My mom has to have her pacemaker replaced!!

My mom is going to be 70 this year, she has had a pacemaker for almost 10 yrs. Yesterday she found out she has to have it replaced, it has some kind of electrical malfunction. She is seeing her doctor tomorrow morning. We are nervous!

If anyone could tell me about the procedure, how long surgery is, how long she could be in the hospital, healing, complications....I was very young when she got the pacemaker and I don't really know what to expect. I currently live w my mom in NC but the rest of our family lives in NY...so I don't know if anyone else will be able to be here giving short notice.

Any advise or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

Thank You!!

2 Comments

easy

by Tracey_E - 2009-06-23 02:06:47

If it's ten years old, the battery is probably about dead! That's a long range to get from a battery.

Replacements are super easy, especially if she doesn't need new leads. It's done outpatient. I've had three now and if I get an early appointment, I'm home fixing my own lunch. They go in the same place as the first time and use the same pocket, so it's all scar tissue. The doctor always gives me a prescrip for pain but Tylenol is enough.

She'll need a ride home from the hospital because they don't allow driving after anesthesia, not because she'll feel that bad. I usually sleep most of the first day and take it easy for another few days, then I'm mostly good as new.

Great time on battery

by janetinak - 2009-06-23 04:06:41

I had my battery changed in 2003 & expect that I will need my battery replaced in next year & I am about the same age as your Mom. This will be my 3rd replacement & I am not worried at all. As Tracey above states it is pretty easy, esp. if a lead does not have to be replaced. I had both the PM & a lead replaced in 2003 & stayed over night. Hope all goes well for your Mom as it usually does.

Janet

You know you're wired when...

You have rhythm.

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