TOMORROW IS THE DAY

OK, tomorrow is my big day..going to get my first pacemaker. I think I have decided on the Micra TPS and to say I'm scared to death is an understatement. Can anyone tell me what the anesthesia is for one of these and what it will feel like the first time it "paces" me? Thanks!!!

6 Comments

Good Luck Runningmama

by Shaun - 2014-11-09 05:11:21

You will be fine, the procedure itself does not last long. For me, the pre-med made me extremely carefree and the local anaesthetic ensured I did not feel the incision. There was a bit of shoving to get the leads inserted and the pacemaker located into the pocket (that made my collar bone a bit sore), then the surgeon tested the device and stitched me up and that was it, all over within the hour.

I'm now 6 weeks post pacemaker and to be honest I really can't tell for sure when it's pacing so I can't answer that part of your question.

big day

by judyblue - 2014-11-09 05:11:49

I love your screen name, runningmama. I have never felt my pacemaker pace and I am pretty certain that is how it is supposed to be. The defibrillator is another story, but I don't think you're getting one of those. I was given a choice about anesthesia: mild, letting me be aware of what was happening, or heavy duty, knock me out. No brainer for me- knock me out. I was really freaked out and anxious, so it was best to have me unaware. Talk to doctor about your options. They will not give you a general anesthetic (not needed and comes with risks) but there are some good meds that just put you to sleep quickly.
good luck and share with us your experience.
judy

thank you so much!

by Runningmama - 2014-11-09 06:11:02

Thanks Guys! That really helps and I see that you are both really active like me, I of course run, so it helps to know I can go "be me" again! I'll let you know how it goes when I come home all paced up on Tuesday :) The Micra does not have leads or anything, so I should be back at it really soon I hope.

Thanks Again, really, it helps!

just got mine last week

by rolson - 2014-11-09 07:11:21

I got mine last week. Was scared to but it went very well. I know you won't believe it but it is much easier than you fear.

WhaT WILL THEY USE TO...

by donr - 2014-11-09 08:11:34

...knock you out? Based upon how good or bad a patient you are, it will be a toss up between a very large rubber mallet or a drug called Propofol. The mallet is instantaneous. The Propofol takes about 15 seconds to put you in La-La-Land. At about 7 seconds after they push the plunger you start feeling light headed & drifting away, very pleasantly. It takes but a few minutes to awaken after they stop the drip in your IV & you awaken clear headed & will probably say "I want a cappuccino." During the procedure you should be just groggy enough that they can awaken you & talk to you if need be.

You said that they place the Micra via the big vein in the thigh. That means no cutting in the clavicle area. They may not even need to use Fentynal on you for pain. Since they are going into a major vein they may want to keep you in the hosp overnight.

You should NOT feel a thing when the PM starts pacing.

Good luck tomorrow.

Donr

They used...

by Grateful Heart - 2014-11-09 09:11:52


...the rubber mallet on me......now I know why.

No leads.....you lucky duck.

Seriously, you'll be fine, the anticipation is the worst part.

Good luck.

Grateful Heart

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