Very scared, having pacemaker put in in 9 days

First....Take a deep breath

by Grateful Heart - 2016-12-11 10:46:47

You're stressing me out!  :)

You had a total knee replacement in July and in your words "am doing good".  I just had a total hip replacement a month ago so I know the rehab, determination and push that's involved with recovery.  And you did it....came out of it alive with no infection or blood clots (from what I can tell from your post).

The scary part is.....this is your HEART!  I know....we get it....we've all been there and we are still here to tell you it will be ok.  Our hearts need help with the electrical system...most people don't understand that.....so educate them and tell them you need their support.   

Your friends mean well but they are not the doctor.  I found most people don't understand what a pacemaker is for exactly (myself included) until I educated myself and then educated my friends and family.  That was 8 years ago and now my friends and family never even think about it...lol. 

The holidays can be a stressful time of year.....so much to do but you'll figure it out...maybe enlist some help, order trays of food, etc.  Make it different this year.  My husband and son made Thanksgiving dinner (I supervised) and everyone said they did a great job.  Who knew!

Give yourself a gift and get taken care of.....in a few months this will all be behind you.

Grateful Heart

Listen

by Good Dog - 2016-12-11 10:53:08

Grateful heart is correct. This PM surgery is really no big deal. You will look back at it and wonder why you were so concerned. It is a very safe surgery. Complications and infections are very rare. Remember, you only hear about the bad stuff. Nobody ever talks about the good results. They are not eventful and/or worth discussing. However, they are the vast majority. Like 98% - 99%.

You will be in our thoughts, but we won't worry about you.

Sincerely,

David

Thank you both!

by Ileen - 2016-12-11 11:19:09

I had a very long reply started,but it went to the " computer zone" I have anxiety disorder so don't deal well sometimes.Yes, I did well with knee, but had aback problem develop taking longer to be totally healed( don't do stairs well and limp some) You are right, I need to breathe. I am making all my Christmas cards, and wrapping gifts, getting last dry visits done before end of year!! We are going to be alone at Christmas. we don't have kids or family. My husband made me worried last night because he said he was worried about me! He never worries!Freaked me out! . You said a few months to be better, I was told weeks? I know I will be sore and can't lift stuff but what about driving after a few weeks? They are going to take my loop monitor out when they do the pacemaker, so will have 2 wounds!Let me know how long!!I have been laid up way to long this year! Thank you again. I am gonna get up now and start back on cards

Forgot

by Ileen - 2016-12-11 11:23:10

I had the "pauses" back in July,but they did Not see them till 3 weeks ago. So, I got a second opinion, because, I have lost faith in my first group of cardio. The second was the same, but he is one of the top 100 Drs in my State so going with him! Thank you again for caring!😹

Weeks vs. Months

by Grateful Heart - 2016-12-11 11:42:48

Each day you will see an improvement.  We all recover differently.  You can bounce back in a few weeks but within a few months you will wonder what you were worried about.

You will be able to lift light stuff....under 5 lbs. or so.  Move your arm, do not keep it stiff, just don't raise it over your shoulder for 4-6 weeks.  

I'm glad you found a doctor you can trust.  I fully understand the importance in that....he'll advise you of the precautions in the beginning.....and we'll be here to help if needed.

Grateful Heart

I appreciate your help

by Ileen - 2016-12-11 11:51:14

Ok, Grateful, I will just have to have Hubby do the work again!!!ha ha! Good to know about the stiffness. I am having it done on right side because I am left handed. I have a rotator cuff tear on right, so trust me, will keep it easy but still use it! Thank you again and will be in touch, after my pre op or maybe before. I will let you know how I do. Which forum should I use? Thank you again!!I am gonna go listen to Christmas songs and make my cards! Hugs, ileen

Forums

by Grateful Heart - 2016-12-11 11:56:40

I just post everything under General Postings but any new post will appear at the top of this page so no worries.  Merry Christmas!

Grateful Heart 

ILEEN , IT IS INTERESTING WHAT SCARES YOU !

by IAN MC - 2016-12-11 13:52:44

It was the cardiac pauses that scared me , NOT  having a PM fitted , I couldn't wait to get the PM 

You will be fine ( and by the way get some new friends , the ones you've got now don't know what they're talking about ! )

Let us know how you get on and welcome to the club.

Ian

Being scared

by confused - 2016-12-11 16:54:49

Hi, 

So now at 8 weeks after my surgery I now feel silly for being so scared.  In my case I have no regrets at all in having it done.  I feel so much better and now wish the thing had been in my chest years ago. I can see now that I had been having problems way before I was actually diagnosed. 

I'm 44 and ready to see what the future holds because I feel like I'm living again. 

Good luck and listen to your doctor not your friends. 

Tammy 

Scared lady

by Ileen - 2016-12-11 16:59:47

Thank you Ian and Sparrow, I pm'd you both! Hope you get the message!You are both very kind and great advice!I will check back before the surgery, hugs Ileen

Tammy

by Ileen - 2016-12-11 17:06:23

Thank you for that Tammy, glad you are ok!(at least I know I am not alone being nervous about this whole thing) You all are the best. I hope I feel better to after its done. But, the only reason I knew was I had loop monitor put in. Feeling ok, just the damp skipped beats making me crazy!They say I may still get them, but if they adjust my heart rate, I can take a beta blocker for them now. have a low heart rate 60 , 68 but goes down low are night they say. Thank you again!ileen

Dear friend

by Happylife - 2016-12-11 20:41:47

Oh, relax! It will be just fine :)

I had my first PM surgery 3 weeks ago and it was no big deal!

Good luck! :)

Will try!

by Ileen - 2016-12-11 21:26:04

Thank you Happy Life, good to hear it was no big deal. How are you feeling? Were you very sore? I will try hard to relax!( praying helps))) hugs,Ileen