All Systems Go

Had my Pre-op this morning for my Pacemaker Box/Batteries replacement. It went well enough, my bloods including INR were fine, although there was concern over ongoing breathlessness and the extent of fluid retention in my lungs and chest cavity. Anyway, the Cardio-surgeon rang back this afternoon to tell me it's all systems go for tomorrow morning (13th).

They've decided to sedate me in case I start coughing or fidget in panic when the old PM is removed, although it'll only be for a short while, I'd be back in Complete Heart Block mode when it is. Can't argue with the reasoning for wanting me as still as possible.

It's been 10years since I was last opened up, so I'm a bit out of practice, but, this should be the most straightforward of ops to date, lucky No.7. Big plus this time is that the heart will be untouched unless the wiring is found to be an issue, but, its relatively new in the context of its age. We'll leave messing around with the heart for the next op....

Hopefully the wound will heal quickly enough (it has in the past) and I can be back driving in the next couple of weeks.

Weird pre-op as BP was 127/77 which is far from the norm for me, as my diastolic is usually 50 at most. Probably back to normal tomorrow.

Also had a second pre-op this morning for an Endoscopy Camera Capsule, really looking foward to the prep for that when the appt comes through.

Next up will be the Respiratory Consultant later in the month re- the fluid as I seem to be having trouble shifting it from my chest. Never a dull day.

[BeKind28-]

Hello

Really pleased to hear finally things are moving for you

I am sure everything will be alright and look forward to your updates x

[Hidden in reply to BeKind28-]

Thank you

[BeKind28- in reply to Hidden]

x

[Weetabixie]

Hello Heedio61, wishing all the best with the procedure tomorrow 🤞, hoping all goes well

[Hidden in reply to Weetabixie]

Thank you

[Classof1988]

Praying for it to go well this afternoon and that it will be a straightforward battery replacement. Will be interesting to hear how it goes as I am still on my first battery.

[Skertchly in reply to Classof1988]

I don’t think they replace batteries. You’ll get a new pacemaker.

[Hidden in reply to Classof1988]

Hi, Thanks for your reply.

It did go well. I've been opened up twice for a PM or the wiring changed, but this is a different ball game in comparison. I was in theatre for about 75mins which included setting up etc. The only concern was whether or not they would pick up my natural heart rtyhmn on the monitors, which they did eventually so I was trundling along at about 33bpm for a short while. Local anaesthetic along with some sedation meant I didn't feel a thing. I spent my time talking with them throughout so time passed quickly enough.

They call it a box/battery change, but, in reality its a new Pacemaker. As I was having a direct replacement, nothing fancy, it was literally a case of out with the old, swap wiring over to the new and re-insert into the existing muscle pocket. Wiring was fine, so no concerns there. Back to the ward for about 3 hours then the Pacemaker Tech set me up properly, so I'm at 60bpm and 100% pacing again.

Unlike a first time PM and associated wiring, post-op is more straightforward. I have full movement of my arm and shoulder, so putting clothes isn't an issue, can shower as long as I keep the wound dry. Basically don't do anything stupid that will open up the wound, especially with being on Warfarin. No problem sleeping anyway I wanted last night and I can drive again next Tuesday.

Hope this helps

[Yumz199725]

Hi wish you all the best with your procedure xx 😘

[Hidden in reply to Yumz199725]

Thank you Yumz.

[Qualipop]

Hope all goes well tomorrow. It should be fairly straightforward. I'm intrigued by the endoscopy capsule. Is that one that you swallow then they wait for it to come out the other end? Sounds far better than having the tube down but best of luck with the prep. I struggled to even get to the hospital the morning after. It was still working.

[Hidden in reply to Qualipop]

Hi Qualipop, Thanks for the reply.

The Endoscopy Capsule is more or less as you think, other than I have a belt device on for 24hours that records the camera images. The body rids itself of the capsule at some point after that, although when is anyones guess.

I've had three colonoscopies and two endoscopies over the past 2years, but, all as an in-patient so this is my first prep at home. This is the second capsule in that time, hopefully it doesn't pick up anything up untoward. I'm surprised they don't use them more often, as they go through the lower stomach, which neither a colonoscopy or endoscopy can reach.

[Qualipop in reply to Hidden]

As I guessed; far better than the alternatives. Thanks.

[Hidden]

Thank you, it did indeed go well.