Just got the news

Hi Diana

by Ileen - 2017-01-03 16:43:22

I am a newbie here myself. Don't know how much I can help. I have a Medtronic, I got 2 weeks ago. They told me that I could not drive for 2 weeks. I am 2weeks out. I hope some other people come to give you more advice. I was very nervous , and tearful the first week,but soon learned, that was normal. I am much better . I know  this will improve my quality of life and not make my life shorter. Quite happy about that. Now, if I had not gotten it, another story. Some kind person said, at least we can be fixed. I don't know o  what you have, but I ha v e SSS. So, this will keep me evenly placed. I am very grateful to the wonderful folks on here. There is a wealth of info, !! Keep coming back, you will be great, Ileen. My Dr is one of the top 100 cardiologists in Florida. I believe  he picked a good pacemaker  for me!Every Dr is different, you being a nurse, well know that, bye now! 😁

Welcome Diana!

by LondonAndy - 2017-01-03 18:51:53

There are others here that will give much more helpful advice than I can, though it will be helpful to know more about why you need the pacemaker for them to answer more usefully I am sure.

Just some little bits from my experience here in the UK: I had a Medtronic dual lead device inserted a little over 2 years ago, but surgeons have their own preferences and I suspect that any current approved pacemaker will be good.  My reason for insertion was 'surgical complication' following open heart surgery for a replacement aortic valve, so I am 100% paced and of course that larger surgery affected how long I was off work more.  Some factors that will affect recovery will include whether there is any infection, and there will be some need to adust settings to get things just right for you, but that will be in a separate out-patient visit.  You may want to consider whether it is important to have one that is able to go through an MRI scan in future - I am diabetic and already expecting to have an MRI to investigate a vascular issue, for example.

I honestly think the pacemaker has had no effect on me emotionally, but I am a gadget enthusiast and just look on it as another one!  

Best of luck - I am sure all will go fine.

Hi Diana

by Birdonawire - 2017-01-03 20:55:50

Like you Diana I had a pacemaker fitted without prior warning, in fact I was on the operating table within 15 minutes of arriving at hospital. Most of my life I had collapsed many times, I was checked for all sorts of things, sugar levels, epilepsy etc but never had my heart checked. Anyway the day arrived just over 7yrs ago when I finally collapsed,I had heart block and a pacemaker duel leads was fitted, I had a temporary one for a week and was in coronary care being monitored, my surgeon said if I needed a permanent one he would send for me, I was 55 and never thought for one minute I had a heart problem, it was a huge shock and change to my life at the time. Advice I can give you is keep your wound clean, as not getting an infection is key to getting your mojo back!, don't do too much in the first couple of weeks, pamper yourself, take the advice of your pacemaker nurses and don't be afraid to ask what you probably think is a stupid question.I was so afraid but it gets easier with time. I wear soft bras now as straps were a problem,I used waterproof patches when I showered and also when I went swimming, mainly so as not to risk infection, it was 4mths before I went for a swim, take it easy and build up gradually. If you feel twitches or little electric tingles in your body your settings could be wrong, it was about 6mths and a few visits to hospital before my settings were right for me, everybody is different, just remember it is there to help you have a better quality of life, Good luck to you Diana.. you can send a message to me if there's anything I can help you with.

Update

by dianalcrn - 2017-01-03 21:18:51

I am having my pacemaker for Sick Sinus Syndrome.  I go from a heart rate of 40 to one of 130 throughout the day...so looking forward to getting this fixed.  

Surgery is scheduled for Monday at 10:00.  

Thanks for all the info.  I was only planning on taking off a week...I might need more time!  :-)

Diana

I hardly think about it being there now

by PatCan - 2017-01-03 22:05:51

Diana:  I, too, had SSS with severe bradycardia and had a Medtronic dual-lead pacemaker inserted about 10 months ago.  Now, I don't even think about it most days.  I'm doing just fine and you will too.  Good Luck and God Bless--  Pat

Recovery Varies

by Artist - 2017-01-03 22:31:39

Doctors instructions and the physical condition of the patient vary greatly.  My doctor told me I could drive two days after my PM implant and I was doing a modified version of my seniors exercise class two weeks post implant.  That was two years ago at the age of 73. As a college professor I don't think you have to worry that much about returning to work.  It is a personal thing depending on the degree of any post op discomfort or fatigue you might feel and how heavy your teaching schedule is.  If it is possible to ease into work with half day schedules that might help you determine how fast you can resume a normal work schedule.  

Welcome!

by Sarbear - 2017-01-05 11:42:35

Hello,

I got my pacemaker about a year ago at 25. I personally got a biotronik, which I like, but mine was a rush job, so I didn't have any real time to research options.  Physically I felt good about 2 days post implant, but I had my surgery on a Monday and decided to just take the week off, since showering was a pain at first.  Emotionally, it was very weird, since I went from being young, very active and very healthy to having a health crisis.  It definitely gave a sense of my mortality and I had some anxiety for a few months after-every time I'd feel it kick in or pain somehwere I'd assume somthing had gone wrong with it.  I do much better now-I'm back to being active, and very rarely even think about it being there.  

Good luck with everything!

Sarah

pacemaker

by wallygatorsc - 2017-01-08 23:35:05

I had my first pacemaker/icd inserted in 2008 and just had another done due to needing an added lead on the left side of my heart due to it not beating in rythym. Allow 2 weeks to recover as you will need time to recover from the surgery/anesthtia/pain meds . Emotionally ...hmmm ...i personally hate having a device in my chest but that is tempered with the fact that 1. i feel better than i have in years 2. i will do anything to live longer and be around for my duaghters,granddaughters and family. Realize that you will take time to recover from the surgery physically and emotionally but it is short term and the benefits are for the rest of your life. One last tip...call your doctors office and talk with the doctor's pa or the device cooordinator they will  be glad to answer any questions you have. As far as what brand to get it's really based on your doctor or hospitals preference and the specific needs of your condition. 

Good luck with your surgery please feel free to pm if you have any questions or concerns

Hi. Still in Recovery

by MaryVan - 2017-01-08 23:59:16

Welcome. My surgery was 12/16/16. I think it is a scary and shocking experience to be told that we need a pacemaker inplant. We are fine one minute and then the fainting and dizziness occurs from out of nowhere. 

I was fitted with a Holter monitor after passing out and feeling dizzy off and on that following week. Went to the cardiology appointment as scheduled. He told me I needed a pacemaker. Usually, I am cautious and wait sometimes for weeks while I research something. But his tone was imperative so I tearfully agreed to the procedure that same day. Intuitively, I knew my body was not working the same since the fainting episode. 

My device is made by Boston Scientific.  I asked if there were any recalls on the device, how often the battery needs to be changed, how the cardiology department felt about that device and brand, the ease of placement, the prognosis of the procedure, etc. Imagine my surprise when I found out that in order to change the battery, a new device is implanted. I can laugh now!

But it does change your world, Diane? I won't lie. There are times I am still teary. Mostly, I thank God that these devices are available because there are many people who face other lifethreatening illnesses. I wish there was a device for them. Still feel an occassional light dizzy spell and site is still sore but healing. I am grateful for every day I wake up.  And I can also say that this group is awesome!