Use of Catheters and Urinal Bottles during Pacemaker Implant Procedure

not necessary

by Tracey_E - 2016-07-14 16:40:00

It doesn't take that long

Shaking my head...

by Cabg Patch - 2016-07-14 17:05:41

I've been a member for pushing 8 years, and belong to other support groups as well as Mended Hearts. Just when I think I've heard it all...

No they aren't going to hand you a coke bottle. For that matter, they aren't going to give you a movie guide,  channel selector or popcorn either. If you can't get hold of yourself, wear some Depends...

tell your nurse

by Elisabet - 2016-07-14 18:13:19

I  can't speak for what a guy might need, but I do know you can usually call your doctor's nurse ahead of time and ask what they can do in this regard. You'll get a chance to talk to the anethesiologist ahead of the procedure too, and they want you to be comfortable and can tell you what they can do. If you have special concerns they will make sure those are taken care of.

I got my choice of music (not my idea, but good), IV anti-nausea drugs since I was wheeled in mid-vomit, and extra doses and extra time for the topical anesthetic since I have that red-head gene (sadly, without the red hair). They didn't start until they were sure everything was OK.

As TraceyE said, it isn't a long procedure, and since they will likely make you go right beforehand, you should be fine. Worst case they will have pads underneath and the nurses will help you clean up afterwards. ;-)

No movie guide?

by Elisabet - 2016-07-14 18:27:26

OK, Cabg Patch, no movie guide for me, but they did insist that I pick out whatever music Pandora had to offer. I kept saying "Whatever the doctor likes!" to no avail. They wanted me to be comfortable. I picked the Clash (Sandanista) and they claimed to really like it. 

(I did get to bring my own movie for a really long MRI once, and for the record, Jane Austen miniseries don't work with loud machines banging around your head. It's really pretty boring to watch people stand around moving their lips.)

You'll be fine.

by DampDog - 2016-07-15 05:36:56

Discuss it with your doctor. I guess as you’re asking the question you may have issues with your bladder or continence problems, if that is the case just voice your concerns beforehand. Chances are they will have seen it all before, people come in all shapes and sizes with multiple health problems.  The procedure does not take that long, if they sedate you, you will be a little sleepy anyway. (I know of very few people who required full anaesthesia)  I had a CRT-D implanted in March of this year, in my case placing the left lead proved problematic, yet even with difficulties I was only in theatre for 2:15mins, so no time at all really. No idea what it’s like in the US, but over here in the UK once the procedure is completed you are sat in to a recovery area for a number hours post-op. They make sure you are eating, drinking and using the loo normally before you go home.

I Understand your concern completely!

by Artist - 2016-07-15 17:36:54

 When my PM was implanted, I was not released from the hospital until the next day.  My doctor's orders said that I was not to even lift my head off the bed or turn on my side.  I ran the nurse ragged getting the bed pan for me.   They must really hydrate patients alot after the surgery since pre op fasting witholds water and dehydration is not good.  I am sure that you can ring your call button and the nurse will bring one of those little male style urinals for you to use.  They will not make you suffer with an unrelieved need to urinate.  During the procedure the restrictions against consuming water 6 to 8 hours before the procedure will keep you from needing to urinate.  There is often a significant delay between your scheduled time for the procedure and the actual time you are in the OR giving you even more time to make sure your bladder will not need to be emptied during the short time you are in the OR.

A question for DampDog

by IAN MC - 2016-07-16 16:08:03

Have I guessed right as to why you are called " DampDog " ?     No urine bottle was provided during your implant , right  ????

Cheers 

Ian  ( in the UK where it is quite dry at the moment )

P.S.  I couldn't help thinking about the Incontinence help line where the recorded answering machine message says " We are very busy at the moment ,could you please hold   "

It may depend. . .

by SteveE - 2016-07-16 18:02:03

It may depend upon how long they expect you to be "on the table."  I am just home from a lead extraction/replacement and generator replacement.  With the extraction as the unknown, I was fully sedated, intubated (breathing tube) and had a Foley catheter for a procedure that was expected to take from 2 to 4 hours.

As it went, the procedure was completed in about 3 hours, but when I awoke in recovery I still had the Foley in place.  The breathing tube was out, though.  They said that they didn't want me even sitting up in bed for 4 hours due to entry wounds on both sides of my groin (temporary pacing wires and other tools), so the Foley stayed.  It came out later that evening.

As the others have said, don't be bashful.  Discuss this with your doctors and ask them what they recommend to alleviate your concerns.  Yes, they have heard it all, and yes, they know how to keep you comfortable.

ok

by Cabg Patch - 2016-07-19 12:58:12

Let's get real.

First, as Artist said, you are instructed to forgo eating and drinking well in advance of the procedure. In my case it's always been 12 hours in advance. So the likelyhood you will need a urinal is two fold...slim and none.

Then we have the fact that while you will not be totally under, you are still heavily sedated and would not be able to manage get ahold of yourself, in fact, most surgeons strap your arms down so you don't interfere with the procedure.

If you needed to go they have the paper coffee cups on hand and I'm sure someone would manage that small task for you.