NEW AT THIS :)

Hi! I'm a 25 year old who has congenital heart block and underwent PPM. I've had my Medtronic dual chamber pacemaker for a week now. My doctor says I can't have extreme arm movements as of now because my body is still healing.
I feel like I've gained weight because of just sitting or sleeping around the house for a week. I'd love to exercise (dancing and work out videos or jogging) again but I'm too scared to move with strenuous activities.

I have a few questions:
1. How long til I can run or jog or dance after my surgery?
2. When can my wound be soaked with water (e.g full bath at least 30 minutes - haha sorry I take a long time to take a bath)
3. How long before I can do strenuous activities

Tips for healing would help a lot! Thank you

6 Comments

recovery

by Tracey_E - 2015-10-05 01:10:13

You can walk now. As long as you don't do vigorous arm movement, you can do whatever you want as soon as you feel up to it. It took about a month before the impact of running didn't make me sore, but everyone is different.

Water, depends how they closed it. Some of the new glues can get wet right away. Did they give you post op instructions?

After 6-8 weeks, do what you want.

re: recovery

by trailerboats - 2015-10-05 02:10:55

Thanks for the reply! :)

They just told me to have minimal arm movements for a week. Follow up check up is still in a few days. I was still so excited about my pacemaker that I forgot to ask them a bunch of questions regarding post op instructions. I'm too shy to ask them again. What I understood was just to change the dressing everyday but nothing regarding water and taking a bath.

Yes, walking is okay with me so far. Haven't tried doing anything much other than that though. I really want to get back to work though.

Recovery

by Good Dog - 2015-10-05 03:10:17

I received my new pacemaker (I received it due to a 3rd degree AV block) in January and I I was playing competitive basketball in June. My own pulse would take-over above 140 bpm since that was the max for my pacemaker. I tried to track my pulse a few times (when playing ball, this was back in 1988) and gave-up at about 180 bpm.
So be patient, follow the Doc's orders, but just know that you should be able to live a long and normal life with your new pacemaker. You might even be completely amazed with how good you will feel!

Best of luck,

Dave

The Arm Sling

by oldearthworm - 2015-10-05 06:10:19

I'd use one of these for the first week ..a PITA as the right arm movement is arrested . No load right arm movement is necessary .. to prevent a frozen shoulder .. Please don't be shy .. write down all the questions and demand answers ! If the medical "profession" were to do a good job in compiling an info paper, most of the questions could be spared .

You are in charge

by Lurch - 2015-10-05 08:10:00

I used to be like you, didn't want to bother my doctor with questions or minimal concerns; but, that has changed. I now realize that my medical team works for me. I am their employer. If I don't like what they are doing, within reason, I can and will fire them and hire someone with whom I find it easier to work!

I fired my Primary Care Physician about three years ago. Wish I would have done it much, much sooner. I might have been able to save some of the problems I have experienced if he was more willing to check and follow up on things. But, it is mostly my fault for not pressing the issue and firing him sooner when he didn't do his job!

Don't be scared to call your doctor's office and ask a question, that's how we learn!

Good luck.

Talk to your Doctor

by vincep - 2015-11-27 04:11:43

I would switch down to a vegetarian diet to consume less calories until I could be more active if my doctor approved it, I would not rush anything dear, you are only going to heal once, hopefully, if they have to go back in because something moved it IS a big deal. So chillax im humble opinion and stay the course according to nurse/doctor.

You know you're wired when...

You have an excuse for being a couch potato.

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