Can you give me any info about pacemakers? I'm taking dad Monday to the dr. to talk about it.

[*********]

First off, I don't want to be the person taking dad. I told mom that he needed a follow up with his cardiologist to go over his test results (EKG/echo) and talk about if he's a candidate for a pacemaker. She wants me to take him. In other words, if I don't take him, he won't be going. Sigh. I don't want to. (What in the world?! If your husband might need a pacemaker, wouldn't you want to be with him to discuss it with the doctor?! UGH.) I don't want to hear the doctor tell me about how bad dad's health is and how he needs a pacemaker. But I'm pullin' on my big girl pants and taking him anyway, because it's the right thing to do. I want him around as long as possible, and if this is what he needs, then so be it.

 

Dad has already said he doesn't want a pacemaker. He doesn't like surgery (well, who does). But he said he'll listen to what the doctor has to say. Also, I think that if I agree with the doctor and encourage dad to go ahead with it (if that's what the doc says), then he will.

 

So, anyone have any experience with pacemakers? Advice, info, anything? I've been doing some surfing about them because I know nothing, and i want to be prepared a bit for the doc.

[melissad2]

It's a pretty simple procedure. They often do it under mild sedation with a very small incision. Sometimes they keep them overnight to make sure it is working properly.

[nandmsmom]

It's a basic procedure and he will not have general anesthesia. He will have a small incision and will be released within a few hours. Follow up care will include taking it easy for a few days and limiting use of his right arm. The benefits are incredible for the patient. He will feel lots better with increased energy. There is little care in the long run. It will also allow the doctors to manage his medications more efffectively.

[Mommyof4ks]

I agree it is a fairly 'simple' procedure. My grandmother has had one for 12 years, and she had her battery replaced last year for the first time. She was a bit sore for a few days, but she felt so much better when she woke up and her heart was regulated. She had been so tired and winded up to that time.

[Desert Rat]

My dh's grandpa is in his mid 80's and has had a pacemaker for over 30 years. He has never had a problem. My dad's next step would have been a pacemaker, but he had so many other problems.

You are a good daughter, Bethany. I'm glad you're taking him. Continued thoughts and prayers for you and your dad.

[gardenmom5]

take a good look at his overall health. inserting a pacemaker is pretty benign. the pacemaker will help regulate his heart, and if that is his main problem it will help greatly. has anyone gone over his meds to determine if one of them could be causing a side-effect? if he has many other health problems a pacemaker won't make them any better.

 

I would insist your mom go - if you can go too, that would be helpful to your parents. I understand how hard it is.

 

My mother had many health problems, her heart was only a small one. (and I wouldn't be surprised if for her it was a side-effect of her meds) She was admitted the night before the pacemaker was inserted and stayed that night being released the next day. six weeks later she died. the pacemaker was working great.

[Mandamom]

My dh (44 years) got his defibrilator/;pacemaker about 7 years ago. The procedure is easy and they kept him for a couple of hours afterwards to run tests on it. Since then just regular checks and that's it.