Getting a pacemaker

I am going in on Friday for a pacemaker. I was just wondering what the recovery time is? I saw something saying that you shouldn't raise your left arm above your shoulder for 6 weeks. Is this True? Are they any other things i should know about. Will i still be able to drive? I will be going to see the arrhythmia coordinator on Thursday. Are there any question anyone can think of for me to ask? I am a little nervous about getting this done but i am more nervous to wait. So i am really happy to be getting in so quick. Any information about healing time would be great.

8 Comments

If you are in UK

by RobertS - 2013-01-09 01:01:45

then you need by law to tell the DVLA that you have a pacemaker or risk a hefty fine if you have an accident or get caught. See: www.gov.uk/pacemakers-and-driving.
If 'scotia' is Nova Scotia as opposed to Scotland then scrub all that! You'll have your own rules.

I was advised not to drive for a week for comfort reasons - the seatbelt can press on the PM site and hurt. I'm 4 weeks in now and it fine - no problem. And I got a letter from the DVLA saying I was legal to drive too.

As with Alma Annie I was told not to raise my arm above my shoulder for six weeks for the same reason. Though the cardio who put it in said it was nonsense as there was plenty of 'slack' in the leads to allow for stretching otherwise they'd pull out any time. He said they were more likely to become dislodged before they became embedded by a big sneeze or coughing. I wasn't sure whether to be comforted or not by that! However all is fine. And I was restricted from raising my arm above my shoulder till the bruising went anyway - it was sore. Now I forget sometimes an reach for things on high shelves.

Front opening clothes are a good idea and stick the pacemaker side arm in first. I found sleeping for the first few days a bit of a problem till i discovered that keeping my arm inside my pyjamas and buttoning them over it stopped me from turning over and lying on that side. After a week it wasn't a problem any more.

Personally I'm a bit chary of slings because you do need to move the shoulder to avoid it becoming frozen But others think they are a good idea. I did wear one the first few days out to keep people from banging in to me and the grandchildren from forgetting and charging at me.

Otherwise keep the wound dry till it heals over a bit -3-4 days for me and just do what seems right for you. It'll be fine and all the best with it.

Robert

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dont worry

by AlanB - 2013-01-09 04:01:06

Easy enough to say now i have had mine done, but looking back i was the same as u...As for recovery time i guess all people r different.Im from the UK and 5 weeks after mine was done i did a 54mile charity bike ride, but i thnik slow but and steady. In the Uk i wasn't alowed to drive for 2 weeks and had to be carefull about lifting my arm ap( i put it in a sling at night to stop this )Anything else u need to know just ask..Alan

healing

by Alma Annie - 2013-01-09 05:01:24

The reason for not lifting arm above shoulder for 6 weeks is to give the leads time to settle into the scar tissue. Before this time there is a danger that the movement of arm too high might pull them out. The sling is a good idea during the day as well as when the pain has gone it is too easy to forget and it is amazing how often we do lift arms high.
I was not allowed to drive for 2 weeks, although I was naughty and did pop down to the shops after a week, but only down the road. The thing is that if you have an accident the insurance will not pay if the doctor has not given the all clear.
Alma Annie

love this site

by scotia - 2013-01-09 07:01:00

Thank-you all for your responses. It helps so much to speak to people who have had this done. It takes away some of my anxiety about the unknown. And Robert that was funny about Nova Scotia having there own rules..so true. But i live in Ontario so i guess i will just have to see how i feel and what my doctor suggests.

Thanks

Laura

Relax

by Ramnarayan - 2013-01-09 07:01:06

I got a PM on 26th Dec., in India. I am back to my normal routine from 2nd Jan, including moving my hand above the shoulders - like to wear a T Shirt etc. I drive my Car to work. Word of caution - dont scratch or rub the incision for few days, specially while taking a bath. Best wishes to you.

My Recovery

by Reboot1212 - 2013-01-09 09:01:10

I'm in my fifth week since the pm implant. They told me not to drive for seven days, keep elbow below shoulder for six weeks. sent me home in a sling and said it was optional after three days. My wife bought a travel pillow for me, which I held to my side with my arm when sleeping or relaxing- made it easier to remember not to raise my arm. Easier on my shoulder too Everyday gets better. Looking back on it - it was not bad at all. Hope all goes as well for you.

Reboot1212

Aussie Experience

by Ausbill40 - 2013-01-10 09:01:21

I received my pacemaker only two days ago. All Ok but sore of course.

Advice to me was to keep arm down below shoulder height for at least a week or so, but don't go past pain threshold.
Other activities dependent on how I feel, cardiologist here seems to think no problem in getting back to my previous activities, I guess time will tell.

Driving here in Australia is not allowed for two weeks after implant.

I don't use a sling but use shirts in lieu of T shirts to overcome the need to extend arms overhead.

Hope your recovery is a fast one.

In Oz too

by shamen - 2013-01-12 08:01:02

Just got back from hospital - pacemaker fitted yesterday. Very unsure of what I can and can't do so came looking on the net - thanks so much for all the comments on recovery - way less worried now.
Thanks
Sharon

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