Got my pacemaker in 2 weeks ago.

Got dual lead pacemaker in 2 weeks ago now. Feeling good,keep forgetting not to raise my arm too high. Back to work next week,half days initially. Looking forward to getting back to normal routine. Bit dizzy and headaches today but will drink more and hopefully will settle.

3 Comments

Sounds like you're doing OK

by Theknotguy - 2015-07-09 02:07:53

Sounds like you're doing OK. Don't worry about raising the arm. Reason for the warning is to give the scar tissue time to heal without having your wound break open. So an occasional bout of forgetfulness is OK as long as you gently lift the arm. You'll want to keep the arm moving so you don't get a frozen shoulder. Keep the above the shoulder to a minimum until the wound heals.

You'll want to hydrate more. Just water. I was doing 1/2 liter of water per day per 33 pounds of body weight. With the PM kicking up your heart rate, the metabolism is running a little faster and you'll need more water to compensate. Drinking more water per day may eliminate some of the dizzy and headaches.

Warm and cold packs on the wound after you get back to work. The first few days can give you a lot of aches. And remember to take it easy for the first few days. You may feel good and want to push it, but don't. Paybacks for overextending yourself are hell.

Hope everything else is going well for you.

easy does it

by knb123 - 2015-07-09 05:07:55

Hey slowbeat--Congratulations on a successful implant.

In general I agree with Theknotguy about the arm-raising. I prefer to err on the side of caution, however. As it was explained to me, it's not only the incision that could break open when you raise your arm above your head, you could conceivably dislodge the leads (which are working their way and settling into the heart muscle). "Why take a chance when it's avoidable" is kinda my mantra.

Two weeks after my implant, I was back on the treadmill at the gym. I did feel dizzy and a little weak-kneed one day, and decided I'd overdone it a little. Drank some water, took a nap; good as new.

Good luck with your recovery!

Makes sense

by slowbeat - 2015-07-09 06:07:30

Thanks a million for speedy replies to my post. Makes sense when you think about it regarding the fluids. Had been drinking almost 3 litres before pacemaker so will stick with it.

You know you're wired when...

Your electric tooth brush interferes with your device.

Member Quotes

I live an extremely normal life now and my device does NOT hinder me in any way.