Pacemaker Blues!!

Hi everyone! Ya I finally crawled out from under some rocks & want to Thank everyone for your well wishes. I had my 5th pacemaker removed weeks ago because of erosion and have been treated with Vancomycin IVs for the past 5 weeks at a Cartel Inn care facility. I had my 6th pacemaker implant done last Friday & returned back to the care facility Saturday.
I have this new implant in my belly on my right side under muscle & located just below my belt line. So far this has been my most comfortable as I've had only 2 Tylenols for slight pain. Also, no restrictions as to activities. I do have to say I've kinda earned a break as I've been on these Vanco IVs; for 5 weeks and have two more weeks to go. When my 5th pacemaker & leads were removed there was a trace of infection on the lead tips, hence the overkill of antibiotics. I want to mention I went to Detroit for 2 stays @ Harper hospital & stayed locally at a Cartell Inn care facilities for my IV Vanco treatments. So, I will still have 2 more weeks of Vanco IVs for a total of 7 weeks from my pacemaker removal. I have been very fortunate with monitored IVs' with very little side effects. I can't believe how relieved it is not to feeling chest implants as it's been weeks without & then finding this belly implant so comfortable.
DonB

5 Comments

Good News Don

by Grateful Heart - 2013-07-08 01:07:11

So good to hear things are going better for you and you find this new implant more comfortable. You've had a rough time.

2 more weeks.... Sounds like things are looking up.

Take care,

Grateful Heart

Hi Don!!!!!!!!!

by Pookie - 2013-07-08 02:07:19

So sorry I have been out of the loop, but have been dealing with numerous issues.

But I am so glad to hear that everything seems to be going well for you.

Email me (my private email) any time as that is the best way to keep in touch with me.

Take care,
Pookie

wow

by Tracey_E - 2013-07-08 10:07:05

You sure have been through the ringer! So glad to hear things are looking up and the new location is comfortable.

Thank You !!

by donb - 2013-07-09 01:07:44

Everybody, I just got online (at home) this time. Had my physical therapy at the care facility this morning & headed home for a break. They allow us to sign out which gives a patient a mental break from the facility's standard of living.
I am doing real well with my belly buddy pacemaker. I have about 9 more days of treatment & stay including physical therapy and return home for a normal life again. I have also gotten my medications back to what I've had for previous years. I will get my interogation July 25th from my implant Dr. He also did not limit my physical activities when I was discharged from surgery.
After 21 years of chest implants (5) I am at a complete loss of the normal discomfort & limitations, kind of confusion with the mind. Now I worry about what I could do wrong with my new implant. Ya, there's got to be (1). Riding home I noticed the seat belt around my belly, no pain but how about a sudden stop ?? Hopefully not as bad as the shoulder strap.
Thanks again for everyone's support.
DonB

welcome back

by Hope - 2013-07-09 03:07:47

Hi! Don, You may not have been under a rock literally, but you have certainly had a heavy load to come back from. Your positive attitude will see you through. Take care, and remember you are thought of. Hopeful. Heart

You know you're wired when...

You have a maintenance schedule just like your car.

Member Quotes

I'm 43 and have had my pacemaker four weeks today. I'm looking forward to living another 50 years and this marvelous device inside me will help me do that.