Submuscular/Pectoral Recovery

Hi,

I'm 43 and I will be having my 5th pacemaker put in since I was 25 this Friday. Super fun with a premature batter replacement, pacemaker pocket infection, lead extraction and move to the right side submuscular and one good ol' regular generator replacement in 2006.

I am trying to remember what the recovery was like in 2006 so I can plan my work schedule. I seem to remember it was very painful and I couldn't lift my arm for some time.

If anyone has had this recently, I'd love to get your feedback.

Thanks!

4 Comments

replacements

by Tracey_E - 2014-07-28 10:07:26

My last replacement (#4) was a new lead and the submammary pocket was rebuilt. If you get a new lead, limit lifting and keep the arm lower than shoulder level for 4-6 weeks, other movement is ok. Everyone is different with pain. I took something at night the first few days, got by on tylenol after that. I was going about my regular schedule, just moving slowly and carefully.

When I had my other replacements, it was just the generator. I was more sore than someone who has it just under the skin, but I never filled the pain prescrip and was home fixing my own lunch the day of surgery. On #3, I had it done Fri, left for vacation Tuesday. No arm restrictions, just watch the incision.

Good luck!!

replacements

by jenniwoowoo - 2014-08-04 03:08:07

Just had my first CRT-D implanted in January. Yes, it was painful, but not impossible. I agree with Tracy E, 4-6 weeks no arm movement above shoulder, however, do move your arm so you do not get "frozen shoulder". Good luck.

replacements

by jenniwoowoo - 2014-08-04 03:08:46

Just had my first CRT-D implanted in January. Yes, it was painful, but not impossible. I agree with Tracy E, 4-6 weeks no arm movement above shoulder, however, do move your arm so you do not get "frozen shoulder". Good luck.

Thanks!

by Holladay Pacer - 2014-08-12 04:08:20

Thanks for the advice! The surgery went well and everyone was right. A few days of pain and then voila! Back in the swing of things.

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Member Quotes

So, my advice is to go about your daily routine and forget that you have a pacemaker implanted in your body.