question about leads

I have had my pacemaker for 3 weeks. I hear stories about the leads coming loose or out. My question is- Do you know if they come out? Or can this only be known by an Xray? I think I am doing a good job of not stretching my arm, BUT on occasion I find myself reaching and I have also awakened and found my arm way up above my head! Also, ladies, is it okay for me to reach back and clip my bra?! As you can see, I am a bit paranoid about this!

This chatboard and members are the BEST! Thanks for all the great advice and support.

4 Comments

lts not easy

by sue uk - 2011-05-06 09:05:40

Hi sweetp
Its hard to stop putting your arm in a position that you are not supposed to,have had my PM 3wks too and the more time passes the more l am doing it as well. l also sleep with my arms above my head and automatically
get in that position when l sleep but what can you do?As for the doing up of the bra,well l did start off trying to fasten it in the front and twist it around but gave up on that think l was doing more damage twisting around so am hoping nothing has been dislodged.As for knowing if the leads have come away,as l say l am also new to all this but l think the obvious sign would be that your pacemaker wasn't having the effect it was supposed to have and then you would have xray to confirm one way or the other but l am sure more experienced members will be able to advise us both,please !

Lifting arms

by Lake Breeze - 2011-05-06 10:05:56

Hi Sweetp
If you wore a sports bra would that help? Or, go bra-less for a few weeks?
I will be getting my PM next Tuesday, so I'm sure that I'll have lots of questions after that too.
I remember my doctor saying that he recommends that people wear an arm sling while sleeping. That will keep the arm down.
How do you wash your hair? My hubby says that he will do it for me!!! YIKES. LOL
talk later.
Lake Breeze

Lifting Arms

by TalkinCardio - 2011-05-07 04:05:23

When I read the comment from Lake Breeze, it reminded me of my own experience when I got my PM in Sept 2010.

My husband not only washed my hair but he also blow dried it. I have naturally curly hair and he definately didnt understand how to blow dry it. By the time he was done I looked like a poodle dog that had not been groomed for a long time! We had a good laugh about it though! I wish now that I would have had him take a pic of it.

Cathy

Hubby washed my hair...

by Lake Breeze - 2011-05-09 10:05:24

Last night we did a trial run on the hair washing thing. My hubby did a great job of washing my hair then blow drying it. He will be the man for the job for the next few weeks. (How long until I can wash it myself?)
BTW; my PM surgery is tomorrow!!!
LB

You know you're wired when...

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