pacemakers

sorry forgot to say that i was writting for my dad. please those who have pacemakers just let us know how it was.

[bluegenie2003]

I'm 27 now, and I had my pacemaker implanted in 2002.  Its not a bad surgery, I was awake for mine.   They gave me some medication to help me relax, and a local anesthesia.  I could feel some pressure and stuff while they were actually doing the implant, but it wasn't painful.  I stayed overnight one night in the hospital, and then was released the next evening.  Recovery was fine...my incision was a little sore and tender, but nothing I couldn't handle. The most difficult part about recovery was not being allowed to lift my arm over my head for several weeks! (I can't remember anymore exactly how long it was for).  

I don't think I have the same condition as your dad.  I was IST, but the reason for the implant was that after a catheter ablation, my heart rate was extremely slow (around 30 bpm) and in a junctional rhythm.  I was in and out of the hospital for over 3 weeks before they figured out what was wrong.  In those three weeks, I couldn't even sit up, because I was so sick and nauseaus (sp?) and especially becuase I had the worst migraine ever because of the junctional rhythm.  However, 2 hours after the surgery, I felt like a new person!  So, for me, it was the best procedure I've ever had done.

I haven't had to change my lifestyle much after the implant, mainly just being aware that I have it.  I do cause my cardiologist to go into shock every once in awhile when I ask him if I can do certain things (horseback riding, whitewater rafting, etc) because he doesn't have many patients my age with pacers!

[Jerry_NJ]

So, what answers do you get about strenuous physical activities?  Does the pacemaker adjust speeds when you need a higher heart rate?

Yes, you are very young for such a "hit", happy to see you are handling it so well.

Best,
Jerry

[petc3]

thank you for your answer. it's true that you are quite young me that's why i'm a bit worried as my dad is 71 years old and was someone who loved work and now finds himself in bed almost everyday. but now according to what you said i'm not as worried as before. thanks again and all the best.

[bluegenie2003]

I usually get a shocked expression, and honestly I get told I can't do some of the things I would like to do. However, its not the strenuous physical activity, its that they are all contact sports (getting thrown or kicked by a horse, hit in the chest by the paddle during white water rafting, etc).  My pacemaker does adjust with exercise, so I'm able to do anything that is not a contact sport.

[banglamom]

Sometimes I worry a bit about that.  Having little kids is a bit of a contact sport.  I often wonder if any damage will be done.  I don't think the pacer wires will come loose, but if where the pacer wires thread into vessels were traumatized... would it cause a bleed?  I can do most things to... except that having an overall baad heart problem limits it way more than the pacemaker aspect.  It sounds like you, like me, consider your pacemaker a real plus.  I'm glad that you are happy with it too.