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I went to the ER June 24th because of fainting and palpitations. I received my pacemaker June 26th and released from the hospital the 27th. I had to ask for a pamphlet before my surgery. I was released with out any information on what kind I received other than it is St. Jude. I went to the surgeons office July2ed. The nurse removed the bandage, said it looked good and I could take a regular shower, vacuum and do everything I did before except lift 5 lbs. I saw my cardiologist the 7th and he told me NOT to get it wet and take it easy for 4 more weeks. His nurse asked me for my card and I told her I did not receive one. I also now have severe depression. Is this standard procedure or am I expecting to be more informed about pacemakers?

4 Comments

yep

by AVJim - 2015-07-12 08:07:24

Once again, a thoughtful response from AngrySparrow!!

be proactive

by knb123 - 2015-07-12 08:07:48

Shirley, I too have a St Jude Medical PM. At the hospital the St Jude technician visited me and checked my PM. I also received information through the mail from the manufacturer (including my i.d. card), though at my first interrogation (3 months out?) that I reported that I had still not received a home monitoring device (something that I was told about at the hospital before my discharge).

If you have a St Jude Medical pamphlet, perhaps it's the same one I received upon discharge. I would call the toll-free number and ask them when my home monitor would arrive. Ask the rep any questions you have about your device. Report that you have NOT received your i.d. card. I have found them to be very knowledgeable and courteous.

Somehow you "fell through the cracks" on this part of the process. Regrettable though it underscores the need for all patients to be proactive and not wait for someone else to notice.

Ask about a Cardio Rehab program

by Lurch - 2015-07-12 09:07:45

Call your doctor's office Monday and ask about a Cardio Rehab program. Most insurance companies will offer it but sometimes you have to ask.

They will help you deal with the depression, give you tons of information regarding your device and help you develop an exercise program to help you get back on your feet.

Good luck!

It Varies

by Artist - 2015-07-12 10:07:27

Post op instructions vary a lot. Regarding bathing, the type of bandaging might be a factor. I had an outer dressing and beneath that, steri strips. The outer dressing was removed in two weeks and bathing the wound area with dial soap was recommended. At 30 days, the strips were taken off and again, daily bathing the area with dial soap was recommended in addition to use of an anti bacterial ointment as the stitches continued to work their way out.
It's hard to understand why your cardiologist wants you to wait 4 more weeks to bathe. Having a PM implanted seems to really take an emotional adjustment. This club helps me a lot when I read accounts from Angry Sparrow and others about their PM/cardiac experiences. Their comments ground me and help me to realize how minor my problems are and how fortunate I am to have a PM and good medical care. Regardless, I still have occasions when I get the blues and that tells me I am sitting too much and have too much time to focus my thoughts on myself. As you heal, it is important to keep as active as possible, do the things you enjoy, get out in the sun and talk to others. Keep talking to your new friends here at the PM club. Hang in there, your feelings are normal. If your depression doesn't lessen, you might need some professional help with that.

You know you're wired when...

Your heart beats like a teenager in love.

Member Quotes

A pacemaker completely solved my problem. In fact, it was implanted just 7 weeks ago and I ran a race today, placed first in my age group.