NO PIECE OF CAKE

Hello! I'm new to this whole situation.First let me say I'm glad that so many have posted info regarding their experience. My PM was placed on 2/11/10. I went in with a great attitude even though my past surgeries have been eventful and not easy. I have fibro and many drug allergies/sensitivities. First the nurse went thru the vein wall when placing the IV. I was in surgery and although I had been given the sedation I was very aware of the local injections - they did hurt. I did feel the placement of the leads, not bad at all. However, the placement of the PM was pretty bad. The pain was awful,a nurse informed the doctor that I could feel (I couldn't open my eyes,cry,moan, or communicate)but he didn't believe it and continued. She again insisted that I could feel it and I managed to give a slight nod. They gave me more anesthesia. I remember conversation in the OR like"Wow,she really did need this","She wasn't kidding when she said she was sensitive to the meds","She's little and I don't have much room to work with" (I'm 4ft 11in). The surgery took twice as long as expected. Later the pain meds made me violently ill. I left the hospital the next day in alot of pain,dry heaves, and a migraine headache. Recovery has been slower and more difficult than I anticipated. I was led to believe that this is a routine procedure and a "piece of cake". I am feeling almost all of the symptoms that all of you have posted. I think that the health care staff should provide better info re: after surgery expectations! I wish you all well,will pray that all of you and myself included, a speedier recovery! Thanks for listening!

6 Comments

Appreciation

by francine1 - 2010-02-22 02:02:07

Thank you Marcia! I kind of had a meltdown this morning which totally took me by surprise because I rarely cry for myself (not even once a year). I feel I have little to cry about since God has given me so many wonderful gifts. I have to say I found alot of solace and validation of my physical and recovery symptoms. I do feel better emotionally.

FIBRO HERE ALSO

by MAXI1439 - 2010-02-22 12:02:12

I can definitely understand how you feel Francine, since I also suffer from fibro. In fact before my pacemaker surgery all of my doctors including the cardiologist at first, thought symptoms were fibro related. I was very fortunate to have a great surgeon who understood how I was feeling with the fibro pain and even the nurses handled me with kid gloves. My surgery and hospital experience went better than expected.

I think the hardest thing about recuperation for fibro patients is distinguishing between fibro symptoms and after surgery pain. I know with me at this time if I get a weird feeling or pain in my chest I have to sit back and really evaluate the situation.

I hope your recuperation becomes easier as the days go on. Let me know if you would like to email me and chat at times about the fibro if that would help at all.

Have a good day.
Marcia

I agree

by Pookie - 2010-02-23 01:02:28

I've been saying for almost 5 yrs now that when the doctors tell us that our surgeries are or will be "a piece of cake", well docs, that isn't always the case. I also shrug my head in disgust that pacemaker and defib patients aren't given the support they deserve and need after we get our devices.

With that being said, I'm only talking about MY hospital. Perhaps there are others out there that do do the "proper" thing (in my opinion) and discuss openly and honestly what can really happen after getting the device.

I know if I ever win the lotto, the first thing I'll be doing is giving our hospital the $ they need to hire a "professional" we can go to to discuss anything and everything we need both physically and mentally.

P.S. A good cry is good for the soul.

I'm so sorry you had to experience what you did, but try to put it in the past and move forward. Sometimes easier said than done, I know.!!! You have found an awesome site where all the members are like family and we support one another all the time.

And talking about time...it will take time for you to heal, so take it easy and let your body heal.

Take care,
Pookie

Crying is OK...

by qwerty - 2010-02-23 03:02:15

We have to wash away our sorrows sometimes and tears can do it like nothing else can. There is a time to cry and a time to heal.... then we can move forward even stronger than before. Hang in there. I too felt a lot of my surgery and it was not a piece of cake, but it was nothing compared to what some have had to endure. And I can't imagine doing this with Fibro..... You are a brave lady Francine.... just give it a little time. It does get better.

Cherell

Hi Francine

by Madelen - 2010-02-25 03:02:06

I've had FIBRO for 24-years along with Arthritis. I don't think it is an easy disease to live with, but the more understanding you have of the disease, the better quality life you will have.

For me, I look at FIBRO as something I can either manage or it will conquer me. Since I work hard to live a normal life, the problems I experience with FIBRO get treated and placed to the back of my mind. I refuse to use FIBRO as an excuse as to why I can't do something.

I had both knees replaced in 2003 from Arthritis and I have a hip trying to get recognized, but I'm not ready for replacing that just yet.

I don't really know how FIBRO would be a complication or affect you having a pacemaker inserted. I do feel the fatigue might be more noticeable and recovery from that might take longer than normal.

One of those air mattresses was needed in the hospital for me. The regular beds were too hard. Pain was bad to some degree and I saw no use in asking for Tylenol until bedtime. Our minds can do wonders of blocking out pain when needed.

My biggest disappointment was not being able to take the IBP I have depended upon for pain relieve. It's off my list now and Tylenol is worthless for FIBRO or headache pain. I could not take the new FIBRO medication recommended. Tylenol does work well to block the pain from the brain, when you go to bed, helping you sleep better.

Francine, I have wonderful daughters helping me with the chores I can't do right now. I hope you have some help and I hope you recover soon.

Fibro and recovery

by francine1 - 2010-02-25 05:02:44

I've dealt with the Fibro for over 40yrs. I believe depending on the symptoms and the severity of the symptoms that it can slow or make recovery more difficult. Today is week 2 since the placement of my PM and I actually feel like I'm really on the road to recovery. I too have arthritis in my neck,hands,hips,knees,and feet. As you know you have good days and challenging days. You are right,Tylenol does absolutely nothing for our needed pain control. I'm now having allergic issues with the Darvocet and my cardiologist today OK'd for me to take Ibuprofen as long as I'm not having any difficulty with other swelling. I wish you well and it sounds like you have a great support system. Take Care!

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