How Wonderful to have this...

Thank you once more for your reassurance. It's scarey to hear that I need a pacemaker. He said I've had this problem for a while... How they know... I have no idea. I just thought that everyone's different... and I was certainly not going to be athletic... and so what if I can't run far. So what If I get tired ... happens to the best of us. But lately... weird to say.... but AFTER they did the EGC.... my heart almost feels bruised. They called and said to show up on Monday to Cardiologist. I really think it's like taking a lie detector test. No more being able to hide things. It's a print out and machines. I just don't like surprises and want to be prepared if I need to pack for overnight. Park in proper spot. Maybe take the bus instead.
I can sleep better tonight knowing that I can come back after and have people who understand.
Thank you soooo much !

Brends

1 Comments

What to expect

by ElectricFrank - 2008-11-30 12:11:31

You will feel much better when your heart is beating normally. If you have had a problem for quite a while it may take a bit of time though for your body to recover from the lack of good blood flow.

As for what to expect this is the time to start expecting the cardiologist and his office to tell you more than to just show up. You need to know whether this is the actual appointment for the implant and if so the details of what the cardio has planned. If you don't get off on the right foot with them you will join the ranks of some of the members here who have woke up after the surgery to find that more has been done than they expected. You say you don't like surprises. It is up to you to make sure you don't have them.

There are so many differences in how the various cardiologists do the procedure that it is hard to give you anything meaningful. Here some the questions to ask BEFORE being given any relaxation meds.

1. Will you be given a general anesthesia and be totally out, have one of the amnesia meds plus local, or just a local during the procedure. If you ask you should have a choice.

2. Do they plan on your spending the first night in the hospital, or is it done totally outpatient.

3. Where will they place the pacemaker. Common sites are just under the skin below the clavicle and under a breast for younger women who are concerned about the appearance. Recovery is much faster under the skin because it doesn't disturb as much tissue.

3. Tell them you want a copy of the pacemaker programming report. I won't bother you with the need for this now, but it may be very important in a week or so.

While the surgery isn't all that difficult, you will definitely want to have someone pick you up and drive you home. Many doctors will restrict you from driving for some period of time. If you want to choose this yourself, then it is one thing not to ask questions about. If you aren't given instructions on this be reasonable and wait at least a few days.

Plan on several weeks of not lifting your arm on the pacemaker side above shoulder level. They will likely put the arm in a sling which helps support it and reminds you not to lift it. I found their sling was a joke and picked up a good one at the drug store.

As far as pain and activity it is extremely variable. I took a 2 mile walk the day I came home and was back to walking 3 miles/day after that. Mine was under the skin. As with any surgery a few have had problems and still have pain months later.

One last suggestion.
Try sleeping on the side opposite the pacemaker and place a pillow in front of you to support the upper arm. This keeps from putting pressure on the incision area and helps a lot in getting a good nights sleep.

good luck and get back with us as soon as you can,

frank


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Good luck with your surgery. It will improve life amazingly.