PM surgery

Hi to all: Big day coming up on the 11th. Goingto have blood work today and Tues. will go to the cardio office for PT INR to see if I will need a 'belly shot' of Lovenox before surgery. The only thing I know is I will be wearing a sling for a week-- no driving for a few days and NO GOLF for a month. It,s going to be a Medtronic device with only one lead. I have Sick Sinus Syndrone. I fel great right now...... anyone out there in the same boat???? GER

4 Comments

Pacer for SSS

by golden_snitch - 2012-01-06 09:01:18

Hi!

Had my first pacer put in after complete sinus node ablation, and it was a single lead pacing only my right atrium. That's the best choice for patients like us, there is really no need for a dual chamber pacer.

If your sinus node is too slow, I'd ask the cardio about the rate response of the pacer. You'll probably need this feature a lot, so it better be good. Medtronic pacers have only one sensor for rate response, but there are pacers out there (from Boston Scientific and Sorin) that have two sensors. However, if your sinus node still responds well to exercise, the rate response doesn't matter that much. It's important when you get the pacer because of a slow sinus node causing chronotopic incompetence.

Regarding the sling... well, I can't tell you not do to what your doctor tells you to, BUT: I have had six pacer surgeries so far, including lead removal and putting in epicardial leads, and I was never told to wear a sling. A bit on the contrary, I have always been told to move my arm - just don't raise it above my head -, because all of my doctors were afraid of a "frozen shoulder". Did what my doctors said, and have never had any problems; the earlier I used my arm again, the sooner I was back to normal. Just sharing my experiences, you might want to ask your doctor about the sling again.

You said you are feeling great right now, but you surely have had symptoms before, right? Just asking because with an asymptomatic SSS, I'd get a second opinion before getting a pacer. I was nowhere near feeling great when I got my pacer, but nevertheless my doctors waited until I fulfilled all criteria for a pacer implant. I was 18 at that time.

Best wishes
Inga

I paddle that boat also

by donr - 2012-01-06 10:01:57

Take Warfarin - INR held at 2-3. When I needed surgery I gave myself the belly shots of Lovenox for 5 days prior to the procedure. while I came off the warfarin.

No big deal - diabetics do it all the time w/ insulin.

Something doesn't sound right w/ this. It takes a couple days for your INR to reduce to 1. I don't know how a singlr shot of lovenox can help you out - it disappears very fast - it's a 2X a day shot. Are you not teling the whole story?

I had to wear a sling - no big deal. It is more of a reminder about the elbow over the shoulder bit than anything else. Other than that, it was worthless!

The best to you.

Don

SSS

by Ger - 2012-01-09 08:01:21

Lee: I am also a 'newby'. Still learning the ropes...... Have been on warfarin for 6 years due to a stroke in '06....
Also had a TIA last Sept but recovered nicely. guess. LOVENOX is a blood thinner also given before operations. Pretty nervous about upcoming PM procedure on Wed........ GER

sss

by kat97 - 2012-01-09 08:01:27

I have SSS too. No pm yet but dr wants to. I currently have an implanted loop monitor. Been on site just a few days reading lots. What were your symptoms? Is the lovenox because your on blood thinners or something everyone gets be pm? Lee

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