Surgery next Thursday

Hi Everyone,
On Sept 30 I'll be getting my 1st pm. Do you have any advice for someone after surgery? My EP doc was rather vague when I asked about restrictions. I'm sure I'll get instructions once I leave the hospital but figured I would ask the "experts" - all of you :)

thx

4 Comments

restrictions

by Tracey_E - 2010-09-21 10:09:02

Wear a button up shirt to the hospital and for the first 2 weeks or so after so you don't pull anything trying to pull a shirt on over your head.

They usually have us in a sling for the first 24 hrs but some drs keep it on longer. They generally check the pm the next morning then send us home.

The biggest restriction is lifting and not raising the arm above shoulder level for 4-6 weeks in order to give the leads time to settle in. Some drs restrict driving for anywhere from a week to a month.

A lot depends on how conservative your dr is and why you need the pm. I don't think any two of us got the same instructions! I've had 4 device replacements and 1 lead replacement, with the same surgeon, and got different directions each time :o)

Taking your advice

by pacerpaul - 2010-09-22 04:09:07

Tracey & Frank - thanks for the comments. The idea of shirts with buttons is great and something I didn't even consider. Actually, I had given it no thought so this morning I went to my closet and set aside a few shirts to wear while healing. Frank - get this - I sleep on my left side with my arm above my head. I like the idea about changing sides and using the pillow as a support. My dr says I'll be lightly sedated and if he uses what I got before during an ablation it was enough to take the edge off but I was fully awake. I'll ask for the same "juice" this time.

Cheers,
Paul

Type of PM placement.

by sugarleaf4 - 2010-09-22 05:09:48

I got great ideas from members here about the option for the type of pocket my PM would be put into. I wouldn't have known anything had not they given me ideas. One sweetie (TracyE) even drew me a picture of a placement site. I took her drawing with me to show my EP and that's what I got! (BIG smile)

Things to think about ---- Type of Placement. Mine is implanted "IN" the chest muscle and I think it's great. This baby is nettled like glue in her pocket and she doesn't budge! You can just barely see the area where the device is located and the seat belt doesn't bother my implant area.

Another option is having it placed just "under" the skin. Talk to the person who will be doing your implantation and ask them what options you have for the "type" of pocket. Some will give you options as to the type of placement and some will allow patients to have some input into even the brand of device (not they type) they will get. My EP was open to both the type of placement and the brand I wanted. It won't hurt to ask questions. Also, don't be afraid to tell them if you're very nervous about the procedure.

I wish you the best. You've got a lot of experienced people here who have a lot of wisdom about these devices and they are fantastic at sharing their experiences with us newbies. This is the site for rock solid advice and information!

I'm glad you've joined us! Let us know how things work out for you.

-- Gloria

One more suggestion

by ElectricFrank - 2010-09-22 12:09:39

This is my favorite: After the surgery the area on your left side just below the clavicle will be sore for a few days. The best way to get a good nites sleep is to lay on your right side and support the left arm on a pillow in front of you. This keeps from squeezing the pocket under your skin that holds the pacer.

You might also want to think about what you want in the way of anesthetic. Most of the time they use a sedative type mild anesthesia. I chose to skip that and just have a local Novocain type around the incision area. If you aren't the nervous type it is really the best. In my case someone in O.R. decided my chest was a good elbow rest during some part of the procedure. If I hadn't been awake to complain I would have wondered why that part of my chest was bruised. It was also nice to just go back to my room, chat with my wife, and take a few phone calls.

good luck,

frank

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