Most Recent Messages in Surgery & Recovery

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repositioning of ICD

I recently (3 weeks ago) had my first ICD implanted on the left side of my chest under muscle.  I'm a small person and know the doctor didn't have much room to fit in the ICD.  I feel like the ICD is pressing into my armpit and as a result have daily and what I feel is unnecessary pain in arm and shoulder.  I've lost the ability to reach my left hand across my body to touch my right upper arm and shoulder.  Walking vigorously irritates my arm and shoulder. ...

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Getting my device next week

Hey everyone! I was happy to find this club.  I am 43 years old and very fit.  In fact, it's my job to be fit and help others!  I have been working in the nutrition and fitness field for 20 years!  I was shocked to find out that my low heart rate was actually a problem - I just thought I had a super strong heart!  ha!  So much for that idea.  

I will be getting my device next week. I'm pretty nervous about it.  Mostly I am concerned w...

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soreness at implant site

I had my PM implanted on 10/31 under the skin, not under the muscle. I've been good about not raising my arm or lifting heavy items. The wound is healing nicely. However, it's still quite sore and painful to the touch. I guess like any surgery, it takes time but I've been reading that most people see pain going away after 2 weeks. 

What's the consensus out there, my fellow pacemaker wearers?

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Warm sensation

Hello, my dad has a pacemaker fitted last Thursday and he has been recovering well. Today, he said he felt a warm sensation internally from the pacemaker, he has been feeling okay all day but I think he was worrying a bit. I put my hand on the pacemaker but I did not feel much warmer then usual? He also has a device that reads his pacemaker and sends the information back to the cardiologist. Should I be worried or is this normal? 
 

Thanks!

 

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Sleep and Thumping Feeling

HI I am now 4 days post pacemaker implant. I have a couple questions. Does anyone know what is the best position to sleep in? I thought I read somewhere on your back. I'm struggling to get any sleep on my back. I am usually a Left side sleeper. I am wearing my sling only at bedtime as directed by my Dr. to remind me not to raise my arm above my shoulder level. 

Also, since just a couple hours out. I feel a thumping feeling in my chest. No pain with it just gets a nnoying after...

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History of pericarditis, can I still get a pacemaker?

My cardiologist office is closed until Monday for me to ask this, but I am wondering has anyone had a history of pericarditis and then got a pacemaker? Would I be more at risk for redeveloping pericarditis? I had pericarditis 11 years ago. I now have bradicardia and 5-10 second stops. I believe my cardiologist is leaning towards a pacemaker. I am worried that I could redevelop pericarditis after implantation. 

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Emergency trip to Er via ambulance today.

I just arrived at the Er today. About 7 hours ago. I was diagnosed with bradycardia 3 years ago and got better. Then stress of a divorce this summer brought it all back and worse than before. Cause My hr is stuck in the low 30s. Today i was cooking and started sweating profusely and then chest pain, hr shot up and then I vomited. My boyfriend called 911. They did a quick assessment and took me to the hospital in ambulance. My hr was at 285 . They gave me 6 d...

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CHB, Pacemaker and Discharged a day later

Hi Everyone 🤘😏

 

I'm a 48yr old Mum and a New Zealander living in the Waikato currently but relocating soon to Wellington.

Went to the Dr on Wed 13th November for some answers. I'd had a series of weird symptoms since the beginning of the year but the three other doc visits had them telling me that there was nothing wrong. This last Doc listened. Not only did she take my BP she actually listened. Even took my wrist to find my pulse... ordered an ECG and the pret...

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Opposite arm and back pain...

Had pacemaker w/ two leads implanted 3 weeks ago on left side.  That side is fine, but over-using my right arm for things like putting on shirts and coats has caused unreal pain on the right side - from the top of shoulder, straight down to the middle of my back.  Anybody else experience this?  Thanks!

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3 weeks post-op (and counting)

Looking for support and advice on what questions I should ask the doctor today. After lying awake with pain since 330am, I'm heading into the walk in clinic to evaluate why and whether I should still be in pain 3 weeks post op: dual chamber pacemaker insertion for a healthy heart that gets interrupted by swallow syncope with a 5 second AV block  

I have near constant incision pain that is tolerable during the day (2 out of 10) but keeps me awake at...

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Can not sleep

I’m 6 days into living with my pacemaker.  It was diagnosed with Bradycardia and sinus node sickness.  I’m an avid cyclist, hiker, swimmer etc so I always have had a very low pulse so definitely a shocker that I need a Pacemaker.  My pulse rate is now set at 60 (prior to pacer night pulse in low 40s).  Last night my heart went crazy and I could not sleep.  It felt like it was racing, pounding would not stop and settle. I need to sleep!

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Sub Pectoral

Good morning!

Yay for PM Club!!

I'm getting a PM implant on this Friday and am a bit indifferent about it. I understand it is what it is and I cannot predict the future, I do trust the Sovereignty of God, however I'm yearning to get as much information as I can regarding my surgery and recovery. I have ignored it up until now as though it might just fix itself but Friday just keeps getting closer!!  I'm a very active and an avid horsewoman and...

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pacemaker

Have a new pacemaker as of last week. I have to admit I'm a bit intimidated and uncomfortable knowing that my heart relies on this tiny machine to function. I was in A-flutter and A-fib. medication no longer worked and that that had worked in the past was too damaging. SO- here I am, new to this world.

I don't know what to expect, what is normal, or abnormal. I have read the book twice and still have no peace of mind.

This type of anxiety is something I have not had b...

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Pain from Pressure (PM location)

Hi, I got my PM 7mo ago. Have recovered nicely, (although it’s weird to have a device in me.) My seatbelt has agitated it, etc, but nothing big.

 

Was moving Friday, up some serious steps, and the full weight of a heavy box hit me right in my lump. Now it aches and seems slightly swollen. Pressure hurts.

 

I’m guessing this is all normal? I’ve got quite the scar, but the PM doesn’t really show normally (ample...) 

 

...

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Ablation for Afib

Hello! I had a pacemaker put in July 30th. I have Sick Sinus Syndrome and Afib. My first electrophysiolgist said an ablation wouldn't help. I sought out a 2nd opinion because I am on a large dose of sotalol, still having issues with my Afib and chronic fatigue. I'm young (41) and really want the quality of my life to improve. The new doctor wants to do an ablation and thinks she can get get my medication lowered or remove the need for it. I am wondering if anyone has experienced...

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Anyone else feel the pacemaker pacing a lot?

I am a 40 year old female 4 weeks post op. I am 100% dependent on the pacemaker as I have complete heart block.  Everyday seems to get better but wanted to ask a couple of things to some of you who have had a pacemaker for a while.  I can feel what I assume is the pacing a lot. It is very noticeable at random times of the day regardless of how active I am and very noticeable when I lay on my left side.  Is this normal?  Will I get used to it or will it go away?  Also...

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Drainage

Hi, I'm 22 years old and had my first pacemaker inserted on the 17/10/2019 (less than 1 week ago) 

They have put a clear dressing over the surgical site so I'm able to see the wound. I'm not sure if everyone gets the same or not! 

I've noticed some drainage since the day after my surgery that I did assume was normal but what I'm not sure about is the colour.. 

Its milky white right across the incision and a small separate area that is a tad...

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This pain!!

I am 26 days post op from PM and still experiencing a great deal of pain.  My site area feels tight, heavy and burns. Stretching of sort is terrible. I have been to see the technician and all appears fine.  Anyone have any feedback on real recovery time??  I am already sick of living with this.  

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Generator Replacement

Has anyone experienced an achiness in their chest above the generator pocket following replacement?  I had just the generator replaced on September 3, 2019, and still find myself experiencing a general achiness.  I wasn't sure how long it would take for it to "settle," and don't recall this with my first one.  I also seem to be expereincing "drops" in my heart rate down into the 50s which I only had when my pacemaker needed replacing.  

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How long does it take for Symptoms to improve

Hi good people, this site is so informative and helpful. So looking for some insights for my Husband please.

He had his Pacemaker upgraded on Thursday from a two lead to a three lead (CRT-P) due to his EF dropping from 55 to 40 in the space of 6 month. This was due RV pacing 80% causing dyssincrony.  I wondered how long it took other to see some benefit from this procedure, did it help with th EF and symptoms? I would love to hear other people's experience o...

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