Caring for a young child post-op

Hello all! I am new here. I am a 30 year old wife and mom of one spunky 3 year old and I will be getting a pacemaker put in on March 15. I have Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia (POTS), Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia(IST), frequent and symptomatic PVC's, and now Sick Sinus Syndrome. I have been battling the POTS, IST, and PVC's for many years even before they were identified beginning when I was 18. I have issues with tolerating beta blockers to manage the conditions as they cause a brady-tachy syndrome when I take them. I have had a loop recorder for the last year which has also now shown sick sinus syndrome even without any beta blockers. So i am getting the pacemaker with CLS in the hopes that we can use enough of a dose of the beta blockers to help the tachy and the PVC's while having the pacer to prevent episodes of brady. 

 

My question is does anyone have any tips, advice, etc for the recovery period with small kids. I am the primary care taker for my 3 year old as daddy works 10 hour days and I also take care of my nephew who is 11 months a couple days a week. I am trying to explain things to the three year old as best i can beforehand, but wondered if anyone who has dealt with this with young kids who rely on you might have any advice from experience.

 

Thanks!!

Stephanie Gardner

1 Comments

Get a helper!

by Elisabet - 2017-02-28 17:45:43

Hi Stephanie,

Iron Will has some really good advice.

I just wanted to add that it might be helpful to get a "mother's helper" for a few weeks, someone who can help with things like bathing the child and doing vacuuming and so on. I'm not allowed to lift more than 10 pounds and I'm not allowed to move my elbow above shoulder height for six weeks, or do any pushing/pulling like with a vacuum. I was just joking with my teenager that it's a good thing he's older now! A few days ago I had a "pocket revision" on my 16-month old PM, so it's back to all those restrictions for a while. I also have to keep the silveron dressing on and dry for 10 days. Taking care of a three-year-old would be problematic but I cannot imagine taking care of a one-year-old if I couldn't pick him up.

If you have Girl Scouts in your area a leader might be a good resource for finding a motivated youngster to help, since there is a child care badge that requires that kind of thing (I think). Actually any youth group through church or whatever might be able to help, and many boys like that kind of job too. You would be there, so even if the helper is too young to babysit they might be very happy to get to play with and take care of a three-year-old.

Best of luck to you! Once you are past the healing stage it's going to be so much better for you.

 

You know you're wired when...

Your kids call you Cyborg.

Member Quotes

I am just thankful that I am alive and that even though I have this pacemaker it is not the end of the world.