pacemaker

I have never done this kind of thing before post message,but haveing pacemaker put in tomorrow 8-1 and i am a chicken, I am scared,a friend i play with on pogo sent me this address, i have been reading messages in here,I lost my hubby of a little over 50 years 3 years ago and am all alone, have no family here. am trying to do the best i can.
Thank You
smile here

8 Comments

don't worry

by bill789 - 2008-07-31 05:07:07

I am new to his too. My wife will probably getting a pacemaker soon. Just the other day we were all so scared of the catheterization test, but after it was done she said it was no big deal.
I am sure after you have it in install you are going to feel better than you have in a long time. Instead of being scared just think in a short time you are going to feel so much better.

good luck

welcome smilie

by jessie - 2008-07-31 05:07:07

smitty and wannabe and gelia have said a lot. welcome to this site. we are here from all over this world. we are very fortunate to be here. in my procedure i don't remember much becasue i had sedation and it put me to sleep. i think it was versed. so everything will be fine and any questions and support come to this site. jess

Welcome

by SMITTY - 2008-07-31 05:07:33

Hello Smiles,

Welcome to the Pacemaker Club!

I wish we knew where your were and that we could get there by tomorrow because I can guarantee you that there are a bunch of us that would be there to hold your hand.

I got my pacemaker in 2000 at age 71. So just let me say pacemaker surgery is about the least traumatic surgery you will ever have. It usually takes a very short time - an hour or so - and other than being a little sore for a few days there is really nothing to it. The doctor will tell you whatever restrictions you will have on arm movement for a few days to a couple of weeks. Follow those instructions, which are not hard to follow, and you will be home free and raring to go again. As for the pacemaker helping your heart, you will not ever know when it is doing its job.

When the doctor implants your pacemaker, he will program it with some settings that he has determined are best for you. However, once in a blue moon these settings will not be perfect and you may have to go back for an adjustment or tow. These adjustments are totally painless and take only a few minutes.

All in all, there is nothing to be concerned about, except you are starting down one of life's paths you have never traveled before. It is the unknown that causes our concern, but I'll repeat, a pacemaker is not some big bear just waiting for a chance to make you its next meal. Just think of that pacemaker as some little pussy cat just waiting to make you feel better.

I wish you the best and there are many of us here waiting to hear from you again.

Smitty

Hi Smiles,

by Gellia2 - 2008-07-31 05:07:37

I also agree with both Smitty and Wannabe. I have had a pacemaker now for nearly 33 years. Last year was my 7th replacement. It has never really curtailed my lifestyle.
May you do as well as I have done. This is a great site for both comfort and tremendous information. I have these friends to thank for helping me to feel better than I have in the past 20 years!
Please let us know how you are doing. We care and will think of you.
Best wishes,
Gellia

Thinking of You

by Wannabe - 2008-07-31 05:07:50

Hello Smiles - I agree with every word Smitty's already said to you about the implantation of the pacemaker and endorse everything he says. I simply wanted to add that you shall not be all alone tomorrow because you'll be in my thoughts and prayers. I don't know where in the world you are but please be assured someone in England has your well-being at heart (no pun intended) and I look forward to hearing how you're doing, along with every other member of this tremendous club.

Let Nature take her course and allow yourself to heal at a pace best suited to you and you'll very shortly feel the benefits of the pacer. I do realise at this stage you can't see beyond tomorrow's ordeal but say to yourself "this too will pass",...and it will. Smitty's quite right, the procedure isn' t traumatic unless you allow it to be so by becoming over-stressed and anxious to a degree which might impede your recovery. Be safe and well very soon. Kindest wishes to you. Sheila (aka Wannabe)

Wishing you the best.

by rwarren - 2008-07-31 08:07:57

I am 48 years old and just had a PM installed July 22nd due to slow pulse and passing out. Went in today for my first check up. Soreness is almost gone and everything looked good. With the new technology this day and age there is not to much to worry about. Remember to ask lots of questions. I was scared at first but when you think what could happen without the PM it was worth it. I wish you the best. You have come to the right site for information. I joined this site the day I got home from the hospital last week. All the people on this site have been great. Take care and let us know how everything goes. Rick Warren

pacemaker

by mrag - 2008-07-31 10:07:20

Just got here myself. My impression, choose a PM any day over anything like a root canal, knee surgery, colonoscopy, etc. We're talking pretty easy. My friend's 100 (yes that is 100) year old grand mother got a PM last year. Her 101st was this past Sunday.

That's good though-keep telling them you're "chicken" and you want the happy gas.

Being alone

by ElectricFrank - 2008-08-01 12:08:13

I understand what you are experiencing. My wife died a bit over a year ago and it is a lonely experience not to have someone you trust with you during a hospital experience. We were each others support during those times.

As the others have mentioned the implant experience isn't difficult and you can pretty much handle life yourself after the surgery. Just try to get things arranged to that you don't have a lot of demands for the first few days.

frank

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