Want to Prepare... Need advice

I went for preoperation appointment which included an ECG. Next day I asked to go back and was advised that I have a heart blockage and will need a pacemaker. I now have an appointment with Cardiologist on Monday. I'm so silly nervous about this, and have stupid questions.
1. Should I pack a bag (ie. pajama's) when I see the Cardiologist...just in case, or is this a planned surgery where you go home and come back another day.

2. Are you still able to do everything you did before, or do you have to be careful long after.

Please answer tonight if you can, as I really need to organize if they automatically admit you after confirming with Cardiologist tests.

Thanks Brends

5 Comments

Forgot to mention this.....

by pacergirl - 2008-11-29 10:11:22

I lead pretty much a normal life now. I am careful about the pacemaker, I try to walk everyday, I have lots more friends now.... odd, I know, but I make time for them now.

I love deeper, I play harder and I laugh a lot. What I don't do now is....

Stress too much, worry about the few pounds I have gained, allow the little things to bother me. I no longer keep my house immaculate, but my hubby is a lot happier and the dog appreciates the fact that I don't run the vacuum everyday.

Best of luck to you!
pacergirl

Each dr. is different

by pacergirl - 2008-11-29 10:11:42

As is each patient. I wouldn't assume anything but.... prepare for a hospital stay.

I had a call from my cardiologist in the morning that I needed to go by their office as soon as possible. I arrived in my work clothes and no tooth brush or anything else except my hubby in tow. I was tested for this and that and then it was determined that I needed a pacemaker a.s.a.p.

So, had I thought about it, I would have taken along a list of all medications and the strength and some pj's and a few personal items that I like to have with me to make me comfy. I ended up being there quite a few days.

My heart goes out to you, please try not to worry.
Take care and keep us informed if you can,
Pacergirl

my pacer

by mendedheart - 2008-11-29 11:11:03

My pacemaker is the best thing- my angel sitting on my shoulder.
I went to a specialist that only implants pacemaker & defibs. My Cardologist confered with the specialist & i was in the hospital the next day. My heart beat was dropping to 15 to 20 beats then would skip every few minutes . It was like something hot pouring over me during those beats dropping. I was put to sleep in the hospital & no pain or anything hurtful. They put me to sleep & spent the night & before I was checked out the next day afternoon The Medtronic rep came in & gave me a programmer which I transmit every month the data over the telephone. Doctor took a final check & said to wear my arm in sling which I did for eight weeks, Not lift I believe most people don't wear a sling that long but my doctor is very strict on orders. No lifting over five pounds or drive. The specialist wanted the leads to have a chance to take hold in heart muscle & not get moved by to much movement. She said many people use their arm to soon & cause problems later.
Two months before I had a heart attack with arthery closing 100%, four stents & cardiac arrest with five jolts to bring me back when the doctor started to intubate. That screwed my electrical system up.
From the moment I came out of the sleep my pacer/defib was working great & I have not had a problem or feel anything unusual . It is normal every way. I travel all over the world, no problem, I get pat down at security points at airport, doctor said no welding or bending over a running engine. that is no problem for me.I go every three months to the hospital heart center for a hook up to computer & check which gives you a print out of the settings & tells you how many years,months,weeks & days before you need a new one. Mine was implanted in Aug. 2001.
I don't know its even there but what a miracle that I was given another second chance on life.

Back to work

by Fluzy Suzy - 2008-11-30 12:11:28

Hi there.
After only about 5 weeks post op from having pacemaker inserted i done the 1/2 marathon, good going isnt it afte having 2 cardiac arrests hence the pm.
To some extent I think it is mind over matter, dont sit there and think what can i do or how will it affect me.
Go out and 4get it to some extent, they say a dog is a mans best friend, well my pm can beat that, it is my soul mate, my life and my best friend.

Check first post

by ElectricFrank - 2008-11-30 12:11:30

Check your first post for the comments I made. I didn't look ahead to see you had posted more questions.

frank

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