Upcoming Pacemaker

Hi everyone,

I am scheduled to get a pacemaker at 5:30am this friday.  I am kinda freakin out.  I am 26 and have vasovagal syncope and went asystole on the tilt table for 39 seconds. I was wondering what I can/need to expect post op.

Recovery time, pain, and any other information would be great.

Thanks

8 Comments

Hi

by Jax - 2012-06-27 11:06:10

I had a PM for 2-1/2 months now. The procedure itself wasn't terrible...and the recovery wasn't terrible either.
There wasn't much pain...it's just that I'm a lefty and it was put on my left side. So...the first few weeks you're not suppose to move your arm much and because I am a lefty it was a problem. I probably moved my arm more than should have...but even then it wasn't terrible. I was driving on the 5th day.

You can't lift your left arm (or the side that the pm is on) for the first several weeks (depends on yr doc)...and you can't carry anything more than about 10 lbs.

Now I don't even know I'm pacing.

It's a pretty short procedure as well.

My best wishes and keep us posted.

Not Bad

by podpm - 2012-06-28 02:06:23

Pain is minimal. Mostly inconvenience like Jax mentioned. Need to be careful with the incision tomake sure it doesn't get infected. Physician or staff will go through all the precautions you'll need to follow for the days and weeks to follow. I was 36 when I got mine three years ago. Never fun when your young, but its not bad.

hope this helps

by irishgal30 - 2012-06-28 03:06:47

Hi,
i have had pacemakers since i was 6, im now 30. The last one i had was implanted in my upper chest as opposed to my stomach when i was younger. So it was a new experience for me. There will be pressure, your arm will be in a sling and you wont be able to lift it. The recovery is quick as i was up walking around later that day. I know its a scary experience and even though i have had a number of them i still get scared im sure we all do. But its over in no time. It will all go well for you, let us know how you get on. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Hello

by jessimay - 2012-06-28 10:06:02

I'm 24 and had mine last Tuesday. It was no big deal. I was awake the entire time with just local numbing. I feel absolutely fine now. I just can't sleep on my left side; but I think it's due to breast tissue tugging on it (I'm top heavy). I took Motrin for the first few days. Kept my arm moving. Steristrips came off on Sunday. Started driving Monday. Checked up with the doc today and everything looks good. He said give it another week to lift the arm and a few more weeks before swimming, golfing, lifting, etc.

I honestly think the biggest issue is infection and letting your arm freeze.

You didn't mention to where you are getting it. You can get it under the skin or muscle. It's sounds like all of ours are under the skin. Under the muscle hides it very well but has a longer recovery due to cutting the muscle. I am fairly skinny and boney. You can tell that I have something under there. I chose not to do the muscle because I do not want to deal with that pain every 5 years.

You will do just fine!

A great tip...

by jessimay - 2012-06-28 10:06:22

You can't shower for a few days after. I waited a day and got a big waterproof bandage to put on the site and showered. I didn't let the water hit it dirrectly. It is very awkward trying to wash your hair; that is where a shower cap and dry shampoo come in handy!

Meant to say

by Jax - 2012-06-28 12:06:27

Can't lift yr left arm above yr head. Not that you can't lift it at all.

post surgery

by jchart86 - 2012-07-01 08:07:24

Thanks for everyone's info. Mine ended up being pretty bad though. I was able to fee the whole thing to some extent. The liticane was not working so they had to keep giving me more then I got super itchy after surgery not sure what from. It is 2 days later and I am still in as much or more pain as I was post-op and have been taking oxycodone regularly since surgery along with ice packs. Any other suggestions to minimize pain? Last night I was so weak I could various stand for 3 or 4 minutes and would get light headed nauseated and shaky

GREAT TIPS

by SUPERSALE - 2012-07-02 01:07:01

im 33 year old im got my pacemaker on march 2012 i want to be fullly out when they insert pacemaker i can't feel nothing what they are doing . my first night it was hard and painful your arm in sling

doctor will give you alots of good information what do you need to do take care of badge when doctor pull badge off something they might have some blood leak they might keep new badge on or might give medical

doctor said if i want to take shower cover the badge up

foil or plastic wrap

hand bath work great

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