what to expect

Got a date with my EP, to do the pacemarker 2~24. The office said it would be about 6 hours in the hospital than home. Just wondering about how long you all were out of work after the pm surgery

6 Comments

6 weeks

by Bostonstrong - 2014-02-11 11:02:03

But I thought I would only be off 2 because they said I couldn't drive for 2 weeks. At two week post op the nurse said it would be 6 weeks, then dr said it would be 4 but sent HR a note saying 6. Not great communication pre op, some of that was my fault. Have to say I enjoyed the time off but would have been fine to go back much sooner if the dr had okayed it.

1wk

by Chase - 2014-02-12 01:02:55

My PM was put in a week ago tomorrow. It was done early in the morning. I was awake the total time although I'd have admit I was sort of in twlight land part of the time. I stayed in the hospital overnight and went home the next morning. It was not painful. I was told I couldn't drive for two weeks. I can't raise my elbow above my shoulder, and I'm not suppose to push up with my arm like out of a chair. I have to follow this routine for four weeks. So far things have gone very well.

Depends on your job

by bmccasland - 2014-02-12 08:02:36

I was in the hospital for 24hrs. The procedure was a couple hours which I was awake for the whole thing. Had to do an xray that afternoon and again in the morning. The hold up for me leaving was taking antibiotice intravenously (3 doses one every 8 hours). I returned to work within a week, however my work does not require any lifting etc (mostly desk work). I wish you the best during the procedure/ recovery and a better life.

PM plcmt

by SparkyNoel - 2014-02-12 10:02:59

I was able to return to work in 4 wks. My pm was placed under IV conscious sedation (twilight sleep)-very comfortable. Wore a sling for about 6 hrs after placement. Had 3 doses of IV antibiotic-therefore I spent the night. Discharged mid-morning. Do not recall having any discomfort. Did have quite a bit of bruising & swelling. Allowed to drive after two wks. Not allowed to raise arm above shoulder level for six weeks. Everyone heals @ a different rate so listen to your body & communicate w/your EP-they should be very understanding and give you the time you need to recover. Don't rush your recovery, be smart and you'll do great! Take care & best wishes:-)

PM placement

by crossettae - 2014-02-12 10:02:59

I had some issues after surgery and ended up staying for an extra 3 days. I work in a hospital and I have to be able to do a lot of lifting and my doctor would not allow me to go back for 8 weeks. Honestly, after everything I needed the time off. I hated not working and not driving but having some extra time to get used to things helped. I was first told because of my age (25) that I was going to have a really fast recovery, turned out not to be true. Everyone is different, but seems that between 4-6 weeks is about a good time. Take your time, rest your arm and enjoy some you time. Don't rush! You know your body best, always remember that. Good luck, take care

4 wks

by Tick-tock - 2014-02-12 12:02:34

I was at the hospital for a total of 10 hours. most of that was waiting for surgery. I had general anesthesia. Once I was awake, they took a x-ray (4 hours early because my "day unit" closed at 5), and sent me home. Due to my job being very physical and my restrictions of not using my left arm I was off work for 4 weeks. I wont lie, I needed it.

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