Battery change

Local anaesthetic, home in half a day

by crustyg - 2020-12-04 08:55:32

Usually all that's needed is a local anaesthetic, incision through last cut to access PM pocket, remove old box, connect new box, anchor stitch, suture up, dressing.  Home in half a day.

Usually the newer box has some additional features, so *some* retuning may be necessary or possible afterwards.

As the leads into your heart haven't been changed, you are able to exercise as much as you want post procedure - although the pocket may be a little sore for a few days.

ditto crusty

by Tracey_E - 2020-12-04 10:10:24

I'm on #5, nothing to it! I'm usually home fixing my own lunch. Most of the soreness the first time was creating the pocket, most of the restrictions the first time were new leads. This time the incision just has to heal. 

Not anywhere near as bad as the first implant

by jds66 - 2020-12-20 20:29:17

I went in 12-9 for a generator replacement. I did not realize that they called them generators, I have always thought of it as a pacemaker, but hey, it is the docs lingo. 

Same day in and out probably six hours from walking in the door to leaving. They use the same pocket where the old one was. In my case, they did add a third Left Bundle Branch lead, I have a Bi  V pacer now, so a bit more complicated, I guess it was more similiar to getting a new pacer because of that, but the healing after only a week and a half has been great. 

Just have to worry about this new lead healing, but keeping my arm moving enough to not get shoulder lock and the knowledge that I have after almost nine years now of pacer experience should not be over looked. Fear is not present. 

Good luck, if you havent already had it done. And my regards to Tracey, five of them already, impressive!