Newbie from Nevada

I am scheduled to have a dual-lead Mentronic (sp?) inserted this Thursday. I suffer from low heart rate and A-fib. I remain hopeful that the PM will help me feel better and eventually I can get back to exercise without paying for it in the evening. I'm nervous. What can I expect in the first few days. I work in an office and will try to go back to work in 6 days after surgery.

I am so thankful for this site.

4 Comments

Sites for you to check

by pacepal - 2008-11-01 11:11:27

Hello Michelle,

I had a Medtronic EnRhythm Dual-lead PM implanted in 2005...I have had no problems with it...it is a great assistant.

I understand your anxiety...hopefully the web site I am sending for you to check will help explain what you need to know to help ease your mind.

Let us know how you are doing....you will find many
friends to help answer your questions .

Be sure to check the left-hand column on the home page for valuable information links.

Copy & paste this link in your web browser;

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/pace/pace_whatis.html

Karen

good luck!

by Tracey_E - 2008-11-01 11:11:37

You should be fine going back to work after six days! By then you will most likely still be a bit sore if you twist the wrong way and you won't be able to lift much, but you should be feeling pretty good overall. I stuck with loose clothing and avoided bras for a the first few weeks. They will tell you not to raise your arm above your head the first 4-6 weeks to give the leads a chance to settle into place, that makes fixing your hair a challenge.

I know others had a differen experience, but I never took anything other than tylenol once I got home from the hospital, and after the first few days I only took it at night so I'd sleep. I truly found it more inconvenient than painful.

A pm will definitely get your hr up and that should give you more energy! Understand that a pm can't fix afib, though, that can only be controlled with medication. I started walking the day I came home with my pm. Nothing strenuous, but I got moving immediately. Once the stitches came out (we're talking 15 yrs ago for my first one, now they use tape), I went crazy working out and felt fabulous. Still do :o)

Good luck!!!! Please don't be shy if you have more questions.

It's no problem...

by chip - 2008-11-02 02:11:12

Having the pacemaker procedure will be one of the easiest things you’ve ever done – No Kidding!

I had a dual lead Medtronic pacer placed in June and my quality of life has drastically improved. So much that I sing its praise every chance I get.

If you’re anything like me, and many others, you too will be back to your ole self again before you know it.

Do yourself a favor and just take it easy, stay calm and you’ll be up and going in about a week with just a sore shoulder!

Please let us know how things go for you!

Stay Well & God Bless.

Response from Newbie from NV

by Michele - 2008-11-02 03:11:06

Thank you all for the very positive comments. I do feel better already. Karen, thank you for the link - I will check it out.

I do realize that I am looking at either meds or ablation if the a-fib keeps recurring. But I am hopeful that the PM takes care of many symptoms of SSS.

My hair challenge was one of the first things I thought of. I work in a professional office - I'm at a loss. Maybe my husband can learn to curl my hair for me - should be interesting.

Again, thanks for the wonderful comments. I'll stay in touch. Anyone out there from Northern Nevada?

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