What to expect

I have an implantation coming up.
1. Can someone tell me what to expect the day of and in recovery?
2. What brand of double lead PM do you recommend; which one to avoid?
3. Tell me about the process of regulating the PM after procedure.

8 Comments

What to expect

by Good Dog - 2015-01-25 07:01:35

I can only tell you what my experience was.
1.) I think that you should be pleasantly surprised the day of the surgery. You will have a small incision that may be a little sore, but should heal quickly. There is really little discomfort. The doc's and nurses may make you a little crazy with all the monitoring and tweeking, but other than that, the recovery is pretty darn easy.
2.) I cannot recommend a brand, but I have had a Medtronic for almost 30 years (three generator changes) and have not had a problem.
3.) There is nothing you need to worry about regulating the PM after the implant. The Doc or Technician may adjust (optimize) the settings as time goes on to insure effectiveness and maximization of battery life.
You just need to ask questions to insure you are familiar with things like the minimum and maximum settings. You should be aware of your current heart rate at rest and while active so that you can compared to the PM settings. An example is that I was aware my heart rate was always really low when at rest before the implant. So when I couldn't sleep after the implant I asked my doctor if he could reduce the minimum setting from 60 BPM to 50 BPM. He agreed and I found that I slept much better after that. So make sure you ask all the questions you have. You need to have piece of mind.
The pacemaker is one of the greatest inventions of the 20th century! You will be glad you have it!

Standard Stuff

by Theknotguy - 2015-01-25 08:01:20

1) Can't tell you as I was unconscious when I got the temporary PM and was unconscious when I got my present PM.

2) Your EP should be able to give you some insight into that. I also have a Medtronic and am happy with it. My EP cycles between Medtronic, St. Jude, and Boston Scientific. If you have problems with afib, I recommend the Medtronic but your EP may have suggestions based upon your heart problems.

3) You have to work with your EP and techs. Some people have problems with heart rate and get SOB. The EP may have to change some settings. For me I had a setting turned on at five months. Otherwise I haven't had any changes.

Mostly you have to wait 4-6 weeks after the implant for the body to incorporate the leads. During that time it is suggested you don't lift your arm on the PM side above the shoulder. During the 4-6 weeks it's suggested you don't lift anything more than a gallon of milk with the arm on the PM side. You should keep your arm moving so you don't get a frozen shoulder. Just don't do any heavy exercising.

Some people report unusual feelings after the PM implant. Mostly it's due to the swelling in the PM pocket area. Other people adjust right away.

Hope everything goes well for you.

GoodDog is right on

by Dave H - 2015-01-25 09:01:53

I had my 3-lead Medtronic Consulta implanted May, 2012. Procedure was fairly quick and easy-no complications. New EP will be swapping it out for a Medtronic PM/ICD later this week. (Original Consulta is NOT synchronizing my ventricles
properly, thus the change.)

what to expect

by tomshad - 2015-01-25 11:01:55

I was sore. I was bummed i wasn't able to do my normal stuff and scared i would injure myself. I did fine . lots of that was my emotions about it . I am 3 months out .. icd/pacemaker implanted november 17 2014

Agree with GoodDog

by jbjlll - 2015-01-26 11:01:52

I had first pacemaker implanted in 2003. That one was replaced in 2011 due to age. Then in 2014 had a Pacemaker/Defibrillator implanted. All three implants were very quick, not problems at all. All devices were Medtronic. Will say I felt better when I had the pacemakers. Seem to tire and get winded more since the Defibrillator was implanted. Will be discussing this with the Dr. and Medtronic rep on next visit.

GoodDog is right.

by Busdriver - 2015-01-27 02:01:12

I was semi-conscious during my implantation. The OR tech told me that technically, it is not even considered surgery. it is considered an "invasive procedure." Didn't feel a thing. A little discomfort afterwards, but a pain pill took care of that. I have a dual lead St. Jude Model 2240. Resting heart rate set at 60 BPM. Other than some gaps in my memory from the months leading up to the implant, I haven't noticed anything unusual. At 55 years old, I feel absolutely great! Doing physical activities now that I wasn't able to do just a few months ago. No shortness of breath, no dizzy spells, no low heart rate of 35. I wish you the same success.

Thanks

by splendid1 - 2015-01-27 09:01:46

I'm grateful for the quick response to my questions. It's great to have your support as I head into this procedure.

My Emotions & Caregiver

by splendid1 - 2015-02-08 11:02:04

1. Did anyone have depression after the procedure? I'm pretty upbeat and ready to have it over with and move on.

2. Any advice for my wife/care-giver - I don't want this to be any harder on her than necessary. Any coping advice?

Thanks all. Peter

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