what should i expect

hi everyone, iam a 47 yr old man ive had cardiomyopothy since birth and i also take metatropl 25 mgs a day like forever now . but last week i had a very scarry spell with fast heartbeat and chest pian sweating i thought it was a heart attack b ut my dr says no now i need a pacemaker they say , just wanted to know what should i except will my life change much ?

thanks for the help...

4 Comments

Welcome

by Vicki - 2007-08-25 08:08:09

If I can help you or if you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me. Since I am a relatively newbie, I don't have all the answers like a lot of people on here, but will be glad to help you in any way I can. vicster1234@hotmail.com

Vicki

thank you

by Aztec - 2007-08-25 08:08:33

thank you sooo much, that makes me feel better since im having it done on wed this comming week...

thanks again
chris

Hi Aztec

by Vicki - 2007-08-25 12:08:52

I will tell you my experience. Had my PM done on an emergency basis. Went to ER feeling strange and ended up in the hospital for 5 days. Had complete heart block. Since toprol lowers the pulse the docs wanted to make sure the drug wasn't the cause. After 3 days and still low pulse, they knew medication wasn't the problem and I had the PM inplanted.

Relatively easy procedure and only takes about 45 min to an hour. They give me some kind of happy juice..not general anesthesia..but something I think is called conscious sedation. Then they injected a numbing agent into the place where they were going to put the PM (under collar bone on the left side). I was awake but sort of in la la land and I had no pain or discomfort during the procedure. After done, they take you to a recovery area to check your vitals, etc. They gave me a sandwich and then I was sent back up to my room. Discharged the next day after the St. Jude rep came to check out the PM. Gave me a perscription for pain medication which I didn't need. So, the procedure for me was easy..hope the same is the case for you.

Your doctor will tell you about precautions to take after going home like not lifting your arm over your head for about a month and no lifting for the same period of time. After this, your life should return to normal. At least that's what I have heard. I still have a bit of anxiety about this thing but am slowly getting used to it. In fact hours go by now when I forget I have it. You don't feel it kick in nor does it make any sounds. When I went for my check up they told me that I was only pacing 1% of the time...meaning my heart was doing 99% of the work on it's own. But, everyone is different and things can change at any time. I am beginning to realized that I am fortunate to have this thing. No worries about passing out while driving or taking care of my grandchildren.

Good Luck!
Vicki

ok well its done

by Aztec - 2007-08-31 02:08:14

hello again , i just got home today from the hospital had the defib installed but it sure is sore ...lol not painful just sore... ill get back with you soon im trying to get some needed sleep the hospital had me up every hr....

thanks again
chris

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But I think it will make me feel a lot better. My stamina to walk is already better, even right after surgery. They had me walk all around the floor before they would release me. I did so without being exhausted and winded the way I had been.