Tomorrow is the big day

Pacemaker stats are good!

by LondonAndy - 2016-10-11 15:51:41

Best wishes for tomorrow - I hesitate to throw numbers around, but if it is any reassurance having a pacemaker inserted is one of the most common operations going, with apparently some 600,000 inserted every year world wide.

I can't relate directly to your situation as my PM was inserted a week after open heart surgery to fit a replacement aortic valve, which is somewhat more invasive of course.  I remember no pain relating to the PM, and indeed it was 4 months before I even thought about what I should be aware of!  One thing that might be worth mentioning though is that if you like to sleep on your side it may be a while before it is comfortable to do so - in my case it was about a year, though otherwise i had no pain during the recovery phase immediately after surgery.

When you go home after the op, remember that you mustn't lift your arms up above the horizontal for a few weeks, to avoid pulling things around whilst things like the leads get fully healed in the heart wall.  So before you go in, move stuff in the kitchen wall cupboards and your bathroom cabinet down to a level comfortable to reach to avoid you reaching on auto-pilot.

And on the bright side, as you will probably be on your way home same day, you won't even have to suffer much hospital food!  Best wishes.

getting even closer

by confused - 2016-10-11 17:18:13

Thank you both for the comments and what more to be expecting.  Angrysparrow I took off starting tomorrow and plan to go back the 24th.  I automatically have weekends off so that helps :)   I am planning on watching a few old movies and finish a book I have been trying to read and haven't had the time.  

Thanks for the lifting my arm tip also.

Keep the ice on it

by orangebowls - 2016-10-11 17:47:33

Hi , I found that by using some ice , on and off, when I got home

made a big difference to recovery and soreness of the site and shoulder.

all the best  Norm

Big Day

by Cajun Girl - 2016-10-12 21:09:04

it is a week since I had my loop recorder removed and my pacemaker inserted.  Using ice has definitely helped, but the tight sticking non-removable dressing feels like it is constantly pulling.  It as been hard sleeping on my back because I am a side sleeper.  Last night with pillow support I was able to turn slightly on my right side.

i did not know that recovery would be this hard on me!  I have fought with depression in the past and it has returned.  

I went to the psychiatrist today and she is adjusting my Meds, but said when I am tired - sleep.  Rest is needed for recovery.

Please let us know how you are doing!