My Second Pacemaker

Running on Empty

On January 25, 2013 I had a Medronic Syncra CRT-P implanted under my collarbone. It had served me well, no missed heart beats, renewed energy and most importantly the opportunity to stay alive. However this is a battery powered device and batteries wear out.

Battery Check

During those ten years I would use a handheld sensor to interrogate my device which would send a status report to the cardiology lab. At first it as sent over a phone line but in latter years as a cellular message. One of the parameters was the remaining battery life in the device. When it was low I grew a little apprehensive. They explained it was like the fuel gauge. Even when it shows empty you still have a gallon or two left. They would wait till it was empty before scheduling a replacement. If you've any experience with a digital camera you know that when the battery is low it immediately stops with just enough power to light the display with BATTERY EMPTY. I did not want that to happen, so I was pleased when a slot opened up on December 28, 2022.

Plug and Play

Replacing the device is a lot less invasive than the initial implantation. There are three leads which run through a vein into the heart chambers. Those leads are plugged into the pacemaker. If the leads are still good after ten years (mine were okay) then the leads are unplugged from the old and plugged into the new, plug and play. I asked for the old unit and to my surprise they gave it to me. It is not too shabby for all those years of work. My electric teapot did not last more than a year.

https://flic.kr/p/2o8rmyD My worn-out pacemaker

The Procedure

I've only had a few medical procedures under sedation and was a bit nervous, but the staff at Catholic Medical Center in Manchester were wonderful. They explained everything and the "procedure" went very quickly. I enjoyed talking with the Anesthesiologists. They made me think of a lyric in the song Legend of the Mind by Moody Blues.

He'll take you up, he'll bring you down
He'll plant your feet back on the ground
He flies so high, he swoops so low
Timothy Leary

He'll fly his astral plane
He'll take you trips around the bay
He'll bring you back the same day
Timothy Leary
Timothy Leary

In Search Of The Lost Chord, Moody Blues

The Anesthesiologist explained his cocktail for my surgery, Propofol with some Fentanyl to take the edge off. Lidocaine for the incision area. It all worked very well. When I opened my eyes, they asked me what I wanted for breakfast. I had no nausea or confusion (I thought).

The Operating Room

I was impressed when I walked into the Operating Room. There was huge display screen, all types of X-Ray devices suspended from the ceiling and a very narrow table. I felt like Frankenstein's creation when they tied down my hands and attached a copper grounding plate to my leg (it was very cold). They tie down the hands so I don't  start to assist in the operation. That would be bad, I have no medical training. I believe the grounding plate helps with the electrocauterization to stop bleeding. I'm happy I didn't have to smell my flesh burning. No stitches, I was glued together. The wound looks nasty, like  I was stabbed with a broadsword, but no pain.

Do Not Drive

I was restricted from driving for 24 hours. I felt fine and lucid, but as we went to have lunch in Peterborough, I chided my wife for not being on Route 101. Thankfully she was driving. At the Restaurant, I had some problems finding the bathroom. Like Timothy Leary I guess I was on the outside looking in. The food was good, I had my regular hot and sour soup with  Green Curry and brown rice.

https://flic.kr/p/2o8AJFe Green Curry - Kogetsu Restaurant, Peterborough

When we left, I got lost briefly trying to find the restroom at a restaurant that I know very well. Driving would not have been a good idea.

Peel or Rip

At night I discovered that I was still covered with electrodes from the EKG. I gently peeled off the ones I could see as well as the hair beneath them. I couldn't reach the ones on my back so I asked my wife to take them off. Her idea was to rip them off with a flourish. We differ in our approach. Ouch.

https://flic.kr/p/2o8ANx2 Sticky pads torn from my body