Officially a Pacer Chick 4/9/09

Hello friends,
I am 2 days post op and doing fine. My implant is a CRTD,
Medtronic Attain Starfix.

The surgery was scheduled for 1:30pm but they were running behind so by the time they took me back, got me prepped and the doctor came in, it was 4:30.

They told my family that I was hard to knock out :-) I definitely remember asking them questions to what they were talking about. I also felt the shock. Next thing I knew I was back in recovery.

It was late and they wouldn't let me leave until 10pm and said I could stay the night if I chose. I decided I wanted to go home.

The post op instructions are much more casual or lenient than I expected. Main thing is not to get the site wet for one week and not to lift my arm above my head for one week. Swinging motion like golfing prohibited for one month.

No sling. The doctor doesn't like slings because (he says) they cause frozen shoulders and other problems. Did not elaborate. Man of few words. Thank God for this support forum!

I am sore but nothing an advil won't take care of. I really stressed out before the implant.....needlessly, because it all went very well. I pray it continues to do so.

Oh, the price of my PM......$66K and that's just for the unit only. I have no idea what the hospital or doctor will be be.

Thanks again for your support. I'll be hanging around, learning and supporting others who need it.

Brendakt54

8 Comments

Excellent News.....

by Pookie - 2009-04-11 08:04:33

Oh Brenda, I'm SO happy for you.

So, you're hard to knock out....LOL. But what did you mean when you said "I also felt the shock"?

My doc didn't recommend a sling either for the same reasons. Just remember to shrug your shoulders and do a little movement. Some people think they can't move their arm whatsoever, but that can and sometimes does lead to that dreaded Frozen Shoulder.

My doc gave me the following advice: about one week after surgery, I stood an arm's length from the wall and "walked" my fingers (and arm) up and down the wall. You'll know when enough is enough, but it sure did help me.

Advil? Wow, I must be a whimp, because I was on MAJOR pain killer after all my surgeries.

I am SO glad you posted to let us know how you made out, cuz I know that I was thinking of you constantly.

Happy Easter.

Pookie

Glad

by renee14150 - 2009-04-11 08:04:37

Glad everything went smoothly for you and you got to be home so quickly. Hope your recovery continues to go well.
Renee

Welcome to the Pacer Chicks Club!

by pacergirl - 2009-04-11 09:04:27

Yes, you are full member now! =) I am glad to welcome you to our little "Club"

I look forward to getting to know you!

Pacergirl

frozen shoulder

by cerilia - 2009-04-12 05:04:38

Hi, I just want to tell you to please move that shoulder as much as posible. I didn't and got frozen shoulder and if you are taking advil now, if you get frozen shoulder you will need something much stronger, its a constant pain that can take 6 months to a year to go away and to get back the full movement in your shoulder and arm. I am living with my pain now for 3 months. Please move the shoulder around not only up and down as much as you can. good luck

Welcome to the club!

by admin - 2009-04-12 09:04:52

Brendakt54,

You're now offically bionic. I'm glad everything went well. I like that you plan to stick around to meet and help others. My hope is more new members follow your lead.

I look forward to learning more about you.

Blake

End of day 3 post op

by Brendakt54 - 2009-04-13 01:04:31

I think I am doing very well. I woke up this morning, on my stomach, with both arms above my head. That kind of freaked me out. I sure don't want to pull a wire.

I am trying to take it easy. No lifting on the left side. My husband works the weekend shift consisting of 13 hour days so I have been alone since the morning after surgery, except at night.

Pookie, I was awake during the procedure for the most part. I had drifted off when I felt this *explosion* in my chest. It didn't knock me off of the table but it sure got my attention. I told them "Hey, I felt that." LOL. I asked the nurse about it later and she said they were testing it....to make sure it fired up. Well, it did.

I'm going nuts not being able to take a long hot shower. Sponge baths don't cut it with me. Tomorrow, I guess I'll run down to Walmart to get my hair washed. I'm not sure it would be too cool to bend over the side of the tub. Any ideas for that?

My doctor didn't offer any pain meds. I did ask for some before I left but the nurse said he suggests Tylenol. The pain is nothing though and only uncomfortable when I first stand up. I feel a burning sensation at the PM site but only for a few seconds.

I can't remember who told me this was a finger cut compared to a hysterectomy, but you were right on.

I have felt a few flutters here and there that I'm not used t and especially in my throat. It's like I can feel the pulse in my throat.

To everyone who replied..and those who didn't, I'm looking forward to getting to know you all too. My grown kids and new grandbaby live in Ft. Myers so I'm already thinking about the Tampa *affair.*

Sorry for the rambling. It's more for me than anything....like a diary for the first few days.

Ciao for now,

Brendakt54

Good to know

by ShadowWeaver - 2009-04-13 12:04:33

that everything went well for you. The pain for me was...well...non-existent. The doc gave me a script for pain killers, but never even filled it and never even needed advil, I just didn't feel any pain. hhhmmmmm. lol Anyhow, it is wonderful that everything went well and that you were able to go home to quickly!! Welcome to being partially bionic. :)

washing hair

by ShadowWeaver - 2009-04-14 01:04:57

I just bent over the sink and used my right hand to wash my hair with. Worked for me and I didn't have any ill effects from it that I know of. lol

You know you're wired when...

Your license plate reads “Pacer4Life”.

Member Quotes

I'm 44, active and have had my device for two years. I love it as I can run again and enjoy working out without feeling like I'm an old man.