One Week Pre-Pacemaker

Greetings: 

I'm one week away from receiving my first pacemaker.  So glad I found this website - now I don't have to go through this alone.  

Quick history- Hodgkins Disease in 1993 with chemo and radiation.  Heart attack in 2015 with stints.  Double bypass and double valve replacement to mechanical values in 2017 followed by conitinued cocktail of warfarin, diltizem, metapropal, and digoxin.  Now I've been diagnosed with 3rd degree heart block (3 episodes during a 2 week monitor) and an appointment has been set to insert a pacemaker.  

I've faced enough over time that another surgery doesn't bother me.  I'm just frustrated that it's another permanent device and I have no idea how I'm going to feel aftewards and going forwards.  I'm hopeful this is a full step forward and not two steps back.  Planning to spend the next week doing all the research I can.   

3 Comments

Two steps forward

by AgentX86 - 2021-02-09 21:24:15

It's impossible to tell how you will do after before you have the pacemaker.  Much depends on your other issues and exactly what is holding you back.  It looks like your electrical problem is "just'" and intermittent heart block so the pacemaker will make your life normal over those "intermittent" times.

It's unclear why you're taking the drugs but these look like you have an arrhythmia, as well.  A pacemaker can only make a heart go faster so it's unlikely that it will help any arhythmias. 

Wishing you luck!

by AnnaFerris - 2021-02-11 02:28:01

I had my AV Junction ablation and I'm permanently paced since February 1, 2021.  I was having some serious issues and had about given up. It took me a while to come to terms mentally with the fact that I would be dependent on this device the rest of my life.  I put it off as long as I could but I got my mind there eventually.  Those who have the time to think about it and process it are fortunate.  I've been through a couple bouts with cancer also and this was much easier.

I'm so glad I moved forward with the surgery.   I can already tell that it is helping me (mental alertness is back, greatly reduced edema and reduced pain in my legs, no blacking out, etc.)  and I'm off all my heart drugs except Eliquis.  Everyone is different with different issues but having a heart that beats regularly and pumps blood to the extremities and brain efficiently is really wonderful.  I'm feeling hope for the first time in a long time and my fervent wish is that the operation will be a great sucess for you.  

For a trooper like you who has been through so much, this surgery will seem very easy.  I was a little apprehensive about being awake during surgery but there was no pain or discomfort for me (fentanyl and versed are amazing!).  I even remember our conversation during the surgery about the super bowl! 

I was so surprised that  I didn't even need a tylenol after surgery or at home. There was a little aching and itching for the first week but nothing to get too excited about.  I also have a very mild swelling (hematoma) at the pocket site but it isn't really bothering me and nurse says it will resolve with ice packs.   I hope your procedure goes as smoothly and that you heal quickly! 

Wishing you the best!

 

 

Having a pacemaker

by Selwyn - 2021-02-11 06:21:58

There are over 1 million people with pacemakers world wide.

The doctor fitting your pacemaker probably does more in a day than he or she has lunch.

The vast majority of pacemaker recipients have improved quality of life.

My Mother had a pacemaker, my mother-in-law has a pacemaker, I've got a pacemaker.

Join the club, you are not alone. 

The only problem with this club is that we collect problems!

A 10 year analysis shows a complication rate of 1.4% for first unit placements and elective replacements.  That gives you a 98.6% chance of a perfect outcome.

( ref: https://heart.bmj.com/content/80/3/240 ).

These are acceptable odds!

Given your previous medical history, this procedure will be a 'walk in the park'.

You know you're wired when...

Titanium is your favorite metal.

Member Quotes

The experience of having a couple of lengths of wire fed into your heart muscle and an electronic 'box' tucked under the skin is not an insignificant event, but you will survive.