Pacemaker

recovery

by Tracey_E - 2017-08-25 10:12:40

If you are still having symptoms, give them a call. They send us home with a good guess but it's common to need to adjust the settings.

Be sure to use the arm so it doesn't freeze. Don't lift anything heavy or raise it overhead. Other than that, try to use it normally.

If you do a search, some members have found a way to safely arc weld. 

Body scanners are xray so they have no effect on the pacer. We used to not be able to go through metal detectors but the newer pacers use a different metal alloy and do not set it off. Don't linger, but it's perfectly safe to go through. The only thing we need to avoid at security is wands directly over the device, to be on the safe side I refuse them above the waist. Airports see pacers all day long so aren't a problem, they know they can't wand us. It's the minimum wage kids doing security at concerts and amusement parks that don't have a clue. 

Stiff neck? You bet !!

by MartyP - 2017-08-25 12:09:49

I guess from the positioning on the operating table they probably pushed by neck over.

Within two days post PM, it was brutally painful, I couldn't turn my head.  I did go for physical therapy 3 X a week and about two weeks later it started to ease and got back to normal, but it hurt like hell.  Maybe that's why I never had any pain around the implant location?

Safety

by The real Patch - 2017-08-25 12:19:59

Any airport screening method is safe. Period, end of discussion. Those4 of us with devices who ask for the personal pat down just happen to like a free grope by strangers.

It is not uncommon for a new patient to need some settings changed to refine the performance for your specific needs. Make sure you keep track of the things you are experiencing and let the doctor know.

and for heaven sake use your arm. Frozen shoulder is extremely painful and takes a lot of time to resolve so move it. Just don't lift weights or do anything strenuous with that arm or raise the elbow above shoulder height.

There are some members who are welders and found a way to make it work. Hopefully one of them will jump in and respond.

Neck, shoulder pain

by Anniejak - 2017-08-26 22:25:09

They didn't tell me I might feel neck, clavicle, shoulder pain on my right side after surgery. ( I am 3 weeks post op in 2 days.)  I contacted the  docs nurse, who said yes,they had to do a lot of pounding to make room for the device. I understand all the warnings about not lifting too much, not moving arm above shoulder, but I wish they had told me what I might experience in the first weeks after implant. (Like the prickling, stinging feeling near the device--only later was I told that that was normal because they have to cut thru some nerves. yikes. ) It is reassuring to read on this forum what others have felt.

Airport Security

by betelayne - 2017-08-27 21:43:21

I tell them when I check in that I have a pm.They might ask to see your card so make sure you have it with you..They will most likely take you out of the line and do a pat down.You can request a private one if you wish.They will screen your carry on luggage as usual and make sure you get it back.I don't request a private pat down.It's greatly over rated.Nothing to it.Enjoy your trip.