What to expect post operative for PPM placement

 Going in tomorrow for pacemaker placement. Curious what to might expect after the procedure. Would appreciate any comments in regards to recovery time, wound healing, any unusual sensations with device in place, frequency of pacemaker adjustments, activity restrictions, or any other thoughts. Thank you for any insight. 


5 Comments

After Placement

by lefty2 - 2018-10-04 11:38:38

I was a bit surprised how well it went. I had a below muscle CRT-D implanted 7 weeks ago

For the first 3 days, I took tylenol due to minor pain. Afterwards, l was a bit sore for a week but not bad. After 3 -4  weeks, the bandaids fell off. The scar after 7 weeks is not that noticable.

 After 6 weeks, all restrictions were lifted and I was given the go-ahead to play golf .

Installing the pacemaker

by Gotrhythm - 2018-10-04 16:11:18

Everyone is different, but recovery for me was quick and uneventful. The incision they make is actually very shallow. Afterward you'll be able to see a lump where the pacemaker has been inserted just under the skin. Once the swelling goes down, the lump might or might not be visible.

Once the incision was healed I had and still have no sensations at all from the pacemaker. I can't feel it working. If there's a blow to the chest directly on the pacemaker it will hurt, bad, but otherise I am completely unaware of its presence. Mostly I forget it's there.

The main thing to look out for is infection. Follow whatever directions you are given for wound care. Do not use a sling for more than a day or two. Restricting shoulder movement for too long can lead to frozen shoulder.

 

PPM and what to expect

by 69ChargerMD - 2018-10-06 08:43:03

Thank you for the comments. Was supposed to have it placed Oct 5th and it got pushed back to October 8th. Hopeful it will be uneventful as you describe.

Did you stay overnight after your placement ? ( my MD is advising this ). Was there several “adjustments” to the PPM that had to be made before you went home ?

If you were on blood thinners, how soon were able to resume them ? 

What to expect

by AgentX86 - 2018-10-06 10:47:53

Gee, now you get a few more days to think about what you're about to go through.  ;-)

Because I had an AV ablation at the same time (two teams, one worked at each end of me at the same time) as the pacemaker implant and I would be dependent on the pacemaker, they kept me overnight. I would have been kicked out the same day otherwise. ;-)  I'd recommend staying overnight if they'll have you (sometimes insurance gets in the way).  It makes things easier.  My wife stayed in the room with me so didn't have to get a hotel room, even.  The hospital is very good that way.

No adjustments made at that time.  I went back two weeks(?) later for a "wound check" and they did an interrogation then.  That's no big deal, in any case.  The PM technicians did come through and gave me my remote monitor and went through how to use it.  They also gave me the short course on the PM and its care.  Frankly, it's a good thing most of it was self evident.  I wasn't feeling much like concentrating on the little things at the time.

I was (still am) on Eliquis.  I stopped it two nights before surgery and restarted it the day after I was discharged (48 hours).  It's important to follow these instructions exactly.  Everyone is different but strokes aren't fun.  This isn't really serious surgery (though I had the added fun of the femeral vein punctures) so stroke hazards are more serious than a little bleeding at the site. Your doctor is the best one to balance these risks - for your situation.

What to expect

by 69ChargerMD - 2018-10-06 11:34:58

Agent.  Thanks for your response, that was the information I was looking for. I am on Plavix but have been off for about 5 to 6 days. Won’t need an ablation thankfully. Hopefully things go smoothly. I was all geared up to get this done a few days ago and then got postponed due to some insurance issues therefore have to psych myself up again. Hopefully I can get in and out without a problem   Biggest fear, concern is feeling worse with it in compared to how I am doing now. Have a significant first-degree block and a intermittent, symptomatic 2nd° black. Anything would be better than how things are now so I am going to go for it and do what I’m told. Had a second opinion at Cleveland clinic and they agree that pacemaker would be best option. Just not thrilled about having a device implanted in my chest. Unless if it fixes things I will be happy. Thanks again for your information, I really appreciate it. Sincerely, Doug 

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