need emotional support

hello friends-
enter cardiologist-
pacemaker surgery august 26-
surgeon punctured my lung-
lung collapsed-
chest tube-
10 days in hospital-
dr removes stitches-
incision opens-
get restitched-
take off dressing today and entire sight is bruised and marks like blood under the skin-
haven't been seen yet-
but nurse suggested infection-
i want different dr-
clinic doesn't want me switch-
there is constant pain at the the sight-
have not slept thru the night since surgery-
i battle depression-
and i am breaking-


8 Comments

I agree...

by Lurch - 2014-09-16 07:09:30

Time for another Doctor!

it's me again-

by goralski.chris - 2014-09-16 10:09:01

i spoke a new doctor's assistant today-
she opened my eyes to a few more things that aren't right with this doctor-
(in the same system- so they have access to my records)-the doctor has not tested sincemy device since it was put in-
i have appointment with the assistant on thursday-

the unusual thing about these new symptoms is that it's been 3 weeks-

i am a 'clean' eater-
so i appreciate and understand your food suggestions-
my mentor had me eating raw garlic today!-

i am a child of God-
pray for me-
and i will be praying for ALL in this group-

So sorry

by Marie12 - 2014-09-16 10:09:43

that you are having such a rough time. Not fair is it? Keep pushing for another doctor. You need to fight hard for this as it is your life on the line. Push push push for that new doctor.

The fact that you have reached out means there is something left in you to keep fighting so while it might feel like you are breaking, know we are here to help you with that battle.

Come back and let us know how you are doing. Take care.

Puncture of the lung at PM insertion.

by Selwyn - 2014-09-17 02:09:10

All surgeons run the risk of lung perforation at PM insertion ( 1-2%).It is a recognised complication. You will be aware of this from the consent form. No one in the UK should be discharged from inpatient care for PM insertion without a check chest X-ray.

To have an incision open up is also a recognised complication and may be for a number of reasons, some to do with technique, but more likely to do with factors outside of the surgery.

Bruising is common around all surgical wounds.It does not imply infection ( worsening redness, swelling, pain, pus ,do imply infection ).

Look forward to something you like. Give yourself a treat. Make plans. Set yourself achievable goals daily towards your plans, and say to yourself what you have achieved. Look around and compare yourself to those with worse disability, and little by little the big black cloud of depression tends to look smaller... Talk to people about how you feel- welcome to the club

Hi Chris..............

by Tattoo Man - 2014-09-17 03:09:29


.......I have also experienced set backs with the Pm and the downs that can go with them.

You are in good company here in PM Club...you are NOT alone and will never be let down...

The guys who have posted above have all given sound advice/support....they always do.

I just wanted to add my best wishes from here in the UK.

Tattoo Man

Good luck and insist on another doctor

by cabbie - 2014-09-17 05:09:49

Too bad hearing about your problems. I also just had surgery but thank God my doctors are competent and compassionate. I trusted them completely as I lay in the cath lab in a very vulnerable state.

Of course there is always the risk of complications no matter how good the doctor, but one who doesn't check on your device on top of all your troubles is almost downright uncaring. First do no harm, the doctors' motto. If s/he can't quite fix what's wrong with you, at the very least, s/he shouldn't be making things worse for you!

You are well within your rights to switch doctors - it's your body! And by the way if the PA implies that there's something amiss with this doctor, all the more reason to find another one. Don't stay with a doctor you don't like - remember s/he is your partner in getting better and staying healthy...and alive!

Good luck and I will help pray that God sends you to the right doctor!

humbled-

by goralski.chris - 2014-09-17 10:09:18

thankful i found this site and you found me-
i'll update after appointment tomorrow-

there is love-

Complications

by Nursejane - 2014-09-20 10:09:05

I had a serious complication years ago with second pacemaker. It punctured not my lungs but atrium 2months after insertion.

I did manage to transfer to another cardiologist. I think you should too.

I did get better after emergency surgery . I also was depressed. I think I know how you are feeling. There is light at end of tunnel. It took a few months but I was then back to work and back to normal. It has been 15 years since and just had another pacemaker replacement in June. I now have an excellent cardiologist I can trust. Hang in there!

You know you're wired when...

You make store alarms beep.

Member Quotes

As for my pacemaker (almost 7 years old) I like to think of it in the terms of the old Timex commercial - takes a licking and keeps on ticking.