Getting my pacemaker on 1/23/09

Hi All,

I am excited to stumble upon this website and wish you all well.

I've been dealing with Atrial Fibrillation for nearly four years. After 6 cardioversions and 2 catheter ablations, my doctor has decided that a pacemaker is the way to go. I'm both excited and nervous.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Dairyprincess

5 Comments

New Pacemaker

by craig1075 - 2009-01-12 11:01:54

Dear Princess:

Your story sounds similar to mine. I received a St Jude CRT-Pacemaker December 1st 2008. In addition to afib I also have cardiomyopathy. I will undergo my AV ablation the last week of February.

I offer two suggestions. One, write out your questions before seeing your cardiologist to ensure whatever concerns you may have are addressed. Secondly, be patient with the arm and shoulder limiations you will be under for 6-8 weeks post operatively.

Please let us know how your surgery goes.

Steve

Thank you

by dairyprincess - 2009-01-12 11:01:55

It's such a weird time right now...going through so many emotions, but mainly relief that I could start feeling better soon. I've heard so many people talk about how much better they feel after the implant. I'm looking forward to having a somewhat normal life again.....or maybe a new normal.

Good luck with your AV ablation next month. My doctor is doing mine at the same time as the implant.

Thanks for your response.

Debbie

GOOD LUCK

by peter - 2009-01-13 02:01:00

Hope its a cardiac resynchonisation pacemaker followed by an AV node ablation. If you pick up as well as I did you will be over the moon. Cheers Peter

good luck!

by Tracey_E - 2009-01-13 06:01:38

Best of luck with your surgery and recovery! I think you'll find it's a fairly easy procedure and many of us bounce back quickly.

You'll need to keep your arm below your shoulder and not lift for 6 weeks in order to give the leads a chance to grow into place. Many of us get by without pain meds, though everyone is different so don't say no if they give you some to take home.

Wear a loose top that buttons up the front to the hospital. You won't feel like doing much bending and twisting at first. I usually take a tank top instead of a bra also. I got my first St Judes pm in 93 and have been through several replacements now.

Talk to your surgeon about where they are placing it. Most of them automatically put it just under the clavicle on your upper left chest. If you have thin skin, are small boned or slim, this can sometimes leave a visible lump. They can bury it deeper or put it a bit lower if you ask. Mine is completely behind the breast and I can barely feel the edges if I poke around looking for it. My recovery time was a bit longer because I chose to have it buried, but I don't have any problems that you sometimes read about with seat belts and bra straps rubbing.

When they check your pm before you leave the hospital, ask for a copy of the report. Some of the guys here can help you interpret what all the numbers mean. Know that it may take a few visits to get the settings just right for you, the ones they send us home with are not right for everyone. Not saying you will have problems, just letting you know that it's not a big deal if it needs tweaked!

Good luck! Please check in and let us know how you're doing, and don't be shy if you have more questions about getting or living with your pm.

Funny...

by dairyprincess - 2009-01-13 10:01:21

Thanks for all your words of encouragement. You've made me think about a lot of things that I take for granted every day. As an example, when I get home, my dog always wants to be picked up and curl up around my neck....guess he'll have to get used to a change for a while!!!

Thanks for the humor too...I'll be sure to ask for the "hands free feature"!!! lol

Debbie

PS: I'll let you know how it goes!

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