect the first few days. Any advice is appreciated.

7 Comments

Almost 2 mos for me!

by kmom - 2014-06-03 01:06:01

Given local slightly painful when doing procedure but not much mostly pressure. Felt better almost immediately flat in bed 12 hrs post PM ( this was to protect leads) arm in sling for first night then nothing. Only took a Tylenol 3 once in hospital then just regular Tylenol or ibuprofen after ice helped a lot!! SSS and Brady Difference was profound!!

also about 3 1/12 month

by wjs1954 - 2014-06-03 01:06:30

post PM for me.

in and out of the hospital within 8hrs. would have been less but they made me stay for IV antibiotic 6 hrs post surgery. probably same for all.

they gave me somthing for pain took it first night, that was it.

No major issues....life is good .....

Like Sheila said this site is great with wonderful people lots of info, take it easy.. enjoy the time off from work if you work and get any time off :>),,

Wally

pacemaker implant experience

by AnaLena - 2014-06-03 01:06:48

Pacemaker implant 4 mos. Testing for exact location of the block required general anesthesia. Easy. Overnight for antibiotics. Pain pill first night; none after that. Procedure Monday am; home Tuesday noon; back to work Wednesday.

No sling once I left the hospital just care with not lifting anything heavier than 5 kilos or raising my hand above my head for first 3 weeks. Stitches out after 10 days.

Other than the conductivity problem, my heart is healthy. Pacemaker has worked its wonders. Life is good. Back to work, family, gardening, and yoga. (I'm 73).

Best of luck to you.

My experience

by Enrique - 2014-06-03 05:06:59

I was 55 when I had the PM implanted.
I had local anesthesia and I was awake all the time. The procedure was uneventful. I didn't feel pain and I didn't need painkillers after the surgery.
I was sent home the following day. For a few days I had to avoid lifting weights. Also you have to be careful around the incision to prevent infections.
I went to work after 3 or 4 days. My life went back to normal very soon. I had to wait a few weeks before going back to heavy physical activities, but after 2 months I went back to running 10 k.

It took me very little time to get used to my PM. I had A/V block and bradycardia. The symptoms disappeared and I have felt great since then.

I understand that you are nervous, I was nervous too. But if your experience turns out to be like mine, you will see that this surgery is relatively simple and that recovery is very fast.

the first few days

by bluebowtye - 2014-06-03 11:06:03

Hi,
I understand you being nervous about your upcoming surgery. I just had mine about 3 1/2 months ago. The procedure itself was pretty uneventful. I was just under local anesthesia but was not awake until the end. I could feel them working around the site but it was not painful, just a little pressure.

For me, the first few days were pretty rough. I was in some pain but was able to control it with just regular Tylenol. Sleeping was hard. I had to have my arm in a sling for the first 2 days and then just at night for a month. The best advice I can give is take it easy and get lots of rest. Lots of people suggest putting ice on the incision and that is probably a good idea. I did not know about that at the time. Listen to your body and don't try to overdo. Let your husband and kids take care of you!

I wish you all the best. Good luck. This site is very supportive and helpful.

Take care,
~Sheila

You'll be fine. Really.

by Gotrhythm - 2014-06-05 03:06:26

It's beyond weird to think of a machine implanted in your body, but I and a lot of other people sail through it.

After the first day, I had little to no pain in the incision. It healed without incident. My shoulder was a little stiff but I faithfully did the exercises recommended and in a week's time had full range of motion.

I've had some issues around settings and adjustments, but that's not unusual. Fine tuning the settings so that they are optimal for you can take several tries.

Mostly what I remember about the actual implantation is being unable to sit up for more than a few seconds before the PM, and feeling wonderful--like I could draw a deep breath for the first time in months--afterward.

pm,icd surgery

by seeker84 - 2014-07-10 08:07:33

I got my pm,icd almost eight years ago.The surgery was no real problem.I was in the hospital for about a week previous to surgery.The surgery was in the afternoon,and I was home the next day.

Good Luck.

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