Most Recent Messages in Surgery & Recovery

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Pacemaker/ICD Survey on implant pain

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.   

We are running a survey which is confidential and will not be used for marketing.  All members irrespective of whether or not they experienced post implant pain are welcome to participate, since this will help to provide a balanced, unbiased survey...

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Atrial flutter after generator change.

I just had my first generator change. I went in totally fine, except for the 100 percent heart block I have. During the replacement I developed an atrial flutter. My heart righted itself. An hour after the procedure, my heart went crazy, I went in to AFib, once they got it calmed down, the atrial flutter was back and stayed for another 3 hours until they tricked it with the pacer to get it back in rythm. Now home, I'm on meds to control the flutter, bit I feel like I can't take a deep...

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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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Upgrade to CRT seamless

I've mentioned lately that I had surgery scheduled last Friday to upgrade my PM (St. Jude 2240) to a 3-lead for CRT. Also St. Jude but we are still getting acquainted. The surgery was reported as a dream surgery with super easy placement of the third lead. Yeah, yeah, I was semi awake but in no pain for the most part and I heard three "Dammits!" so I doubt it was as easy as they told me. There were also several shoves right over the PM which I felt, but in my mind I'm saying...

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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...

Read More...

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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You know you're wired when...

You have a T-shirt that reads “Wired4Sound”.

Member Quotes

I'm 43 and have had my pacemaker four weeks today. I'm looking forward to living another 50 years and this marvelous device inside me will help me do that.