First Pacemaker Home Same Day?

I’m getting my very first PM and leads implanted as an outpatient. The doctor said I’ll be there for about three hours for the procedure and then sent home. My follow up is two weeks latter when the nurse will check the incision site. My in-office device check will be about five weeks latter.

Is this normal to be let home same day as surgery? Is a device check five weeks latter too much time? Is it better to stay overnight in the hospital?

6 Comments

I just had 3rd PM changed out 8/23

by janetinak - 2011-09-08 05:09:17

& this is 1st time that I did not stay overnight as no lead changes. PM checked in post op area afterwards & before I left hospital this time. Wound check was 1 wk when stiches taken out. Few stitches this time I think as just had to make an opening to stick my little PM in.1st PM check one month after left hospital So sounds about right. Only major difference seems to be the no overnight stay.Usually I have had a chest xray in AM before I left when lead put in. That may have changed tho as 8+ yrs since I had last lead placed. be interesting to see what others say.

Janet

Hospita time

by Parrothead57 - 2011-09-08 05:09:48

Hi Cecil,
I believe it is more common for an overnight stay after the surgery. Perhaps if they do the surgery first thing in the morning they might let you go home the same day. But I think they like to keep you on the monitor for awhile to make sure all is ok. The device tech typically comes in the next morning to check the PM functions. Then they let you walk around to make sure you're ok before cutting you loose.

The first follow-up check is usually within 1-2 weeks post op. My first check was after 1 week. I was not allowed to drive until after that first check up.
Keep in mind, all hospitals and doctors are different.

I thought I'd throw this tid-bit in....since the day of my surgery I have never seen my EP again. I went in for my first check up expecting to see my EP. When I realized I wasn't going to see him I asked the clinician about it and she acted surprised that I thought I would see him. I dunno, call me stupid but wouldn't you think a surgeon would want to see his patient post op? Strange.

Anyway, piece of cake. Let us know how you did.
Take care,
PH

Depends (& I don't mean Underwear)

by donr - 2011-09-08 07:09:14

upon your situation. I've had both same day & overnight. Initial was overnight because I had it done from being in the hosp already. New lead implant was same day - they did it at about 7 PM & Let me out about 11PM. For Pm replacement, it was overnight because I didn't wake up till 10PM after a 2PM surgery. I have never seen y EP afterwards, either, but did have follow ups w/ my regular cardio. It's not that the EP was not available to me had I needed to see him - I had his phone number w/ instructions to call under certain conditions.

Don

over night stay

by jane32 - 2011-09-08 07:09:25

I had an over night stay when I had my PM implanted 3 weeks ago, I was given a pm check the next morning and then should have been allowed home but after xray I was found to have punctured lung. (not normal so dont worry) so stayed an extra 2 nights, I went to my GP to get stitches out and don't have a pm check until 6 weeks which I think is a bit long. I am feeling really well even with the set back, I have no arm or shoulder pain, its slightly tender to touch wound area. I was told to move arm except above shoulder hight from day after surgery and I think that has helped. Hope all goes well.

Regards Jane

Every Doctor is different

by Beckes76 - 2011-09-10 12:09:16

I stayed over night and was sent home the next day. Had post-op two weeks later. 1st PM check was I think 3 months later. It might of been 6 months later. It has been 6 years so my memory is a little fuzzy. Plus this is my fourth PM to.

Becky

All perfectly normal!

by Hot Heart - 2011-09-14 06:09:44

Seen lots of people come in, get it changed, cup of tea and toast, and home!

HH

You know you're wired when...

You have a maintenance schedule just like your car.

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