Day 28 -- Pacemaker reburial

So, I've just got back from the hospital where they 'reburied' my pacemaker (their term) -- i.e. relocated it to a new pocket closer to the medial line than the one from which in went a-wandering 16 days ago. Some wound pain, as I would expect, and another 7 days of driving/showering restrictions, plus they're a little worried about infection from re-opening the original wound, but I was firm with the consultant (who asked 'are you really really sure)' that I wasn't going to live with pain and numbness in my shoulder and arm and hand forever.

It was the same team who did the work that implanted the pacemaker originally-- they remembered me, and remembered how there had been problems with sedation and painkiller, so did something different this time (don't know what) that worked reallly well.  I also asked them to talk to me throughout the procedure explaining what they were doing, and that was really helpful as well.

A much better experience all round. Just need to watch out for infection now -- they did give me intravenous antibiotics before the procedure -- and if all goes well it won't affect the timetable for the AV node ablation.

2 Comments

Good to hear from you

by Gotrhythm - 2018-10-03 16:01:08

Pinch a nerve for long enough and it can be permanently damaged. You wind up with a crippled hand, that no amount of therapy will bring back. Without question, I would have made the choice you did.

Glad to hear this surgery went well and you had a team willing and able to learn from past experience.  Thanks for letting us know how you are doing.

 

 

 

 

Great news!

by AgentX86 - 2018-10-03 22:51:18

It really is good to hear from you, Atiras.  I'm glad it's working out better this time and make sure you stick around and give us updates.  It's good to hear it when problems are fixed.

You know you're wired when...

You have a little piece of high-tech in your chest.

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