questions

doc wants me to have a pm
i am not sure i have a-fib out of control
heart act 2 years ago heart getting weaker
is there pain afterwards for a long time does it hurt when it heals and you do a lot of moving of your arm?
what about seat belts?
and any other info you can give me

3 Comments

Some thoughts

by Lurch - 2014-07-25 08:07:29

First, welcome! Second, you could seek a second opinion if you are unsure.

Following the implantation of my device I was sore for a couple of weeks but it now, almost three months out, is almost unnoticeable.

As for seat belts, for the first month or so I kept a hand towel in our van. Whenever I would drive the van I placed the hand towel over the incision area to pad the seat belt.

For the first couple of weeks you will be told not to lift your arm over your head. That allows the wires running from the PM to your heart time to "set" so they won't come loose. You will also be told not lift anything more than 6-10 pounds for a while (it appears this varies between 2 weeks to 2 months).

After that, there are very little restrictions! Don't work around big machinery using magnets (an arc wielding career is out), don't carry your cell phone in your shirt pocket..... nothing all that limiting...

Good luck and let us know if you have any specific questions.

Seat belts

by Selwyn - 2014-07-25 09:07:25

Decide whether you are a passenger or a driver in general. There is a choice ( at least for me being left handed) as to which side the PM was to be placed. I decided to go for the side away from the seat belt shoulder. They had to turn everything around to the other side of the surgical room for me when I was on the table! Best to make up your mind a little sooner!!

I still do find it a little uncomfortable being a passenger as the seat belt can rub the PM site if I do not wear a lot of clothes as padding. I am generally a driver.

Most people have little pain, though there are exceptions.
Most people are able to forget about their PMs and resume life with more certainty.

Bests wishes.

Discomfort after PM

by WillieG - 2014-07-25 10:07:59

I had a fair amount of discomfort for only the first 2 weeks. I felt like I had a hard boiled egg in my chest and could not wear a bra strap over it and put a pillow under the seatbelt so it would touch the area for first 3 to 4 days. I could barely move my arm to use the blinker light lever in the car or open the door to the refrigerator. I could not sleep on either side for 2 weeks. I am 6 weeks now and only feel it when I move my left arm but it is not painful, just annoying.

Good luck with the surgery and ask for pain meds. I never did and wished I had for sleeping.

You know you're wired when...

You play MP3 files on your pacer.

Member Quotes

I am very lucky to have my device.