pacemaker and sedation

[Freestork]

hello I’m due to have a pacemaker fitted in 2 weeks time and am very nervous. I suffer with anxiety and it’s bad at the moment. I have asked about having sedation to help, has anyone here had this before having a pacemaker? Thanks

[Wodney1966]

First time I was sedated when I had my icd fitted but 2nd time they just numbed it all n I was awake

[Minogue in reply to Wodney1966]

hi I had a pacemaker fitted in 2016 following cardiac arrest /heart block. Was sedated and half aware . I felt virtually nothing . Staff were fantastic . Site was sore for a while so took painkillers . Now take medication . Best thing that ever happened. I have not been readmitted to A and E since hope this helps

[Freestork in reply to Minogue]

Thanks for your reply Minogue. It does help. I’m so so scared. I had a loop recorder fitted in June and had a sincope episode during the fitting. The doctor doing it had to stop. I then had to be monitored for a couple of hours and a consultant then did the fitting. The whole episode really frightened me. The same consultant is fitting the pacemaker.

[Freestork in reply to Wodney1966]

Thanks Wodney, I can’t bare the thought of being awake the whole process terrifies me sending my anxiety through the roof.

[Wodney1966 in reply to Freestork]

Your awake but it's just like having 10 whiskys you don't feel anything just feel a bit of tugging but no pain lol

[Freestork in reply to Wodney1966]

Thank you

[Crystal614]

When I had my pacemaker fitted I was given a tiny dose of something to take the edge off having it done. To be honest I didn't need it. The area is numbed so I didn't feel anything. The staff were lovely. Sore after the local anaesthetic wore off. But by morning I was ok.

[Freestork in reply to Crystal614]

Thank you Crystal. I’m so so frightened my nerves are getting the better of me, I really need to be asleep

[Crystal614 in reply to Freestork]

Speak to them when you have the opportunity and tell them how frightened you are and ask for some sedation. See what they can come up with.

[Freestork in reply to Crystal614]

Thanks. I have spoken to the team and they say they will let the consultant know and he should prescribe a light sedation. I’m concerned this won’t be enough though

[Crystal614 in reply to Freestork]

You will be able to discuss it further on the day.

[nilmonisikdar40]

Hi Freestork, I can understand your anxiet y but you need reassurance. I had my first pacemaker fitted at St Thomas Hospital in Feb.2000 . I requred light sedation and local anaesthetic and I came home pretty pleased after the procdure. The technology has vastly improved since then. I hope that would reassure you. Regards.

[Freestork in reply to nilmonisikdar40]

Thank you so much I appreciate that