new to pacemaker

Hi I had a pacemaker implanted in oct 2009 following ohs to replace a bicuspid aortic valve. when I woke up from surgery they were concerned that a blockage had occured from the new valve and the lower part of my heart was no longer hearing the top part. I was shocked that this could happen as I was in perfect health except for the valve and had 3 opinions at the top centers, Mayo, cleveland, and Northwestern. No one ever mentioned this could occur. I am single and an active sports enthusiast and travel by air frequently for my job. I am very upset by how it looks and the scar. I cant wear many of my favorite things as it shows. Also I did have a very small mini incision for my valve replacement and it looks better that the pm scar and less noticable. It is embarassing being felt up by the tsa almost every week and when I mention this to a potential date I never hear from them again. Any single ladies out there how do you cope with this and does it bother you? I am having a hard time accepting it. I never had symptoms prior to surgery and dont have any now. I am really concerned with the long term cost of the upkeep on this device as I have a 5000 dollar deductable and am self employed. my dr has told me I have no restrictions but has given no advise either. I cant even stand looking at it. will this get better? Having a very hard time adjusting.

4 Comments

Hi.

by Pookie - 2010-04-29 06:04:21

I am sorry to hear that you ended up having a complication after having your aortic valve fixed, but as I know very well now, things just happen. There are always risks with every surgery, even the best of surgeons can make mistakes...right?

I went thru the shock part after surgery too, thinking how could I ever fall into that less than 1% risk category, but I did and ended up having a total of 5 pacemaker surgeries (4 within 10 days) and the last one 5 months later because my pacemaker travelled to my armpit. I also died twice - but that's too long of a story.

Don't take me the wrong way, but when you had the valve replacement, did they not go over the risks with you? You say that no one ever mentioned that this could occur....I know when I had my problems, I specifically asked for a copy of what I had signed previous to going into surgery - and sure enough, there it all was - all the risks written out, but I had totally forgot what I read. Perhaps you should see if you can get a copy of what you signed.

You say that you were in perfect health before this, but really your health has nothing to do with the complication...see what I mean?

Now that you have a pacemaker and a scar, you will need to somehow accept this. They both won't go away. I guess it's all the way we look at things. And I appreciate that we are all different and think differently. It's just my opinion that a scar shouldn't keep you from meeting someone either.

I don't know what to tell you. I'm just glad I have my pacemaker and that I'm alive. I just had major surgery on my throat and to be 100% honest with you, I couldn't care less about the scar. As long as I'm alive, I can spend time with my family, pets, and good friends, then I count myself pretty lucky as there are people out there that have it WAY worse than I do. Yah, sometimes I get down because I have oodles of medical problems, I can't drive, I can't work, I can't go out by myself, etc. But if I were to let myself get stuck in that all of the time, what kind of life would I have? I'm not saying I'm happy all of the time - cuz I am not. I still cry a lot.

The adjusting part - a lot of people have to seek professional help. It helps, I know.

Anyways, I've done enough preaching:)

Take care,
Pookie

Scars

by Blueaustralia - 2010-04-29 06:04:58

I can understand how you feel about your scars.

Years ago when I saw a plastic surgeon regarding scarring on my face he said: "Time will heal with the scars."

The scars healed but inside I did not. Even though I am in the elderly ranks I still feel very self conscientious. But, then I developed the attitude that if folks don't like my face that is their problem. It is inside of me that counts. Remember beauty is only skin deep

I was very young when this happened..

Hope this helps

Sincere regards from downunder
Billie

Scars

by Genie - 2010-04-30 04:04:16

If you are really bothered by the scar, you can try some things to make it less noticable -

1) Vitamin E cream or oil. Massage every into skin every day.
2) Apply lemon juice to the healed scar every morning and evening. It's a natural lightener. Worked really well for me (and is really inexpensive).
3) If all else fails, make-up!

Genie

Heart Block after aortic valve surgery

by musser75 - 2010-05-03 03:05:37

aortic valve surgery contains % 2-3 risk of the total heart block. You can assume that your heart has got some cables for the electrical integrity. Aortic valve is just beneath one of these major cables, sometimes this cable gets damaged during the surgery. There is no way to prevent it. It happens sometimes. A classic: Time is healing.
Another question: Did you got a bioprosthesis or a mechanical valve?
Best wishes

You know you're wired when...

You have rhythm.

Member Quotes

The pacer systems are really very reliable. The main problem is the incompetent programming of them. If yours is working well for you, get on with life and enjoy it. You probably are more at risk of problems with a valve job than the pacer.