Scared and need information

Getting ready to have a pacemaker inserted on Monday (02/09/15) for complete heart block (need two leads). I am scared to death about the procedure and what it will look like after. I am in very good physical shape and have never had a surgery like this. Will it show terribly after it has healed, what should I expect from those out there with experience in this. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.

8 Comments

Same here

by Diamondtop - 2015-02-06 06:02:55

I am also scheduled to have one next week. Im scared to death and lost some sleep over this. i know i have bradycardia and a premature atrial contraction but when i went understudies for Holter monitoring they found a partial heart block which explains my SOB when pushing myself to the limits. I still can play full court basketball and do mountain biking and yes i get light headed but resolves immediately after some deep breathing.

You stay strong Gzarotny, goodluck.

Been There Done That

by Mywingman - 2015-02-06 07:02:52

Hi Gzarotny,

I am on my 11 month with my buddy. My Heart of my heart. I was 2nd degree with very quick shift to 3rd block. It just showed up. Had no choice. I never had surgery or a stay in a hospital. Talk about a new adventure in my life. Surgery is quick and easy. I too have a dual lead. The unit is adjustable to your life style. The Heart Clinic will customize it to your life style. I hardly know I have it. I have a small scar on my left upper shoulder. The scar when it is dry will feel a little itchy. I am a professional aviator and it only ground me 6 weeks till verification of all systems are a go!!!. For about two weeks after surgery I did feel emotional and high anxiety. After some soul work and looking inward with gratitude I was fine. I am back to all the things I like to do.

Blessing and Peace be with you,

Mywingman.

It wil all work out

by Daisho - 2015-02-07 01:02:13

I had my open and close in 2011 and getting a replacement in the next 6 months. I have 3 lead so I hit the trifecta. I was crap my pants worried as well but I did not have any pain nor real problems s other than trying to figure out logistical problems of having mine on the right side and being right handed. Makes potty time interesting that first couple of weeks. Good luck and think positive.

Try not to worry

by PAMMY - 2015-02-07 11:02:36

Gzarotney = the procedure is quite straight forward - I just had local anesthetic and no sedation. It took about an hour and then was put back onto the ward. Had to stay in overnight in order for them to xray meu to check the leads were in place and then was allowed home. However i must admit I did panic a bit at home because after going for a little walk I felt light headed etc but after being on this site I was reassured by many that there was nothing to worry about. So if you have any queries when you get home just post on here as there's a lot of experienced members who will be able to advise you and hopefully re-assure you.

I have a faint scar now but it's not very noticeable.

One little tip - I found that wearing a strapless bra for a few weeks after the op helped to avoid any rubbing on
the scar site.

PAMMY

No Fear, Just Faith

by Trinurse - 2015-02-08 10:02:53

Less than 2 weeks since my 3 lead CRT device. My EP said everything went so well that if I wanted to go home instead of staying overnight that I could. Of course, I wanted to go home. Only one pain pill that night and I was up at 0630 the next morning to greet the day. You will be fine. Expect some shoulder soreness, but just keep moving--don't sit for too long. I went out yesterday for and walked (no hills) for about 45 min and it did a world of good for my mental state. I am a Triathlete, so just can't wait until they let me train again. Just give your body time to heal. I am so grateful to Medtronic and my EP--I can now see a future that does not require a recliner!!! Keep us posted. This site is awesome.
Trinurse

smile

by Seabreeze - 2015-02-09 10:02:13

Hi!
I'm sure your're recuperating already. It's very sore for a while but just move slowly. My scar is noticeable to me, but others are like what?-that's nothing.
I can feel the leads and and it's not really noticeable but its keeping me here so that's a good thing. Keep up with the club it helps your psychie. More than any thing, listen to your body.
I agree with Trinurse-no hills. I was walking my neighborhood and never realized how hilly it was till I was out of breath. That was 2 weeks after, now 4 months out I'm good to go on the elliptical and all.

Thanks for the Support and Input

by gzarotny - 2015-02-11 12:02:32

I can't thank everyone enough for the comments and post to help me get through this, it really mattered. You guys are great!!!

Day 3 After

by gzarotny - 2015-02-11 12:02:59

Well, it is day 3 after my pacemaker implant. Very sore today. I am going to take pictures, to hopefully show the progress and how PM look after surgery and till healed. Have appointment Monday for a site check. Do you think it is ok to shower now? Thanks for all you help and support through this ordeal, it is greatly appreciated.
Glo

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