Driving ... when ???

My doctor said the morning after I received my pacemaker (first) that it would be a month before I can drive. I have a mid size SUV. Have hardly driven it at all as we got it just before I went to hospital. Also, some information says I can raise my left arm above shoulder height after 3 weeks, some say 6 weeks. Also with the ongoing bra comments. What is this about underwire bras with a pacemaker? The unit is on my shoulder, not where the wire is?????? Questions, questions, questions.
Patricia

4 Comments

what i was told

by ohiolaura - 2013-01-29 08:01:05

I was told these things,no lifting arm above shoulder for 6 weeks,so thats what I did,no issues there,didnt lift more than 5 lbs w/same side,left,implant side for 6 weeks also.
Good there too.I did drive,dont know when,maybe a week after I came home,so maybe 8 days after surgery.Fine there too.
Now,the bra thing,big thing for me too,I needed it,so figured while I was home,not working,to go "free" as long as I could,then I slowly went into a sports bra for a few days,then into the regular underwire I have always worn.
It was fine,no issues,a necessary evil in my book!
I remember just having to use a small towel under the seat belt for a couple weeks atleast when I was driving,as the belt layed close to the incision site.
Hope this helps some......
Laura

varies

by Tracey_E - 2013-01-29 09:01:01

Driving, it depends on the laws where you are and your history. If you've passed out, it will be longer before you can drive. UK has a mandatory 1 month no driving. My dr's instructions said 30 days but when I asked him he said I could drive when I felt up to it.

Raising arm, I've heard anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months, but 6 weeks is average. Odds are if something is going to go wrong with the leads it will be in the first few days, the rest is precautionary.

I've never heard no underwires with a pm! Breast cancer patients are told that and they're probably not good for any of us, but I've never been told not to. Some women have a problem with the straps until they heal but it's just a matter of comfort, not restrictions.

driving

by SaraTB - 2013-01-29 10:01:22

bear in mind that one reason why the UK and US have different rules about returning to driving is that most cars in the UK are stick-shift, and right hand drive, so assuming most people have their PM implanted on the left side, - well, that's your gear changing arm, so it's best to wait a while.

If you have an automatic, and you're obviously driving on the left, then you probably don't need to wait as long. In the US, I waited two weeks.

Bras? It's the strap that causes the problem - generally the implant spot is right where your strap goes, which can irritate the scar for a few weeks. Initially, I wore a sports bra, with wider straps, for about a month, but went back to the usual once it had healed. When I had the replacement PM, I carried on wearing the usual ones and it was fine. It's really all about the strap.

Hey Patricia

by Jax - 2013-01-29 10:01:34

I drove after one week-- just local driving .

The bra thing was rough. I did without for over 2 weeks and I wore a loose blouse. The ironing thing was tough. I had to iron with my right hand (I am a lefty ).

You know you're wired when...

The mortgage on your device is more than your house.

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