scared and nervouse

Hi im lisa i am scared i have sss i put off getting my pace maker till the 23rd of this month can yall answer what does it look like through your skin and does this hurt stuff like that thanks losa

9 Comments

appaerance

by Tracey_E - 2015-04-14 07:04:12

We're all built differently and surgeons vary so it's hard to say how yours will turn out. If you pull up my pictures in the gallery, there is one of me in a little tank top. See if you can spot my pm :o) Mine is put in such that you can't see it, even my dr always has to ask where it is when they interrogate. It's deep and the incision is low enough and angled so that it's not obvious and it never gets in my way when I'm active. Talk to your surgeon and tell them it's important to you that it looks and feels good. Discuss placement before the surgery, not the day of.

I will warn you that burying it hurts a little more. Some say it's worse than others. I didn't find it bad. I mostly got by on Tylenol after the first few days, sometimes I took something stronger at night. Imo it was well worth it, just letting you know.

It's normal to be scared! If you have more questions or just want to chat, let us know.

Your friend

by doublehorn48 - 2015-04-14 08:04:36

Hard to add anything to the other comments. They were spot on. I prefer Advil to anything, including the pain pills they give me in the hospital. And the pacemaker is your friend. Your life improves because of it. The pacemaker allowed me to get back to a very active life. The soreness is gone in a few days and you will forget the pm is even there. Happy trails.

It's like wearing.....

by donr - 2015-04-14 09:04:07

.....hearing aids & eyeglasses - no one notices them. I promise you that. I have all three & I have yet to meet anyone who broke out laughing & pointing at any of the three.

Now there is a caveat - you don't go running out in public wearing a string Bikini till the scar has completely healed & faded out - about 3-4 months. It's kinda red & noticeable till then. Unless, of course, you leave the bottoms in the house, I guarantee you no one will notice the scar under those conditions.

Relax & enjoy a new lease on life that you are getting.

Donr

Agree with the others . . .

by Cspot - 2015-04-15 07:04:00

I have sinus arrest with sss and let me tell you, the alternative was just too awful to contemplate. I have had my dual lead pm for five weeks, and my trip happened so fast, I didnt have time to get really scared or flipped out. However, the first couple of weeks were kind of weird with this lump in my chest, but I like to think of it as my bionic muscle that is keeping me kicking. I feel great, now. The soreness went away for the most part in a couple of weeks. I am back at work, running around, climbing ladders, hefting fifty pound bags and doing alot more smiling and alot less griping. Truly, it has been a rebirth for me. Keep posting here. You will have lots of good support! Btw, I am a 53 yo country girl with a bass pond that gets a good workout on my one day off!

thanks

by lisaannthompson - 2015-04-15 09:04:56

I dont know how to fix my name on here Lisa insted of my email address and im no sissy spinal surgery broke both ankles same time list goes on an on i live in the middle of the woods just a kuntry lady just to give a bit of info to who i am i have no energy and not much will to even live the complete opposite of my normal self this all just happend in a week or so im hopeing i get over this feeling will a pacer fix this is it normal to feel this way with sss

Not Hurt

by Shaun - 2015-04-15 10:04:41

"Hurt" is not how I would describe my experience. Having an object wedged under the shoulder does "ache" a little at times especially when led down, but it's definitely NOT painful. The biggest thing for me was the "apprehension" at feeling a foreign object inside the body, but like many things the actuality of having a pacemaker is nothing compared to the fear of the unknown that precedes it. Very quickly the "apprehension" wears off though and it starts to feel "normal".

I don't carry much fat around my shoulders so at certain angles my pacemaker is slightly noticeable under the skin, but it's not something that bothers me at all.

Lisa

by Grateful Heart - 2015-04-15 11:04:20


After the pacemaker you will have more energy and get back to your normal self.

I have SSS and a bunch of other abbreviations (conditions). The good news is a pacemaker will correct the SSS for you.

It is normal to be worried about having any kind of surgery. The waiting is the hardest part. After the surgery you will wonder what you were so worried about....trust me. We have all been through it and we are here to help others through it because we understand.

You are a country lady who lives in the middle of the woods....so you are tough....this will be a piece of cake, you just have to get through it.

Feel free to ask any questions or private message me if you need to talk.

Grateful Heart

Also agree

by jbjlll - 2015-04-17 12:04:56

I had first pacemaker implanted in 2003, That one was replaced in 2011 since battery was running low. Then in 2012 had that replaced with Pacemaker/defibrillator. In all case I recovered quickly. Was never really conscious of the pacemakers and they were not noticeable. During all of this time I was able to do all the things I wanted including traveling all over the world, walking several miles a day, etc. Just be sure that your doctor is efficient about having the device setting checked and monitored. I am a 75 hear old male.

normal paceing mine is set and 60 bpm

by lisaannthompson - 2015-05-08 12:05:11

Wondering im 1 week po so will theu leave it or raise it 53 uear old lady

You know you're wired when...

You have a new body part.

Member Quotes

My pacemaker was installed in 1998 and I have not felt better. The mental part is the toughest.