Pacemaker Log

• by JoJo B
• 2017-05-04 12:27:23
• Surgery & Recovery
• 1683 views
• 1 comments

Pacemaker Log – Day 1, Night Before Procedure

Hi All – I’m not the least bit terrified, frightened, or even a smidgent apprehensive about my scheduled pacemaker (pm) implant surgery tomorrow morning, so I thought I’d start noting why…

I realize I am fortunate to have been heading toward this first pm for about a year since my heart attack last April, meaning I’ve had plenty of advance time to research and acclimate to the idea of it all. I’ve lived with a low heart rate (bradycardia) most of my life, getting worse over the years, plus high blood pressure, cholesterol, various issues and treatments (won’t bother getting into detailed histories). I don’t think for a minute I truly have an idea of how the procedure and recovery will feel until it happens for me, but I tried to prepare, and I did learn a lot. The best part of all that research and prep was finding this Club, and is why I say I am “taking” you all with me… the good wishes and comments have been awesome and so beneficial! There may only be a few out there who have yet to move forward with their procedure, but in case my experience can help anyone I’ll try to keep making notes along the way unless I get told not to bother… I can always look back on it for myself and laugh at how silly I was.

Anyway, I’ve had all the tests, including nuclear stress test on the treadmill, all sorts of labs, meds, etc, etc, to rule out other causes of the bradycardia to ensure this is the indicated treatment now. It’s been quite a year getting here, and a busy couple of weeks prepping. Discussed pm processes and placement options with surgeon, emphasizing my activities/levels and desire for minimizing potential obstruction for those activities (including swimming and golfing). We’re going with a standard, “optimized” placement. This time.

Was told not to eat past midnight before pacemaker (pm) procedure day, so did the math: Usually too tired to eat past 7 pm, in bed by 9:30-10 pm, procedure scheduled for 1 pm tomorrow for about an hour, then in recovery for maybe an hour, get to my room and get checked, poked and settled, wait for dinner hour in the hospital around 5-6 pm, so about what, 20+ hours or so til next meal, drinks, and yes, COFFEE?? Yikes! Now that sounds scarier than anything else, so decided to wait up tonight as long as possible to force a late (but light) meal, and start logging some notes here to pass the time til midnight…

Received a very long list last week of what to do/not do, bring, etc, prior to the procedure, including a bunch of papers to complete, sign, return, and there will be more waiting for me; reviewed everything again tonight. The procedure includes an overnight stay, so it’s a BYOB function – bring your own breather. Mine is just a CPAP machine, but it’s one more thing to lug along that I hadn’t thought of (however, they will supply the distilled water). Kinda glad I’ll have it with me – maybe I will get some rest in this hospital stay (right).

Remembered to stop blood thinners and certain other meds in advance as specified (actually a good friend reminded me just in time, or I’d have messed that up). [Note: Do share what’s going on with friends and family – they really do care.] No jewelry, money, make-up, dentures allowed; glasses are encouraged (to sign more papers – honestly, it’s on the list). Changed out the cat’s litterbox, changed light bulbs and smoke alarm batteries, changed sheets, even changed my hair color, and emptied trash –things I know will be too uncomfortable for me to do for at least the first days or weeks immediately following surgery. Had already shopped for food items to freeze, refilled meds, and enjoyed another morning at the pool, which I will miss terribly (can’t submerge for at least 5 days, then must still be careful while wounds heal); showered. Will pack in the morning – was just too busy today, which has actually been a good distraction. Even fit in an urgent check with the dentist for tooth soreness from recent dental work; don’t want to go in tomorrow with any infection (and that’s one of the questions on your paperwork). I’m sure there will be things I wish I had done, but oh well.

Well it’s 11 pm already, time for that snack, then get some rest. Will have to pretend I am not a coffee drinker tomorrow. Maybe will smuggle in some indestructible M---’s hamburgers on the way to the hospital for later… ttfn… (will try to be more brief in subsequent logs too)