PM this morning....ouch!

I had PM put in this morning....procedure took about 1 hour I was awake and able to ask questions during it, I was done by 9:30 am. DC'd from hospital by 2:30 pm. I thought that seemed kind of quick, but that's the way they do it I guess. I wasn't having any issues. Boy am I sore now! Taking Extra Strength Tylenol q 4 hours. I have a pain in my left shoulder when I take a deep breath, they didn't seem concerned. How long will this soreness last? I wasn't prepared for soreness/pressure to hurt like this. I have to hold something against it or it feels like it will open up, preferably something flat because any extra pressure over the device kind of freaks me out. How long for that to go away? I can take dressing off tomorrow to see what it looks like. That's kind of freaking me out too. Maybe I should have asked for some better drugs. I'm glad this day is over!

4 Comments

Normal

by Tinkergirl - 2014-11-12 08:11:46

The feeling of heaviness in your chest is normal. Every time I stood up, leaned over or got into bed I had to hold it with my hand as it felt like it was going to fall out. I also felt like someone had strapped a 5lb weight on my chest until the swelling went down. Both of these issues went away with in a few weeks. I am 5 weeks out from getting my PM and it gets better everyday!!!

I wish you a quick recovery!!

Expect rapid improvement for a week or so

by Griddlebone - 2014-11-12 09:11:05

As Tinkergirl said, you're experiencing some pretty normal post-PM stuff, so smile and REST. Catch up on some TV or movies, get all the throw pillows in your house and experiment as to which supports your arm best and makes you feel least like your chest wall might open up. (I used a large stuffed bear, but your mileage may vary.) Let people wait on you, if possible. Make yourself as comfy as possible and wait for tomorrow, when you'll likely feel better. And the next day, and the next. Count each improvement as a victory ("Good bye, bear, I don't need you any more!") and remember that your biggest victory is that shiny toy hidden near your left shoulder that's helping your heart do its job!

Wow! Same Day Surgery

by Lurch - 2014-11-12 10:11:44

I tried and tried to get my doctor to let me go home the day of the implant, but he refused. Kept me overnight so they could x-ray in the morning to make sure everything was where they left it! I think they just wanted the money....

Yea, bending over for the first week or so you have the feeling that something is falling out of your chest. But, trust me, it won't fall out. I knew that and still reached up every time like Tingerbell

I also used a pillow to support my arm the first two days (didn't have a Teddy Bear), especially at night. I tend to sleep on my left side so placing a pillow under my arm served two purposes; kept the pressure off my shoulder and kept me from rolling over onto my left side.

Griddlebone is exactly right, you will see improvements each day!

Sooo thankful for this lifeline!

by rjsully - 2014-11-13 09:11:44

I just want to say...this site is more helpful than words can say. Day three now with PM. Ice is definately my friend. I discovered yesterday that using crushed ice is better because it doesn't feel so lumpy and press on PM. First day alone at home today without my "assistants" (hubby and kids). Slept through the night and didn't have to take Tylenol at the regular 6 hour shift I have been dedicated to...yeah! I feel so much better today. Still in my pajamas, but that is my uniform for the week : ) Took the dressing off yesterday and was pleasantly suprised that I didn't have a "big bulge" where pacemaker placed. My 16 year old daughter said she couldn't even notice it except for the incision site, which she thinks "looks cool". I feel like I have gotten over a hurdle here. Also overall feeling more "awake" than before PM. I didn't even take a nap yesterday!!! They might need to turn my rate up, though because low is set at 50 and I am almost always at that, which tells me I I am using it most of the time, right? I am anxious to see how exercise will feel once I can get back to it. Peace to everyone out there who is helping us newbies get through this! You guys rock !!!

You know you're wired when...

Your pacemaker receives radio frequencies.

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I, too, am feeling tons better since my implant.