First Replacement

My son, 32, is scheduled for his first battery replacement today.  He has a dual chamber St. Jude, placed in February of 2015. In 2014 he became catastrophically ill with a misdiagnosed case of endocarditis resulting in two valve replacements (aortic and mitral) and as collateral damage a right below the knee amputation, He has made a remarkable recovery, finished three degrees, runs, and is an accomplished equestrian.  Understandably deer in the headlights today, Thanks for the support - what a great resource!

5 Comments

Warrior mom

by Lavender - 2022-12-08 08:43:54

As a mom of three sons, I hear your momma bear protective growl. My first son died at age two of heart disease so you can imagine how that triggered my overprotectiveness with the next two. My second born is a cop who has worked in the worst areas and has to remind me that he's a grown man who is capable of taking care of himself. Even so, he got covid early in the course of the disease and I was on hyper alert-doing porch drops of meds and food, texting and making him send me pics of the thermometer in his mouth and the reading on the pulse oximeter. 🧐

I have to remind myself to let them see what life is like without me while I'm living so as to prove to me that they're able to handle things should I die🙃

Of course, when something goes wrong medically, we are less trusting that all will go smoothly. My brother went in for a valve replacement and things went wrong. He too had to lose a leg from the knee down when circulation and infection caused issues. 
 

I hear and feel your cautious concern. May God send perfect peace as He guides the proceedings. The replacement pacemaker usually is a simple procedure with a great outcome. Your son is a fighter and has your support. Together, along with God's help, you will be ready to celebrate a blessed Christmas. Check back and let us feel your relief! 🧡💜

replacements

by Tracey_E - 2022-12-08 09:20:39

After everything he's been through, replacements are nothing. I'm on my 5th. If I get an early appointment, I'm home fixing my own lunch.

They usually go in the same place as before. Most of the pain the first time was creating the pocket, this time it's all scar tissue.

Most of the restrictions the first time were new leads. Leads usually last through several generators so the only restriction this time will be taking care of the incision. My last two they used a glue so I was able to shower with it. 

If we have a very low underlyling rate, they will use either a temporary pacer or external for the surgery so we stay safe while they switch out the devices. 

Relieved!

by Pegasus Mom - 2022-12-09 09:09:25

As advertised, all went very well.  The worst was waiting as there were two cases scheduled ahead of him, and the county we live in was the subject of vandalism/domestic terrorism when persons unknown shot up two electrical substations.  Added stress of will they reschedule.  He did get Versed and lidocaine, was externally paced during the proccedure and is quite sore this morning. Surgeon cleaned out a lot of scar tissue and calicification.  They kept him over night and he expects to be released mid-morning after he gets his antibiotic.  Thank you very much for the support and information!!

glad it went well!

by Tracey_E - 2022-12-09 12:37:58

If they cleaned up the scar tissue, he'll be a little more sore but that's a good thing. They waited until I got #4 to do that for me so it was pretty bad by then. 

I found ice helped with pain more than any meds did. 

Glad he's ok!

Welcome home, son

by Lavender - 2022-12-09 13:52:38

I'm so proud of you and mom for your bravery and courage in moving forth and getting the pacemaker changeout!

Son, give mom a nice gentle hug and let her know you're gonna be fine. I'm with Tracey-ice is a great natural pain reliever! 

Mom you deserve a medal! ugh I have seen the news reports of the electricity vandal. So stupid and grinch like to do that. Hope they find them and let them sit in the cold and dark for a bit. 😵‍💫

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