Pre surgery worries

Implant

by The real Patch - 2018-06-08 18:20:51

While there is always a degree of risk, this is the most common surgery today with millions implanted. Highly unlikely you'll have any problem...relax

Relax

by El Gordo - 2018-06-09 08:22:46

I don't have a lot of experience, but I had mine (PM) put in on Tuesday. The change was instantaneous, and for me, profound. It fixed problems I didn't even know were caused by my heart. They let me out of the hospital at 11 30 am, and I had so much energy that I wanted to go for a walk in the afternoon (I didn't go, but I went the next day). I feel easily 10 years younger.

I find one of those long body pillows helps me sleep, because it's tender where the device is and the pillow supports my body and left arm. I think your biggest problem will be not picking up your baby. The one thing that was emphasized to me is to lift no weights. Do you have someone who could stay with you? It'll be a couple weeks anyway before you want to do much lifting.

Get it done as soon as they will do it. What's best for you is best for baby. They don't put these things in for no reason, and if you're like me, you'll wish they did it earlier.

Congratulations on your baby!

safer with it

by Tracey_E - 2018-06-09 10:26:25

The very best thing for your baby is a healthy mom. You will be safer and feel better once you are paced. Do you have someone who can stay with you for a couple of weeks? It's doable on your own but will be a lot easier if someone can hand the baby to you at first rather than you picking him/her up. I had mine replaced when one of my kids was a baby. I sat on the floor with her a lot, I found it easier to change diapers and play where I knew she couldn't fall since I wouldn't be able to catch her if she did. 

Long term, this shouldn't have any impact on being a mom other than keeping you feeling good so you can keep up. I had two pregnancies while paced. My girls are both in college now. I run and do Crossfit with one of them, hike and zipline and do rollercoasters with the other. 

Hi Rebecca

by NiceNiecey - 2018-06-10 01:37:02

Welcome to our little club.  One of my girls just had a baby 2 weeks ago and I can only imagine how you must feel about your current predicament.  Admittedly, I would be a bundle of nerves!

I was a little confused about your diagnosis and needing a defibrillator but I guess it doesn't really matter.  You're in need of a PM and defibrillator and that's that.  I wonder if they tried an ablation?  What a great time to be alive and have these medical wonders available that can help us.  I am grateful everyday for my PM - even 4 years after-the-fact.

I do not know if this is true, HOWEVER, one of my sisters just told me that "they" are now putting defibrillators in people along with the PMs as a matter of course.  My sister does not have a heart problem but apparently knows people that do (besides me).  I will ask my heart doctor next time I have an appointment but I find that hard to believe.  Maybe she knows something I don't (she's older and smarter than me!).

The others have written great comments and lots of food for thought.  I just want to encourage you that you can do this and you'll be better off in the long run.  Hang in there, Rebecca!

Niecy

Pre-surgery

by First time user - 2018-06-17 23:22:29

I am getting  a pacemaker  tomorrow. Any encouragement? I'm very nervous  about the surgery  and recovery.