One week...what a change!

Hi again everybody,
One week has passed since my implantation (first). I can already tell the difference in my breathing, clarity of thinking, and overall well-being. Can feel my heart beating strongly at times, had to take off the hospital dressing over my sutures (itched like crazy and made me break out) and a bit limited as to what I can do physically for now...but those are all minor issues compared to how GOOD I'm feeling! People tell me that I look better, laugh louder, and have more smiles than I have had for the past year or more. Attitude sure has improved...and I think that is helping me heal more than anything. Being educated and informed as to how life can be after getting the pacemaker by the wonderful folks on here has helped tremendously as well. Still some hurdles to jump in the next few months, but I'm looking at them now more as just speedbumps!
MsM

6 Comments

GREAT attitude!!!!

by ela-girl - 2009-06-29 08:06:09

Hey there, MsM!

It is so nice to read your positive post! :) I am glad that you are doing so much better now and that you (and others) can tell the difference!

Did your doctor use steri-strips over the incision? I know that I (along with some other pacers here) am allergic to those something fierce! Watch that itching and for your rash to get worse...you may need something to clear it up.

I can still feel my 'heart beat strong' from time to time, too, and it's been almost 3 years since I've been implanted. Usually, it's the ventricular pacing that you're feeling. Most newbies are hyper-aware of their heart rate/beats after getting a pacer...that should go away after some time.

Let us know how you are faring and if you need anything!

Get busy living life!
ela-girl

Oh yeah...

by ela-girl - 2009-06-29 09:06:47

...and one more thing...

That extra strong heart beat that you're feeling could be a matter of getting your settings tweaked just right for your condition. Pacers are usually implanted with 'factory settings' and left that way in order to ensure they are functioning properly. If it becomes uncomfortable or worse, definitely mention it to your doctor/rep/tech when you go for a check-up. I would mention it anyways if you still even feel it.

ela-girl

Congrats!!! ;D

by CJD2007 - 2009-06-29 10:06:22

Congrats MsM!!!

The combination of your positive outlook and all together well being will make life a joy ;D

Wishing you continued success... :D

Take care,
Casey

Hospital dressing

by Smart Redd - 2009-06-29 10:06:51

" had to take off the hospital dressing over my sutures (itched like crazy and made me break out) "

Hum-m-m, I never had any dressings over my incision at all. I kept the incision moist by covering it with antiseptic cream and later petroleum jelly until it was healed enough to apply scar cream. Never did have any itching to speak of, but sheesh, is everyone allergic to hospital tapes? It took almost as long for the electro-cardio tape spots to clear up as it took for the incision to pink up and start healing.

Glad to hear you're feeling better. For some, the 'feeling better' takes a bit longer to kick in.

Smart Red

Well done!

by Hot Heart - 2009-06-30 02:06:45

Hope things continue to go well with you, we are here to here the positives but also for the down days, which some of us get from time to time.

HH

great news

by Lizzie - 2009-06-30 03:06:40

Hi MsM,
So glad that you are feeling so upbeat. It can only get better still.
Encouraging for me, who get her first PM day after tommorrow. Great to read positive stuff.
Lizzie

You know you're wired when...

Bad hair days can be blamed on your device shorting out.

Member Quotes

Life is finally better.