time for replacement concerns

I am 53 years old. My first pacemaker was implanted when I was 36. This pacemaker worked well for 4 years until the leads were recalled.
I then got a new pacemaker and leads. I was pretty heavily sedated because I was a total wreck of nerves. This pacemaker has given me almost 13 years.
I now need to have a replacement in the next month or two.
Can anyone tell me how difficult this procedure is?
Should I be able to resume my teaching within a week?
Thank you,
Searching Woman

4 Comments

Hi SearchingWoman,

by Gellia2 - 2007-08-16 11:08:20

I just recently had my 7th replacement. It is not nearly as difficult as the first time. Mine went like this:
I had to be at the hospital by 7a.m. Surgery was at 9a.m.
They took me in, gave me a short acting sedative (because I'm a weinie and like to be knocked out - many just use novocaine) and I was finished by 10:30a.m. Mine took a little longer than normal because I had to have 25 year old wires checked. Discharged at 1p.m. and home I went. My shoulder was a bit sore for a few days. But, I didn't even need any pain killers at all. For me, each replacement (as I said..this was number 7) has been easy. No over nights in the hospital, and about a week to feeling really tip top again.
I do hope yours goes as well. Your dr will let you know when to drive again but because they do not replace the wires, you don't have to worry about pulling them out. I was ready to "rumble" by nightfall!
Best to you!
Gellia
P.S. I'm nearly 59 and have had a pacer for 32 years now.

Hi

by randrews - 2007-08-16 11:08:53

I don't really have anything to add since I've only had my pm for a few months. But I am a teacher (counselor) and want to wish you the best with the replacement. Stay in touch with the people here, they are really encouraging.
Take care of yourself so you can take care of your kids.
Rusty

Hi Searching Woman

by bjmcpherren - 2007-09-08 03:09:00

If you're just having a pacer replacement and no new leads it should be a breeze. I am 47, I have my first pacer implanted when I was 18. I am on my fourth. My pacer has 2 leads and I am totally dependent on it. 11 days ago I had one of my leads which was 30 years old replaced. I am having a really hard time recovering, having numerous problems. Anyway, the pacer I have is only about 4 years old, at that time I did not need any lead replacements. It went quickly, no over night stay, within a week I was back to work and doing light exercises. So no worries. It's the lead replacement surgery where you will run into problems. Take care.
Bonnie

Have a Great Outcome

by Terry - 2007-12-28 01:12:41

Ask your Dr. if you can be evaluated for His bundle pacing this time. Using the heart's own conduction system, the literature suggests, can prevent heart failure and stroke. If he has questions, have him/her check out the DAVID Study or the MOST Trial, as published by Dr. Sweeney.

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It may be the first time we've felt a normal heart rhythm in a long time, so of course it seems too fast and too strong.