How Long Until I Feel "Normal" Again?

I had an CRT-D (3 Lead) Device implanted on Wednesday, July 22. One of the leads became detached and the procedure was repeated two days later on Friday, July 24. It's nearly two weeks since I had the procedure and I still haven't regained my strength and have yet been able to return to work. I'm a 56 year old female and work in an office environment at a desk. I ventured out yesterday for the first time to get some groceries. I was so exhausted after a little while of shopping that I had to have my daughter check out for me while I made my way outside to sit in the car to wait for her. It took so much out of me just going out for a short time. I still have some pain at the incision site. I found the first 5 days of recovery absolutely agonizing and the thought of dislodging a lead again and having to go through the surgical procedure all over again for a third time terrifies me so I know I'm babying the incision area and not allowing myself to move my left arm too much. I've read on this site how some people have had the procedure and were back at their jobs a few days later. I'm curious how long some others here needed before returning to work. Should I be strong enough now after nearly 2 weeks to be able to return full time? I don't feel I am ready to go back right yet but I wonder when I will feel good enough. Any thoughts or advice?

3 Comments

feeling "normal"

by bluebowtye - 2015-08-05 01:08:31

Hi,

I had my PM implanted about a year and a half ago. My surgery went fine with no complications. It took me a good month before I started feeling better even though I went back to work (office job) 2 1/2 weeks after. Some days I felt ok, others I felt downright awful and was extremely tired after just doing a little bit. My incision hurt for some time too, and it didn't help that I had a stray stitch that didn't dissolve so my doc had to really pull & tug to get it out.

As busrider says ~ everyone is different and we all heal at different rates. I would imagine with you having to have your leads redone would make you take a little longer than some. My best advice is to listen to your body and take it easy and when you feel tired get as much rest as possible.

Take care, I hope you feel better soon.

~Sheila

I have regrets

by Pinkshirlz - 2015-08-05 05:08:47

Sorry to Hear that you went through that twice. It's definitely not a pleasant experience. I had my pacemaker implanted mid July at 28 years of age. Regardless of age, it really isn't great. My crazy doctor only booked me off for a week. I guess he thought because of my age and that I had a desk job that I could be back to normal in a week! Wrong! I didn't have the guts to tell him I wasn't ready. Guess I didn't want to seem pathetic! My mistake. First week back at work was honestly horrible. Had to forget about what just happened a week prior and go full Steam ahead. I really should have listened to my body. I had two meltdowns in the last two weeks. Depression hit in and I was at a point where everything upset me and I was so angry about having these limitations. Trust your gut. If your don't feel ready then say so. You are going to need some time not only for physical recovery but mental recovery too. Doctors don't baby you after surgery or let you know that for the next few weeks to months or years you are going to go through some challenges and experience emotional distress. You and everyone else here have been through some similar procedure. It's not easy. Take your time. You have been through alot. Ensure that you have or can get support from friends and family or even a psychologist if need be.

Take it easy and wish you good health

You're not alone.

by BetsyQ - 2015-08-06 05:08:09

I had my pm implanted on July 8, exactly four weeks ago. I'm a 55 year old female. My 1 1/2 hour procedure took 4 hours. They had problems placing the lead because of small veins and my collarbone is an odd shape, (or so the Dr. told me afterwards), so they had an interesting time placing the device. I am still finding that I have limited energy and strength. I can only lift my arm about halfway and even that is painful. My incision site is very tender.
All of this to say...you are not alone. I am truly learning that we all heal at different rates, physically and emotionally. I still start crying for absolutely no apparent reason at least once a day.
Be kind to yourself and go slow. That's what I've been told here on this site and by my doctor. There is no way, even after four weeks, that I would have been able to return to work at my former job. I am so grateful that I'm not working right now and can take the time a I need to heal. I hope you can do the same and not rush returning to your job.
This site has been an amazing support to me and I encourage you to keep coming back to check the messages.

You know you're wired when...

Your device acts like a police scanner.

Member Quotes

So, my advice is to go about your daily routine and forget that you have a pacemaker implanted in your body.