Implantation Woke a Sleeping Doctor Dragon!

Hi everyone. I had my PM implanted last September and all is going well. I'm still at 3V because the cardiologist wanted to leave it there for 6 months but I see him next month. I am hopeful he will adjust it down a bit. No adverse symptoms but I want the sucker's battery to last as long as possible.

As you all predicted, these days I forget I even have my little friend, except when the implantation site itches (not the scar, but the area) which is not even to the level of annoying, just interesting.

However, the medical community which ignored me for 58 years suddenly is very interested in me. My pulmonologist (sleep apnea) got curious about a dry, mild, persistent cough and sent me for pulmonary function tests. I flunked the bronchial challenge and now puff on an inhaler twice a day. My GI guy tubed me from both ends and found an esophageal stricture that he now wants to dilate in three more procedures. Note: I've had this stricture at least 20 years, and told him about it, but he didn't believe me until he saw the thing, now he's all excited about it. Over a couple of decades, I've learned how to eat to minimize symptoms, and I'm not rushing into the dilation procedures. I have no problem with mashed potatoes, applesauce, milkshakes, pasta, chicken and vegetables as staples of my diet.

Nothing frantic going on here, I'm just sick of doctors and procedures and interruptions to my very fine life. Shoo... shoo... go away doctors!

I hope you are all doing as well as possible! We can all look forward to spring, except the southern hemisphere folks, and I have no encouraging weather news for them.

3 Comments

You must have

by Theknotguy - 2015-03-03 11:03:07

You must have a good medical insurance plan. Doctor's don't get excited until they pull up your medical info and the bell chimes and the overlay screen says, "Bingo!" Then they start planning on going on that vacation trip, getting the new car, buying a new yacht, or checking out a new airplane.

Reminds me of why they called the one twin engine airplane the doctor killer. Only doctors could afford it, and they'd always forget to read the manual about exceeding descent speeds. Too fast of a descent and the tail would rip off.

Then they'd do what ducks do when they fly upside down....

They quack up!

Agree

by Sue H. - 2015-03-04 11:03:14

It's all about the quality of life. And if it is not a life or death situation and we can learn to live with our symptoms then so be it.

However ......sometimes our bodies tell us something and we learn to ignore the symptoms when we should not. Our heart issues are a perfect example. So many people ignore symptoms that point to a severe heart problem and we shouldn't do that.

I was one of those and learned my lesson for sure.

I used to go to Drs for a yearly physical and that was it. I too am one of those who hated going to Drs.

But, when I started getting symptoms of fatigue, short of breath and simply not feeling good, I thought this isn't right but I ignored those symptoms. Until one day I could barely walk from one room to another without catching my breath.
So to make a long story short, 7 years post pacer implant, I am very thankful for that "interference" from Doctors.

We have to be in charge of our own health and not be afraid to speak up if they want more and more tests. The way the system works now, they get paid for more tests, etc.

So ask, question, etc but don't ignore symptoms that interfere with your quality of life.

Magster

Hi y'all and thanks for the responses!

by Griddlebone - 2015-03-04 11:03:57

It surely would be nice to have a crystal ball to help us in decision making. But in the end we all do the best we can. When I taught general biology, one of my goals for the class was to teach my students how to talk to doctors, and evaluate information. That meant teaching them a little physiology and a lot of attitude - not arrogance, but awareness and, when needed, the ability to assert their needs. Sadly, 18 year olds are thoroughly convinced they are immortal and that the creaky old professor has nothing important to say. But I tried!

You know you're wired when...

Your heart beats like a teenager in love.

Member Quotes

I feel so blessed to have this little gem implanted in me. When I think of the alternative it is quite overwhelming sometimes.