Anyone have experience with a pacemaker?

[nuxvomica]

My mom's in the hospital now for observation because her heart rate went too low. She's been on meds for a while to slow her heart rate and just recently it went down too far. The doctors are suggesting that they may have to give her a pacemaker instead of the meds because it's a more reliable means of heart rate control.
I've done some research on what's involved and I am actually a little more sanguine about the pacemaker than the meds because the meds affect the whole body, perhaps in unpredictable ways, while the pacemaker is more specific in its action.
I'm not asking for medical advice here, just some info on what it's like living with a pacemaker, either through your own experience or that of your loved ones.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

1. My father had one

If your mother has had her aortic valve replaced, then a pacemaker is almost always required within 10 years of aortic valve replacement.

No major difficulties with it.

[nuxvomica]

3. Thanks. I appreciate that last sentence especially

My mom's had no heart surgery heretofore. She was put on meds earlier this year due simply to a rapid heart rate and they appear to have overdone their job. Now it's a stability issue. Oddly enough, even though her rate is very slow she feels fine.

[notadmblnd]

2. My sisters BF had one inserted last year

he seems to be ok with it. I do think He is on blood thinners, so he has to be careful not to get any bad cuts. He's not blacking out anymore. so I guess it's working for him.

[nuxvomica]

4. I hadn't considered what supportive meds she'd be taking

That's something I should ask about. Thanks.

[notadmblnd]

5. She may not have to take any

Andy (my sisters BF) has had ongoing heart problems. I'm not sure exactly why he take the coumadin.

[nuxvomica]

7. Got it.

Thanks.

[Historic NY]

6. My uncle got one about 7-8 yrs ago......I think it truely extended

his life and let him do his garden thing which he loved. Previously he had a very low heart rate and they tried meds also....he would pass out or faint when doing strenous work. Made the world of difference for him. Before he was depressed because of the light headedness he would get. After he was back to his all self doing more thna he should have. His pacemaker Dr was closeby and every so oftern we went in for a checkup, they would see how it was working and could make adjustments real easily. He lived to almost 91, passed in Dec and it wasn't even heart related.

[nuxvomica]

8. That's good news

My mom is 83 so she's about the same age as your uncle was when he first got paced.

[greatauntoftriplets]

9. My mother got her second one last May...

She is 93 now. It works great, just has to be tested periodically. Because she is pretty much house-bound by age, they do it by phone.

They are easy to live with. You rarely think about it. She can feel it operate some, but it doesn't bother her.

Good luck to your mother.

[nuxvomica]

10. Thanks

On the up side, it sounds like less maintenance than the daily meds, which I worry about as my folks get older. Looks like they'll do it during the week. Her only complaint now is she's bored and she hates the hospital food.

[Historic NY]

11. sounds like the right attitude...my uncle was the same way........

couldn't wait to get to planting his garden...I often think he dreamed about it at night. He made a deal with the pacemaker Dr and brought him tomatoes all summer long.