Most Recent Messages in Surgery & Recovery

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Implantable loop recorder

Hey guys I'm new here I am just wondering is it normal to feel bit spaced out the day after and short of breathe  I have had a loop recorder fitted to find out what happens during my blackouts and to determine whether I need a defibrillator fitted I'm 21 also when can I change the dressing 

Nice to meet you all 

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Tingling pain in PM area, arms, shoulder, upper chest

My PM was inserted 38 days ago and  I developed a Hematoma (swelling, bleeding underneath my skin). Black blue bruises on my breast after 2 days.  It’s getting better now , bruises lightened just tightening on PM area and arms but I still have this tingling pain come and go in my arms, shoulder, chest. Also am coughing a bit itchy throat is this common? 

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Hand and Forearm Swelling and Pain

Had surgery on 2/28/20 to implant new crt-d (3 additional leads as well). First surgery for a dual lead pacemaker was in Feb 2010. As soon as I was placed into a room after my surgery, I told the nurse that my hand felt numb. She contacted the doctor who said it was normal. Don't remember having this problem when I was first implanted back in 2010)  Forearm and hand still swollen and numb 1 week post surgery and when I pointed it out to the Physician's Assistant and she said...

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feeling poked by RV lead

I'm 3.5 months post op and have only just resumed some of my usual activities such as yard work and yin yoga. During these activities I often experience a sharp pain in the area of my ribs/sternum when moving or stretching gently from side-to-side or front-to-back that feels like I'm being poked by the right ventricular lead.

I have a known micro dislodgement of the RV lead and have complained to the PM clinic that I often feel a dull poking at rest. Should I report this sharper...

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Pacemaker received and afib

My pacemaker installation was five weeks ago. First three weeks went fine..I basically did nothing much. Week four I began to drive to walk again, not too much, gradually working up, and out to dinner for anniversary. Bam! Afib every other day...four episodes with Tachycardia...scary...bed rest and deep breathing and meds...stopped each episodes, but scared me. Backed off exercise etc...so past week has been quiet. Is it possible this was just a healing glitch...? Anyone relate?  &n...

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Pacemaker Site irritation

Hello, 

So I am now on my third pacemaker, implanted on December 6th. My last one was done back in 2009. I do not remember having the pain I am having and or irritation. Its really hard to explain but it feels like the pacemaker it'self is rubbing up against the inside of me. Most days it hurts and or is very tender. But it's not to the touch just if I move a certain way or if I sleep weird. Sometimes I wake up with it bothering me. Does anyone else have this happening? I a...

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Workout with a PM.

I an 71 and have worked out 5 days a week for many years. I am accustomed to heavy weights and worked out in this fashion up until the day before my PM was implanted. The PM has made me feel great and wanting to return to the gym. How many weeks do I need to take off and what should I avoid at the gym. And what is it that determines these restrictions? 

Thanks in advance for any advice or experience. 

 

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Recovery 10 years later

I received a PM for complete heart block back in February 2010 at 53 years old after spending 5 days in the hospital with doctors trying to figure out why. I have lived with the pacemaker for almost 10 years with no problems until my last in office interrogation in which the nurse practitioner noticed some anomalies. Further testing (stress test, echocardigram) revealed that I was in congestive heart failure. While I did not think I had any symptoms, going back in my mind I was tired and attr...

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pacemaker site

I am 3 weeks post pacemaker placement & have been to EP & my regular cardiologist fir check-up, also the nurse to check my BP, which is elevated.  I ran a fever one day last week with high white blood cells- went to ER & they ruled out serious infections (blood cultures, echocardiogram, triponon all negative).   I bled quite a bit during the emergency procedure - had been on daily baby aspirin - had massive bruising & swelling.  Skin over pacemaker sti...

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pacemaker

I received my pacemaker on 1-24-20. My first question is if everyone is told to restrict movement above your shoulder for a full 6 week period? Also, my device was inserted on the right side so I certainly restrict my movements on that side but not so much on the left. Does this sound correct to everyone? 
I'm also wondering if you are aware of your pacemaker engaging?

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pacemaker

I received my pacemaker on 1-24-20. My first question is if everyone is told to restrict movement above your shoulder for a full 6 week period? Also, my device was inserted on the right side so I certainly restrict my movements on that side but not so much on the left. Does this sound correct to everyone? 
I'm also wondering if you are aware of your pacemaker engaging?

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Post heart transplant

I had a Medtronic ICD while I had an LVAD while I was on the transplant list. The ICD gave me alot of shoulder pain and now I have recieved my transplant 11 months ago and they removed the ICD I have severe shoulder and arm pain still after Excersise and be patient to return to a bareable pain. now it is progressed into dibilatating cramps at times. I spent 2 days in the hospital and all they could tell me that I was dehydrated. they ran MRI and ECG tests to ensure nothing was going on there....

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Comfortable bra

Hi, I just stumbled upon this site when searching for the best bra to buy post pacemaker.  I had an emergency pacemaker implanted three days ago and the implant site is of course very sore.  I wear a 38D bra and can't go around without one for much longer and wanted to know if anyone has any advice on what specific bra has been comfortable for them.  

On a side note, altough I feel fine, normal and simply sore from the procedure and the way I have to sleep r...

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New Pacemaker

Hi!  Newbie here.  Received my pacemaker on Friday.  Where can I learn about what it feels like?  Early I felt an odd pain and wondered if that is normal.  It was a little jolt.  When I left the hospital no one told me how it would feel.  Any insight is appreciated.

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Incision site

7 weeks post dual lead implementation for 3rd degree heart block / bradycardia. 
 

scar healing nicely had 6 week check last Monday. Estimated battery life 14yrs. 
 

last few days pain when moving around incision site  like stabbing pains  feeling very tired  am I right in thinking nerve regeneration? And this can last up to a year ?

 

am new to this and think am scared of doing any damage. Have gained over 8lbs in weig...

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Medicine before icd surgery

my file says no med holds before surgery but I’m taking aspirin which I stopped 1 wk ago but forgot about the multivitamin still taking - problem? Kind of irritated that I’m having to look this up and remember from my bypass

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Visible Pacemaker

I had a complete pacer/lead extraction on 12/20/19. My pacemaker was relocated from under my arm to my chest. I am a small person (5 ft 6, maybe 120lbs) so while the scar is not bad it feels like the pacer is very obviously placed on my chest and I can feel it if I touch it. 

It is placed under the muscle so it is still sore and I am not sure if it would still be swollen at this point or if, due to my size, you'll just always be able to see my pacer. 

Is there any ex...

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Conventional dual chamber pacemaker V closed loop stimulation

Hello everybody,  I have had a conventional dual chamber Boston pacemaker for 14 years and am due a change, I have been listed for a Biotronik closed loop stimulation pacemaker, if anybody would like to share their experiences of CLS it would be appreciated, I have read some things online but there is no doubt lots I still don't know, I'm just used to a low setting (of 50) for bradycardia but it sounds like there is an upper limit too? I exercise regularly, weights...

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Sicd surgery

I had a cardiac arrest in June woke up 3 weeks later in hospital.  Stayed another 5 weeks in icu and therapy, came home aug 23. Scheduled bypass for mid oct to fix 2 100% blockages but heart not coming back to full power so sicd placement scheduled.  I am very fearful of the surgery - I know it’s not a huge deal compared to Cabg but see,s like I am waiting for something to go wrong.  How is the icd surgery-should I be worried?

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Getting a PM next week

Hello.

I found out yesterday that I will be getting a pace maker next week. Although I knew it was an option "down the road" it was still quite unexpected as my cardiologist kept saying I'm too young (50 this year). I know so little about what to expect. The information online just talks about after care and recovery time. My husband seems to think I can keep the bookings I have for 3 days later (I do make-up).

WHAT are the questions you wish you had asked BEFOR...

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Member Quotes

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.