PERKING UP!

I thought for the legions (well, handful) of Riverdaze readers wondering how things were going post-pacemaker surgery, I needed to reassure you that everything went very well. The device is implanted and working as it should—a little subcutaneous metronome, zapping me at a rate of 60 beats-per-minute. I had the operation early Friday morning and was released from the hospital and returned home Saturday afternoon.

The small incision is healing nicely. Other than the after-effects of an overnight hospital stay and the temporary limitations I must follow until things settle in,  I feel fine. Maybe not as bouncy and feisty as this old fox squirrel in the pix above—but pretty good for a curmudgeonly geezer…and already a bit better than I did before becoming bionic.

Frankly, from my end of things, the surgery was breeze. Once in the Pacemaker Lab, an intravenous line was inserted in my right arm. On the left, where the small slit for the pacemaker insertion was to be made, the area was shaved, soaped, and swabbed to sterilize the site. An antibiotic was administered. The anesthetist then gave me one of those "twilight cocktails" that relaxes you—though I was pretty relaxed to begin with, neither anxious nor fearful, just confident and looking forward to better days. I couldn't tell any difference before or after the anesthetic; I remained awake, alert, and talking the entire time—which was only about half-an-hour, once they got going.

On the left, where the small incision was to go, they administered a local anesthetic. I felt no pain when they made the slit, inserted the device and wires, or of course, threaded the lead through a vein and into the ventral chamber of the heart. No pain, no strange sensation, no weird feelings, nothing. Nada. It was truly minor surgery.

After that, it was off to my room where I was watched, monitored, fussed over, fed, and not allowed to get up for twelve long, torturous, s-l-o-w hours. Myladylove, daughter, and son-in-law were there pre-surgery, and (except for the son-in-law, who had to go back into work) waiting to greet me when they wheeled me into my room. There's nothing like family!

Since returning home, I've spent most of the time sacked out on the couch and recliner. Partly due to laziness and possible long-term sleep deprivation, and partly because I'm not supposed to raise my left arm above my shoulder for a month, while scar tissue develops, which will help to better secure the ventral-chamber wire in place—along with the fact I can't lift more than ten pounds, and obviously shouldn't bump, twist, or otherwise overly jiggle my upper body. Too, yesterday was Mother's Day—we cooked pulled pork, made coleslaw, pasta salad, and a strawberry pie, and were pleased to have kids and dogs aplenty join us—so there wasn't much chance to get out and field test the new ticker rhythm.

Otherwise, things are on track, going well, and I'm optimistic that I will soon be feeling a lot better—more energetic, less easily fatigued—than I have in a long, long time. 

I want you to know how very much I appreciated, and depended upon, each and every prayer, thought, and comment. From the bottom of my now speedier heart, thank you! 

And just so you don't worry…I'm not going to keep boring you with long progress reports. I'll doubtless mention things from time to time, but likely just incorporate such updates as a minor part of another post subject. After all, there's a brand new spring out there unfolding with every new day—and seasons in their order to follow. Interesting stuff; beautiful stuff. Things worth saying and sharing and exploring. 

I figure you've heard enough of my "poor ol' me" whining for awhile. 

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