Most Recent Messages in Surgery & Recovery

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ICD implant

Hi, I've recently received an ICD implant with defibrillator (11/1/2021)   still healing...was wondering those that have had their pacemaker a while, how long did it take to completely heal. Doctor says after 6 weeks the swelling will go down.  I'm approaching week 5 and I feel like I still have a huge lump.  I told the doctor I was worried that the defibrillator would zap me when I'm driving and I could cause an accident.  He said I would feel different b...

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Pacemaker Club - post Pacemaker/ICD Implant Pain Survey

Dear Members,

Over recent months, several members of the Pacemaker Club have expressed a wish to know how many of us experienced pain following implant of our devices, the nature and extent of that pain and how it affected different age groups and gender.   

A survey has now been set up with the kind help of Club members and the link to the survey is given below.  The survey is confidential and will not be used for marketing.  All members irrespective of w...

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Nightmares

I've been having occasional nightmares since getting my pacemaker 3 weeks ago. They are very surreal. Part Bionic Woman changing into the Matrix (literally the whole dream pixelizes) when I think about the device failing. I know it is triggered with the knowledge that my heart would not beat sustainably on it's own if it fails. My rate had been down to the 20's. Then of course I can't get back to sleep. 

 

Roughly how long are people taking to mentally ad...

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Pacemaker Club - post Pacemaker/ICD Implant Pain Survey

Dear Members,

Over recent months, several members of the Pacemaker Club have expressed a wish to know how many of us experienced pain following implant of our devices, the nature and extent of that pain and how it affected different age groups and gender.   

A survey has now been set up with the kind help of Club members and the link to the survey is given below.  The survey is confidential and will not be used for marketing.  All members irrespective of w...

Read More...

Arm movement limits after pacemaker insertion?

Hi I am due to have a pacemaker on 30th November, and have just received some leaflets on what happens after surgery.

I am now worried how I will manage as I use a self propelled wheelchair (due to syncope, no motor deficits) and rely heavily on my arms and upper body. I am also a swimmer and run on an alterG treadmill. 

It would be awesome if the pacemaker enabled me to stand without fainting but I am realistic in my expectation and would be thrilled just to be less lighthea...

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Pain

Hi guys, 

i had my first pacemaker implanted on OCTOBER 28, i dont have pain on my incision but I have pain inside for sure, I can't lift my arm yet and sometimes when I walk/move or lay on my side of the pacemaker I feel the pacemaker kinda moving (thats okay I think I will get used to it). 
what is weird, is that today I've been having this feeling on my chest only on a very small part of my chest, a feeling as if a nail is going in when i breath deeper. Anyone...

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First time - New pacemaker

Hi, I recently had a Biotronik pacemaker placed one-week ago. The last 2-days I've had this weird "pulsating" feeling in my stomach that comes intermittently. It only lasts seconds but Im a little concerned. Is this common with a pacemaker? Is it just during recovery and the healing process? I'd appreciate any comments as I'm new to all of this! Thanks 

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Pacemaker Club - post Pacemaker/ICD Implant Pain Survey

Dear Members,

Over recent months, several members of the Pacemaker Club have expressed a wish to know how many of us experienced pain following implant of our devices, the nature and extent of that pain and how it affected different age groups and gender.   

A survey has now been set up with the kind help of Club members and the link to the survey is given below.  The survey is confidential and will not be used for marketing.  All members irrespective of w...

Read More...

Had PM surgery 11/1/21,.,Questions

Hello Everyone, I had my PM surgery  this past Monday!  I am doing great!  Only mild discomfort.   Except, I am having a hard time sleeping because  I sleep on my left side.  I was told not to sleep on that side because the pacemaker is on that side.  I didn't think to ask how long.  Does anyone know if I have to wait a month like I have to wait to raise my arm over my shoulder?    Is it normal to still feel f...

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Placing third lead to LV

Hi everyone, I will be scheduled for surgery soon to replace my dual chamber pacer(4th one) with a biventricular pacer (CRT-P). My surgeon says it can be done as long as the coronary sinus vein can accommodate the wire. I'm 91 years old and I think this surgery will give me better quality of life, Doctor will do venogram prior to surgery( venogram/contrast) to see if that vein will be adequate size for lead. I'm just curious, how common is that problem an issue? I hope it's not of...

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my pace maker

Hi. I got a valve replaced 2017 and May 11, 2021. It was defective. I also got a pace maker on maker 14, 2021. It is getting used to it.  How long will I forget it isn't there. It hurts a little when I move. I don't say anything to my wife, she worrys about me. I believe every thing is difficult for poeple getting over this pace maker. My heart doctor has nothing to me how this.  I will give it a year.    

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Pacemaker Club - post Pacemaker/ICD Implant Pain Survey

Dear Members,

Over recent months, several members of the Pacemaker Club have expressed a wish to know how many of us experienced pain following implant of our devices, the nature and extent of that pain and how it affected different age groups and gender.   

A survey has now been set up with the kind help of Club members and the link to the survey is given below.  The survey is confidential and will not be used for marketing.  All members irrespective of w...

Read More...

Anyone had a pacemaker placed on the right side?

Hi there. New to this group and am scheduled for a pacemaker in 2 days on Friday, October 29th. I am 49 and this is my first pacemaker. I live in Lafayette, Louisiana.

I am curious if anyone here has had their pacemaker placed on the right side before. My electrophysiologist is recommending this due to me being left hand dominant. I have extreme confidence is my doctor and his reasoning, but it means a longer lead wire I would think.

Also, I do go hunting on occasion and sure don&...

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Nervous about a pacer change!

Hey guys! New here. Thought it would be helpful to hear other peoples experience with pacer changes / surgeries to help me ease anxiety. 

Heart block since birth, pacemaker inserted when i was 2 months old. Last time I got a pacer change was when I was 7 in 2001, it has been a long time since it has been touched! It was also changed in a different country to where I am now, Philippines in fact, so I know that there are lots of technology changes that has happened. I'm...

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Questions for surgeon

Hi everyone,

I think this is the greatest site ever for those of us who have or plan to have devices to help them. I'm 91 years old and on my 4th dual chamber pacer. The last one was placed in March, 2020. Recent cardio testing (Echo's etc) have shown the need for a biventricular pacer. I'm convinced this may help because I do have shortness of breath, sweollen legs and ankles and the tests show 45 percent fluid in my lungs. I have cardomyopathy and controlled glaucoma and k...

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New Bruise

All of a sudden today a brusie or red blob showed up under left breast.

Hade PM installed two weeks ago today.

Sent to Cardiologist a picture just now, but it is night here, so will not hear back probably until tomorrow.

Surgeon did say something about blood settlng down below the incision, but this does not sound like what he meant

Has anyone else experienced something like this

Thanks

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Pacemaker Club - post Pacemaker/ICD Implant Pain Survey

Dear Members,

Over recent months, several members of the Pacemaker Club have expressed a wish to know how many of us experienced pain following implant of our devices, the nature and extent of that pain and how it affected different age groups and gender.   

A survey has now been set up with the kind help of Club members and the link to the survey is given below.  The survey is confidential and will not be used for marketing.  All members irrespective of w...

Read More...

PM juts out into armpit

Hello all,

Appreciate you all sharing your experiences. 

First PM (Medtronic) on 10/6/21 for bradycardia since birth (now 65).  Previously believed it was due to me being an athlete with usual daily range 30-59.  98 while doing 35 mins on stationery bicycle.

I am both petite & slim.  Also have very thin skin from 35 years of Prednisone therapy.   EP picked the only area with some padding which very close to the top of armpit.  I also ha...

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Pain

Hello everyone.

I had my pacemaker fitted 8 weeks ago. All is fine except I am still suffering from pain in the shoulder and around the area of the pacemaker. It is worae6at night when in bed. Is this normal.? I would have thought the pain would have gone by now. All bruising has disappeared but the pain remains. Any help would be good. Thanks. Myles.

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Surgery to move existing pacemaker deeper in chest

Hi everyone,

I'm 91 years old, I'm new to this group and had my 4th pacer placed (Medtronic) almost 2 years ago using the existing leads(not metronic) which are almost 35 years old. It's a dual chamber pacer. Two weeks ago I visited a vein doctor to discuss my leg swelling. He gave me some advice which was helpful and he also took a look at my pacer. He is a well known cardiac thoracic surgeon at a hospital that specializes in heart conditions and heart surgery. He's not...

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You know you're wired when...

You play MP3 files on your pacer.

Member Quotes

Just because you have a device doesn't mean you are damaged goods and can't do anything worthwhile and have to lie down and die. In fact, you're better and stronger. You're bionic!