Condition worse - surgery changing

[newheart1]

My Ablation #2 surgery for VT was scheduled for Jan. 14th, but they are going to move it sooner - since my condition has gotten worse.  I am very very weak, my heart is irregular and basically I feel horrible.  They are now adding another part to the surgery - I will get a Bivent pacemaker in place of my 2 lead one.  Hopefully both procedures will help me feel better -I would do it this afternoon if I could.

If anyone has a Bivent - do they take out my current ICD or just add another lead?  The ablation surgery was going to be a one nite stay - but with the Bivent being added, how long do you think I'll be in?  Recovery?  I'll get these answers soon, when I talk to the Dr. (in Houston) but I'm wondering now.

Thanks for your support - I'm tired, frustrated and frightened.

Angel

[Sunshine47]

Good luck and I hope that you feel better soon. I know that my Aunt had the same as you and she spent 2 days in the hospital. She gets along great now. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep us posted.
Karen

[newheart1]

Thanks for the info - I didn't know quite what to expect.  I have heard that people frequently feel better after receiving the BiVent - so I'm definitely looking forward to that.  I'll keep thinking of that part of it - feeling better - rather than 'here we go again'.

Angel

[Momto3]

Sounds like bittersweet news.  While the added procedure will mean a little more recovery time, the BiV pacemaker may very well give you back your energy and spunk.

My dad had a regular pacemaker and it was replaced with a BiV pacemaker/ICD about a year ago.  As I recall, they removed the old unit and replaced it with the new, 3 lead ICD/pacemaker.  He went in early in the morning and was released in the evening.  Given that you are having the ablation also, you will more than likely stay for 1-2 nights.  My dad's recovery was uneventful, but he had to remember not to lift his arm above his head for several weeks.  As he began to feel better, he would tend to forget.  You may notice that sleeping is a bit weird (b/c you're thinking about not raising your arm), but it should get easier in a couple days.  Also, he was not supposed to drive for about 2 weeks.  

Sorry you're tired, frustrated and frightened.  Just keep reminding yourself that this may be just the thing you need to feel better.  We're here if you need to talk or vent.
connie