Why would one need a pacemaker? What to do when one needs a pacemaker? Before coming to the why’s of pacemakers, if one lives here and needs help, they must consult a cardiologist in Sydney. Now, a pacemaker is required if one has a slower than usual heart rhythm. These slower rhythms can occur due to heart diseases. Slow heart rhythms, for instance, can cause dizziness, and other illnesses such as heart failure also need a pacemaker to bring their heart activities within the normal range. But the pacemaker experience is different for everyone.
There are some questions one can have before or during their pacemaker usage. Ranging from fears to open quarries, these questions are often unanswered or not given importance. Hence, it is essential to answer them immediately. These questions pertain particularly during the day and night of the procedure to place the pacemaker in the heart. The process is minimally invasive and is well-practiced around the world.
1. Is it mandatory to fast before the procedure?
This is a myth. While one must not eat or drink after 12pm-midnight before the surgery, they can eat proper meals the evening before. Eating, in fact, will make the body stronger for the procedure and, most importantly, after the procedure and during the healing process. While food may be restricted, one must take their medication and only stop if prescribed by their doctor and verified by the surgeon.
2. What is comfortable attire for surgery day?
For all medically invasive procedures, there will be a hospital gown and sheet will be given. That dress is essential because it allows a modest opening to the part of the surgery. However, there are critical things to consider besides just the clothing. Starting with makeup, it is strongly advised not to wear them or even nail polish. Like your clothing, you need to strip down to precisely what is required. Makeup, for instance, can be very disturbing during the procedure.
3. How will they make sure the patient is stable during the procedure?
As with other operations, there will always be additional machines that check up on one’s vitals throughout the process. As the name suggests, vitals are the primary indicators of the body’s wellbeing, so monitoring them is essential. The slightest change in one’s vitals can indicate major complications too. One such additional machine would be the Electrocardiogram or commonly known as EKG. While a full rundown of how an EKG works might be too technical, simply put, this machine draws heart patterns by sticking patches to the patient’s chest. The pattern then will be compared to a ‘normal’ or stable pattern graph to see if the patient is undergoing problems during the surgery. Finally, another small machine would be the Oximeter monitor, which is a clip that is stuck to one’s fingers to monitor oxygen levels in the blood.
4. Will it be very uncomfortable post the surgery?
As all invasive procedures bring with them, pacemaker surgery in Sydney will lead to a burning sensation around the area of the procedure. With the help of one’s doctors and the painkillers prescribed, the aftermath of the procedure will be as comfortable as possible. The pain might persist for a few days at most. If not, if the patient lives here, they can always check in with their cardiologist in Sydney!
The Light at The End of Surgery:
While the idea and prospects of an invasive surgery might be daunting, the reason behind it and the more comfortable lifestyle after the surgery is often motivation enough. However, one of the biggest ways to help a pacemaker patient is to take time and answer their questions, however small.