Post Op symptoms

I had a Pacemaker implanted one week ago. I'm 71. I'm generally OK (I took last week off from work) but have back pain to left of my spine & sometimes a burning feeling in my chest below Pacemaker. Is this usual? Are they typical symptoms?
Thanks
HSy

3 Comments

Pain

by ElectricFrank - 2012-06-24 01:06:08

One common cause of pain in areas not related directly to the pacemaker is the way your body is treated in the O.R. while you are out or sedated. They aren't deliberately torturing you, but it is easy to flop a piece of relaxed meat around on the table. Common things are hyper-extending the neck causing headaches, putting an arm in a position that causes shoulder or elbow pain, etc. Us old duffers are more susceptible to this kind of body positions than the younger bunch.

In my case I chose to remain fully awake during the procedure and had the experience of someone using my chest as an elbow rest. It was enough pressure to be painful and if I hadn't been awake to complain I can only guess what the area would have felt like the next day.

Just keep a watch on the incision area for red streaks or other signs of infection. A fever is another sign that it is time to contact the doctors office as this can be serious.

There really is no normal. I was out on my usual 3 mile walk in the next couple of days after implant. Some folks have had pain for several weeks. Our bodies heal differently and surgeons skills vary.

best wishes,

frank

Thanks Frank

by HSy - 2012-06-24 03:06:43

Thanks Frank - your comments are helpful. I'm probably just an impatient patient.

That why we are called patients

by ElectricFrank - 2012-06-24 11:06:00

Glad I could help.

frank

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