Pacemaker dislodged/Surgery Thurs.

Pacemaker dislodged/Surgery Thurs.
Comment posted by kathy22 on 2008-04-01 08:25.
I went to my cardiologist in NYC yesterday - the Medronic pacemaker that was implanted in 2000 (see above for reason for 3rd surgery). I have a mess on the left side - the burning is from my collar bone to the top of my breast. I cannot move from one position to another without severe burning/pain - I am having surgery this Thursday to put a new pacemaker on the right side and "clean-up" the left side which may now be infected. I have been seeing this cardiologist for 8 years and have done my research - he is the best. Please let me know if anyone has had surgeries on both sides - I really don't know what he will find when he opens the side that burns so much. It is swollen and he said I may have an infection. I am currently on a medical disability for other medical problems I have, so I can rest. I can't remember how long it took to recover when I had the first surgery. I am getting so nervous. Kathy

3 Comments

It will be better...

by Swedeheart - 2008-04-01 02:04:58

Kathy,

I have not had a replacement "yet"... I am new to the pacemaker world of only 5 weeks. So, my advice and thoughts are only from what I have read here and elsewhere... I am no expert. However, from what I have read on replacement PMs isn't too scary.

Putting the replacement on the right side will be similar to your first surgery, although 8 years has brought many improvements and I imagine the PM will be a little smaller and do more for you. The left side will be sore to, so I would think you want to be sure you have help at home! Both arms are going to be sore for awhile. But, the left side can be "cleaned up" and will likely heal nicely with proper care. It should make you feel much better in the long run.

Speaking of recovery... boy, all the different things I have read... everyone is so different with their recovery. So much depends on other health issues (if any), age, etc. I am at 5 weeks and finally doing much better. Still sore a little at the pocket implant site, but I am no "spring chicken". It took me 2 to 3 weeks to really start to feel somewhat better, but I have difficulty sleeping and that has seriously hindered my progress.

You will have the luxury of not having to go through the emotional task of accepting that you now have a pacemaker... you have been living with it for 8 years, so that shouldn't be such a issue, I would think. You also sound like you have a lot of confidence in your surgeon. That is excellent! Allow them to do their job, take this time to rest and recouperate... read that good book you haven't had time to pick up, or watch your favorite programs on TV. If you have a partner, allow them to wait on you! :)

If you are really anxious, you might ask your doctor about anti-anxiety medication until the surgery is over... I did and it really helped me get thru it. I knew in advance I was going to have a new pacemaker and my mind went awol thinking of all sorts of horrible things that could happen!

Keep in touch with this great forum and group of folks here, they are supportive. Hopefully someone who actually has had this kind of change will post and let you know how it was. (There was a post yesterday or the day before about a migrating pacemaker and one gal said she had hers moved to a new position and all her pain and discomfort went away! A little different situation, but similar.)

Good luck on Thursday! Let us know how you are doing!

Swedeheart

pm replacement

by ZoieS - 2008-04-01 06:04:37

Hi Kathy,
My daughter Zoie had her pm put in 2001 at Columbia Pres. in NYC. She is going in August for a battery change and another lead. She was only 3 when she received her pm. This is the 2nd person I heard of having the pm placed on the right as oppose to the left. I am sorry to hear that you are having soo much trouble. I am curious to know who your cardiologist is. Her cardiologist/pe just left Columbia and opened a new heart center at Montefiore. I have to decide if I am going to follow him or stay at Columbia. Her other cardiologist and surgeon are still at Columbia. Perhaps, you could recommend your doctor. Her surgeon is Spotnitz, PE was Pass and cardiologist is Marans. Good luck with your surgery Thursday. I will keep you in my prayers.
Sharon

pm replacement

by kathy22 - 2008-04-02 08:04:37

Hi Sharon - My cardiologist is Martin Cohen at Cardiology Associates of Westchester - in Valhalla there is a heart center there for pediatrics and it is excellent!!!! Isn't Montefiore close to where you live? What hospital is he affiliated with? He may still be able to do surgery at Columbia. I had to have surgery for another medical problem about 3 years ago and the doctor who relocated did the surgery at Westchester Medical. He still had "rights" at the hospital. I would check to see if the surgeon can do surgery at Columbia. Keep in touch Kathy

Good luck to your daughter

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