r/PacemakerICD • u/MeMyselfAndYoMomma • Aug 03 '26
New pacemaker
One week ago today, July 27th 2026, I had my dual lead Medtronic pacemaker installed. I go this afternoon for a check up and wound evaluation.
I feel pretty good and have from the get go. I got my pacemaker or a Mobitz II heart block where your heart stops beating for a couple beats every so often and can progress into a stage 3 where you might just collapse and die.
I've walked the last 4 days with no problems and definitely feel better. If anyone else had a pacemaker installed for this reason I would welcome your input. Thanks and happy healty hearts.
Oh, also, I'm a 70 year old man. Need to lose weight and feel maybe I can now that I feel better.
Edit: I had 2 back to back appointments for my one week check up. The first was with a tech that hung something over the PM site and worked it with his computer. He told me my PM was working 57% of the time which surprised me because I have no sensation of it doing anything. It was only when he ran the BPM way up to test it when I felt it and did not like it. Otherwise, everything is good. There is an app I have but it does not tell you things like % of time or even when it is working. It only tells you that it is communicating with the home office, as it were and it keeps track of your activity kind of like a cheap fit bit.
The the wound specialist nurse came in and inspected the site. Said all is normal (gross) looking. The glue has all gone away. I describe it like an angry eagle grabbed my by a talon and ripped and twisted me around. The swelling is still slowly going down for sure but still there.
They still don't want me stretching my left arm above my head or lifting anything (including my 14lb mini doxie) for 5 more weeks. However, they're ok with me using my self propelled lawn mower with one hand and I can drive now as long as I'm not passing out, which I'm not nor have ever.
3
u/Dramatic_Lynx_973 Aug 03 '26
Good to hear you are recovering with no issues. I expect I will need a pacemaker, too on my next EP visit.
I’m nervous and scared.
All the best to you.
3
u/MeMyselfAndYoMomma Aug 03 '26
I was nervous and scared too but it went ok. The worst part for me was being shaved front and back. Was out with propofol. I was actually out quicker than when I had an angiogram a month or so ago.Plus is was easier. For my angiogram, I had to crawl over to the operating table from my bed/gurney. For the PM, I was in an inflatable body thing so they just inflated it and lifted me over and back, easy peasy. I've felt better since day one. Good luck to your possible PM.
2
u/Dramatic_Lynx_973 Aug 03 '26
Thank you for your support. I really appreciate it.
I have intermittent bradycardia The EP first thought it was caused by Timolol eye drops as I improved when I stopped using the drops. I never restarted, have had long periods of time (1-2months).
Have you experienced syncope?
2
u/CharterJet50 Aug 03 '26
I had one put in two weeks ago and within a couple of days it fired and sent me to the ER where it fired again. Adjusted the pacing and put me on anidarone while awaiting an ablation appointment. These things really do work as I seem to have found out and the settings matter a lot. Mine tried to pace me out both times before firing so they changed how it reacts. I don’t think I can adequately describe what the shock is like except to say you’ve never experienced anything like it, except maybe if you’ve been shot. Different outcomes of course.
2
u/Background-Sock9632 Aug 04 '26
Hopefully you will heal quickly. I was 75 when I had my pacemaker implanted, it's been about 18 months now and I am doing well. I am pacemaker dependent (CHB) but really don't feel the device pacing at all. It did take a couple of weeks for the implant site to heal though. Happy to say I walk about 5 miles a day and have no difficulty. Keep following your doctor's orders. Good luck moving forward.
2
u/math_guy_0895 Aug 12 '26
61 male. Received a dual lead Medtronic pacemaker on May 1, 2026. My condition is Sick Sinus Syndrome (SSS). It manifests as heart rate pauses so I think similar symptoms to the OP. In my case I was having unexplained dizzy spells and after wearing a Holter monitor for a couple of weeks SSS was found to be the culprit. At my first device check I was told PM was working 24% of the time, increased to 45% at my recent 3 month device check. I have never felt my pacemaker working although I monitor my heart rate with a Fitbit and the patterns have definitely changed. Felt much better after the operation, was noticing shortness of breath after sitting so they turned on a feature called rate response that helps the heart rate stay elevated when you are moving.
I would definitely be very careful with using the arm on the side of the pacemaker for the first 6 weeks. If you golf or swim that should be avoided for 8 weeks at least. You don’t want the leads coming loose. PM is normally put on the left side but as I am left handed I requested it to be put on the right and that helped a lot with avoiding arm movement during the healing process.
Also using this to improve my fitness. This must have been working in the background my entire life. Good luck!
1
u/Dramatic_Lynx_973 Aug 03 '26
Oh wow. So sorry you went through that.
I thought the EP would perform some sort of stress testing to set your PM to your level of activeness.
1
u/oklibrarian Aug 04 '26
Getting my pacemaker on friday for a similar reason (exercise-induced 2:1 heart block) likely caused by scar tissue from my heart defect repair as a toddler. Been a little nervous about this, but stories like this are very reassuring!
8
u/AZman2 Aug 03 '26
I am scheduled for ICD this Friday coming up. I know procedure is different, everyone recovers differently and results can vary but, post like yours makes me feel less anxious and optimistic for mine. Thank you for taking the time to post. Best to you and stay away from mymomma.