Slingless!

Thanks to all of the good advice that I received.... I have ditched my sling and I am becoming very good at using my left arm, but not above my shoulder. No future frozen shoulder for me! The site is still only slightly sore and there is just a little swelling and no warm spots so I guess my infection question has been answered thanks to all of you! Every day I feel so much better....when did you all start driving again?

4 Comments

Driving

by Grateful Heart - 2013-03-10 06:03:43

Usually a few weeks. You don't want to have to stop short or make a sharp turn while driving and pull a lead out. The leads need some time to embed and besides, the seat belt is not all that comfortable rubbing against the implant site for awhile. Check with your Doctor and be patient, it's worth the wait to avoid a lead revision.

Glad to hear you are feeling better and went "slingless". You'll be fine, you know what to do.

Grateful Heart

Driving

by Nancylyn1991 - 2013-03-10 11:03:52

Every dr is different but I was allowed to drive after 3 weeks.at your next appointment they should tell you when you are free

Thanks Frank!

by Pandysbuddy - 2013-03-11 01:03:34

I live in a small town also with a grocery store just a block away so thanks to you I feel way more confident about making that small trip. This is the beginning of my second week since the surgery. I have not felt light headed at all......just sore....but will drive mostly with the right arm and I'll keep the left arm low. Thanks to all.

Several considerations on driving

by ElectricFrank - 2013-03-11 12:03:19

First off is the reason for getting the pacer. If your condition is such that you had episodes of passing out then it makes sense to wait long enough to be sure the problem is solved.

As far as pulling leads out etc. unless you are driving a old car with no power steering or brakes there is no more stress on your pacer than doing things around home. (Unless you are a terrible driver). It also depends somewhat on where you intend to drive.

The problem with the doctors instructions is that they are usually a boiler plate take home form which takes none of this into account. So I use the "Don't ask, don't tell" approach and use my own judgement. I live in a small low traffic town where driving isn't demanding. However, I was feeling so good after the implant that I walked everywhere for the most part. However, it was only a few days after the surgery that I took my Jeep out into the desert for a drive. My pacer was for AV block and I had never passed out or even been light headed so that wasn't an issue.

From your description you sound like a "go getter" and are doing very well. That's the way its supposed to be.

best wishes,

frank

You know you're wired when...

You make store alarms beep.

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