I Need Your Input About Pacemakers

[Phyllis Jean]

I am having pacemaker surgery on Jan 2, 2007. I have a lot of questions, but too many to ask here. I would appreciate any information you can give me, especially those who already have had this surgery. What was the surgery like? How long does the pain last? Does it take a long time to regulate the Coumadin? I already have a mechanical Aortic valve. Anything you can tell me would be greatly appreciated. My surgeon was informative, but I would like to hear from those who have actually been through it.

 

[Nan]

Hi Phyllis Jean,

I had a pacemaker inserted in May '03 (or '02, but I think "03).

The surgery is no big deal. They gave me what is called "conscious sedation" which means that you don't need to be intubated....but you are "out". I went under so fast that I didn't even know it. The next thing I knew I was sitting up in the OR and the nurse was asking me if Iwanted some tea, which I did. So I sat there drinking a cup of tea. And then two friends who were there were allowed to come in, so we all just were there chatting. There was no pain.

The only inconvenience was that I was told not to move my arms around a great deal, especially over my head, or to twist my torso a lot. This was to give the leads time to imbed into the heart tissue so that they don't come loose.

I don't recall having any issues with coumadin after the pacemaker.

If you have any specific questions, just give me a shout and I'll try to answer them.

Good luck,

 

[marky]

I had a defibrillator implanted a little over 2 years ago. It is bigger than a pacemaker, but basically the same type of proceedure.

I dont' remember a thing.. really I slept the entire day (they give you verced)..and for me since I can't use narcotics, they gave me some valium to keep me more relaxed..
the next day I was pretty sore, but like I said it is bigger than a pacemaker..
no lifting my arms above my head for a few days.. and that was about it. They called it 23 hour stay.
I had it done about 8am, and went home the following morning.

I dont' take Coumadin..so no help there.

feel free to pm if you have more questions.

 

[Barbara Stewart]

I had a pacemaker implalnted on Halloween and the surgery was really no big deal. The other responses cover it well. I don't take Coumadin, so that was no big deal. I have had some emotional fallout for some reason. It's been an adjustment for me and I'm still working it out for myself.

Let us know how it goes.
Barbara

 

[901]

I had a pacer installed a year ago last August. As far as i know, there are no rat poison (coumadin) issues with the pacer. I'm on Warfarin for the valves. When it was inserted they gave me valium. The nurses told me that I babbled incoherently during the procedure. The room where they installed it was freezing because everyone except me was dressed in lead vests and chaps. They took blankets from an oven and covered me and i was warm as toast!The area was tender for awhile and they told me not to raise my left arm above my shoulder for a month afterward. That was the hardest part! Have you ever tried putting on a T-shirt w/o raising your arm above your shoulder? How about reaching for a glass or a plate in the cupboard?
I don't recall pain except when a nurse pinched my shoulder to see if she could feel it about a week after installation. OUCH!!!

 

[lynn]

I have to have one *installed* as soon as this stupid temp goes away, so this thread is interesting for me also!

Are pacers put in just to keep the HR from going too low? See how much I've read up on them....I'm still trying to get my back and shoulder muscles to be nice!

 

[Barbara Stewart]

Lynn,
I was told that a pacer is for low heart rate (bradycardia). They can use medicine to lower a heart rate, beta blockers, for instance, but a pacer is all that can be done for low hr. Mine is currently set at 80 bpm. I'm not sure what the upper end is because it just isn't going to be an issue.
Someone, don't remember who, told me about another website for people with pacers. It's web address is "pacemakerclub.com". There is a lot of information there and the people seem very nice. The format is a little different, but it's not difficult to master (I can do it so anyone can ).
Merry Christmas, Barbara

 

[DebNord]

Pacemaker

Pacemaker

Hello! I used to be a member here but we moved and I lost all my info so today I re-registered. I had a pacer implanted in 03. I was awake, and on relaxers, it was really cold in the room, which combined with my anxiety, I almost fell off the table shaking. LOL But other than that, I really was not in any pain. I was off work about a month as I was not allowed to drive for a while. The biggest thing I had to get over was emotional or mental. I went through a depression for some reason for a while. Good luck with your surgery!

Debbi