Recovery time

Had Pacemaker procedure 1 week ago what is normal recovery time?

7 Comments

Ditto

by heckboy - 2015-11-17 06:11:01

Good advice above. I'd kick around the house a week or two before going back to work. How your incision is healing on the outside should give you a clue to how you're healing on the inside.

Recovery time

by Good Dog - 2015-11-17 06:11:52

If this is your first, the recovery time is about a month. Obviously, the first week or two is the most important for healing. You should not raise your arm above your head for at least a month. After a month, you should be able to do whatever you feel up to. Of course, you have to follow your doctors orders.

I just had a replacement (my 4th) and I am pretty well healed-up after just two weeks. It obviously takes longer for your first implant.

Dave

welcome to our club

by knb123 - 2015-11-17 07:11:29

GoodDog and heckboy gave you good feedback. I would only add the following:
--Don't be surprised if you feel overwhelmed and/or overly emotional from time to time. Even when you come through the procedure with flying colors, the PM implant marks a sea change for your body. Many of us have experienced roller-coaster emotions during our recovery (I would estimate for six to eight weeks post-implant).
--For the first two weeks at least, don't lift anything on your implant side heavier than a gallon of milk (about 8 lb).
--If you forget yourself and raise your arm above your head (or lift that piano--LOL), don't freak out...just be more careful next time.
--Get yourself a journal and capture your questions and observations there so that when you next see your EP doc, you remember what you want to ask. (It's challenging to keep it all straight in our heads.) But also don't be shy about calling the doc's office if something doesn't look or feel right.
And feel free to post whenever! Lots of good advice on this site.
Good luck to you!

Post Surgical restrictions

by Artist - 2015-11-17 09:11:46

I was told not to lift my arm above SHOULDER level for 30 days. Also, the first two weeks to limit lifting to 10 lbs and no more than 20 lbs for weeks two through four. It is important to move your arm to keep the shoulder from locking up. As of 4 Nov. I am 1 year post op and my scar has finally flattened out and I am almost totally unaware of my PM. It is normal to have an assortment of sensations as the incision heals. Some members report feeling stinging sensations almost like ant bites as the scar tissue forms and stretches with increased activity. Recovery time varies from person to person and factors like age and physical fitness have a bearing on this. The important thing is to gradually increase your activities and pay attention to how your body responds. You will know when you have pushed things too fast. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. This is a great resource for information and support as you continue to heal.

Recovery time

by Theknotguy - 2015-11-17 11:11:44

All good comments so far. A couple of things to consider.
You filled out your bio which is good, but we don't know about past history.

If you were a couch potato, don't expect to go out and be ready to run a marathon. Going back to being active takes time and effort.

There can be adjustment periods. You may be more sensitive to settings on your PM and that may take time to adjust. You may need new medications and it may take time to find the medications that work best for you. Sometimes it's a combination of PM settings and medications that need to be adjusted.

I do hope everything goes well for you and that you adjust quickly.

Hi!

by Zetha - 2015-11-19 07:11:15

Well, I am at 10 weeks after PM and my physical recovery improved week by week and at my 6 week check-up my cardiologist said I could return to pilates, but for a year I should not do my normal arm exercises on reformer machine... my personal trainer is teaching me rehabilitation exercises for my arns, of course focused on left arm and for the rest , I can do everything as I used to, also very good: walking in the neighbourhood with my husband.

Also VERY important was not to lift my left arm above my shoulder for 6 weeks and I used an arm 'sling' when sleeping. One should , however, move the left arm in order to avoid 'frozen shoulder'.

My husband has been extremely supportive, nonetheless have I struggled emotionally.... I think, for me, the emotional adjustment, making peace, being thankful for the pacemaker, is even more difficult! BUT credit also to the club members who have encouraged me all the time!

All the best for a speedy recovery, I can only say that after a week, I had difficulty to stop crying!!! You seem much more cheerful!

recovery time

by feldman6 - 2015-11-20 08:11:36

It is 10 days since the implant.There is what I believe is slight swelling, other wise fine. Sometimes it feels like the stitches are stretching and I'm used to sleeping on that side so it feels a little strange even with pillows around.I don't have any emotional issues and am continuing my ar classes three times a week.

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