Pacemaker recipients: Looking for support from others
I am coming on a year post op having a pacemaker placement for bradycardia. I would be interested in a support group with the same concerns. I think a support network would be so beneficial.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Pacemaker & ICDs Support Group.
I am new to this forum. Had an ICD placed in November 2020. It’s been huge adjusting to not only the new normal, but the side effects of all the drugs. I’m on metoprolol and amiodarone. The first few months were pretty rough, but things are gradually getting better. Some of your success stories give hope that life will return to somewhat of a normal..
Thank you so much for words of encouragement. It is still early in this whole process so I will try to keep my expectations low right now. I am using an ice bag right now to try and help with swelling. I have to go back to the doctor in a week for a wound check. The bandages were removed today and there are still a couple of small areas that need to heal.
@hilanjd Hi and a week it's still probably a bit early for there not to be some discomfort. I remember with my first placement they actually build a small pouch of sorts on the inside to place the pacemaker in kinda like a shirt pocket of sorts. Now mine was placed about 4 inches down from.the top of my shoulder and almost directly above my left breast now im a man and I don't know if it's different for the Ladies based on mammary glands but also it takes about 6 weeks to heal. I remember that the first 6 weeks I was told light duty, no lifting more that 10 lbs and not to raise my arms over my shoulders.
I do remember how painful it was the first couple of days especially when they did an ultrasound to verify the placement. The tech had to dig that probe into my shoulder and it was intensive for a few minutes. On.thinking they usually probably did that part while your still sedated but I was fully awake and felt everything. So I hope that helps and if it botheres you too much longer I would definitely give your doctors call.
Now one other thing ill mention is mine was also pretty large since it had a defibrillator also it probably measured 3 x 2 inches in dimensions so it would sometime itch a bit and I would kinda move it around a bit to scratch it. It wasn't constant but happened occasionally.
Have a Blessed Day
Dana
My pacemaker surgery was one week ago. This is my first experience and came as a surprise since I had no previous issues with my heart that I knew about. Turns out I have an electrical issue with my heart that is described as a heart block. I am concerned because the placement of the device seems to be sitting on my collarbone and makes it painful for me. Will the pain go away?
@cupcake1979 Hi I am wondering how its going? Its been a couple of months since the pacemaker surgery I prey the problems you are having are subsiding.
Have a Blessed Day
Dana
I believe the new batteries have extended the pace makers life. I have had mine 5 years and they tell me not to worry for another 10 years. I do have mine checked every 6 months
I think you are a very couragous person. I am a 90 yr old Korean Aidman veteran. I appreciate you!
Nancy /shortshot....... I had my first pacemaker in 208 sencond one december of328 Tjeu ;ast fpr 10 years. My doc is great and he keeeps me ticking. I have to transmit to hime every three months and if there is anythng out of order he calls me and I go in. So far nothing has be out ot order.
@danab ah, I understand. So thankful you were able to work with the pacemaker and then get the transplant.
@ala123 well in my case my heart got worse to the point that meds would not keep me under control and my pacemaker was having to give me shocks(mine had a difibulator) to often to regulate me so I ended up getting a Heart Transplant which also meant my pacemaker was not needed anymore. But don't let that worry you I have known many that lived a very long life with meds and pacemaker only. At first my pacemaker did very well and I had a very nice life with no issues. I did have a couple of ablations also but towards the end they were not helping and that's when I was evaluated for a Heart transplant. But I still am thankful for the additional year's I had working with the pacemaker and got me to a point where I could retire since my old work I could not still do with a transplant.