newbird

I was told yesterday it is time for a pacemaker. I am starting the process of finding out all I can before making all the final decisions. Doctors , types of pacemakers, quality, costs of all, how I will feel, activity restriction, addition, sex, sleeping. Tell me all please.
Carl Morris

3 Comments

Don't worry

by California - 2010-03-06 04:03:00

Having just had a St. Jude pacemaker implanted on 2/19, I'm kind of new to this, too, but wanted to tell you that it has become a common thing now, and the whole staff at the hospital, as well as your cardiologist, are used to this and know just what you will be experiencing and what your needs will be. You will be restricted in moving your left arm for a little bit, as the pacemaker and leads into your heart are settling in; you don't want to move those leads around! Basically it's not that painful, and you should have no problem, if you don't try to do anything too strenouous too soon.

Good Luck!
California Carolyn

Newbie also

by DanaT - 2010-03-06 05:03:04

Hi. I just had mine implanted on the 25th for the first time. You came to the right place! You will get many responses on here to put your mind at ease and get your questions answered. People with years of living with a pacemaker. I can tell you what is was like for me. It was not painful, just afterward you will be sore. I was more anxious about the procedure than anything. My only glitch was a few hours after the operation one of the leads came out and they had to go in again the next morning. I was not happy about that. I could kind of tell when I woke up that I felt "better" immediately. But now I just feel like crap trying to recuperate. It's been a rollarcoaster ride of emotions for me. But that's just me. For some people this is a piece of cake, some take longer to adjust to it all. I think they have mine set too high too, at 80 bmp. It feels like I've drank too much coffee when I've had NONE so I'm going to ask them to lower it. But you're doing the right thing by doing your research. Some days I wish I put it off a little longer especially since I didn't really have any symptoms. Good luck, we're here for ya!

well....

by Tracey_E - 2010-03-06 05:03:13

All won't exactly fit in one post :o)

Why you need it determines how you'll feel and what restrictions you'll have. If the only problem you have is electrical and the pm fixes it (for some, pm's are more of a bandaid/safety net than a fix), the main restrictions are staying away from magnets and full contact sports. Anything else goes! But it's up to your dr to determine what's right for you.

Most have it done by an electrophysiologist but cardiac surgeons and cardiologists can do them also.

Cost is going to depend on your insurance. In the US, total cost can be anywhere from $50 - $100,000 for the hospital stay and device.

No sex with it. Both of my children were immaculate conceptions.

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