Introduction

Hi all, 1 week following my pacemaker implant, it's all been a bit of a whiz

Dvla and insurance notified but anything else I need to do I'm just not sure! Appreciate any advice given....

Hope everyone doing ok 

Gary

1 Comments

Welcome!

by LondonAndy - 2019-04-14 07:55:21

Nope, nothing else to do, just get back to enjoying life.

My tips would be:

1. Be really careful with your hygiene until the scar has healed (about 6 weeks).  Infection can be serious, and require re-admission to hospital for treatment, or even a re-do operation, which is obviously bad.  Follow the hospital's instructions carefully, don't share your towel and change it frequently, eg every 2 or 3 days.  Don't let anybody touch the scar area with their bare fingers.

2. Once the scar has healed rub something like BioOil on it daily for a good few months to help the scar disappear.  Mine is now practically invisible. (Had my pacemaker 4.5 years, rubbed oil most days for 9 months or so).

3. Always carry your pacemaker ID card - yes, the stupid cardboard, handwritten thing.  Take a copy of it, or scan it in to your computer, for when it wears out and you need a fresh copy.  You will probably never need it, but you never know.

4. Modern pacemakers are very well shielded, so in the domestic environment you are unlikely to encounter anything that will trouble your device.  Things like electric saws and drills should be kept at least 6 inches from your chest.

5. Flying is fine.  Personally I don't do anything different to any other passenger, and go through security normally, including the metal detector arch.  I am 100% paced, so I would definitely notice if there was a problem!  Some here will urge more caution, but check if your device is "MRI conditioned" and if it is you will definitely be fine.

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