Nervous

Reassurance

by CyborgMike - 2020-05-28 01:47:35

I don't know all of your specifics, but I also have a version of SSS bradycardia. I had a resting HR in the low 40's and dips to 25 at night at 50 yo and getting progressively worse. It was only a matter of time -- a week, months, a few years (?), before my heart would slow to a stop and not restart. I now have a new lease on life. I didn't realize just how bad it got, until I had more cardiac output from the PM. Everything started to feel better. I had other issues (high liver enzymes, ear issues, etc.) that magically corrected themselves with more cardiac output. These are amazing little machines. I am truly living on borrowed time and grateful everyday.

nerves

by Tracey_E - 2020-05-28 10:22:55

Yes you are probably overthinking it but that's completely normal! It's a low risk surgery that's considered fairly simple, but it's our bodies and it's a big change for us so that makes it a big deal. It's ok to ask for something to take before to keep you calm. Try to focus on feeling better. I know some people get caught up in having the hardware but I've always thought about how much better I feel. I went from constantly exhausted and dizzy to feeling fantastic, able to be as active as I want. I'm grateful to have my pacer. 

Don't spend a lot of time reading here. It's good to be informed but know that many people come here with rare complications so it makes it appear that's the norm when it's really not. For every one person here with a rare complication, there are thousands out there who easily heal up and get on with their lives. I've been paced 26 years, am on my 5th device, healthy and active. No one would look at me and see a heart patient. 

Best wishes to you. If you have questions about the surgery or recovery or living long term with a pacer, please ask away. 

New CRT-D two weeks ago.

by Christopher - 2020-05-28 11:21:28

Hello Joann67,

I had surgery about two weeks ago for a CRT-D device. Truthfully, I am still learning about it. Apparently it is a pacemaker and defibrillator.

Up until six months ago I was a beacon of health. Ok, not really but I never had any issues beyond the common cold. 

I can't say I was very nervous about the actual surgery. It has been the aftermath that concerns me. All of which, is ahead of me and I am certain will work itself out.

What I can tell you about the surgical procedure is that it was quicker than I expected. The prep didn't seem to take long. Before I knew it, I was under. When I came out of anesthesia, I apparently was a rock star. Everyone was laughing as I exclaimed, "That was so cool, man! I'm so glad you guys were there with me!!!" I really did think I was at the loudest most awesome concert ever.

The last couple of weeks has not been too bad. The first few days my left shoulder and arm were very achy. The incision is healing nicely. 

It is strange to know there is an implant. There are various sensations I am experiencing but nothing uncomfortable. I am at this place now of wondering what is in my mind and what is actually happening.

So much to learn! Perhaps that is the scary part. We are often most afraid of what we don't know. 

In any event, for me, the surgery has been the easiest part. I hope this banter is at least somewhat helpful.

Best to you,

Christopher

Nervous

by AgentX86 - 2020-05-28 22:31:22

A lot of us here, like you, have SSS (Sick Sinus Syndrome), perhaps in addition to whatever conditions we have.  SSS is one of the easiest problems to fix with a pacemaker and requires a very simple pacemaker.  The really good news is that most likely your pacemaker will just be standing by to get you over the spots where your heart is being obstinate.  You will probably be able to do whatever you normally do without any complex settings for your pacemaker.  Other than a small lump on your chest (not even that if it's placed under the muscle), mostly  you won't even remember that you have it.

As for the surgery, it's a piece of cake for 99% of us.  I didn't find it any more difficult than dental work.  The recovery is different for each of us, varying from a big nothing, to some pain for a week or so (ice and typical pain meds work well).  The more normal that you can go about your business, the better off you'll be.  Attitude is everything and there is no reason to make more out of it than necessary.

That said, you're confused and somewhat scared.  It's completely understandable and typical but really not necessary.  I'm glad you came here.  All of us have been where you are - and we're all here now.  ;-)

Trust your doctors and learn as much as you can about your condition and your new hardware.  It will help you talk with your doctors.  I've found (not only with my pacemaker but in general) that the more I demonstrate that I know about my condition and can communicate at their level, that the more information my doctors will give me.  Many don't want to know, so they tend to take that as a default. This is especially important with pacemakers.  They're not just a pop-it-in-and-forget-it thing, like a hip joint.  There are often settings that need to be optimized (and will continue to be) to get the most out of it and go back to "norma"l (or even better).

Nerves are understandable before any surgery

by LondonAndy - 2020-05-29 03:45:01

I got my pacemaker a week after open heart surgery to have my Aortic valve replaced by a mechanical one, but unfortunately they accidentally damaged my heart's electrics when they did this (it is not as if the electric paths are colour coded!) and so I have complete heart block.  The valve surgery was an emergency - I went in by ambulance after what I thought was a heart attack but fortunately was 'only' a 'cardiac event', and they identified aortic stenosis.  Surgery was a week later. 

I realise that all this sounds dramatic, but the reason I describe it is that I think I was lucky not to have a time to think about everything - it was all done in short order, and frankly it was a few months after getting home that I started to think "what do I need to know about pacemakers?" !  

So when you are through the process of getting yours, I strongly suspect you will think 'what was I so nervous about?'  They do over 300,000 of these operations every year, it is a short procedure, and you will most likely feel much better than before.  You just have to get to the other side.  You got this.