Most Recent Messages in Surgery & Recovery

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Starting new job

Hi,

My question is regarding long-term recovery from implantation of a FIRST pacemaker. I realize that everyone's experiences are different, but I'd really appreciate some input on what I might expect 2 to 6 weeks out in terms of overall health and energy levels, sleep, etc.

For some context, my surgery date might be 6 days before the start of a very rigorous (mentally, not physically) new job. This is a fantastic career opportunity for me, and I want to make a very strong...

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new here

I am new to this scene kids. (lost & frigthened). A recent ear/sinus upper respiratory infection on top of a high stress job exhausted me. Popped into visit my primary fully anticipating another round of antibiotics and some bloodwork. The universe had something completely different in mind. 

Six days in ICU and 12 million tests later I have a new ride or die. The Azure XT DR dual chamber pacemaker we named Kevin Pacey.  My heart is strong...no heart at...

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CRT-P

Today is one week after receiving CRT-P device.  

Before surgery, the surgeon told us his plans

- remove and replace lead in right ventricle that I had for 20 months, apparently it was not where it started and had been that way for a while 

- use balloon to widen my vein so 3 leads could fit

-  new lead to left ventricle and new device.

When I got my first device I found it a painful procedure and had a lot of swelling and bruising, not the &l...

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acupuncture

was looking to acupuncture to help heal .  Cardiologitst this morning said might get an effection. and should wait 4 weeks.  Did not plan to have the needles near my left arm.

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how i got here

hi am very new to this as have just had the pacemaker  installed on Aug 21st,2019.  Needless to say was not aware of any problems.  Knew for years that heart beat was slow.  Was going for shoulder replacement and the doctor required a stress test 30 days before.  Decided since no pain yet cancelled shoulder  surgery.  Heart dr said since have not seen him since 2016 should have echo, heart holter and stress test.  Expected to ge the results on Aug...

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Swelling above pm scar, feeling sad

I am 9 days after surgery. When I took dressing and steri strips off I was  shocked by what I saw. Above the scar line is swollen and misshapen. I phoned hospital yesterday and they called me on for a look at it. The doctor said it’s just swelling although the nurses were convinced it was a harmatoma. 

The doctor told me to take 5 days course of paracetamol. The swelling is painful. They did blood tests and they were clear. 

I hate looking at my scar and even...

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Partially open incision 2 weeks later

I got my first PM on July 30th. On Tuesday, the bottom of my incision started bleeding old brown blood. My EP sent me to the wound clinic, and I got the incision debrided and flushed with antibiotics. I go back next Tuesday. I have to change the dressing and repack the open hole at the bottom with collagen, so I took off the bandage today, and the top 3/4 of the incision looks great, but the bottom is still very open and deep and bleeding old blood still. Has anyone else experienced this...

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Knitting after pm

Hi

does anyone know if it’s ok to knit after pm op? I am on day 6. Wasn’t sure if the repetitiveness of knitting would be a problem. 

Thanks 

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Right sided shoulder and chest pain

Hi all! I’m new to the club. I am a 36 year old mom of 4. I was diagnosed with SSS/bradycardia. I had a St. Jude PM implanted 4 days ago. I was just wondering if anyone else experienced pain on the right side of the chest that radiates to the back?  It feels better when I ice it and take something for the pain, but once the meds wear off the pain is horrible. I expected to have pain on my left side, wear they implanted the PM...Not sure if this is normal due to sleeping w...

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Visibility of an ICD/ pacemaker

I’m now 4 weeks post op and now the swelling has all but gone the implant is quite visible and shows even when wearing a fitted t shirt.

I’m an athletic build,  not particularly skinny. I was wondering does the implant sink more into the chest/ muscle as time goes on ? 

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pacemaker replacement

Hi guys, some advice please.  In two weeks they are replacing my 18 month old 2 lead St Jude with a Metronic CRT-D.  This is to correct a LBBB that was caused by the current pacemaker. MY EF was 32%.  Doc said I didn't really need an ICD but current thinking is if you're puttingin a CRT you might as well make it a CRT-D.  He also want to remove one of the leads. 

Your thoughts?  Any advice?  What should I expect?

Thanks in advance.

...

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Confused

I just had a Medtronic Azure XT DR MRI Surescan pacemaker implanted 4 days ago.  (Bradycardia, heart stopped for 5 seconds, was told blood was filling top chambers, but not going to bottom chambers)
I am lost--my doctors have told me next to nothing. I am assuming its a duel chamber, since there are stickers for two leads. (was never told)
Im reading that I should have been told what it was set to pace at before I left the hospital--nope! No clue about this. I have been trackin...

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New pacemaker

Hi 

I am 28 years old and had my first pacemaker for 20 years. Due to complications with my pacemaker I had to have my new one fitted pretty quickly this week. As this is only my second pacemaker and I was so young when I got my first one I didn’t know what to expect with the pain level. It has been nearly a week and I’m still taking the pain medication. Is this normal? How long have yous taken off work etc? And when can you get back to the gym 

thanks&n...

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Pacemaker Procedure in the UK

Hi,

 

I have been diagonised with sinus bradycardia and have had 3 fainting episodes in the past 10months. Cardiologists analysis of my result and condition consistently states that the need for a pacemaker is trigered. However, i am scared of taking the operation in my country of residence to avoid complications.

 

Ill appreciate if anyone can assit with a link to an hospital in the UK that can provide cost indication for the procedure (all accompanying cost...

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NERVE PAIN AFTER PM

Hi All I had my PM fitted on the 22nd and also ILR removed The pacemaker was fitted due to a 6 second stop but I also suffer AF , I was given GA as my anxiety levels are not good .  When I came round the pain going down my arm was excruciating and nothing they gave me touched the pain this continued for a few days and finally started to settle. Its like nerve pain its horrible.  I thought I was out of the woods by Thursday 3 days after the opp and didnt feel I needed the pain k...

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Driving after getting a pacemaker.

My surgeon said I should wait three months to drive after getting my pacemaker. My was implanted one month ago. This seems like a long time not to drive. Every thing I’ve read online says three to seven days. Has anyone been told to wait this long and why? 

Thanks

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Recovery - still short of breath

Hi everyone,  I am a newbie.  I had my pacemaker put in on July 24th.  Just to give a little background - I have a rare disease called TTR Amyloidosis. It's where amyloids attack my heart and stiffen it, thereby making pumping of the heart an issue.  As a result I am in a clinical trial study for my disease.  I have been experiencing a lot of shortness of breath of late and the usual symptoms of congestive heart failure, bloating, etc..  My doctor suggested t...

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Can I take the stairs in my apartment and office after my pacemaker inplantation?

Can I take the stairs in my apartment and office after two weeks my pacemaker inplantation?

Can someone help me with their experience. How long should I avoid these things and all.

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Aggressive heartbeat feeling in stomach 3 days post op. PM.

Hello,

First time biven pm patient here due to a left bundle branch block, pvc's, history of heart failure and cardiomyopathy. I am very sore due to placement on a left frozen shoulder and finding recovery a bit overwhelming. My newest symptom is a very disturbing pulsing in my stomach which I'm guessing is diaphragmatic pacing but I have only heard this in people who have pm's placed behind their stomach so I am perplexed. I have them 4-5 x/daily and sometimes it pulses so...

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Post op. Raising arm.

I am recovering from having an ICD fitted a couple of days ago. I have been strict and disappointed with doctors orders however I recently woke from an afternoon nap and stretched out lifting my arm higher than it’s supposed to go. 

I’m a bit paranoid about this as I know lifting your arm increases the chances of dislodging the leads. Perhaps I’m overeacting but as I can get hold of the nurse I was wondering if anyone has any knowledge on how sensitive t...

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I have an ICD which is both a pacer/defib. I have no problems with mine and it has saved my life.