Got my first pacemaker!

I got my pacemaker on Thursday, 4/11 for syncope. The surgery went well...the last thing I remembered was speaking in German to the anesthesiologist, then the next thing I knew I was waking up and it was over. I was concerned that I would get the pacemaker and then it would never pace because I didn't really need it (its programmed with a rate drop algorithm. ) Those fears are put to rest because it paced a few times while I was in the hospital, so apparently I have been having more episodes than I was aware of. Anyway, I'm recovering fine, slight discomfort but the worst thing is my 2 year old son doesn't understand why mommy won't pick him up or rock him. It's breaking my heart. But it will be over soon. The one question I have is how soon will I be able to wear a real bra without it hurting? Where the pm is, is right under where the straps go on all of my bras.

Thanks to all of you for your support!

8 Comments

Up to you

by ohiolaura - 2013-04-14 11:04:21

I cant recall now exactually how long I waited to wear a bra after surgery,I went back to work at 10 days after surgery,and I believe I wore a sport bra the first few days at work.Just cause I had to.
I know what you mean about the strap being there,it sucks plainly.Id do what you have to ,to be comfortable and not to have your area get sore.Its not worth it.
I think about 2 weeks after surgery I was back to the regular support system.....sadly!
Be patient,the soreness will lessen,Im over 9 months now post PM,1st time,and have no issues with any clothes items,and work out 7 days a week,with sports apperal being fine.
The first 2 weeks Id say is the touchiest.
Laura

Glad it went well

by Grateful Heart - 2013-04-15 01:04:01

Maybe you can have your 2 year old lie in bed with you propped up, but on the opposite side of the pm, then you can cuddle with your good arm. (Where there's a will there's a way)!

Bra straps can be an issue, like seatbelt straps. My device sticks out and at times it is still an issue. Sometimes trying a different style bra can work.

My device and the area feels tight lately because I am temporarily using a cane and after a few weeks, I'm feeling it...but I know what it is and this too shall pass.

Enjoy your son...I miss those days, my guys are in their 20's now. Will just have to wait for my future, someday grandchildren...LOL.

Take care,

Grateful Heart

Thanks!!

by Deppygore - 2013-04-15 05:04:03

Thanks to all of you for your suggestions. I've dug through and found an old bra that will work for a while, the straps don't go exactly over the incision area. I've been trying to snuggle up with my son as much as possible when I can get him to sit still next to me. He is, shall we say, extremely rambunctious so there isn't much calm time for him during the day. He has a tendency to try to scoot up by pushing on his feet when he's on my lap and swinging his arms around when he gets excited by something, so I'm mostly just trying not to get a whack in the incision! One time last year he got too excited while on my lap and got me right in the eye with his toy. It tore my cornea and now I have to wear glasses. So I'm a little extra cautious now! Hopefully it will not be so sensitive for too long. I really appreciate this site, I don't know what I would have done without everyone here!

healing

by Tracey_E - 2013-04-15 05:04:16

I wore the tanks with the built in bra the first few weeks, layered loose blouses over it. My incision is on the side, right where the underwire hits, so healing was a bit longer for me. (good hearted surgeon trying to make it inconspicuous and comfortable for me but clearly a MAN lol, a woman would have scooted over half an inch)

You can hold your son!! Either sit on the floor with him or sit on the sofa and have him climb up or someone hand him to you. Have a talk with him about mommy's boo boo, he's old enough to understand enough to not hurt you, though I'd stick to quiet activities like reading or watch tv together so he doesn't get excited and forget.

Glad to hear your surgery went well.

Same Day Implant

by GAT - 2013-04-15 07:04:55

Hello, I also got my first ICD implanted on exactly same day like you. Thought, will be good to share our recoveries. Happy to know that your recovery is going fine. I can understand what you wrote about your little son though. I am recovering fine though improvement seem slower. There is swelling in the left arm and bruises on chest. Can't move left arm freely and also have to sleep straight, other than that doing well overall

Get well soon

Cheers
Gat

Rocking

by jeanlancour - 2013-04-15 12:04:39

I have a 2 year old great grandson, he was about 1 and1/2 when I had my PM. It was an easy fix , put a baby blanket over your PM shoulder and have him climb into your lap. Be a bit inventive about what he uses to climb up there, fun for him, comforting for you. Warning if he throws himself back try to aim his head away from your PM, if he hits the PM with his head it will hurt--not him-you-but will do no damage to either of you. Hurts pretty bad for a while, I shifted him, grited my teeth and smiled. Blessings Jean

Gat - hope you're recovering well!

by Deppygore - 2013-04-16 11:04:52

I had a bad day yesterday with back pain. I think I'm overcompensating trying to protect my shoulder area and its throwing my back out of whack. Also sleeping weird, as you said and that doesn't help! But hopefully this part will end soon. I gave in and let my son sit directly on my lap, and sure enough he threw his head back and got me right on the incision. OW!!

sleeping

by Tracey_E - 2013-04-17 04:04:31

I found it helpful to sleep hugging a small pillow with my left arm (implant on left). This kept me from rolling on my sore side in my sleep.

You should not be modifying your movements to the point you are messing up your back! It's important to use the arm normally, just don't raise it too high or lift too much. Other than that, do what you'd normally do. If you keep that arm too still, the shoulder can freeze.

So sorry to hear your son got you! It's ok to ice it.

You know you're wired when...

Your device acts like a police scanner.

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