I'm back!

After having my PM removed in early 2015 due to a staph infection, my reveal revealed that my heart rate was dropping to 10 bpm soooo I
I'm electronic again, this time with the implant on the right as the old pocket and veins are no longer suitable. 

Some fun in the OR: they could not locate a suitable vein and the anesthetist crouched down next to me with my arm hanging over the edge as he tried to coax one forth. His balance was not terribly sound and I could not resist a gentle poke which toppled the poor man fo the floor. No harm just a loss of dignity.I must say there was more respect after that and a lot of sniggering from the nurses....then, of course, I sang to them while under light anaesthetic...apparently the nurses joined in. My Cardio said I could sing anytime as it was quite pleasant. change,

My medtronic was implanted on 29 Jan and I am well into recovery, walking at least a KM per day and sketching and painting the rest of the day away.

This time around I have decided to try to adapt to the PM instead of trying to fix every little thing. I think it was easier as I had so much more knowledge from the bright minds on this forum and also because of previous experience. Settings seem to be working well, still, some PVC's and will have to check if rate response is turned on as heart rate not increasing sufficiently. 

Soooo so far so good. I have a wonderful retired neighbour that I have known for years, a bright married ex-principal who fetches me every morning with his little teacup toy pom in tow. She thinks she is a rottweiler and barks fiercely at any dogs along the way as I get marched up one block and down another. There are goooood people in this world if you are open to allow help! People like all of you that patiently listen,, empathise and point others in the right direction. Thank you, I would not have been so comfortable with this process if I I'd not been so well prepared.

Shoulder stiffening up a bit...I can't decide if I am over or underdoing it. Out of the sling but try to keep arm pretty still/

Back to school on 7 March and then school holidays 1 week later. That will be the proof of the pudding. 

Wonderful to see some familiar names around the blog!

I wish you all a great incident-free week

Regards

Shirley

2 Comments

Thinking positive works

by Gotrhythm - 2019-02-22 15:01:24

I'm impressed with your determination to have a good experience this time, despite your history. A positive attitude makes a big difference and sometimes can make all the difference in how well our pacemaker-assisted lives go. 

About your shoulder--do not try to keep your arm still. The less you move, the stiffer it will get. Just don't try to pick up heavy items--more than 10 lbs. But do use your arm naturally. For stiffness try heat followed by gentle strectching.

About rate response: here's something I didn't know. It isn't just Off/On. It can also be made more or less sensitive. The last time I had a settings adjustment the EP made my rate response more sensitive. I feel so much better. The difference is night and day. Of course, now my heartrate jumps up at the least movement--but that doesn't bother me.

Keep up the positive attitude and let us hear from you now and again.

Thanks!

by shirley d - 2019-02-26 06:31:44

I think that fear of the unknown made me hypervigilant the first time around. Also it protruded (Too bony). This time it is further under the muscle which is better.

I am doing some light stretches now and within a few days my shoulder stiffness is easing. I am still careful to not lift my arm to high or too much to the side.

I have an appointment on the 11 March and will definitely ask the tech about the rate response.

All good in the hood.

Blessings!

You know you're wired when...

Lifetime warranty no longer gives peace of mind.

Member Quotes

Hi, I am 47 and have had a pacemaker for 7 months and I’m doing great with it.