Pacemaker Implant

Hello friends. I'm new here. Guessing I really am searching for some support. Pacemaker implant happened 13 days ago. Surgery was painful. I still have painful itching and soreness from the procedure. How long will this last? I used to be so vibrant and active. Am 69 and feeling like maybe I made a mistake. Any encouragement would be much appreciated. 


4 Comments

Welcome aboard!

by Lavender - 2024-10-28 17:06:28

You didn't make a mistake!! Itching means healing! You are on your way to a vibrant life once more! It takes time. Be patient with your body as you go through this process. There are various degrees of pain-some have little to none, some have much more. I was somewhat in the middle. It won't last forever! 

All kinds of sensations can happen from sore muscles, a strained neck, a painful arm, "ant bite" feelings as the nerves heal and regrow.  Let those dogs lie with you but be careful not to let them bump your booboo or pull your arm with a leash. Love dogs!! 
I didn't feel completely comfortable for months, but I did recover and am very active!

I have a Boston Sci CRT-P, implanted over three years ago. It took my mind more time to settle down than my body. I wrestled with anxiety and feeling old and defeated. I tucked in my tail and curled up a while. 

Ice helped the most! Try a soft ice pack over a light towel near your device. Twenty minutes on, twenty off. Tylenol 650mg every four hours was what I was told to take, but only took it a day or so. Put on your favorite music whether it be spa like or your old high school tunes to feel 17 again!

You are on the first baby steps of your new and improved self! Temporary inconvenience for permanent improvement as the old road signs said!

May God send a soft healing breath of encouragement and peace your way. ❤️‍🩹🌺

Mistake?

by Good Dog - 2024-10-28 20:57:47

I just want to assure you that you did not make a mistake. Those troublesome feelings you have now will subside and you will likely go on to live your life as you would have before the pacemaker. These devices are bullet-proof and aside from some minor adjustments and occasional checks, you will soon forget that you have it. I am not kidding. The only time I ever remember that I have this device is when I have to go to the Doc or send a remote transmission. I have had my PM for 38 years and I take no medication and live a pretty darn normal life. Unfortunately, not as exciting as I would like, but I am always open to that possibility.

As others here often say; pacemakers are enablers, not disablers. You found a great place to bounce questions off of others or just get some support that you may be in need of. I hope you stick around. There will come a time when you can help others here. You are still a young 69 years old, so you have a lot of good years ahead!

I wish you the very best!

Sincerely,

Dave

Also

by Lavender - 2024-10-29 08:31:17

Sharing some words posted on another thread by one of our former medical professionals. Keep in mind that you did the right thing on getting your pacemaker!

Prognosis of untreated complete heart block

by Selwyn - 2024-10-28 11:33:36

Hello RLFS,

Complete heart block can be fatal. 

( see Acta Med Scand
. 1976;200(6):457-63.
Prognosis of patients with complete heart block or arrhythmic syncope who were not treated with artificial pacemakers. A long-term follow-up study of 101 patients) . 68% survival in 12 months. 37% in 5 years.

Personally, I did CPR on someone who arrested in front of me ( actually I was phoning for an ambulance when her husband screamed)  with complete heart block. She survived to get a pacemaker, and myself a bottle of wine.

You don't say how long the heart block lasts for. A long time has more risk than a few seconds. 

My pacemaker was fitted for asystole ( Heart stop) lasting 12 seconds ONLY at night. I never had any symptoms.  I carried my own defibrillator around until I had my pacemaker fitted - all of 2 days after getting the report. 

Death carries a 100% mortality. A pacemaker is almost 100% survival.

 

Early days

by Gotrhythm - 2024-10-30 15:42:25

People vary greatly in how quickly they heal and bounce back. Soreness etc after implant doesn't sound extreme to me--although I know you wish it was over and done with!

The itching is a sign of healing. It happens when all the tiny little nerves that were disturbed by your procedure try to get themselves reorganized. Give it time. They will eventually get themselves sorted out. In the meantime, cool compresses (if the incision is completely closed) can help to calm things down.

For soreness, do make sure that you don't restrict movement of your shoulder and arm. Joints are intended to move! If you restrict movement, the area will actually hurt more. You're probably not ready for any calisthenics yet but do you use your shoulder and arm as you would naturally.

Beleive it or not, the day will come when you forget you have a pacemaker and you'll only know you forgot is because you suddenly remember, oh! I have a pacemaker!

It's early days, my friend. Mental attitude matters. This too will pass. Get out of the house, go be with friends or do something you love-- secure in the knowledge that with the pacemaker you will be able to enjoy them for many years to come.

 

You know you're wired when...

You can finally prove that you have a heart.

Member Quotes

My pacemaker is the best thing that every happened to me, had I not got it I would not be here today.