Now it's got to be replaced. Without it I would be I trouble & I think I can tell that it needs replacing. I'm getting some weird symptoms which could well be attributable to the heart conditions I've got.
I have Complete Heart Block / Arrhythmia / Bradycardia - Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrullation & a Floppy Mitral Valve. Once again evidence that God had an off day when she made me! Why have only one heart problem when you can have a whole set?!
Anyway the message is good. The surgery is fine. You are awake & only have a local anesthetic. That said, all you can feel is fairly strong pressure as they push the device firmly into the shoulder. It did seem to be a tight fit & went on for some time, but it really isn't a problem. I think I remember feeling the wiring going into the heart, but I'm not sure. Fortunately that doesn't have to be replaced - only the actual pacemaker box.
I find the whole thing amazing. The technology, the skill of the surgeons & the fact that someone invented this relatively small device that can keep me alive & kicking, (well, maybe not actually kicking). It is battery operated. So, presumably, am I.
It sounds so worrying, heart surgery, but this really isn't. It's quite simple, it doesn't take that long & it works. The amazingly named William Greatbatch, an American electrical engineer, invented the first implantable one in 1958. So there has been plenty of time for them to be sure they work & iron out any little glitches! Always reassuring - my pioneering spirit doesn't stretch as far as trying one out for the first time.
I look forward to 10 more years of a perfectly beating heart! Not everyone can say that. Good old NHS.
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