Scared

hi

by Tracey_E - 2024-09-06 16:42:41

I'm glad you found us!

Ice should help with the pain. 

Everyone is different, but I was feeling mostly myself within a week or so, just a bit tired and still moving slowly. It took about 3 months until I was back to my full workout routine with no twinges. 

It also takes time to adjust mentally. They talk about the physical healing, but most of the medical community writes off the emotional impact since it's considered a minor surgery. Cut yourself some slack if it takes some time to get used to the new you. 

As for the leads, if they were going to dislodge, odds are it would have happened in the first 24-48 hours. I'm not saying it's impossible to happen after that, but it's much more unlikely and if it does happen, it's going to be because they were in a bad spot, not anything you did. The precautions are just that, precautions. 

Very worst case, if a lead dislodges, it's not a big deal to go in and put it back. Most of the pain you have now is from creating the pocket, not placing the leads. 

What you're feeling is perfectly normal, and it's also temporary. I promise :)

Leads

by Insane Bolt - 2024-09-06 17:16:30

Hi Scared, you are in great hands here. Trust me you will be fine. Read the comments and take the advice of "older" members. Ice helped me a lot too. You have found your new "heart-home" here. I know you will pull through.  I only joined yesterday and most all of my concerns have been dealt with in such caring manner! Rest enough and please do not be too scared, as I would like you to look forward to your new "beginning". Having a PM implant felt as if I had no choice as it happened within a day. Be brave, and relax. I promise you will feel bettet in due course.

I had horrible stabbing pains for weeks, but it subsided. Happily on my way to lead replacement, coming Tuesday. Life happens. This forum has given me even more hope than I could ever have imagined. But let me not get carried away with my "verbal diarrhea"😂🤭

Hope and trust you will feel better, keep us posted!

Love your name!

by Lavender - 2024-09-06 17:32:18

Gotta laugh at your "handle". Shall we call you "old" for short? Sometimes I find myself being annoying. Lol can't help getting older--can work on annoying 😉

You are perfectly justified in your fears. My goodness you had quite a surprise! It's shocking to discover that our engine is sputtering and needs a tune up. Glad it was caught and repaired!

Now to heal-my dr told me to take 650mg Tylenol every four hours but I didn't need it long. I loved ice. Be sure to put a light towel between your skin and the ice pack and do 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. You're in recovery so no rushing it. 
 

At some point we all worried we pulled on our leads. A couple days after getting my CRT-P pacemaker, I reached up high in a cupboard to get a bowl. Immediately I got a panic attack and was so anxious that I had pulled out a lead. Nope! It's been over three years for me and here I still am!

You are only two days in! At this point you can stop wearing the sling and just use the arm so you don't get a stiff shoulder. Keep the elbow below the shoulder. At night, I used to pin my pajama sleeve loosely to my waist on that side for a couple nights. I also pillowed-up! I still put a small pillow up against my pacemaker while lying down to make me feel more secure. One pillow under the head and another body length one to fling my left leg over while on my right side. 
 

You will make it. Your brain will finally turn off the danger sign. It takes time. When you get anxious, go to YouTube and look up Michael Sealey for some really calming meditation. 
You are not too old yet. You still have some miles on you. 
❤️‍🩹

Old and annoying

by piglet22 - 2024-09-07 05:59:10

Just about sums me up at times.

In fact clocking up another year today.

Absolutely nothing to be scared about. Puts you into a very special club.

Your device is there to make you feel better. I'm nearly 20 years in and counting down for the third one.

The hardest thing to get your head around is that your device is doing what your heart isn't. In some ways, it does a better job.

It analyses your heart and steps in when needed.

The first pacemaker was developed in 1952, a few years after the development of the transistor.

They've had a long time to practice getting it right.

The pain will go, then back to an improved business.

Getting right with God

by Tex61 - 2024-09-07 07:53:53

When I was first diagnosed with RBBB and some partial left block, I wasn't right with God.   I was scared.  Freaked out a lot at first.  Thought I was "saved" but I wasn't. 
 

when the third degree heart block took me out, I laid in that ER and I had a peace over me that I can only attribute to me figuring out the God thing several years back.   
 

I just wasn't worried.   Don't want to check out any time soon, but if I do, I'm very sure of what happens next.  
 

I know this isn't a religious message board but it's the different maker for me. 

What Everyone Said

by IrishToast - 2024-09-07 09:09:58

So true, Tex! And all. Spiritual peace helps with healing and fear. When I was being laid out and medicated in the surgery room parts of Psalm 90/91 came to mind, "He will overshadow thee with his shoulders: and under his wings thou shalt trust. His truth shall compass thee with a shield: thou shalt not be afraid of the terror of the night. ..."  Time and patience with the healing process help. We have friends here and above.

Side comment. My beagle tore a dew claw this week. Vet fixed her up, sent her home with some good pain meds, and called the next day to check on her.  What a concept.  Routine is no excuse for lack of compassion EVER.  There is compassion in abundance here.

IrishToast

by piglet22 - 2024-09-07 11:24:14

I often watch the vet programmes on UK TV.

I know it's TV, but if only the NHS could perform like the vets.

An old British comedian called Tony Hancock went to a vet who somehow was doing GP work.

Hancock objected and the vet reassured him that all the bits were in the same place.

Scared

by Old and annoying - 2024-09-07 20:27:58

You guys are a breath of fresh air.  Thanks.  It's hard to explain these feelings to someone who.hasn't been there.  I do like ice, used it for my mastectomies, would love to ditch the sling but the cardiologist insists I wear it until I see him up in the week.  I do miss showers though.  Thanks again!  

sling

by Tracey_E - 2024-09-08 11:18:53

I would call the office and confirm that! Most of us don't even wear the sling home from the hospital. 24-48 hours is the most.

And also clarify no showers. Most dressings can get wet now. That doesn't mean go swimming but a quick shower is usually ok. 

It all depends.....

by sgmfish - 2024-09-08 14:56:22

"I bear witness that there is no God but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah"