Sub Muscular replacement healing times

Hi, I had a pacemaker fitted in February but I have been unhappy with the result (aesthetics and impact on sporting activity). My surgeon has agreed that it should be relocated to sit underneath the chest muscle. Obviously, the surgery will be more invasive and I would expect the tissue to take longer to heal than for the original surgery. However, it is time for the leads to bed into the heart that was the most disruptive part of the original surgery (advice varied but 6 weeks would seem normal).

Does anyone know whether I will need to allow time for the leads to bed in again, or will the same leads that are already bedded in be used?

My surgery is due to take place towards the end of August but I have had no advice on how long I will need to take off work or how long before I can go mountain biking, play football, carry a rucksack, etc.

Thanks

Alan

3 Comments

Recovery

by PeteFindlay - 2015-06-25 05:06:59

I have nothing to compare it with, having only had the one PM under the muscle last year. Based on others comments about recovery, I'd have to say I don't think it'll be significantly different. Maybe a few more muscular aches for a bit longer, but nothing that stood out to me as particularly painful or debilitating.

Well worth it from an aesthetic and athletic point of view, I'd say. Mine's totally hidden and protected and hasn't stopped me doing anything physical.

Not long

by Pacemum - 2015-06-26 02:06:22

If the leads are not being replaced then the it will only be the time the incision takes to heal. My daughter had her under the muscle PM changed about a couple of years ago and if my memory serves me well it was only a couple of weeks.

deeper placement

by Tracey_E - 2015-06-26 07:06:51

They will use the same leads, so no healing time there. Your only restrictions will be healing of the incision.

Everyone varies- our surgeon, our build, our tolerance for pain. Mine is buried also. I was pretty sore the first few days but got by on just tylenol by the 3rd day, sometimes something stronger at night. By the end of the first week I was mostly back to normal, just sore and moving carefully. However, it was about 3 months before I was back to my full workout routine, bending and stretching in any direction without any discomfort. It was not 3 months of pain, just feeling the twinge if I moved the wrong way. Now, I don't even know it's there. I do whatever I want, can barely feel the edges of it if I poke around looking for it.

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