What's next???

My husband had two consecutive strokes end of November. On December 11, 2015 he was implanted with a St. Jude Medical pacemaker, PM2240. 3 Weeks later, I had to request someone from his Cardiac team come check out his unit and remove stitches. Since that time he has never had anyone check on it or left a hospital except to transfer to a different one.
I am worried about his pacemaker care, etc. He has not been able to go for an Arrythmia Check up (which is the only communication I have received from his team.
He will be going to a rehab facility in days and I will set up an appointment for him to be taken by their driver. Is there anything else I need to know. I am totally deficient on this subject. Any info will be greatly appreciated. Exhausted but loving wife!!! PaulnCat

1 Comments

Loving wife

by Good Dog - 2016-05-05 11:05:22

God Bless you! I know this is a difficult time. Generally, when a pacemaker is implanted there may be an initial adjustment on the follow-up visit with the doc 2-4 weeks after the implant. After that there are routine checks at a frequency of anywhere from 3 to 6 months. Usually those can be done remotely. Sometimes they will request the patient to have every other one of them done at the office.

The important thing for you to know is that after the initial adjustment following surgery there is very little if anything that needs to be done. Simple periodic monitoring to insure that everything is working correctly is usually it. Based upon that monitoring and/or how the patient is feeling they may make subsequent minor adjustments.
So do not worry too much about the PM unless your husband complains about not feeling well physically and it can be tied to the PM.
These devices are very reliable and require very little care or precautions after implant. The battery should last anywhere from 5-10 years.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, don't hesitate to post them here.
I wish you the very best.
Sincerely,
David

You know you're wired when...

You run like the bionic man.

Member Quotes

I had a pacemaker when I was 11. I never once thought I wasn't a 'normal kid' nor was I ever treated differently because of it. I could do everything all my friends were doing; I just happened to have a battery attached to my heart to help it work.