Post surgery recovery

• by cheryl2010
• 2017-12-30 10:52:32
• Surgery & Recovery
• 1222 views
• 0 comments

Hi all,

I just wanted to give an update with regards to my pending operation in July - which I wrote a post and had a lot of encouraging advice and support from the members here.

Just a recap - I had a dual chamber pacemaker installation in July post a failed catheter ablation done 1.5 years ago which results in a third degree heart block.

Post surgery wound pain - 9/10; the pain was around for 1 week or so, i rated it 9 out of 10 as i have a low threshold to pain in general, the pain worsens when i sweat especially after a hot meal.

Wound recovery - wound heal up really fast... it closed up after 4 days, technology is amazing these days!

Scar - would be there of course but really it is the lowest of my concerns.

I had an antibiotic injection - not sure how to call it, but the doctor told me that I could have the option of having antibiotics injected prior to the operation so as to lower the risk of infection. Comes with additional costs of course... 

Till now, I see a lot of small red bumps around the pacemaker site, however, i had it before the operation, the bumps appear when i sweat a lot and did not take a bath immediately.. just that i do notice much more bumps after the operation. 

Anyway, I just wanted to give an update on the pacemaker. Physically wise, i feel much better as I can run and walk long distances (10km) now. Mentally wise, I am just hoping that technology would advance such that lead extraction in the future is more advanced and comes with lesser risks.. sometimes I still feel that my lifespan is limited by the lifespan of the wires which is around 20 years (quoted by the pacemaker manufacturer), 30-40 years (quoted by my doctor). Depressing at times, but still overall positive.

I wish all a happy new year!