To vent or not to vent.....
I am 49 now, my biotronic ICD was put in last September after a horrible gall bladder surgery (in June).
I knew things wouldn't be "by the book" when the cleaning lady threw it away while I was in the ICU.
I am part of a study "Cosmos" I believe. Is there anyone out there who is also part of this study?
I know I should take my questions and fears to the Doctor with me, but when I get there I feel so.... intimidated or ??? Anyway it would be nice to talk to someone about some things that bother me.
All the folks that I'm around and have had a PM put in are "just peachy!" My incision doubled in width, and I have a sunken area above the thing.... I think if they're goind to put these things in they should make breast enhancement part of the deal! Anyway, I digress. The incision site stings and itches like nobodies business and the doc just says; "don't scratch!"
I have been waking in the middle of the night thinking I hear a buzzing sound, and even wake gasping for breath. I guess I'm too old a dog to learn new tricks.
Sorry for the pity party. I can't get sympathy around here. My brother keeps threatening to take me to Dads' garage and do some welding ..... hee hee... so I don't dare vent here.
Thanks for giving me a place to let off steam.
5 Comments
You called that one
by joy1 - 2008-10-10 11:10:06
Frank, you are so right about taking someone with you to appointments. It keeps everyone on their toes. I know for myself, having an extra set of ears to hear and remember things is a must.
rendyroo,
We all need to be able to vent and we need to know we have been heard. Certainly talking about things helps to sort them out in your head. Prioritizing issues and concerns is really important.
Having an advocate is also really important. Often times our families are not the best choices for acting as our advocates. They are so involved with how they are responding to your illness that they can not help you deal with helping you deal with your illness. Don't be angry at them. Your illness is hard on them too.
There are alot of people out there who are "just peachy" with their implants. Then there are also alot who are not. I'm one of those who is not and has never been. Sometimes it's the doctor, sometimes it's your own body, sometimes it's a combination of both and it just doesn't come out good. I'm sorry that your one of the people who is having problems. A good place to find an advocate is to get a counselor. It can make all the difference in the world!
good luck and doesn't ever feel bad that you have to vent or whine cuz you have the right to.
joy
Thank you sooo much, all of You!
by rendyroo - 2008-10-10 11:10:42
Thank you all for your input. I will put it to work, try to be a doer and not a hearer only :o)
Have a great weekend. Again, thanks!
Suggestion
by ElectricFrank - 2008-10-10 12:10:07
If you have trouble asking tough questions of the doc, do you have someone who could go in with you as an advocate? They can not only help you ask questions, but they are also a witness to the docs response. It is amazing how different you are treated when they know it could come back to bite them.
frank
Neighbors
by PeggyR - 2008-12-07 11:12:40
Hi Rendyroo, we are sort of neighbors. I am in Ellensburg, but my cardios are in Yakima since we don't have any here in town. I had PM, very unexpectedly, Sept 2008 so am still a newbie. I kept/keep a steno pad handy and jot down any thoughts, physical sensations, questions I might have for docs. If appt. is too far out, I call his nurse and give her my list - they are great about calling me back. So far I have been pretty lucky, still have sob upon climbing stairs or walking too fast. Last appt doc prescribed SDS -- doing more stress tests to see what the cause is as well as Pulmonary Function Tests (lungs). SDS == SLOW DOWN STUPID, almost fell off my chair. It does help. Hope you get some answers and take care of you and yours!!!!
Peggy
You know you're wired when...
You can hear your heartbeat in your cell phone.
Member Quotes
The experience of having a couple of lengths of wire fed into your heart muscle and an electronic 'box' tucked under the skin is not an insignificant event, but you will survive.
go for it
by Tracey_E - 2008-10-09 09:10:49
You can always vent here. Sorry, I'm in the "just peachy" camp but I know how to listen :o)
Sometimes they are set up to self test in the middle of the night. That might be what you are feeling.
Try medical grade vitamin E ointment and/or aloe for the itching. Get the pure aloe, not the kind with the dyes in it to make it green.
Make a list of questions in advance and take them to your appointment. They will not mind answering your questions! There is no reason to be intimidated, that's what they're there for.
On a lighter note... my pacemaker is under the breast rather than collarbone. My sister was with me last time I had it replaced. She told the doctor to give me a big ole 20 yr battery and put one on each side. I'd be good for 40 yrs and come out a DD. LOL