Good news: Extraction was successful

Greetings Everyone!

It's been a while since I've posted.  Life got in the way.  Funny how it does that to us!   

Well,  I've made the decision and deed is done.  No more pacer, leads or software.  I deleted the software months ago - it was causing too many issues, as was the pacer.

Today, my leads and pacer were all successfully extracted.  The surgery completed in less than an hour and I feel absolutely fine.  Shortly, will shred my pacer card!  Had great fun with the staff (seriously I made them laugh) 

No more leads clanging around causing pain in my chest, no more horrid itching around the device, no more being sick for days after scratching around the device and leads which pulled..  I did so well today they curb kicked me a few hours post op, instead of keeping me overnight.  

The correct Doctor makes a huge difference. 

The correct questions make a huge difference.   

The correct hospital makes a huge difference. 

This hospital starts the day off with a prayer.  Have heard they also end it with one.  Having a medical team that listens to you and doesn't want a long term cash cow is important.  Though, at first, it's hard to discern the truth.  Never let them rush you into anything.  Look up every drug they give you prior to them administering it. Tedious, but will save your life.

I was right: I never needed the pacer in the first place.  It's been quite an awful saga of "doctors" not listening to metal issues, over medicating, drug contraindications, a missed real diagnosis and more than year long, pure exhaustion/no sleep/stress situation.   I've switched to a better hospital, (they were amazing), excellent heart Doctors and moved out of my old very negative living situation. (beyond awful neighbor) 

My year long saga is a unique and a sad tale of over aggressive unnecessary treatments, amongst other horrors, for which I'll bear the scars.  My friends and family already say I'm stronger and sound/look healther after only a few hours.  Interesting how I'm bouncing back from the anesthetic and surgery.  I expected to be wiped out.  I'm not.  It's like my body is rejoicing.  

Do note, if the time comes to change your leads or change out your pacer, they've come so far in lead extraction and battery changes.  Please do not fear it.  For me, he didn't even need the laser to remove the 2 leads.  Am so grateful for this medical team, and most importantly, for each of you.

I learned so much and you're all so amazing.  I'm truly very humbled for all your kindness and posts.  What beautiful and loving people.  I'm honored I was included here, even if only for a short time.   Always happy to put in my 2 cents in the future to anyone.  Do remember, my situation was very unique.  

Be blessed and be healthy, big angel's hugs,

The Rose

 

 

 

1 Comments

Pleased with your Pacemaker removal.

by ANDREW75 - 2023-12-18 15:50:20

Hi The Rose,

Your last post went to page two, no one answered it. I have felt a little guilty and want to offer you the idea that you are not alone. At 75 years In fact I have had numerous incidents of bad medical advice.

The worst nearly cost me my life when I went to the doctors with a grumbling appendix. He did not palpate me or order a simple blood test for my leaky appendix. Instead I remember him pushing a pamphlet for his charity with much fervor.

The next day at work it burst, and I was rushed to the local hospital for emergency surgery. The whole incident left me with a feeling of untrust and criticism toward the medical field that added to my existing mistrust of then 60 years.

In the 80’s having being in chronic pain for twenty years or so with back and neck issues I discovered hope on TMS theory, introduced to us by Dr Sarno. One of his followers Steve Ray Ozanich wrote a book called the Great Pain Deception, (How Medical advice is making us worse). Your story would fit in to a tee.

What I got from TMS was how to look at myself  psychologically, analyzing why I think the way I do. This has been a great help, one example is avoiding back surgery in the 80’s and taking care of this with Yoga, exercise, and mind body awareness, basically calming my type “A”, OCD personality.

HOWEVER, (in caps). Since retiring I have seen the wonders of new medical science and top-notch doctors firsthand. My wife’s life was saved from an ischemic stroke in 2018 when she was treated with wonder clot busting drug called TPA. My own treatment in recent years has also been exceptional, I am now paced, still a little itchy, and I have overcome the panic of this intrusion into my body.

Steve Ozanich’s book said nothing positive, I felt bad about this, but that was not the case that he brought to the table. Just being aware of malpractice is a positive step as you have described. Psychological awareness, yours, and others is the main step to trusting people.   

I also feel a little bad posting this here on this website, probable no one else will see or understand it, I will send you a private message for you read it.

Good luck Rose I wish you all the best, Andrew.

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