Pre-op appt news + question

Hi everyone. I had my pre-op appointment yesterday at the hospital. On Tuesday I am due to go in for an EP study/ probable sinus node modification/? pacemaker implantation.

I saw a Specialist arrhythmia nurse for my appt. I've seen him before so I felt ok to ask him all my questions, he is a really nice nurse & doesn't mind how many questions you ask. I told him I'd joined this club & he was really impressed at how much I've learnt about pacemakers & my upcoming procedure, by being a member here & learning everything from you all. So well done everyone!

He said that if it turns out the EP ablates too much of my sinus node in the modification procedure, & I need a pacemaker, they usually keep you in hospital & put the pacemaker in the next day (ie Wednesday)....unless it was really urgent that it had to be put in immediately.

My husband asked me a question today that I need to ask you all! The nurse was telling me that if I have a pacemaker put in, I'd need check-up's every 3 months to start with, then usually yearly....until it comes near to the time that the battery needs changing. My husband said, & I don't know the answer.....how will I know if the battery needs changing? Do you feel anything? Or is it a case of the pacemaker clinic knowing the time is coming up & they keep a closer eye on it? Please can you tell me?

Also, how do they change the battery? Do they do another procedure?

The hospital rang me late yesterday afternoon to confirm that a bed is booked for me on Tuesday....so it really is going to happen soon! I'm trying to keep myself busy these last few days before going in, but for some reason I feel so drained & exhausted that I haven't got the energy to do very much at all!

Thank you SO much for all your help & support....I'll keep you updated.

Best wishes
Janey

4 Comments

Kind of wonder why more docs don't talk up the club

by COBradyBunch - 2010-07-24 04:07:51

Will mention it to my pacer tech when I see her Monday to have my pacer checked out to see if my run in with the SUV did anything besides break my leg, some ribs, tear up my knee and other injuries.

Don't worry

by Genie - 2010-07-24 04:07:53

The pacing clinic where you go for your check ups will keep an eye on the battery. When they change it, they actually change the pacemaker unit, but not the leads. It's a much simpler, short procedure.

So glad your appointment went well. Good luck with everything next week - I've enjoyed chatting to you, but do hope you don't have to have the pacemaker!

Genie

answer to your question

by ladybug - 2010-07-24 04:07:55

Yes, once you have a pm, every time it is interrogated or reviewed during your checkups, it shows how much time is left on the battery. It is like a pie chart. Once it reaches a certain point, you have to have it checked more often. Yes, they open up same incision line and remove old device and replace with a new one. A battery is the device itself.

I go my 1st pm through an ablation in the AV node, which nicked my natural pm causing me to have to have an artificial pm.
Hope this helps.

Ladybug

Look forward to improved life quality

by andyuk - 2010-07-24 05:07:16

Hi Janey,
You say you feel drained & exhausted; isn't it great to know something can be done to improve things for you.
Of having heart problems, electrics is maybe one of easiest to fix. I hope all goes well and you won't need the PM, but don't worry if you do - for most people it's a straightforward procedure and you will probably feel the benefits the same day (although some need the settings tweaked before they're feeling back on top form).
I hope all goes well for you, and I'm sure you'll be fine!
Only had mine on 24th June 10 and I'm just about back to normal, although with arm on PM side must avoid lifting heavy weights (more than 5lbs) and avoid lifting arm above shoulder - to avoid displacing leads. 6 week check-up 4th Aug.
Andrew

You know you're wired when...

You have an excuse for gaining an extra ounce or two.

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