Recovery from Pacemaker

Caregiver

by AgentX86 - 2018-09-16 22:49:49

Of course,  there are a metric boatload of variables,  but for an otherwise healthy person,  he will be unable to extend his reach or lift more tha 10lbs for four to six weeks. As far doing household chores, like cooking, there is a good chance hell be fine in a couple of days. Do you have more specific questions?

He'll probably be up and at em' in no time. . .

by tedd - 2018-09-17 00:05:51

Relax and don't worry. The doctors do pacemakers routinely. They consider it minor surgery. He should recover and be like his own self in a few weeks. I had the pacemaker surgery and returned to work within the week. I am 68.

Sure I was sore for a couple of weeks, but I still got around everyday- went to the kitchen, bathroom. After that, I steadily got and felt better. You should be proud of yourself being a caregiver. I am sure you have made his life easier. Rest easy. You faced challenges before that were probably more demanding. Face this challenge with a positive attitude and you'll see he (and you) will come through it quickly with flying colors!

Ted

Thanks for the replies

by cw89134 - 2018-09-17 11:55:38

What about driving?

Driving

by AgentX86 - 2018-09-17 13:20:08

It varies. I was told one week.

Thanks!

by cw89134 - 2018-09-17 15:04:30

That is consistent with what I've been reading.

Swangirl - thanks

by cw89134 - 2018-09-17 20:13:47

Thanks for your post. Just out of curiosity, when were you allowed to shower?

Might be able to shower next day

by loblolly - 2018-09-17 20:39:52

My EP used a waterproof coating instead of a bandage. I was able to take a shower the next day, just not immerse the incision by taking a tub bath, going swimming, etc.

I had my pacemaker implanted 2 weeks ago today. I've been able to cook just fine. The restrictions I've had are  not lifting anything over 5 pounds. My EP nurse also advised me that as long as I didn't reach high overhead I should be using my arm to do normal activities,  so that I didn't develop a frozen shoulder from lack of movement.

loblolly - thanks

by cw89134 - 2018-09-17 20:50:12

Thanks for the good information.

We are currently waiting for a date. I spoke to the EP's nurse assistant who is supposed to get back to us today (which is gone) or tomorrow.

Shower

by AgentX86 - 2018-09-17 23:45:06

They told me 48 hours (which was the day after discharge). I had the same instructions for the sternotomy.  After 48 hours, just don't spray the shower directly at the wound and pat dry.  Do not rub the towel on the wound.  Leave the wound uncovered, except for loose clothing, and let the steri-strips just fall off on their own.  No baths for a month (I don;t think I've taken a bath in fifty years).

AgentX86

by cw89134 - 2018-09-18 11:33:31

Thanks.

One more question . . .

by cw89134 - 2018-09-18 11:41:21

My husband asks if he can use his right arm after the procedure. He needs to help me out of my motorized wheelchair and currently uses two hands to sort of "pull me" up (not lift me up). Do you think that he will he be able to use his right arm to do this?

Right arm?

by Gotrhythm - 2018-09-18 14:54:31

All the arm movement restrictions appy only to the side, ususally the left, where the pacemaker is implanted. No restrictions at all on the right side. But even on the left it's best not to restrict the arm and shoulder too much. Not usiing the arm could cause it to get stiff.

About using both hands to pull you up, I don't know. A physical therapist could give you some direction on how to manage moving you in a way that is safe for you both.

Gotrhythm

by cw89134 - 2018-09-18 15:53:33

Thank you.

Procedure scheduled for this afternoon

by cw89134 - 2018-09-19 13:37:37

The sooner the better as far as I'm concerned. It was originally scheduled for 3:30 PM PDT but they moved it up to 1:30 PM PDT. I'm hoping maybe he won't have to stay overnight but I think he probably will.