Would love some reassurance

I'm a 38 year old mother of 2 small children and have been told I have second degree heartblock (Moebitz 2) and require a pacemaker. Surgery is scheduled for 13 September & although I have a wonderfully supportive husband and family, I know nobody who has had this procedure. I've no idea what happens afterwards in reality & am quite worried as we do not have family nearby. I know it's very individual experience, but I'd really like to get an idea of the reality of the recovery time and any useful tips. My only symptoms of this are occasional light-headedness & I am grateful they've caught it before anything bad happened, but for the doctors & surgeons this is a run-of-the-mill procedure, whereas for me it's intensely personal and a physical representation of a health problem.
This is my first post ever, and it's felt quite cathartic to just spill it all. Thanks to anyone who takes the trouble to read it. x

13 Comments

Smitty Pretty Well Covered It

by biker72 - 2010-09-02 01:09:09

I had a 7 hour ablation to try and fix my A-Fib. I had first degree heartblock going into the procedure.

I woke up with second degree heartblock and a pacemaker. I did spend the night in the hospital. Got out the next day and rode my bicycle around the block a couple of times.

The PM incision healed in a couple of weeks. I was told to try and keep my left arm down as much as possible for a few weeks and no contact sports.

I took only over the counter advil for pain.

Understand... we all get through this

by COBradyBunch - 2010-09-02 02:09:39

I am not going to BS you and tell you that this is the greatest things since sliced bread. I am also not going to tell you that you will not have problems. What I will tell you is that I had a heart block diagnosed out of no where, after just having had a checkup where my doc told me at 50 he wished he had patients at 30 who were as healthy as I was. It was a shock and yes it was difficult to deal with.

But what helped were a few things. #1 was this site. The folks here are great and will answer questions, give you support and most of all they understand what you are going through.

#2 was understanding that what I was feeling was perfectly normal. The thing I equate it most to is the stages of grief, you did lose something, your feeling of immortality. I went through every one of the stages and some I dealt with better than others. Learn what they are, what to expect and understand it is perfectly normal to go through them. In fact it is healthy, it is part of the healing process.

#3 I had a great doc. He answered my questions, didn't blow me off and admitted when he didn't have the answer to a question. He helped me get my settings to match my lifestyle (I work out a lot and work out hard, blowing well past my theoretical max HR in really hard workouts, which I don't do often but still do as part of my training).

#4 I set myself goals. Little ones at first, then bigger ones. I had a few sidetracked by a short, unscheduled flight courtesy of SUV Airways, but I still have them. The experience has also helped me recover from my flight and the injuries that were caused by having a 3500+ lb vehicle knock you off your bike and through the air.

Hope this helps, and if you ever need to chat we are here for you, either through the forums or through messages. I try and always answer either.

COBradyBunch

auguri

by federico - 2010-09-02 03:09:44

hanno detto già tutto gli amici del club, quindi ti faccio solo gli auguri per la tua nuova vita più in forma di prima.CIAO

Hi Morwenna

by Edouard - 2010-09-02 06:09:01

You've got a lot of good advice in here. I can't promise you a great experience. As you say, everyone is different. I can only tell you about my situation, last May. My operation went quite well. I was awake through the whole procedure and was released the following day. Up and about as soon as I got home. Went crazy within a few hours because my wife would not let me do anything for myself! I favoured my left arm for a few days, but after a couple of weeks, thought nothing of lifting it over my head and taking on relatively heavy loads. Returned to my (agressive) swimming after six weeks (held back because of Doctor's orders, not because I felt I needed to).
You may be worried when you see some of the posts on this site. Just remember that a forum such as this exists to help people cope with difficult situations and that may people who write belong to that small minority who encounter problems. As a general rule, this type of operation is quite simple and results in very few complications. Heck! My surgeon was just out of kindergarden.
Good luck
Edouard

Welcome

by SaraTB - 2010-09-02 06:09:13

Welcome to the pacemaker club! I was 42 when I got my PM, for 3rd degree heartblock, and can echo what others have said about us all being here for you to chat to or ask any questions - it can be very reassuring to learn that others have experienced what you are, at any stage of your treatment.
One thing I would say, is don't be too surprised if things don't initially feel much better: the pacemaker will initially be programmed to 'general' type settings, and you may beed to have them re-adjusted to suit your particular needs. This is done very simply at a follow-up appointment with your doctor. It's all done by computer which sends a signal to the pacemaker.
I know this whole thing can be overwhelming initially but please don't hesitate to post here with questions (we've all had them!) or worries or for reassurance.
Best wishes for 13th - do check in with us later when you feel like it, and let us know how you're doing.
Sara

Definitely Reassured

by Morwenna - 2010-09-02 07:09:23

Once again, thank you all so very much. I can't believe how many of you have taken the time to read and respond with such insight and honesty. When I wrote the initial post, I was feeling so anxious and somewhat isolated & this has been the most wonderfully unexpected experience. I look forward to being able to pay you all back someday by providing this kind of support to a 'newbie'... x

Good Experience

by dcat77 - 2010-09-02 09:09:00

I had an ICD implant on 7/19/10. It went well. I spent one night in the hospital. Was told not to lift left arm above shoulder height for 6 weeks (it's been almost 7 now and I've been lifting the arm for a week now, with no problems). I resumed my workout schedule on 7/28 (30 minutes treadmill, 3% incline, 3mph and some abdominal nautilus equip. reps). Takes me about 45 minutes and so far it's been great. They closed my incision with "dermabond", so I was able to shower the next day, being careful around the incision. Pain was minimal and disappeared almost entirely by the 2nd week. Now I forget the thing is there. I'll be taking my first flight tomorrow, so will see how the security folks handle my wish to be hand patted down, not wanded. I feel fine except adjusting to blood pressure meds, which make me a bit drowsy at times. I'm told that I will adjust to them in time. I'm very grateful for this wonderful technology and wish you all the best. The waiting is far far worse than the reality. Peace to you.

All will be well

by The Fish - 2010-09-02 09:09:43

Hi
I know what you are feeling and you came to the right place. I got my PM in March 2010 and didn't know a thing about all this either. The actual procedure is quick and easy and the recovery time is just a matter of patience. 6 to 8 weeks of no heavy lifting and no raising your arms above your head. I know this will be a little harder for you as a mother of 2 young children but with a supportive hubby, that should be a big help. This is a great group and ask all the questions you want. There are so many kind and experienced members here that will help with any questions you might have. Welcome and all the best.
Howard

welcome!

by Tracey_E - 2010-09-02 09:09:50

You're not alone, there are a lot of us here who are young with heart block! Mine is 3rd degree and congenital, I've had a pm since I was 27. I'm 43 now and doing great.

Do you understand what the block is and how the pm will help it?

If we have to have heart problems, electrical are the best to have because the heart is usually otherwise healthy and normal. And if we have an electrical problem, a block is the easiest to fix with a pm. We simply have a short circuit, the pm wires around it so our hearts beat normally. Most of us are left with no symptoms whatsoever and lead a fully active life.

Healing... how small are your kids? Typically, we're in the hospital overnight. Everyone varies but most are sore for a few days but feel pretty good by the end of the first week. We have to baby the side with the pm for about 6 weeks to give the leads time to grow into place. This means no lifting and no raising the arm above shoulder level, so if your kids are still in cribs, carseats and diapers, this can be a bit of a challenge. I did diaper changes on the floor, had my husband do the lifting, let them climb into the carseat themselves. A challenge, but not impossible!

Getting A Pacemaker

by SMITTY - 2010-09-02 11:09:31


Hello,

Welcome to the Pacemaker Club.

I'm sure that like most of us being told you need a pacemaker has come as a shock. However, you will still be like most of us when you learn that getting a pacemaker is not such a big deal.

Using my experience as an example, I'll try to quickly lead you through a summary of the pacemaker implant procedure.

I arrived at the hospital at 7 AM..Was shown to my room and given the usual hospital garb to put on. While I was doing that the nurse was gathering up the needed supplies in order to insert an IV through which they gave me about a quart of antibiotics. Getting an antibiotic is standard procedure to reduce the possibility of get an infection. Getting that much antibiotic through an IV takes a while and for the next few hours I read a book or watched TV.

I was wheeled into the OR where I was prepped more and given medicine (vellum I think) to relax me. What it did was make me drowse and by the time they finished washing and scrubbing the area of the pacemaker insertion and getting me draped and etc, I was dosing off. I was given an injection to deaden the area and that is the last thing I remember until the doctor was calling my name and telling me they were through and everything went fine.

The surgery had taken about 45 minutes and it was now it was about 1 PM. I was wheeled back to my room where I was give food for the first time that day. After waiting a few hours to be sure I would not have an adverse reaction to any of the medicines I had taken I was allowed to go home.

Pain, on the 1 to 10 scale, was never more than a 5. While I was not allowed to sleep on the side of my pacemaker, I had no problems sleeping that night without any sleep aids. My pain medication was 400 mg of ibuprofen every 4 to 6 hours for a couple of days.

For the next few days I did favor my left arm and side so as to not disturb the leads. In fact I had to favor the left side, to a lesser degree each day, for about 3 weeks, at which time I went in for a check up.

That is pretty much my entire story of getting a pacemaker.

Now I'm going to show you some old "wives tales" many of us hear or read about when we have a pacemaker and what is the truth.

"People have many misconceptions about pacemakers arising from popular notions or outdated information. Always ask your physician if you have any questions about your pacemaker. The following are the most common misconceptions:

"With my pacemaker I cannot use a microwave oven." This was true for very old pacemakers but is not true today. People with pacemakers may use all types of household appliances and power tools.

"With my pacemaker I cannot use a cellular telephone." Although there is a possibility of interference with some high-power digital cell phones, people with pacemakers usually need only to keep the phone out of clothing pockets near the pacemaker and hold the phone to the ear away from the pacemaker.

"With my pacemaker I will have to slow down." This is false. In our practice, we have pacemaker patients who play sports such as golf, tennis, or basketball. Pacemaker patients can even participate in more strenuous activities such as marathons or scuba diving after consultation with their cardiologists. Any activity restrictions usually result from other medical problems and not from the pacemaker.

"With my pacemaker I cannot travel." By always carrying the identification card given at the time of the pacemaker implantation, patients can have their pacemaker evaluated in almost any part of the world if needed. It is also safe to pass through airport security checks in the normal fashion.

"With my pacemaker I won’t need heart medications." The pacemaker does not replace the need for heart medications to treat high blood pressure, angina, heart rhythm problems, etc. Most people with pacemakers also take heart medications.

"I have a pacemaker, so I cannot have a heart attack." The pacemaker does not protect against blockages in blood vessels that cause heart attacks. Similarly, people may still have fast heart rhythm problems that the pacemaker cannot treat directly. The standard pacemaker does not strengthen the heart, although some new types of pacemakers may be helpful in certain patients with congestive heart failure. With pacemaker implants, patients should continue to follow a heart-healthy lifestyle that includes exercise, diet, and cardiac medications when prescribed."

My last word. Remember that a pacemaker does not replace any part of your heart function. It is there only to help out should your heart's natural pacemaker let your heart rate become too slow. The pacemaker does this by continuously monitoring your heart function and when it detects there need it sends the impulses to make your heart beat. I have seen some people express a mortal fear of their pacemaker stopping. While that happening is next to impossible even if it did your heart function would just revert back to what you had before you got the pacemaker.

I wish you the best,

Smitty




Welcome,

by pacergirl - 2010-09-02 11:09:38

I want to welcome you to our group! We are like a family here, lots of things going on at any given time. We share, we cry, we laugh together. You aren't alone and now you have friends who have some of the same issues are you!

After I got my pacer (Chuck) I do feel a lot better. I'm actually on my 2nd one, but there are a lot of people here who have had them since they were very young (children) I got the first one for heart block in 2005. I have a few other issues with my heart but heart block was one of the major problems.

Welcome, oh, before I forget, you are going to feel a lot better. Give yourself a few weeks to adjust. then just enjoy your life. Ask questions as long as you want and know that we will be honest with you. I do everything I did before my pacemaker and actually having a lot more fun!

Blessings to you!
Pacergirl

Heartfelt(!) Thanks

by Morwenna - 2010-09-02 12:09:35

I can't tell you how amazed and grateful I am at the immediate support and good wishes. I really appreciate your responses and input. I am determined to try and keep positive on this: this is a necessary procedure, but one that seems to have a large number of benefits and almost no ill-effects. Just sometimes, the 'unknownness' & the permanence of it leaves me feeling a bit wobbly, I'm so glad to have found this site and to find a community who not only understands, but can give support to people in my situation. x

p.s. the kids are 3.5 & 6 years old & I am going to tell them it's a lie-detector implant!

PM Patient

by donb - 2010-09-02 12:09:40

As a PM patient for over 18 years I also Welcome you to this great site. I got my first implant in l992 at age 60 for similar electrical problem. I have had 4 replacement PMs' over the years which have greatly kept my quality of life above normal.
Shortcomings are very few, like balky grandkides on your lap banging your PM site with their head. Of course the seat belt thing is usually universal. My last replacement was a fresh implant right chest with 2 new leads which is beautifull for a driver as seat belt won't interfere.
I also want to mention that one of the reasons many patients receive PMs' is so you can be prescribed medication to regulate your heart's performance. I developed Atril-Fib (family gene thing) in the last couple of years and with medication along with my PM keeps me in good shape.
Having also a good Cardiologist with years of knowledge is also a must. I am very active for my age, believing in using up this body in this lifetime. Also, don't fret the PM changes, my last complete implant I didn't even have restrictions, maybe because of right chest implant. The new thoughts of keeping some arm movement within reason will keep shoulder pain under control. Good luck & your kids will keep you busy during recovery. donb

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