Most Recent Messages in Surgery & Recovery

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Swelling of arm and hand after replacement of failed Medtronic Pacemaker

I had surgery two days ago to replace a Medtronic Pacemaker that had been implanted since 2014 when I had a heart transplant. It had done its job for 8 years.

That new replacement Pacemaker broke after 24 hours and was pacing at 49 beats per minute.

I went to the emergency room  and that new Medtronic Pacemaker had to be replaced with yet another new Pacemaker . They also replaced the original 8 year old lead with a new lead when they put in this new new Pacemaker. Seems the...

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Chest ache 2 days post surgery

Hello all. 

I'm 50 and had my implant two days ago after a diagnosis of 2nd degree heart block (strangely type I and II have been mentioned on paperwork 🤔). I was given the impression that post-op the only pain I would suffer would be around the Surgery site. Today I had to go into hospital for a separate, unrelated scan and had to do some walking. 
I had chest pain akin to what I would imagine a heart attack to feel like, my lungs ache and I find it pa...

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pacemaker for my father who is 87 years old

morning all, this is a cry for help really my father is 87 years old and has suffered a heart attack, an atrial flutter and now has been informed he has bradycardia his most recent ecg shows his heart pauses 23 times during an hour. so we are waiting on a date in december for a dual chamber pacemaker to be fitted. it has troubled him greatly that he will be awake during surgery and the fact that he has been told he will be unable to use his left arm for 4-6 weeks after surgery. i am looking f...

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Testing the Pacemaker

Something that struck out to me while they were testing the pacemaker after I had it implanted was that they brought out this device that went over my chest where the pacemaker was put in, and then were testing the device. I don't know exactly what had happened, but they pressed a button on the screen and I had the worst palpitations I've ever had, my palms and legs went sweaty, and it honestly felt like my heart had stopped.

The Doctor seemed kind of concerned and stopped it im...

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New Member

Hi all, I'm 26 and I will be having my pacemaker fitted tomorrow. Any tips, advice etc for someone getting one, especially so at a younger age?

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Micra Install Fail

I went in today for an implantation of a Medtronic Micra. This would've been my first PM. Unfortunately, after about 5-6 attempts to place it, my EP said it was unsuccessful and decided to stop attempting to implant. 
 

Has anyone experienced a failure during the procedure like this? My EP said I was the first in his "many, many" Micra procedures. 
 

This PM is to act as a safety net for occasional sinus node pause.&n...

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Keloid scars

I am on the waiting list to have a paceemaker.   Over the last 50 years, I have had two operations on my body  and with bothof them, I suffered keloid scars which took about 10 years before they stopped itching and hurting.   I dont feel I can go through this again for the rest of my life (I am now 75).    I cannot find any information for what I should expect if I don't have a pacemaker.

Can anyone give me any advice or pointme in th right direction?

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allergy to adehesive bandage

hi all

i am getting my pm tuesday and i am concerned about the bandage they use for the first few days as i am allergic to most of the glues- 

has anyone tried a hypoallergenic bandage and if so which one.

the dermatologist suggested paper tape and gauze.

thanks

laurie

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New Pacemaker - Symptoms

I just received a pacemaker 2 days ago and I'd like to ask if anyone else has experienced headaches with an extreme amount of pressure after their procedure.  My cardiologist insists it has nothing to do with the pacemaker, but I'm not so sure.  Their colleague insisted I did not have any cardiac issues but here I am now with a pacemaker.

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Pacemaker

Thank you for your messages an marking me feel a bit more better knowing there's more people out there liveing a normal long life.Also is it expected to get a bit pain in chest  after having a pacemaker 3 weeks ago. not sure weather it's chest pain or muscle. Seem to come an go. Mainly when I walk an feel a bit lightheaded thanks amy

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Pacemaker Trauma

I just turned 60 got  a full heart av block last week and got a pacemaker. My life change unexpected in couple of hours.  I am now worry all the time if the pacemaker is working , how long will this trauma lasted in most of you?

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Angry incision

I am four weeks out from having my pacemaker inserted I am finding that my incision is getting angry and red and there was a small amount of pus that came out of it so when I saw the doctor at the four week visit I explained it to him and he put me on another antibiotic but I'm concerned that it's gonna get a lot worse has anybody experienced this?

I have learned so much from this site, thank you in advance. 

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Anxiety

I had a pace maker installed three days ago my energy level hasn't increased and the dizziness/nausea hasn't dissipated. I'm scared and cry a lot. Is this normal?

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Surgery anesthesia

Hello I'm confused I will be having and ablibation..I don't remember exactly how procedure will happen ..will I be fully sleep anesthesia? Or almost out ?? I ask today my primary doctor n he said I don't think you be fully sedated cause if they do they will have to put a breathing tube is that normal procedure also he mention fully sedation is higher risk ??????

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Breastfeeding mom needs PM and Lead replaced

Hi everyone, I am a first time mom but a lifelong pacemaker recipient. I was born with a third-degree congenital heart defect and have atrial tachycardia. Since the age of six months old, I have always had a pacemaker. Well, this past January my husband and I were blessed enough to have our first child, a healthy and happy little girl. We have also been fortunate enough to be able to breastfeed and have done so successfully for the past eight months. At my most recent cardiology appointment m...

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Stitch removal and pain

I am 78 years old and received my pacemaker Monday, Sept. 12th and am scheduled to see the nurse practictioner (my cardiologist/surgeon is not available or several months I was told) this Friday, Sept. 16th.  I am not sure if this is just for a check up or for removal of stitches.  As I believe it is too soon for stitch removal, I presume it is for a check up, but again, isn't this a little too soon after the procedure to have a check up?

Also, I didn't realize it woul...

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Puncturing a lung to add a new lead

My 9 year old Medtronic 2 lead pacemaker is coming up to needing to be replaced due to the battery reaching end of life. I am 100% dependent following a surgical complication when my aortic valve was replaced at that time.

The doctor at Barts hospital said that they are considering changing the type of device to a three lead version, as this is more suitable for someone being paced long term (I am now 56yo), and can also help with heart failure. However, he said it comes with some risks...

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post surgery restrictions

I am scheduled for a pacemaker Sept. 12th, due to low heart rate (although today it was 52bpm up from 40bpm, resting).  My biggest concern, apart from, of course, the surgery itself, is how I am going to cope afterwards.  I am a single woman of 78, caring for 7 rescued senior special needs horses and 2 dogs and running a retail clothing store.  I have found someone to run the store for me for a few weeks and another person to feed/medicate the horses four days a week, still loo...

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New Pacemaker

I had a Biotronic 2 lead put in on 8/25/22 because of level 3 heart block.  My heart still races a little and when I stand up I get a little dizzy for a couple of seconds.  Is this normal for someone that has only had it for four days?  I don't want to worry about something that I don't need to.

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New to the club

I will be having my PM implanted tomorrow. I don't know a lot about restrictions and want to be prepared. Are there specific household appliances and/or personal care appliances that I need to avoid or be cautious around?  Thanks in advance 

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The experience of having a couple of lengths of wire fed into your heart muscle and an electronic 'box' tucked under the skin is not an insignificant event, but you will survive.