I am 10 days past surgery and have been instructed not to raise my arm above my shoulder for another 4 weeks. The problem is, I don't hurt anymore so I forget not to raise it! This morning waking up I raised both arms and stretched real big...it felt great but then I thought, oh shoot! I'm not dependent on my pm, so I don't think I would know if I dislodged a lead. However, in scouring past posts it seems like its not a big deal and everyone is told different things. I even found online one website (from the Cleveland clinic) that says not to hold your arm up over your shoulder for "more than several minutes at a time." So my momentary slip up can't be too bad...!

 

Hi, i just recently received my first pm and am feeling much more energized than i have in 4 or 5 years. Been 10 days now since my surgery, still have some soreness in implant area but am experiencing most of my pain and discomfort in my right arm. (Side with implant)And my neck as well. I,ve been laying low and following doctors orders, just not to sure how long to expext this for. Thanks!
Looking forward to sharing more comments from all you guys.

 

Thanks so much for everyone's response to my message about receiving my first pacemaker on 4/19. You have all made it so much easier. Thanks again.

 

This time last week I was still in the hospital after having first PM implanted. Today, after checkup yesterday, I'm sitting here at Panera Bread having lunch. Everything went well. I have no pain or discomfort (sure, the incision is sore but hardly noticeable) and feel great. Released to drive, restricting arm movement, and normal post surgery precautions.

My pacemaker is dual chamber Metronics MRI SureScan. I am 71 next month. I have Afib and on meds. No other health issues except osteoarthritis-everywhere!?

 

Nervous, anxious, scared, you name it, I'm feeling it right now. This is my first pacemaker. I am 61 and receiving the PM for bradycardia. I have a history of CABG, stents, numerous heart caths. The latest blockage was too small for another stent so beta blockers tried and brought heart rate to the 40s, hence the pacemaker. Any suggestions on how to keep a stiff upper lip and yet be aware of what the doctors don't always tell you?

 

PM implanted Thursday am. Went well. Spent the night. In the morning my right ankle was so sore I could hardly walk on it-still quite sore today! So, how did I sprain my ankle in bed!! I don't remember an "incident" to cause it. So nurses twisted my ankle while I'm sleeping?? No. Slept at a bad angle? Or, gout from surgery-my eating habits wouldn't cause it. Weird, for sure, to have my ankle be the most painful part of this adventure. Everything else seems great. Off to Pacemaker Clinic in am.

 

Good Morning! This is my first post after having pm implant on 4/4/13 due to brachycardia. Due to an ananomoly, had to get implant on right side and am right handed. Will be receiving physical therapy and occupational therapy. Have been having profuse night sweats and restless sleep - waking up every 1-1/2 to every 2 hours and ravenous! Is this related to PM? Just woke up with stabbing pain in implant area - may have slept in a weird position - is this to be expected? I am female, just turned 65, was in great physical health and healthy eating habits. Just thankful to have my new best friend (PM) but have some feelings on intrepidation about what to expect in my recovery. Thanks for all your support and comments!

 

I got my pacemaker on Thursday, 4/11 for syncope. The surgery went well...the last thing I remembered was speaking in German to the anesthesiologist, then the next thing I knew I was waking up and it was over. I was concerned that I would get the pacemaker and then it would never pace because I didn't really need it (its programmed with a rate drop algorithm. ) Those fears are put to rest because it paced a few times while I was in the hospital, so apparently I have been having more episodes than I was aware of. Anyway, I'm recovering fine, slight discomfort but the worst thing is my 2 year old son doesn't understand why mommy won't pick him up or rock him. It's breaking my heart. But it will be over soon. The one question I have is how so...

 

Hi, New Friends,
I received my dual chamber ICD on Feb. 5, 2013, four days after open heart surgery to remove the obstruction associated with my hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. More often than not, the incision pain, tight skin, and constant pressure from the ICD outweighs the pain from heart surgery. I can feel the entire outline of the ICD through my skin. The corners seem to poke an awful lot. Is this normal? Will it settle farther in and not be so everpresent???? What have you all experienced three months after surgery? Thanks!

 

Hello - Just had pacemaker 2 days ago. I'm finding it difficult to find "the right position" to sleep. In just 2 days, I'm becoming an expert in Kinesiology (— n the study of the mechanics and anatomy of human muscles) as it relates to finding the right spot to get to sleep without pain. I've propped up my head with 4 pillows, and put another under my left arm, but I'm finding sleeping on back very difficult - even with sleeping pills. I know that "this too, shall pass", but wondering if anyone had suggestions as to how they got the rest they needed after surgery and about how long before they could go back to sleeping the way they use to.
Thanks
JimmyJ
Toronto

 

The ablation I had 6 weeks ago to treat my A-fib left me pumping in the high 30’s to low 40’s. My Dr. said that the next step was a PM. My first PM - dual chamber pacing (at age 61) was implanted on Tuesday – 3 days ago. The procedure was an “in by noon (for a 2 pm scheduled start time), and out of the hospital by 7 pm.” I was totally “out” for the surgery. I am now pumping in the 70’s.

Today I removed the pressure bandage – yeah! I was surprised to see that the incision below my left clavicle was at least 3” long. My skin is somewhat sensitive and the adhesive was very irritating and the dressing very uncomfortable. One of the anchor points for the pressure dressing included a 1” x 1” spot on my right breast that n...

 

Procedure started at 8am this morning. Dual chamber Medtronics (can't remember model). Finished by 10am.

It's now 4:55pm, just chillin in hospital. They just started an antibiotic drip. I feel fine. Shoulder and incision site sore but not painful-I know wait until tomorrow. But I am delighted about it. I have been up and down a couple of times on my own to use bathroom and feel great getting up and moving. I also have an ice bag on the site and a sling to remind me keep my left arm as still as possible.

Tachy-Brady got me here. I wiii be 71 next month. No other med issues besides Afib-still in it and will be dealing with it by medication. Maybe a cardioversion in 3 weeks or so if I don't convert with medicat...

 

Hello Everyone. I am home recovering after my pacemaker replacement on Friday, April 5th. (my 4th! Age 27)- All went well, they weren't sure if they would have to replace a lead until they got in to see it and they said all looked well with it (its a 20 year old lead!)- so I am doing pretty good. Today will be my first day with no pain medication.. I was upset on day 2 when I noticed they put the pacemaker in a new spot- about 2 inches below my current incision. Dr. said my old pacemaker was hard to remove as muscle (and I'm sure scar tissue) have built up around it. I get my 11 staples out after 10 days. I can't wait to get to the gym, how long should I wait? I assume I will feel much better after my staples are removed.. Thank you all, h...

 

hi just recentlyy (monday ) i went for the monthly check ( it was actually 3 weeks as i was due to fly overeseas it was discovered that one of the leads had moved ,surgery took place the next day to reposition, technician on wednesday indicated the lead had now fully dislodged will now have to go back in two weeks to have the lead replaced this has affected our holiday and we have had to cancel but we are luck that this didnet happen overseas

 

I have a loop recorder and it was read today for the first time. It showed that my heart is stopping.and I have to have the loop recorder removed and pacemaker fitted.
I'm still trying to get used to the idea. I am waiting for a date to have PM fitted. Can anyone tell me about recovery time. . I am planning to go on a trip to Spain in seven weeks and am looking for views or advice on having PM fitted in next few weeks or waiting until I return from my trip or cancelling the trip.
I have read some posts here and i think this site is going to be very helpful to me.
Brend.

 

Surgery went well on Thursday. however after i started pain meds that evening it went down hill. Even with anit nausea meds I started feeling sick to my stomach. By Friday morning I started throwing up and could not keep any food down. Took last pain meds at 10:30 am on Friday and decided after that to just stop taking them. Otherwise I was not going to get to go home. Other than dealing with the pain after the meds wore off I felt fine. Got home late last night and just taking tylenol for soreness.

 

Well today is the day. Getting ready to head to the hospital to have my pacemaker implanted. Wish me luck. A little nervous but ready to get it over with.

 

Hello all.
Went for my checkup today (I have had my current pacemaker for 9 years)- have been feeling funny this week (out of breath, heavy chest pain)- I was attributing it to stress at work, turns out my pacemaker went to back up mode starting last Monday so going back this Friday for my replacement. They will also go through my groin to see if I need a lead replacement.

Wondering how long this surgery will take? (I neglected to ask simple questions like this as I am still in shock).. and how long should I plan on taking off of work? I know you all know best! I don't remember either answer form last time.
Thank you in advance!
-Angie

 

Hello everyone, I am a new member posting for the first time.. I am 41 years old and had a catheter ablation procedure done in 2005 for A-Fib, and now I just recently had a Pacemaker put in on 3-1-2013.. for the Bradycardia.. I had been on sotalol since the surgery in 2005 and had no episodes this entire time, although I constantly felt tired and run down from the sotalol, probably because my heart rate was in the low to middle 50's... I recently was admitted into the hospital for severe vertigo which I woke up with late one night, and my heart rate had dropped to 41, not sure what the connection was, but after being in the hospital for several days, my heart rate continued to dropped to the high 30's. Doctors took me off the sotalol and s...

 

I'm new to all this, one of life's lucky survivors. I had open heart surgery (aortic valve bio) and a single bypass on February 13th 2013 here in Rome. I had AF problems and was given a DC shock to stabilize this. A few days later and I collapsed in the X-ray room. I was transferred to a different hospital a few days later to have a PM fitted on the 22nd Feb. I felt good and confident but totally wired! On the 10th March I didn't feel well AF was back and I was scared. I was readmitted to my original hospital's cardiac unit stabilized with drugs and discharged 4 days later feeling fine. So fine indeed that I drove myself to my PM check up where I was told that I had had Arrhythmia since the 8th and I would have to undergo Ablation to corre...