Pacemaker named Pierce

Pierce

by Loonylil - 2017-02-04 15:29:53

I don't know if my experience will help but here goes! Like you I was anxious as the time for the op got closer, I think it is only natural! Had op in the morning and home for 6 o clock. First feeling was relief it was over and also felt good knowing something was helping my heart. The incision was sore but hospital gave me 2 days of painkiller and they weren't needed after that. Was careful not to lift arm above head or behind back too much but gradually moved it so as not to get frozen shoulder.

Found it best to wear loose front fastening shirts for a few weeks too! 

I can't say that I felt an immediate improvement with my heart condition, it has been more gradual but 3 months down the line I realise I now have more energy, not breathless when moving and all is well. As you say everyone is different so other people's experiences may not be like mine, my best wishes go to you ❤

Pacemaker called Pierce!

by LondonAndy - 2017-02-04 20:11:00

My experience won't help directly but I thought I would post it in case it helps on the anxiety front.

My pacemaker was fitted about a week after I had open heart surgery for a replacement aortic valve, during which they accidentally damaged the electrics of my heart such that it wouldn't beat on its own at all - ie complete heart block.  Therefore the heart surgery was obviously the big deal, and I think it was about 4 months before I even thought "what do I need to know about pacemakers?"!  Apart from a little discomfort if I slept on the same side as the pacemaker, I have had no pain or other issues.  The incision was surprisingly short I thought, not painful, and now (a bit over 2 years later) almost invisible.

Perhaps it helps (a) that I had no time to think about this before surgery and (b) that I am a bit of a gadget enthusiast, with enough remote controls and internet controlled devices around the house to confuse the hell out of anyone else that I just think of my pacemaker as another gadget, which incidentally doesn't need recharging as often as some of my other gadgets!

Pacemaker....

by Suzzy123 - 2017-02-05 19:04:45

You will find with everyone you talk too, or read about there experiences with pacemaker will be different. I myself was impanted with one  back in 2000, and have had it replaced once. Any fears or concerns you will initially have will subside over time.

Thank y'all

by Missy68 - 2017-02-07 07:05:22

Thank y'all so much for your replies. :)

I have struggled so much for 10 years, I believe the anxiety comes from just wanting the pacemaker to fix it. I was let down a few years ago when docs went in to fix a PFO, but could not find it when they got there. Hearing doctors say they are "perplexed" has been a disappointment. 

The electrical issue is genetic. I really need Pierce the pacemaker to give me some quality of life. 

Iron Will, thank you. Yes, my older son has learning disabilities and gets very worked up and nervous. Having him understand is very important to me. My younger son says, "fix your heart and come home." LOL

Missy

Hi Missy

by confused - 2017-02-07 11:06:24

I received my pm in October and I have actually fallen in love with it.  I know that may sound weird but it has helped me so much and the only downfall I have is that I didn't have it done sooner!   I feel that my life has changed so much since October and all for the good. 

I have named mine also and it's name is Walter.   I figured since it is taking such good care of me that it needed a name!   

You will be sore at first but it will pass.  Don't baby it too much because you do want to have movement and not get frozen shoulder.  I was told to not raise my arm above my head for 6 weeks but all doctors say different things.  I did what mine told me and everything went just fine. 

Honestly I was scared to death before I had it done.   I felt I was to young to be going thru this but then realized that there are people way younger than me that have pacemakers.  I now feel very very fortunate that I was able to get the help I needed and quite frankly feel silly for being so scared before my surgery.

Good luck tomorrow and take care.

Tammy

:)

by Missy68 - 2017-02-07 11:16:54

Thank you, Tammy!

Erat45

by Missy68 - 2017-02-26 22:01:19

It was pretty amazing. By 4pm the day I received the pacemaker, I felt it come on for the first time. It felt like a flutter in my throat. Some say it feels like a lump in their throat. I could breathe so much easier. 

My implanted monitor was removed, so I had 2 incisions. I had 2 strong bags of antibiotics, one in the morning and one at 7pm that evening. I needed Zofran for my poor sensitive stomach. The pain was not bad, but my shoulder was so sore. It subsided after 5 days. 

I have 2 separate issues, my HR drops and my BP drops. The pacemaker helps the HR drops, but if my BP drops first, I can have a syncope. I have had a couple of light headed spells, but no where near anything like I had before. In the first 7 days, I had 44 episodes of my heart going to 20bpm. I am forever thankful to have my life back. 

Wishing you the best. Please let me know how you make out.