waiting to go in for surgery for pacemaker

Hi everyone,
I have just entered in the pacemaker club and I'm not quite sure where to go from here. I've been diagnosed with congenital heart block since I was born and I'm getting the pacemaker in a couple weeks and i'm really not sure what to expect. I'm coming closer to the day where I'm getting the pacemaker. I'm scared. It all started when my mom was diagnosed with lupus and being in her womb her antibodies let me to congenital heart block. I joined the club because i thought I was alone in this same position but I know that i'm not the only one. I would love to talk and share experiences with anyone. Please let me know. Thank you

10 Comments

Normal to be scared

by Janice - 2007-11-21 01:11:31

Hi Contance,

I have had my pacemaker since Sept of this year. I too was very scared when they rolled me into that operating room. Much to my surprise, it was all over and I was into the recovery room in less than an hour. Try to relax, think of something happy, and it will go by fast. After the surgery, you of course are sore around the pacemaker and your arm, shoulder, but Tylenol works. I took it every 4 hours for the first few days. Remember to not reach or stretch for anything with that arm. When I had a shower, I just put a plastic grocery bag, draped over my shoulder and made sure the pressure of the water didn't go on the PM site. It was fine. You will be feeling better pretty soon, and you won't have the worry of your heart block. Take care, and let us know how you make out.
Janice.

Hello - dont be afraid pmredhead

by SusanBrookhouse - 2007-11-21 01:11:33

Pleased dont be scared of having a pm. They say a dog is a mans best friend, but that is not true, a pm is a mans best friend.
I would not be alive today without one.
I was on coronary care and suddenly they came and told me i needed a pm urgently so I did not have time to worry about it. It would of all been in vain to worry, it was all over with within 3/4 hour and i started to feel better straight away.
I was only 35 at the time and I am nearly 60.
Believe you me, apart from having my son, it is the next best thing that has ever happened to me is aving my pm.
Sue

same

by Shell - 2007-11-21 02:11:15

I was diagnosed with a complete heart block about a month after I was born. It wasn't until I was 11 that my mother was diagnosed with lupus. It was srtill a while after that that they connectrd my heart block with it. (i do like 'blaming' her for it though, just joking around.) I got my PM 1 1/2 years ago at the age of 34. I knew I was going to need one some day but had always been told Iit would be later, around 50 so I was a little surprised. I too was a bit scared before hand but it wasn't too bad and now I feel fine. (just for a few weeks after I had to keep reminding my kids to give me gentle hugs)

support

by pmredhead - 2007-11-21 05:11:45

Any advice and support would be really nice and greatly appreciated. Thank you
Constance

Hi Constance,

by Gellia2 - 2007-11-21 09:11:48

I, too, had a congenital heart block. Mine was third degree and the electrical activity in my heart kept me going until I was 26. Then it just suddenly gave out. I had an emergency pacemaker inserted and have been doing fine, for the most part, since. By the way, that was 1975 and I have had 7 replacements since.
I realize it can be a very scary thing but you are not alone. There are many fine people right here on this site that can share their experiences with you. We are all here to help.
The first surgery itself is not too bad. It's SO much easier now than in 1975. Harder is keeping your surgical side "quiet" so that the wires can get a good hold in the heart muscle. Washing my hair comes to mind! LOL It's really not bad at all though. With a few modifications we all did it and got through it. As will you.
If you have particular questions, ask. I'll bet there will be tons of people here that will be able to answer you with first hand experience. You are not alone. We are here for you!
Best to you,
Gellia

Just Concurring

by gevans - 2007-11-21 10:11:12

Hi Constance,

I can't add anything but positive experiences from my point of view. Having a PM has given me a new lease on life. I'm not sure that I felt any better than this when I was in my twenties (but I didn't appreciate things of "real value" back then) and that was four decades ago. You will do just fine as long as you maintain a great attitude and keep an optimistic outlook on life and a smile on your face. I won't deny that you might encounter a few hard moments and "bumps" along the way, but in retrospect they will seem very inconsequential.

Don't be frightened, be thankful,

Gary

message to pmredhead

by Helene - 2007-11-21 10:11:22

I was implanted with my pm at age 34 due to third degree heart block. It happened so fast I really didn't have a chance to be afraid. I am now 39 and to tell you the truth it hasn't changed my life a bit. I exercise everyday, play with my four children, and try to enjoy life as much as I can. Please don't be afraid. It really will be ok.

Helene

response to constance

by VIOLIN - 2007-11-21 10:11:39

I am exactly one week and one day since my av node ablation and pm insertion. i do not have the same condition as you but i am about as fresh as they come with regard to what to expect.
Each day gets better and better. people told me that & i blew it off as trite. but really just rest, keep your pacemaker arm quiet and do not raise your elbow beyond what the doctor tells you. the pain is bearable with tylenol for me. i got a plastic hospital type chair for the shower and i covered myself with saran wrap being careful not to dare wet the site and used a shower hose to bath as i sat. this controlled the water and made me feel human again. go home and take no shower for one week was just not an option for me so i improvised. rest. know that any irregularities and blips are fixable by the pm tech. good luck, constance, pacemakers have been around for over 50 years and they are getting quite adept at them.
violin

Thank you everyone

by pmredhead - 2007-11-22 04:11:49

Oh my God! You have no idea what it means to me to have all of your support. I was in tears as I began to read all of you comments. I don't think I could get through this without someone who knows what I'm going through. I'm so happy that I've joined the club and to have all of those wonderful comments from all of you. I'm being really positive about this because my mom had told me that eventually I will need a pacemaker some point in my life. I was going through difficult times because of my heart condition, having chest pains, having shortness of breath, dizziness, etc.. When I went to my cardiologist, my husband, my mom, and my dad went with me and when he had told me that I need a pacemaker asap, my mom and I just broke down and cried. He also put me on a heart monitor for 24 hours and he told me the results. During the night my heart stopped for 3.6 seconds, I was scared, I couldn't believe it. My mom has been waiting for this. I have been waiting for this, but never knew when it was time for me. Through all of the yeas when I was growing up none of my cardiologist told me that I need a pacemaker. They never really explained. I had no idea. I'm very thankful to have all of you by side to help me through this difficult time in my life. Thank you so much! I hope you all have a beautiful thanksgiving!!
Happy Thanksgiving! Constance

I'm getting mine on Monday!

by Shelly - 2007-11-23 04:11:49

Hi Constance,

I have heart block (3rd degree) too, my cardio thinks it's congenital (I'm now 36) but isn't sure as it was only discovered in March 2007.

I found this forum a couple of months ago and the support has been fantastic! I get my first PM this Monday (26th) and it's been so reassuring to visit here and get more info whilst waiting for my op.

I understand you're nervous, and I am too, but I feel much better knowing there's support at hand on this forum. I'd be happy to share my experience of the implant with you next week when I'm 'fresh out the theatre'. I'll probably be posting on here a lot anyway.

Take care,

Shelly (UK)

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