Need Some help to ease my nerves for surgery on thurs.

Well Hello my fellow pacers.
Today my Cardio docs nurse called to check on me, to bascially see how I am doing and if I had any questions. So I took the time to ask her if she knew what type of PM I was receiving this thursday. She stated that I would be receiving a Medtronic Dual Chamber Sigma DR. That it has Rate Response in it so I can cont to do the things I love. So I'm like ok, and she stated that I must use the Surgical scrub to bath before bed and once I wake up the day before surgery. So I get off the phone with her and I grab the laptop to talk to you guys.
So question No.1: Does any one have this Sigma-DR by medtronic and is it as good as she says?
No.2: Did anyone else doc recommend this surgial scrub?
I must say, when it comes to surgeries, I'm not normally scared untill I am on the Table, But this one has my nerves so messed up that I can't eat. lol... Seriously, Can I get some happy thoughts about having this pacemaker, I know it'll be our lifeline but I would like to know how your pacemaker makes you happy. I know it sounds stupid but I just needs some happy thoughts to ease the nerves.. Hope all is well with you all.
Charleene.

7 Comments

re need help

by Dave49042 - 2008-06-23 08:06:18

Hi,
I recieved my last duel chamber pacer about 2 years ago. It was the 14th pacer I have had implanted since I was 19 years old. I was told in 1971 if I didnt get the surgery I would never see 25 years old . I will be 56 in July and have raised 3 children and have 8 grandchilden.
I have always had Medtronic pacers and have had fantasic success. I would suguest to do whatever your doc recomends. My last pacer I went in at 8am, surgery was at 10am and I went home at 2pm and had supper at six.
Relax because after you get home and have all that energy you have been missing you will be very happy.
Dave

Hi Charleene

by Pookie - 2008-06-23 09:06:45

Welcome!!

I too have a Medtronic Pacemaker (Enpulse DR) since April of 2005. I have it because of Bradycardia.

I have the Rate Response feature, which is on "medium" as I am not that active. I also have mine set to go down to 45 beats per minute from midnight to 6am and it then goes back to 60 beats per minute for the rest of the day...some doctors do this, some do not. It does save on the battery is what I've been told.

I pace 27% of the time in the upper chamber and less than 1% in the ventricle lead. I have between 6.5 - 8.5 years left with this pacemaker according to my last check.

I've never heard of a surgical scrub but it sure does sound like a good idea!

Have you looked at the Medtronic Website:

www.medtronic.com

I had about a week or so to think about my upcoming surgery and overthought it, but that certainly is just part of being human. Funny how our stomachs are the first to "go"...not fun.!!

Just remember one thing: you have found a very special website and we are all here to support you.

As far as my pacemaker making me "happy" ... I don't know if I would apply the word "happy" but I certainly am glad I have one as I think of it as my backup generator as my heart will not be able to go down into the low 30s any more.

Keep us posted on how you are doing!

Pookie

Scrub

by janetinak - 2008-06-24 04:06:09

Hi & welcome to the club,

I had the scrubs before my Total knee Replacements & I think it is a good idea. Also can't hurt. I was so nervous before my 1st PM insertion ( had 2 now) I don't remember doing anything but a shower. But if my EP told me to stand on my head I would, hah.

I hope you have as good a results as I have had & everything goes well.

Let us know,

Janet

Another Sigma User !!

by johng - 2008-06-24 04:06:30

Charleene,
I had a Medtronic Sigma model fitted two years ago.
The PM. has worked perfectly since day one.
It did need a bit of re-adjustment from the "Factory settings".
I have since had the 'rate response' turned off.

The Medtronic technical people are great to deal with.
They have been very tolerant of my many questions. I was worried about the possible side effects of having this piece of hardware in my chest.
The PM. is the least of my worries today, (What with global warming and all that).

I hope your experience will be as positive as mine is.
Lots of luck with the surgery,
Johng

Pre-Surg Scrub

by richan - 2008-06-24 07:06:10

Hi Charleene,
Sounds like a great idea. They scrubbed me when I was on the table. I'm guessing that they will scrub you at that time, too.
Hope things go well for you.

Richan

Me too!

by locobill22 - 2008-06-24 10:06:44

Hi Charleene,

I am also going in Thursday afternoon for an ICD implant. I am not too nervous about the procedure (since I will be knocked out) , but rather, the recovery.

I have heard the precautions about lifting objects, raising arms, etc, but I wonder how you tell if you screw up and pull out the leads on an ICD or pacemaker? Supposedly, they screw the leads in and you have to wait a month for the heart to scar over them.

Good luck to you on Thursday.

Bill

???

by bambi - 2008-06-24 12:06:33

Hi Charleene,
What is this surgical scrub? I never heard of it. You will most likely be surprised at how easy this surgery is to get through! There is minimal pain, and you will be carefully monitored. They usually give you some sedation to keep you calm, so just try to relax and know that you are in good hands!
Bambi

You know you're wired when...

You always have something close to your heart.

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