SSS and now Bronchitis

I'm new to this board. I found it last week while looking for information on Sick Sinus Syndrome. I am a 41 year old female. There is a lot of information on here.

Now to my question. I had a pacemaker implanted this past Monday. I went home Tuesday and went to the emergency room this morning (since there were no doctor's offices open). They said I have bronchitis. Has anyone else had this happen so soon after surgery?

Things went fairly well with the surgery. I've been taking it easy at home. I have not had a good night's sleep yet though. It's hard to find a comfortable position to sleep in. Any suggestions? Now with the bronchitis I also have coughing spells that make my whole chest hurt.

Can you pull a lead loose by coughing?


Any suggestions and/or comments would be greatly appreciated.

Susan

7 Comments

Sleeping position

by ElectricFrank - 2008-11-29 08:11:13

Try sleeping on the side opposite the pacemaker with a pillow in front of you to support the arm that is up. This keeps you from putting pressure on the surgical site. I used this the night after surgery and slept well. The nurse said she had never heard of such a thing when I ask for the pillow.

frank

Welcome to the club

by sculptor - 2008-11-29 08:11:33

Hi Susan,

I'm new here too, had my pacemaker installed a week ago. I'm sorry you're having such a difficult time. I can't imagine having to cough - ouch! Have you tried breathing steam to soothe the bronchitis? Also, tea with honey can help.

As far as your question about bronchitis and surgery, whenever you have an invasive procedure done or are under severe stress it weakens your immune system, making you more susceptive to germs and viruses. That's normal.

I hope you feel better soon!

Michele C/Sculptor

Meds after PM

by PeggyR - 2008-11-29 09:11:06

I'm assuming you are only taking meds prescribed by doc?? meaning no otc cold pills, cough med, etc. unless doc approves it? I was warned about taking cold pills, almost all of them have stimulants in them and NOT GOOD for us with PMs. They told me plan Benadryl, which all the good that will do is help one sleep because of the antihistamine in it. I was told that doc had to approve all meds, vitamins, supplements. I came out of hosp with staph infection, sty on my eyelid. I hope you get better quickly and sorry you are having such a tough time of it.
It was explained to me that infections will go to the area where the "foreign body" is in our body. So I was told to get flu, pneumonia, shingles vaccinations and update my tetanus shot also. And that if I did get sick, run don't walk (so to speak) to the doc to be sure it isn't viral, to be on the safe side. Not to panic but just to be safe!!!
I slept on my back for 6-7 weeks with pillow for my arm left side also.
Sounds like you did best thing, going to emer room.

Take care, "Always blessings, never losses" for all of us.
Peggy

Hi.......

by Bionic Beat - 2008-11-29 09:11:17

Sorry to hear that you've got bronchitis so soon after your surgery.

It probably won't impact your leads, it's just rotten for you.

I could only sleep on my back til the pocket had healed...any other position hurt.

A recliner sounds like a great idea, wish I'd had one!! lol


Bionic Beat

sleeping

by lryegbert - 2008-11-29 09:11:39

Try sleeping in the recliner that was the only way i got rest first 4 weeks. But when i sleep on my right side i feel funny when i get up. as frank said i also go to bed now with 3 pillows but i only get up to pee ( we live the pills we take ) this is not cake walk. Lenny

Coughing is Bad

by bobad - 2008-11-29 09:11:40


Susan,

I caught a cold in the hospital when getting my PPM. I was afraid to cough or sneeze for the first month, and was afraid to take medicine for it. You have my sympathy!

If your leads were installed properly, you should be fine. If your leads are weak, coughing a lot could be a problem.

Best of luck, and welcome!

The recliner was my friend

by Gonnie - 2008-11-29 10:11:45

That was the best place for me to get any rest. I put a small pillow behind my left shoulder to minimize pulling across the implant area & that helped alot also. I think it was a week before I could get comfortable laying down. Even now, 4 months later, I like a corner of a pillow behind that shoulder when I'm on my back. The bronchitis is unfortunate! I would sure look into getting something to help control the coughing and the vaporizer is a good idea too. Hoping you feel better real soon! One health issue at a time is enough for anybody!

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