recovery

Hi,
I just had my PM inserted a week ago. I had Bradycardia with a rate of 30. I have been sick since 2/7/07 when I passed out a work- they did a full code with CPR- had two other episodes since then both with CPR--very very scary-
My question/concern is I have been out of work since the 1st episode,I am anxious to go back(I am a nurse at a very busy Physician practice,also assist with Breast Biopsy)
I am still tired,although not nearly as overwhelming as before
I have a stinging sensation at the site-and sleeping on my left side is very uncomfortable ,should I be using my sling? they took it off at the hospital
My PM is dual
thank you

3 Comments

Feel better soon!

by Trish - 2007-03-27 02:03:44

Even though it has been over 3 years since I got my PM, I can still remember vividly how uncomfortable it was the first few weeks sleeping. It felt like the PM was just going to fall right out thru my chest.

It gets better!!! Give it a few weeks for the swelling go down and healing to take take place.

The sling is really just so you pay attention after the surgery and not lift your arm over your head. You don't need to wear it now.

You should feel better with each passing week.

Best of luck!
Trish

In a few months...

by Suze - 2007-03-27 06:03:14

In a few months you'll be replying to other PM newbies on this forum about their concerns a week after surgery. I promise it will just take time. It's still so new. It's been almost nine months for me and I hardly even think about it anymore. Hang in there...

---Suze---

Take it easy!

by tcrabtree85 - 2007-03-27 07:03:29

I just had my pm put in a little over a week ago also. I also work in the medical field and look forward to going back to work. My dr. has already told me that I have to take a month off they seem to know me so well I am the type of person that jumps in and wants to get involved with everything. I went to visit my residents as I work in a N.H. and felt like jumping in and doing things at that point.I wear my sling often b/c they have told me that I need too for the entire month which i discovered the reason for this is b/c coming out of surgery I kept putting my arm up to high and that concerned my dr.
I would atleast take it easy for another week to just fully make sure your leads heal. As a nurse you are going to be moving and doing a lot and you really want your body to be healed so you don't hurt yourself. The stinging will take a while to go away they told me to just give it time I still have it also. I suggest that if you don't have trouble lifting your arm too far and wont' try lifting then to keep the sling off though I would call and ask your doctor.
I wish you the best of luck and if I can do anything for you please feel free to send me a private message. Take care and rest up and relax.
Tammy

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