Newly "wired"

I'm now a full member after having my pm implanted on Sept 30th. The ep doc & his team were great and so far everything seems to be going well. Like a lot of people, I got conflicting info when it came to showers, driving, when I can return to work, etc. My dr, the nurses, everyone was pretty clear on not raising my left arm above my shoulder while the leads (I have a dual chamber pm) get attached. Now I'm a bit paranoid so here's my question - would I know if a lead came loose? I'm up and around, doing pretty good but then I think maybe I should be taking it easier. Any thoughts?

By the way, I'm curious on how many of you remember the procedure? I've been pretty away during my ablations, caths etc but they pretty much knocked me out for the pm so I don't remember any of it :(

Paul

7 Comments

No recall

by grandpageo7 - 2010-10-02 10:10:38

I do not remember a thing about mine. They did a cardiac conversion after they put the pacemaker in so maybe they kept me out because of that. Good luck with the pacemaker most of the time I do not know it is their. Jean

Well, being the talker I am...

by NonaF - 2010-10-02 11:10:48

Hi Paul,

I talked the whole time my pm was being installed. Well, I would doze awhile then just start talking. I remember alot of pulling and tugging..no pain tho. My doctor said I told them I just didn't want to miss anything!

I was in the hospital four days but only because they put me on tikosyn which required hospital monitoring thur 5 doses. Went in on Thrus came home Sat midnight. Went back to work on Tues. Been getting better and better I think. I had some pulling or tightening in my neck and chest but I understand (thanks to these wonderfull people in this club)that is all normal.

I feel some bubbles at times in my chest...told that is the pm adjusting my rate. I had a very slow hr due to meds I was giving for afib problems.
Just remember to take it easy with your left arm. My doctor said it would be very painful if a lead tore. I think it happens but I also think your subconscience helps think ahead for you most of the time. So enjoy your new bionic self!

Anyway, hang in there. You will absolutely enjoy this site!
NonaF

Dear Newly Wired

by JoFosqk226 - 2010-10-03 01:10:31

You would absolutely know if a lead came loose. First and foremost, if the lead tears from your heart muscle, it would be incredibly painful! Not a fun experience by any means. Depending on the make of your PM, it should have an alarm set in it. If the lead fractures or comes loose from the PM or in the wire itself, your alarm will sound. If this happens, contact your doctor ASAP via carelink monitor (again, depending if you have one) or just call.
As for remembering the procedure, I remember nothing except for the very end, (I'm a light-weight with anesthesia) I woke up a little too early, and was terrified, but then fell right back asleep. Good luck with your recovery!!

Pulled out lead

by arlyn - 2010-10-03 04:10:09

I've gotta disagree with the comment that you would know if you pulled out a lead. I have done it (4 weeks post implant) and didn't feel a thing. I didn't even know until I went for my checkup and they found it. Because my other lead was still intact, I was pacing well enough that I didn't notice a difference in how I felt, either (and I'm PM dependent). The 2nd time my lead backed out on its own (within minutes of the 1st revision), so it was replaced with one from a new manufacturer during the 2nd revision and seems to be doing well so far. However, I will tell you that my doc said I'm about 1 in 5,000 on what I've been through - so don't be too concerned. Just make sure you don't pull your arm or raise it too soon - follow doc's orders! :)

remember nothing

by 8thID - 2010-10-03 11:10:28

I had an ICD placed on 7/27/10. I remember nothing past the point of being wheeled into the OR and feeling a cold sensation start through my arm. I was told they tested the ICD twice, and for that reason I was put out. I was so out of it that I didn't even remember visiting with my family post op! As far as your leads coming loose, I'm not sure what you would feel. Just keep your activity in line with what the doc said. Since my restrictions ended, I have begun an intense fitness program and feel great. Welcome, and Take Care!

Jeff

Welcome

by Edouard - 2010-10-03 12:10:03

Hi Pacerpaul
Welcome to the site and to our little community.
Yes, I recall everything. I was given a relaxant and local anesthesia. Like NonaF, I talked, although at one point, they wanted me to shut up (not because I was boring them, but they said it had something to do with the risk of infection). I was comfortable and relaxed through the whole procedure. It was basically pain-free although I did feel significant pressure on my chest when the sugeon fitted the device into my shoulder. Recovery was quick and easy. Although I am a competitive swimmer, I was "beached" for 6 weeks in order to give the leads time to settle in.
I don't know if you would feel it if a lead came loose, but I presume that you are scheduled for a follow-up in a few weeks. I don't think you should lose too much sleep over your concern. Such incidents are rare.
Good luck and good health
Edouard

newly wired

by RGS - 2010-10-11 02:10:38

Hey Pacerpaul

My Dr and Nurses gave very clear instructions on not driving for 10 days post PM installation, as well as not raising the left arm above my head. They gave me an arm sling to use, that helped me behave by keeping my arm strapped at my side. I sleep on my stomach and lift my arm over my head without thinking--so I wore the sling when I slept on my back for a week. I also found myself lifting my arm over my head, without thinking, when I put my t-shirt on in the morning--be careful the first couple of weeks. Having a leed re-installed is no fun as arlyn points out. As for remembering the procedure--I remember most of it--the injections to numb the area, the incision, the installation of the leads, names of the team doing the installation, but not the stitching and placement of the PM. No unpleasant memories.

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