I gotta have a new PM

Hello all,

Just got back from my Pacemaker appointment (have been going every 3 months), and they've decided I need a new Pacemaker. I feel really low, a bit weepy - not sure why as I knew this would happen sooner or later! I had an awful experience when they implanted the first one (9 years ago), it took a lot longer than anticipated (3.5 hours), and I could feel/hear/see everything and kept having to ask for more anaesthetic! I'm getting married in 10 weeks, and I wish I could just forget about this, but I'm beginning to worry already. :o(

Hels x

2 Comments

easy!

by Tracey_E - 2010-02-23 04:02:49

Nine years is a terrific battery life. You will absolutely be back on your feet and ready for your wedding!! If a new implant is a 10, replacements are a 3 or 4, in my opinion. I've had 4 now :o)

The only thing NOT to do is stall if he says it needs done now (as opposed to if he said let's do it in the next few months). When they get to the very end, they go into End of Life mode, which has very limited function. It keeps us safe but not feeling good.

It's a lot easier than the first because 1) you don't get new leads unless something is wrong with the old ones (not common) and 2) they go through scar tissue which is already partially numb and 3) use the same pocket. The new pocket and leads are what made it hard the first time. This is quick and easy, I promise! When I had my 3rd one on a Friday, I was off to Key West on Tuesday, and a week after that I was hiking at high altitude.

Had mine replaced today

by MSPACER - 2010-02-23 09:02:49

Hey

I had mine replaced today. It was my first replacement. My first pacemaker lasted 8 years. I was a little nervous, but it was very quick, and nothing like the initial implant. I'm a little sore now, but I was surprised how quick it was. The surgeon numbed the area with a local anesthetic, and I was given mild sedation. I was sleeping, but I heard everybody talking. They started prepping me around 9:15, and by 10:30, I was heading back to the recovery area. At 2:30, I went home. So don't worry-it's a lot easier than the initial operation.

I got a Medtronic Adapta, and it already feels like it is working much better for me than the Kappa.

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