Most Recent Messages in Surgery & Recovery

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Subpectoral or Subdurmal

Okay so my EP called and wants to move my device from being under the skin to under the muscle. I need some insight to the pros and cons to having it moved. Other than the normal surgery risk.

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shocking

I have atrial fibrillation diagnosed 11/2010. I had my pacemaker placed on 2/13/12 due to brady/tachy syndrome. Surgery went well but have been having lots of irregular beats since then, mostly PVC's. I figured it was in response to the trauma the heart goes thru having the leads placed. Potassium was 3.3 pre-op so have upped my potassium in my diet and things calmed down some. Now I've also noticed what feels like little shocks right at the pacemaker site. Is this in my mind or has anyone...

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Pain

I just had a pacemaker and defib put in on March 6, I had 3 leads put in my last pacemaker/defib and 3 leads were put in July 2009. My questions to others out there:  did you have more pain second time around? The surgery was really painful this time last time.  I didn’t remember this much pain, it hurts to move my neck and left arm.  I was in hospital overnite but didn’t have much pain.  I was just sitting tonight and the pain has been really...

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New here Two weeks post op

Hi - I just joined the site - I am 2 weeks post op and the steri strips are still one - will see Dr. on Monday - do they take the strips off or do I have to let them come off on their own - its irritating my skin lol - my pain is gone - some soreness left - can sleep on left side or right - feeling it there is a little weird - I don't like that much lol but otherwise I am doing good. I notice that the incision site is like a ridge - I hope that goes down eventually. any advice appreciated!

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Details they... left out

Two weeks ago, Wed Feb 15, I had my pacemaker implanted (or installed)- I was on my way to a fab recovery- cooking with gas with a trip planned to Israel- Well- found out on Monday that one of my lower leads was not where it should be, which explains that why every time I laughed I was getting some electrical stim ( and I like to laugh) so I got a lot of stimulations. Needless to say, trip was cancelled and I went in for a lead revision this past Tuesday. So now I am right back to square one o...

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Nervous about surgery to move PM

I have asked a question similar to this, but now I have a surgery scheduled to move my PM next week. My cardiologist thinks my PM is too close to my shoulder. When I raise my arm overhead or to the side, the PM juts out at my armpit and I have somewhat limited range of motion with my arm. Just got my PM in November, I am in my 40’s and don’t have anyone to ask about what is "normal" position for PM. The doctor wants to move PM away from my arm a bit, but needless to say...

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Not quite a month of pacing

Hello group. I am a 50 year old female newbie to the pacing world. I received my pacemaker on the day that I had planned to wear red to the office to mark National Heart Health Day. Instead I wore a red shirt over my hospital gown.

I'm curious to hear from anyone else that experienced or experiences a tapping or slight pounding in your right breast area after receiving a pacemaker. It usually happens when I have just gotten up to visit the facilities during the night or if I am start...

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vasovagal syncope

I'm new to this site but from reading posts feel like the insight from people with experience would be enlightening. Does anyone have experience with getting a pacemaker to correct drops in heart rate during syncope episodes? I've had 6 or so syncope episodes over the past 10 years or so. The concern is the amount of time my heart rate and BP stay dangerously low (11 seconds last time). My doctor says I need a pacemaker. Does anyone know of other treatments for this? I'm not sure at 53 ye...

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Feeling pulses in chest

I just got my pacemaker 2 weeks ago. I've noticed that occassionally when I'm in bed lying on my stomach and exhaling I can feel the PM pulses in my chest.There is no pain associated with this. I also noticed that the PM pulse and heartbeat are in sync with a slight delay between the pulse and the heartbeat which I would expect if the PM is working. Is this normal or indicative of a displaced lead. I have the Medtronic Adapta 2 lead PM.

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Pacemaker

Hi im 49 year old female and had a pacemaker on January 20 and it is stll very sore i dont like the feeling.

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Swelling between Clavicle and Scapula

I had a pacemaker implanted 6 days ago. I started running a low grade fever on Sunday and had severe pain in the left rib cage. Was advised to go to the ER, diagnosed with pleural effusion, sent home with pain meds for 3 days. Yesterday,during the afternoon, I developed neck pain Left sided and noticed a distinctive bulge between my clavicle and scapula, and extending up the side of my neck.
How much of this is normal postop events? My heart doctor referred me to my Infectious Disease M...

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Should I get ablation after a PM

This is a fantastic site with a lot of collective wisdom which I need in order to make a decision. I am 66 years old have had a-fib since mid 2008. With 4 cardioversions and medication (150 mg flecanide twice a day) the longest I was in sinus was about 16 months, the shortest about 4 weeks. I was also diagnosed with sick sinus syndrom (could not get my HR above about 105-110 bpm during excercise). I had a PM implanted last August and another cardioversion in October and seemed to be okay for...

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Pre-Op Appointment

Hi, I hope this encourages anyone having pacemaker replacement surgery. I'm on my third pacemaker, first was implanted in 1991. Replacement in 2004. I had my second pacemaker replacement surgery outpatient on 2/21/12. I had an appointment with my surgeon on 2/27/12. He was at a conference, but I saw a pacemaker nurse/tech/specialist. She tested the new one and said it would last about ten years. She took off the bandage, which was gauze held in place with clear tape. I'm healing up nicel...

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5 days since surgery

Hi everyone,

Had my pacemaker put in last week Wednesday, pain wise things have gone pretty well. The only thing that I'm a bit concerned about is I'm having dizzy spells and feeling very tired. Should I go see the PM technician to have the settings adjusted or should I wait longer?

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Tired still.

I had my pacemaker installed about 2 weeks ago after a sudden onset of bradycardia (pulse at 40). Strange, because I'd recently had a stress test that was just fine, and my pulse over the years has always been in the 60s. I was told that my severe fatigue was probably due to my low heartrate and the pacemaker would relieve this. However, I'm still very very tired and have to take naps several times during the day. I do have other issues, such as chronic nerve pain due to malpractice 15 years...

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Jumpy Dog 1 week past implant

Hi Everyone,

My Dear Old Dad is planning on watching my 40 lb, knee height wheaton terrier 1 week after he has his pacemaker/defib replaced.

My dad and my dog love each other, but my dog is a real jumper. Everytime he sees my 80 year old father he jumps on him. Everytime my dad sits down, he jumps on the couch next to him to be petted.

My dad says, no worries, it won't be a problem, he just can't lift anything. But I am very worried about his new leads being y...

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PM Advice for Women?

I've read about a gazillion posts the last few weeks in preparation for my upcoming PM surgery. Awhile ago I read a comment from a woman who said she wanted to write up a sheet of info focused on advise for women getting pacemakers (tips for sleeping, getting dressed, wearing bra's etc.)

I can't remember who it was, but I'd surely love that list...or just some general female tips before surgery!



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NEW PM

Hi all. I just had a pm surgery,Febuary 17th for very low bp and I also have arrythmia but the meds lower my bp, so I got the surgery and are back on the arrythmia meds, I am feeling okay just this pressure(not all the time) on my chest. Saw dr. yesterday to have stitches removed and she said it just anxiety from all my problems etc. etc. (I had been in bad shape for 6 months) Otherwise I am okay a bit of pain in the incision, will go back to work next tuesday, after 10 days rest(I work easy off...

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2 days post surgery

Its been 2 days since I had my pacemaker implantation. I feel like things are great as far as the pacemaker goes. Dr said the pm started working immediately when he connected it. However, 2 days later my right shoulder/chest is KILLING me to the point that I can't get a deep breath. I called to Cardio post op nurse and she said it could be pinched nerve. Others say it could be gas!! I've certainly never had a gas pain so severe! Anybody ever experienced that.
Thanks
CJ

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Pacemaker Replacement A Breeze

Hi, I just wanted to reassure anyone who is having pacemaker replacement surgery. I'm a 64-year old woman. I've had a pacemaker since 1991. It was implanted because I have a rapid heartbeat, and the medication I take to slow my heart down could possibly slow it down too much. So the pacemaker was implanted in Sept. 1991. The first surgery wasn't bad, pacemaker & leads, overnight in hospital. Replacement in Jan. 2004 was a snap, outpatient surgery, was in hospital a few hours. Just had anot...

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