Post insertion recovery

Hello to all
I was released from the Montreal Heart Institute yesterday, 24-hours after having received my first pacemaker. I think someone forgot to give me a full release package, because I realize that I've got many unanswered questions. I intend to call the hospital tomorrow, but in case I have trouble in getting answers, I'd like to get your opinion on things.
1) I suspect that I shouldn't drive for a few days. Am I correct? 2) If so, what would be the normal period?
3) My left arm is sore and basically useless at this time. When I can move it more freely, are there any restrictions for any period of time?
4) I am a competitive swimmer and I've been told I'll be out of commission for 1 month to 6 weeks. Am I supposed to make an appointment with my doctor to get clearance?
5) Do you have any comments along the same lines as above?
Thank you very much for your input.
Edouard

7 Comments

Different ~ ~

by Carolyn65 - 2010-05-28 02:05:41

As usual, each Dr/Hospital will be different. My instructions were from the hospital discharge nurse. She went over a check list, then I had to sign I was aware of the list and she gave me my copy.

I was not to drive until after my one week PM check. Then they would let me know something.

The left arm/shoulder should be used to keep the shoulder from "freezing" up, according to my Dr. He said just not to raise my left arm above my heart, so as not to pull the leads from heart. They need an adjustment period to "settle in" the heart. If the shoulder should 'freeze' due to lack of movement, I was warned I might have to do a lot of rehab for a long time.
Also, not to lift over 5 lbs. (per my nurse) for 2 months.

Listen to your Dr/Nurses, but most important, listen to your own body when it is trying to tell you things.

When I had questions, wonders are just wanting advice, I talked to the PM Club members on this website. They told me more and gave real good advice on everything.

Welcome to You and Your PM,
Carolyn G. in TEXAS ~ Full Moon in TEXAS ~

My experience/told:

by janetinak - 2010-05-28 04:05:17

Not to raise arm over shoulder for 4-6 wks, but move your shoulder around as Carolyn states to prevent the "frozen shoulder" thing. Don't want to get that. It can be nasty. Wore a sling for 1st wk or so to remind me to be careful. Had a thing with velcro to hold my upper arm & wrist against my side at night so wouldn't fling my arm over my head in sleep. Worked good & wore it for a month os so. Drove two days later but only a short distance to do some banking. Then waited a few days before driving to work. I had my single lead pulled out by EP when he relaced my PM after 3 yrs. He said it was "iffy" if he could get it out depending on scare tissue but he got it out. So guess it depends on how fast the lead(s) scar in. On 7th year with my 2nd PM & I bet this lead will be staying in :-) !!

Keep in touch,

Janet

Forgot to add

by janetinak - 2010-05-28 04:05:31

I had an appointment for a check-up on PM & suture removal a week after put in. So I guess if you didn't get an appointment I'd call & make one. They'll tell you when to come in. They should also give you the timeline to get back to sports, etc.

Janet

1 week post surgery

by Mel P - 2010-05-28 05:05:42

I had my 1st pm lat week and got told
not to move my are at all for 48hrs then for 2 wks move little just movement to keep from going stiff. Then not to move above shoulder for 6weeks. Im allowed to drive after a week according to the Dvla haven't tryed yet think it might be to painful.
I also got told to not have a shower or bath for 48hrs that didn't happen i had one the moment i got home with the help of my partner. Although if someone can tell me how to get the pink dye of i would love to no i have scrubbed and it won't go. argh.
Igot told i will get an appointment to get all clear in the post for 4-6 weeks time.
Hope you feel okay
Mel xx

Hi Ed

by Hot Heart - 2010-05-28 07:05:05

Do be careful with the swimming, dont forget that doing the crawl you are stretching your hand way above your head. It's about 6 weeks that you have to be careful. After 6 weeks they got me to raise my arm, took an exray to check that the leads hadnt moved, dont know if thats what they do everywhere.

Keep rotating your shoulder backwards and forwards and shrugging your shoulders, helps to prevent you getting frozen shoulder.

HH

Different rules

by COBradyBunch - 2010-05-28 10:05:08

I could drive the day I got out but was told not to lift anything over 5 lbs with my left arm, nothing over 50 lbs total with my other arm or move my left arm over my head for 4 weeks or until after my 4 week checkup when my doc gave me clearance to do whatever I wanted. Was told to take it easy for a few days but I could start cardio and non-weight exercise as soon as I wanted. I did have a lot of soreness around my site that they couldn't explain (moved out to my shoulder and up my neck, but went away after a week of antibiotics so doc figures I had some sort of infection).

I would call you doc to get your specific list of dos and don'ts. Insertions can be different depending upon if you had in place on top, in a pocket or under your muscle also.

Post insertion recovery

by Edouard - 2010-05-28 11:05:27

Wow!
Thank you all for this useful input. I am overwhelmed by the response and aooreciate your help.

You know you're wired when...

You can shop longer than the Energizer Bunny.

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