The aim for 2013 is to make sure my heart stays as healthy as possible going forward.
Now my pacemaker is settled and my cholesterol is normal, it's time to increase my fitness and lose a little more weight. I work less than a mile from home and I can take a scenic route by the canal rather than on petrol fumed roads. Although I can walk it in half an hour it is perfect for cycling which is a great way for getting fit and once I have a bike I will be able to go for bike rides in the various country parks nearby.
So, making use of the after-Christmas sales, I've been and bought myself a hybrid bike. Not having ridden a bike for 30 years, I am working on the premise that once you can ride a bike you never forget... hope it's true.
Tomorrow I go and collect my new bike and see whether I can still ride it or whether I should've bought elbow & knee-pads as well as a helmet.
Saturday, 5 January 2013
Friday, 14 December 2012
Moving On.
This week saw another step forward in my getting my health back on track, finally I have my cholesterol levels back to normal and I am no longer under threat from my doctor of being prescribed statins.
Read more here: http://acoffeeandachat.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/latest-cholesterol-check.html
It seems logical to look after my heart as much as possible in light of this year and I will continue to have regular checks on my cholesterol levels to ensure I don't let things slide.
My target for 2013 is to lose another stone and drop at least one more dress size.
In the meantime, there is little to update this blog with regularly, so I will come back as and when there is any news and hope that anyone facing the prospect of having a pacemaker implant that comes across my blog will find it a useful resource. I know when I first found out about my AV block and the upcoming tests and implant I was desperate for information. I have tried to share some of my experiences on here to help others who find themselves in the same position that I found myself 3 months ago.
The only question I have now is, can I swing a golf club and will my game improve following the implant. Due to winter weather, I feel it will be some months before I have an answer to that question.
Read more here: http://acoffeeandachat.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/latest-cholesterol-check.html
It seems logical to look after my heart as much as possible in light of this year and I will continue to have regular checks on my cholesterol levels to ensure I don't let things slide.
My target for 2013 is to lose another stone and drop at least one more dress size.
In the meantime, there is little to update this blog with regularly, so I will come back as and when there is any news and hope that anyone facing the prospect of having a pacemaker implant that comes across my blog will find it a useful resource. I know when I first found out about my AV block and the upcoming tests and implant I was desperate for information. I have tried to share some of my experiences on here to help others who find themselves in the same position that I found myself 3 months ago.
The only question I have now is, can I swing a golf club and will my game improve following the implant. Due to winter weather, I feel it will be some months before I have an answer to that question.
Sunday, 2 December 2012
Answers to my questions.
12 weeks on and I have my answers.
I can do any form of exercise I was doing before my operation.
I can use iPads and tablets, and even use my mobile phone to my left ear, just not rest it on the pacemaker area. The main issue is not putting my mobile in a jacket or shirt pocket on the same side as my pacemaker.
I can do gardening as before, I can lift, carry, push & dig - yes, you guessed it, just as I did before my operation.
The pains I get in the skin over my pacemaker is just 'part of the healing process'
and finally, can I use Bio-Oil on the scar...?
Well, actually, I forgot to ask but, on the basis of all other answers, that I can do everything as I could before my implant, I'm going to take it that I can.
My consultant is happy with everything, has replied to the DVLA request for information so that they can make a decision on whether I am ok to continue driving, which according to my consultant, isn't a problem and he hasn't scheduled any further appointments with him. I will continue with my regular check-ups and they will forward the results to him, and providing there are no concerns, the next time I'll see my consultant will be when it's time to change the pacemaker unit. May be by that time they'll be able to fit re-chargeable ones.
So, has he made it to my Christmas card list - probably. After all, thanks to him I don't have to worry about my health as the AV Block gets worse.
Life as normal again? Not quite, I'm now a lot more aware of my health and will try to look after it a little better, watch my food quality, do a bit of exercise, just be a little more aware of things. It's all been a bit if a scare and I'm grateful it's been sorted so simply.
I can do any form of exercise I was doing before my operation.
I can use iPads and tablets, and even use my mobile phone to my left ear, just not rest it on the pacemaker area. The main issue is not putting my mobile in a jacket or shirt pocket on the same side as my pacemaker.
I can do gardening as before, I can lift, carry, push & dig - yes, you guessed it, just as I did before my operation.
The pains I get in the skin over my pacemaker is just 'part of the healing process'
and finally, can I use Bio-Oil on the scar...?
Well, actually, I forgot to ask but, on the basis of all other answers, that I can do everything as I could before my implant, I'm going to take it that I can.
My consultant is happy with everything, has replied to the DVLA request for information so that they can make a decision on whether I am ok to continue driving, which according to my consultant, isn't a problem and he hasn't scheduled any further appointments with him. I will continue with my regular check-ups and they will forward the results to him, and providing there are no concerns, the next time I'll see my consultant will be when it's time to change the pacemaker unit. May be by that time they'll be able to fit re-chargeable ones.
So, has he made it to my Christmas card list - probably. After all, thanks to him I don't have to worry about my health as the AV Block gets worse.
Life as normal again? Not quite, I'm now a lot more aware of my health and will try to look after it a little better, watch my food quality, do a bit of exercise, just be a little more aware of things. It's all been a bit if a scare and I'm grateful it's been sorted so simply.
Tuesday, 27 November 2012
11 weeks on.
Finally, the little hole at the end of my scar is healing although it is still an odd colour and feels as if there is a lump underneath. In a couple of days I see my cardiologist.
I have a number of questions for him. What exercise I can do, why do I get the pains in the skin over the pacemaker, as if the skin is stretching, am I safe to use and iPad/tablet, if I have to keep my mobile phone some distance from the pacemaker. Can I do lifting and carrying yet, as I'm keen to get out into the garden to clear it for Winter, to do some digging and get my bulbs planted ready for Spring.
The week after that I can get another blood test done for a further check on my cholesterol.
The operation seems a long time ago now, but the memory of the actual procedure is still very vivid, along with the constant reminder from the scar. That reminds me of another question, whether I can start using Bio-oil on the scar to reduce the redness.
Roll on Thursday or I'll have too many questions to get through in my appointment time.
I have a number of questions for him. What exercise I can do, why do I get the pains in the skin over the pacemaker, as if the skin is stretching, am I safe to use and iPad/tablet, if I have to keep my mobile phone some distance from the pacemaker. Can I do lifting and carrying yet, as I'm keen to get out into the garden to clear it for Winter, to do some digging and get my bulbs planted ready for Spring.
The week after that I can get another blood test done for a further check on my cholesterol.
The operation seems a long time ago now, but the memory of the actual procedure is still very vivid, along with the constant reminder from the scar. That reminds me of another question, whether I can start using Bio-oil on the scar to reduce the redness.
Roll on Thursday or I'll have too many questions to get through in my appointment time.
Sunday, 18 November 2012
8 Weeks On
8 weeks after the operation and it's business as usual for everyone around me. The events of the last few months has become a faded memory and people have finally stopped asking me how I am with a specific reference to the pacemaker and have gone back to asking how I am in the usual way of being polite but not really interested in the reply.
The scar has finally all healed together and I am hopeful that once I have seen my cardiologist at the end of the month, that I will be able to start using Bio-oil on it to reduce redness of the scar. I am still unable to wear my bra strap over the scar and it is permanently off my shoulder and hanging down my left arm.
Often the skin that is stretched across the pacemaker unit is tender and I'm not sure if that is ok or not, so that is one for the list of questions to ask at my next appointment although things are changing so quickly that by then, it may not be a problem anymore.
The damage to the office block I drove into has now been completely repaired, the internal decoration and carpets are all done and it looks really posh. It's nice not to be walking past the damage several times a day, reminding me of the accident. Not to have visitors asking what happened as they are taken upstairs to their appointment. Now, the only comments we get are about how nice it looks.
The scar has finally all healed together and I am hopeful that once I have seen my cardiologist at the end of the month, that I will be able to start using Bio-oil on it to reduce redness of the scar. I am still unable to wear my bra strap over the scar and it is permanently off my shoulder and hanging down my left arm.
Often the skin that is stretched across the pacemaker unit is tender and I'm not sure if that is ok or not, so that is one for the list of questions to ask at my next appointment although things are changing so quickly that by then, it may not be a problem anymore.
The damage to the office block I drove into has now been completely repaired, the internal decoration and carpets are all done and it looks really posh. It's nice not to be walking past the damage several times a day, reminding me of the accident. Not to have visitors asking what happened as they are taken upstairs to their appointment. Now, the only comments we get are about how nice it looks.
Monday, 12 November 2012
Medical Alert Bracelet or Medical Alert Watch Tag?
As the heart condition I have was only found after an accident in my car I have been very aware that should I be involved in another accident, whether my fault or someone elses, it would be crucial that any medics attending should be aware I now have a pacemaker fitted, in case I am not able to tell them.
While I was sat at home recuperating I spent time on the internet looking the options. I considered a number of bracelets. I am unable to wear necklaces because of a problem with my neck. There were number of websites that offer medical alert jewellery but a lot of it wasn't my style. I eventually decided on the SOS Talisman and order the gold plated bracelet. It came very quickly and, as well as the bracelet and info strip there was also a sticker for my car window, which I was quite pleased with. The screw on cover kept working loose and so I needed to check it each morning. Neil did offer to 'nip' it together for me but I was concerned in case we couldn't then open it as and when it was necessary.
After a week I returned to the office after going for my flu jab and discovered I had lost the cover to my bracelet. A bit frustrating. I could buy a replacement cover but it concerned me how easy it had been lost, and felt it would be a constant problem. I do carry it in my handbag, but can't wear it anymore!
Full details and styles can be seen on this website: http://www.sostalisman.co.uk/
So, back to the drawing board for an alternative. Neil came up with the idea that we should look for something to do with my watch, as I always wear it and we found a company in America that did metal tabs that attach to your watch strap and were a fraction of the price of the bracelet I'd bought, even including the postage. And this is what it looks like:
You get a gold coloured and a silver coloured tab in each pack along with an identity card to carry in your purse/wallet which has all your personal details and details of your condition, and has the universal medical alert logo. They are made of a special metal alloy which is non-allergenic. Neil put it on my watch strap in seconds as it just moulds around the strap and will fit metal, leather and fabric straps and when I wear my watch I am completely unaware that it's there. I don't have to worry about losing it and know if I am in an accident or taken ill the medical staff will know to look for my ID card.
It gives me a little extra peace of mind.
While I was sat at home recuperating I spent time on the internet looking the options. I considered a number of bracelets. I am unable to wear necklaces because of a problem with my neck. There were number of websites that offer medical alert jewellery but a lot of it wasn't my style. I eventually decided on the SOS Talisman and order the gold plated bracelet. It came very quickly and, as well as the bracelet and info strip there was also a sticker for my car window, which I was quite pleased with. The screw on cover kept working loose and so I needed to check it each morning. Neil did offer to 'nip' it together for me but I was concerned in case we couldn't then open it as and when it was necessary.
After a week I returned to the office after going for my flu jab and discovered I had lost the cover to my bracelet. A bit frustrating. I could buy a replacement cover but it concerned me how easy it had been lost, and felt it would be a constant problem. I do carry it in my handbag, but can't wear it anymore!
Full details and styles can be seen on this website: http://www.sostalisman.co.uk/
So, back to the drawing board for an alternative. Neil came up with the idea that we should look for something to do with my watch, as I always wear it and we found a company in America that did metal tabs that attach to your watch strap and were a fraction of the price of the bracelet I'd bought, even including the postage. And this is what it looks like:
You get a gold coloured and a silver coloured tab in each pack along with an identity card to carry in your purse/wallet which has all your personal details and details of your condition, and has the universal medical alert logo. They are made of a special metal alloy which is non-allergenic. Neil put it on my watch strap in seconds as it just moulds around the strap and will fit metal, leather and fabric straps and when I wear my watch I am completely unaware that it's there. I don't have to worry about losing it and know if I am in an accident or taken ill the medical staff will know to look for my ID card.
It gives me a little extra peace of mind.
Monday, 5 November 2012
A little problem.
As much as I am healing well from the implant, I do have a slight concern over the my scar. At one end one of the disposable stitches did not drop off as it should, instead the skin started to grow around it but didn't heal over it, it left a little hole. We have been keeping a close eye on it and while ever there was no inflammation or leakage it was ok. I kept it clean and use an antisceptic spray twice daily.
Up until last Wednesday everything looked fine, and then there was some leakage and it left a raw looking hole, very small but a worry.
The following morning I rang my aftercare team and they suggested I should make an appointment with my doctor and have it checked out. I managed to get an appointment for later that day and she confirmed that, at the moment there is no infection, but to be on the safe side I have another course of antibiotics.
The thought is that this is my body naturally expelling the rogue stitch and that over the next couple of weeks it will start to heal properly. Time will tell and in the meantime I just have to keep a close eye on it and let the antibiotics do their stuff.
Up until last Wednesday everything looked fine, and then there was some leakage and it left a raw looking hole, very small but a worry.
The following morning I rang my aftercare team and they suggested I should make an appointment with my doctor and have it checked out. I managed to get an appointment for later that day and she confirmed that, at the moment there is no infection, but to be on the safe side I have another course of antibiotics.
The thought is that this is my body naturally expelling the rogue stitch and that over the next couple of weeks it will start to heal properly. Time will tell and in the meantime I just have to keep a close eye on it and let the antibiotics do their stuff.
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