New member question

Hi

by Bionic Beat - 2018-06-23 23:00:03

Thank you for posting about the Watchman procedure.  Ive learned something new to bug my EP about.  It seems more popular in the US but we do have it in Canada, the cost seems to be one of the variables up here.

As for how you will feel the NIGHT OF your op, you wont know until that time comes.

I am surprised that they are discharging you early for a concert, no matter how badly you want to go.   My concerns would be that you get caught up in the concert and fling your arms about, a huge no no right after implantation or that someone else might accidently smack you in the operative area causing pain or other problems.  I dont doubt your desire or ability to get to the concert.  I am also a very determined person, so I do get it!  lol

What if you were to trip or get whacked when the lights are down?  Who is going to 'rescue' you or get you help?   It takes awhile to get out of a concert venue, if your pacemaker isnt working properly its a heck of a risk.

You still have time to sell the tickets online and recoup your money.  Just an idea.

Swimming after a week or so??   I would double check that one too.  Esp. if you mean in the ocean.  The ocean is full of bacteria as is a pool.  Your incision will not be healed enough IMO.

I know a lady who got bit by one of those sand critters, stuck her foot in the ocean thinking it was salt water and nearly lost her toe from the infection she got.  Three weeks of hospitalization saved her toe.

Life is all about choices and its up to you, after you have a good think about risks/problems.

I love that you are so positive but going to Florida and not swimming would be my choice.

Best Wishes,

Bionic Beat

Optomistic much?

by AgentX86 - 2018-06-23 23:08:34

I don't understand the purpose of the Watchman.  Do you have Afib, as well?  The Watchman won't change your heart's rhythm.  They're intended to keep blood from clotting in the left atrial appendage and causing a stroke.  It's a great idea if you're in Afib but otherwise, I don't understan the purpose (not saying there isn't one).  I kinda surprised they're doing them on sequential days, too.  Last February I had an AV ablation (an intentionally inflicted heart block) and CRT-P (biventricular) PM implanted at the same time (litterally - an EP working at each end of me).  I'd think doing them on sequential days  would be a lot of stress on your body (anesthetic, and all).

That said, if your procedure(s) go like mine, you could be dancing in the aisle, well, almost.  I felt great right after the procedure.  I was hospitalized overnight and didn't get sprung until noonish (so we went out to lunch on the way home.  I was back at work the next day.  I had little pain - not enough to take any of the pain meds they gave me (enough Oxy to make a pusher green with envy).

As far as the rules after, you cannot raise your arm above your head and no lifting more than 10lbs for four to six weeks.  I was allowed to walk all I wanted (I walk a lot) but not at the gym (no treadmill). Listen to your EP.  This is important. 

I'm really surprised about the swimming.  I don't know how one swims without raising a hand above the shoulder.  Getting the wound wet after two weeks should be OK but I don't think I'd get in a pool.  Infections are really, really, serious.

Bottom line:  I wouldn't completely give up on Buffet but I wouldn't bet on it, either.  See how it goes.  If I were in your situation four months ago, I'd probably have skipped work another day (to rest) and partied (difficult choice).  I really did feel that good.  Vacation a week later?  Sure, why not?  You'll still be sore but, assuming no complications, you should be OK.  Again, you'll know what you can do and, of course, all of this goes out the window if there are complications.

As a hint:  I'd get a sling for your arm.  You won't really need it but I found it reminded me to not use that arm.  It did make walking a little easier, too. Hanging my arm down didn't work very well and holding the elbow at a right angle for long periods wasn't comfortable.  I highly recommend this one. 

<https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075WBL4D7/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1>

I wish I'd bought it before the procedure but no one told me.  They really don't want you to rely on a sling but, again, I found it useful for a week.  Also a pad for your car's shoulder harness is a must.  I still use it (my PM site is still quite sore to the touch).

Good luck and I hope your procedure is as uneventfull as mine was.  Keep in touch and let us know how you're doing!

I assume you have tried the obvious ...

by LondonAndy - 2018-06-24 01:42:02

... and see if the pacemaker operation can be delayed a day? :)   

I agree with Robin1 that you probably won't know if you are ok for the concert until after the operation.  Also, I would have to agree with AgentX86 and urge caution with swimming - infection is a serious problem that can take you back to hospital.

However, I do disagree about getting a sling - the reason that these are no longer considered appropriate is that the restriction of movement can lead to "frozen sholder" problems and delay your recovery. 

Watchman and Pacemaker

by Cathyfrn - 2018-06-24 17:34:26

Thank you all for your suggestions and support! I've taken your advice and placed my Jimmy Buffet tickets for sale and if they don't sell, I'll probably make the effort to attend the concert via hubby and wheelchair and whatever assorted drugs are available at discharge, LOL!

The watchman is being placed because of my hx of Afib, Aflutter, moderate to severe bruising from falls and banging into things while on anticoagulants for the last 10 yearsor so. However, there is a risk that because of my heart block (too many ablations??) and the fact that since my ventricles do not contract simultaneously, (that actually may be the definition of heart block), I'm at risk of a more serious arrythmia post watchman. At least that's my understanding at this point. I am so tired of SOB and chest pain interfering with my life, I can't remember what it was like to be active and breathe at the same time. I want to be able to sing, dance and laugh at the same time with the grand kids!

The sling is a great idea! I am not the most compliant patient and I'll be testing my limitations without even thinking. And I know better since I'm a retired nurse and have had so many joints replaced I could be the poster child? for Titanium.

I will plan to post pictures and comments after the adventure starts next Tuesday.!

Would anyone like 2 Jimmy Buffet tickets for next Thursday's concert?

Cathy

Buffet

by AgentX86 - 2018-06-24 18:35:50

Sorry I totally misread the timeline completely.  A concert the night of surgery may be a lot to expect.  They will use some sort of anesthetic, whether to knock you out completely or to just to take the edge off.  You'll also have a local and who knows what else.  They did give me pain meds (oxy, IIRC) that night, so you may be a little high still.  I thought the concert was the following night.  I was fine by then (YMMV, of course).

I also understand the Watchman, now.  Thanks for the clarification.  I had my LAA closed when I had a CABG and Maze in '14.  My cardiologist was looking ahead to all the AF/AFL problems I was going to have.  ;-)  You'll still likely be on anticoagulents for some time after the watchman.  I understand that it's common to have a TEE to make sure the LAA is sealed off before comming off the anticoagulants. I still am on them, despite having my LAA sealed but I don't have the issues with them that you do, either.

As far as the sling goes, sure, the reason they don't recommend them anymore is because you can get dependent on them.  They're great for the first week but no mode.  As I said, it really helped me when walking and to remind me not to reach for stuff.

new leads means overnight

by dwelch - 2018-06-25 15:18:27

my first docs rule was new leads means an overnight stay.  I am on pacer number five.  number one obviously new leads, stayed the night.  pacer 2 lead broke during the procedure, one new lead, stay over night.  pacer number 5 last year switched from two lead to a three lead bi-ventrical, new lead.   Talks with the docs before hand my understanding was we would go with the stay overnight.  But day of, had some junior doc come in couldnt keep his eyes off the phone, would you like to go home?  No my understanding is I stay the night.  Was perhaps texting the doc, you can go home if you want.   I was not comfortable with some kid I had never met making it MY decision, is there a doctor anywhere, I refused and stayed the night.  Got a couple of doses of antibiotics I would not have had I gone home, even with lots of experience with the surgeries, it was still an uncomfortable night.

I would hope you are staying the night.  I would not expect to be able to do anything but be uncomfortable that night, certainly no dancing around, any movement causes pain.  I generally refuse the pain meds on principle, probably were given some that night, but didnt use them after.  I was ready to drive a couple-three days post-op no problem, waited till the following monday to go to work.  took about a week to be able to sleep in that side, before you know it other than bumping it you forget it is there.

Personally I would not make plans for that night or the next day or two at least.  Postponing is likley going to cost you weeks to get another slot, so I would avoid that you probably need this device, so just look forward to going the next time around or using this as a motivation to recover then track him down somewhere and make a vacation trip/concert out of it...

Biventricular pacer.....overly ambitious

by Rosalie - 2018-06-25 16:43:33

Hello New Member,

I sexond the comments regarding 1) Buffet concert 2) Swimming after two weeks. On the latter topic, i am an avid swimmer, but my EP Dr. Said, no swimming for 6 weeks. Reasons mainly : infection and arm movements. The precautions after surgery are " Do not lift your arm above your head." " Do not lift anything greater than a milk gallon." For one who swims freestyle, this does mean lifting your arm above one's head. Swimming in the ocean as you were cautioned by another reaponder means introducing varied bacteria near your wound. In winter months i swim in an indooe pool, but i still did not return for 6 weeks. I remember nurses at hospital saying, " oh, a pacemaker, it's no big deal." I disagree as the body has to adapt to this new device which controls one's heart beat.

Great advice!

by Cathyfrn - 2018-06-25 18:36:31

Thanks so much for all the caring and thoughtful comments! I have a feeling that despite what his nurse has told me re: able to submerge after 2 weeks, D/C on day of surgery, etc, the Doc is going to agree with you all and threaten me with a HUGE ugly scar if I insist on leaving the same day, LOL!

 I will do my best to be as compliant as possible. My family knows how hard that is for me to do because of my independant streak. I won't even begin to tell you all of the adventures I've been on while under the care of doctors. I try to be a partner in my care and be an active advocate for individualized plans of care. I've been very fortunate to have Doctors who listen (most of the time) and appreciate having a patient who asks questions, has done their research  and has reasonable expectations for their outcomes.

2 Jimmy Buffet tickets with great seats are still available!!! 

Cathy :-)