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I am 54 an was told today by my cardiologist I have to have a pacemaker. Would like to know how the surgery was with anyone. They tell me I will be somewhat awake. Did anyone feel anything during this surgery? I am a big baby am quite nervous. Thanks lu

12 Comments

no big deal

by joelcr3 - 2014-12-09 02:12:50

Its 3 mos now. I got up on Thursday and felt dizzy but it went away. I got dizzy again and took bp and glucose level all ok. I never checked pulse though. Friday I got up and felt ok. took my glucose reading as I usually do and figured Ill check BP. my monitor also does pulse rate and it was 32 I said It has to be a mistake but it was the same. Called my cardiologist and he met me in the ER put me in intensive care for 4 days and alerted me I probably will need a pace maker. Monday I got it late in the day. Since rate was 30's they didnt want too much anesthesia was up most of the time no pain but whe they put the wires in I felt them going under my neck. heard them talking all the time. it was over pretty fast. just took regular tylenol a few times and was sent home Tuesday.
I'm sure you will be fine. Good Luck let us know how it went.

No Worry

by Bebie - 2014-12-09 04:12:02

At first when I was told by my cardio to have the pm, As if the whole world will fall on me. However, after the surgery which is fine, no pain whatsoever, I feel so good. I know you will be fine. Relax, and enjoy life with pm after.

Holiday recovery

by lucook54 - 2014-12-09 04:12:43

Does any one know if I will be able to drive after I'm scheduled for December 19 an the next week is christmas an I've got a lot to do an shopping

driving

by Tracey_E - 2014-12-09 06:12:58

It depends on the doc and if you've been passing out, it can be anywhere from a few days up to a few weeks until you can drive again.

You may need help with the shopping, even if you feel great we're limited what we can lift the first few weeks. I would suggest planning to delegate as much as possible, or get it done before the surgery. Plan for the worst but hope for the best. You may well be able to do it yourself, but don't get yourself in a position where you overdo it.

I felt pretty good a few days later but tired easily and napped every day.

I agree with Tracey

by Grateful Heart - 2014-12-09 07:12:57


See if you can do it before the surgery if possible. Then you won't feel the holiday "pressure". I wouldn't want to be in the middle of a crowded store with the holiday rush right after having surgery.

Come to think of it.....I wouldn't want to be in the middle of a crowded store anytime of the year. :-)

Grateful Heart

mehh

by tomshad - 2014-12-09 08:12:00

I had my icd implanted november 17 . No significant pain during the surgery . I woke up during it and could feel something and they gave me more gas then . There soreness after wasn't fun , but that is what advil and percocet are for .

shopping tip

by Tracey_E - 2014-12-09 08:12:28

You will probably wake up with your arm in a sling. Most of us are told not to use it after the first day or two because you don't want your shoulder to freeze, but it's a great tool when you are in a crowd! People will see it and be more likely to give you space, to not bump you. The rest of the time it's important to move the arm normally, just don't lift or raise it higher than shoulder level.

No worries 2

by Nick.k(uk) - 2014-12-09 08:12:54

Hi, and welcome.
Had my implant just under 4 weeks ago I was non symptomatic and it all happened very quickly so I was also v nervous.
But the reality was very different You will be given a sedative as well as a local anaesthetic. If I was awake I have no recollection at all of the procedure. One minute I was chatting with the nurses next thing I new I was back on the ward. No drips or medical paraphernalia, couple of hours later I was on my way home, sore and relieved.

The only downside was that, because the operation has become technically "routine" for the medics, in my case at least, they tended to forget for us it is a big thing. But as you have found this site before hand you will find lot's of expert advice which will help, not only with the psychological adjustment but also with what questions to ask/tell the cardiologists before hand and the technicians who will be adjusting your PMaker settings afterwards.
I am sure if you spend some time on this site you and your loved ones will find reassurance.

Good luck Nick

tell them

by Tracey_E - 2014-12-09 09:12:12

Tell them you are a big baby and nervous! I said I didn't care if I was awake but I don't want to remember anything. I think I had versed, it was great. I was awake and alert immediately after but don't remember a thing. They can also give you something for the night before if you want it. Honestly, most of us find the anticipation is the worst. The surgery and recovery often go more easily than expected.

Kind of liked it...

by Hopper - 2014-12-09 09:12:50

Everyone I say this to says I'm crazy, but, I kind of liked the surgery. It was super easy and I laid around the house for a week while ordering food to be delivered. Just know that this whole thing is a process and try to make the most of it. But, as for the surgery, super easy!!!!

it was fine

by capecod - 2014-12-09 10:12:20

it was easier than expected. but I did have them give me something before i even was rolled into operating room. my doc also allowed me to put on earphones with my iPod.

I was scared too

by rolson - 2014-12-10 02:12:28

I was very scared of the surgery, I mean, that's my heart you are picking at. I did wake up during surgery and just felt them pushing on my shoulder. I saw the pacemaker tech when I opened my eyes then doctor asked how I was doing, I said OK and he said to give me a bit more juice. Out I went and the next thing I knew it was over. Home the next day. You will not be able to drive. My doctor said 4 weeks. Not able to raise that arm for 6 weeks. Give love for gifts and everyone can do for you instead. Take time to heal so you get better.

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Member Quotes

My pacemaker is intact and working great.