New PM

answers to your questions

by Tracey_E - 2016-11-14 12:02:01

Talk to your doctor about placement. Everyone is built differently and surgeons place it differently, so some people end up with it more comfortable in the end than others. Some people- especially people who are thin and it's placed just under the skin- always have a slight bulge and occasionally it never gets totally comfortable. If you are active, it can be nice to put it a little lower and a little deeper so it's not in the way with sports. Once you heal, it shouldn't feel like it's moving around and you should be able to sleep however you want, go play golf, whatever. It can take up to a year for it to settle in fully and for scar tissue to build up around it, but you'll be back to golf in 2-3 months (doctors vary in their post-op instructions)

Everyone is different, but if your rate is 29  now for any length of time, you are probably going to notice a WORLD of difference very quickly!! My rate had been in the 30's, dropped to the 20's the day of surgery. I could feel the difference the minute I woke up, felt like I'd been mainlining coffee. Not everyone is that drastic, but think about it. if your rate goes from 30 to 60, that's twice the oxygen circulating. 

The unknown is always scary so as you think of more questions, ask away! That's why we're here :o)  

Questions...

by FaithGrace - 2016-11-14 13:49:02

With a heart rate as low as 29, you should definitely feel a big difference.  You should have so much more energy and feel A LOT better with your pacemaker!!  My heartrate was in the 40's, then the 30's and down to 31 the day of my surgery for 3rd degree Heartblock. (I received my Pacemaker 3 months ago)  I noticed my heartrate increase immediately, my energy came a few weeks post op as I healed.  Clearer mind/alertness is also a great improvement that you may notice.  For me, that was wonderful and I didn't even realize that I had been "living in a fog".  I got winded walking 100 yards up a small incline in my yard prior to my pacemaker.  I now jog and can talk at the same time.  My legs now get tired before my heart/lungs which is amazing!! 

During your pre-op appointment with your Electrophysiologist, make sure to go over the different placement options and which is right for you.  Your physical activity and your build should be discussed and your feelings of the visual appearance of the device after the surgery.   My EP took the time to do this and I found it very helpful.  I am happy with my placement and my scar looks great.  I have not felt my PM move around at all. 

I do find it more comfortabe to sleep on my right side or on my back.  I do tilt toward my left side occasionally, but almost always readjust to my right side.  It is not somethng that bothers me though, just an adjustment.

Am I physically aware of my pacemaker....??

It's there, yes.  I am starting to forget about it sometimes.  I can still feel it when the seatbelt lays across it as I drive. (I move the seatbelt out of the way because it does irritate it a little)  If it gets bumped or when someone hugs me too tight, it does hurt a little.  When I workout, it is more tender, but nothing too bad.   I am only 3 1/2 months post op though, hopefully this will continue to get better with time :)

Keep asking questions, but I would say the most important thing at this point for you is to keep a good attitude!! You are going to feel so much better! 

Pacemaker comfort

by LondonAndy - 2016-11-15 04:29:47

I am a bit overweight, so not sure if this will help, but for me:

1. Yes, my pacemaker moves (I've had mine 2 years, implanted pre-pectoral).  I expect it to always move, but I am only aware of it if I touch it, and it moves if I push it.

2. I had some discomfort lying on that side for almost a year, but since then no problem, lying on either side.

3. My reason for implant was different (surgical complication after a replacement aoritc valve was fitted), so there wasn't an improvement to my pre-surgery condition and I can honestly say I am unaware of the pacemaker in my daily life.  In fact I only come to this site to see what I *should* be aware of!

my experience

by confused - 2016-11-15 11:14:17

Hello!

It has only been 1 month after my pm was put in but I can honestly say I wish I had this done a long time ago.  I didn't realize exactly how bad I was until now.  I knew I had been tired for a long time and had what I called brain fog but it is so nice to feel like the bubble I had been living in has now burst.

I was running in the 40's and a 2nd degree block.  I would run in the 30's while sleeping. 

But with me still being in the early stage of course mine is still senstiive but so worth it.

I am able to lay on my other side with no problems.

And mine has shifted but was told to watch it and I will be seeing the doctor again in Janurary.  I am not worrying about it because all I can see in my experiece with my pm is possitive becasue it feels so great to have my life back.

I can actually go out now and not want to go home from feeling drained.

Good luck with everything and ask any questions you have here because this site helped me so much in my decision to have my surgery.

Tammy

I didn't want a pacemaker.....

by NickyH - 2016-11-15 14:45:05

I was 41 when I had my device fitted. I was a busy mum with 2 young children under 4  and working. My rate was mid 30's. I had a physical at my job and that doctor noticed my low heart rate and told me to go to my regular doctor. I had no tiredness, shortness of breath, dizziness or any of the other symptoms of a low heart rate.

When I saw my doctor he was shocked at the low rate and had me ambulanced to the hospital. This was all quite comical to me, because I felt fine and had felt fine up to that point and told them I didn't want a pacemaker! After much persuasion I had a device fitted and can honestly tell you, I felt no different afterwards. I had no more or less energy than before.

All that said though, I'm glad I had it done, because it could have just been a matter of time before something serious happened (eg. blacking out while driving). I have had my device for ten years now. I'm just as active, very sporty and as busy as I was back then, and this is probably because of the device.

I do remember it being uncomfortable but only for a few weeks and it practically stuck out of my chest for months, even now it still protrudes a little. However, I forgot about it quite quickly, only remembering I have it if someone notices the scar, or the protrusion.

I'm due for a replacement in the next few weeks. I'm hoping they can place it deeper into my chest so its not so noticeable.

I'm glad I had it done... and just want to say, thank you pacemaker, you have served me well!!!

New PM

by smokygolfer - 2016-11-16 09:51:01

Thank you all for your responses. I think I'll wait on this for a little while - just for personal reasons, but you have all contributed to calming my fears. This is a great support site that I'll be referring to often. I'll let you know how it goes and I'm sure I'll have more questions. Thanks again for all the input and good luck to all of you!

New PM - finally did it!

by smokygolfer - 2017-04-29 23:09:18

Well I did it. Had PM inserted on 4/24/2017 to resolve SSS w/ bradycardia. HR frequently in low 30’s. Implant went well and I feel great! No more palpitations, unsteadiness, shortness of breath. Seem to have much more energy. I had some apprehension about going through with this, but am now glad I did. The insertion area is still pretty tender but healing nicely. I’m a golfer and swimmer so the recommended 3 month down time is a little annoying but hey, a small price to pay. Glad to have this site as a resource. Pace on!