Most Recent Messages in Surgery & Recovery

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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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1st day home with PM

Hi all...new here....

I just got home from my PM surgery. Diagnosed with Bradychardia...rate suddenly started dropping to below 20-30 bpm while at work....dual chamber PM only with no defib....

47 year old male, generally healthy with no previous serious medical issues.

Experiencing pretty significant pain and discomfort at surgical site on first day home. Was not given any pain meds to take...just antibiotic and told to take aspirin and otc meds for pain but that's not...

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Third lead being added

Just wondering if anyone has had a third lead added to their two lead pacemaker at all please and what your experience of this was/is. My Husband is having this procedure on Thursday also a generator change. Thank you. 
 

Sue

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Recovery - Short of Breath

Hi All,

Just got my transvenous ICD/pacemaker for Brugada a week ago and I’m trying to gauge what’s normal in recovery. I’m 33 and otherwise healthy, and everything seems to be healing well from the surgery from what I can see. The issue is after a week of resting I’m still getting quite winded and out of breath when I am standing or doing much for more than a few minutes.

It looks like lots of people start to feel more or less back to normal around th...

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Surgical dressing

Hi, I’m new to the group.  Just had my pacemaker put in on Thursday, 9/26/19. They also removed my heart loop.  I guess I have a silly question.  My doctor told me to remove my surgical dressing today (Saturday). I was able to remove the dressing from my heart loop but the dressing for the pacemaker is giving me trouble.  The gauze is sticking to the surgical glue and I’m afraid to force it.  Of course it’s Saturday so the doctors office is closed an...

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Post Cardiac Injury Syndrome

Hello, I’m a 62 yr old female, had pacemaker surgery on Sept 12, 2019. During the procedure I woke up with excruciating pain in the right side of my chest chest. They were having trouble controlling the bleeding from the surgery site and also had to redo the leads. After surgery, I continued to complain about the pain in my right side when I took a breath or moved, the surgery site was not causing much discomfort. This right side chest pain has continued and on Sept 24 I saw my Primary,...

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Lead extraction

I’ve just learned my lead has failed and I need an extraction. I know it’s conolicated and carries risks. I’m wondering how you all have done. Also, getting a new placement of the new generator under the pectoral muscle and am a bit freaked by that - the recovery specifically. Any experiences would help me. Thanks! 

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You know you're wired when...

You can hear your heartbeat in your cell phone.

Member Quotes

My eight year old son had a pacemaker since he was 6 months old. He does very well, plays soccer, baseball, and rides his bike. I am so glad he is not ashamed of his pacemaker. He will proudly show his "battery" to anyone.