Here I go!

Hello there! I'm 32 years old and I'm so glad to know I'm not the youngest person with a pacemaker (or will rather..lol) I'll be having my pacemaker put in on the 9th. Switching out a monitor that is alrady been hanging out for a few weeks. I guess what I wanted to ask is: How long should I take off from work. I am a retail store manager. I was fine after about 3 days when they put my monitor in. Will the pm be that much different really? Also the whole lifting my arm above my head thing. Is that for real? One more thing. How long was everyone in the hospital after surgery? Lots of questions I know....but thanks!

3 Comments

Hi

by Shell - 2007-04-29 02:04:08

When I got my PM (it will be year on Friday) I took 1 1/2 weeks off because my surgery was on a Thursday.I stayed in the hospital overnight.(I was dischrgedaround
11:00) Like Cathryn said don't lift you arm over your head but do move it some and don't lift heavy items with that arm either.(about 15 lbs was what I was told) I used to work in reatail so I know that can be tough when you getting stock in. I think I dared after about 3 weeks to lift my left arm up enough to pull my hair into a ponytail but not straight up. I did wait for that though I did catch myself a few times almost going to reach for something in a cabinet. I didn't have any trouble with sleeping. I did have to sleep on my back for a little while (I usually sleep on my left side) and I took a small pillow to but under my left arm for comfort. If you have kids let them know what's going on. My had to be told no to tackle me and not to give bear hugs for a bit.They were really good though. I only think I didn't like was not being able to drive. My doctor told me not too for 2 weeks(though it varies) I hated not being able to out when I wanted to (especially when I went back to work I needed a ride for a week. Good luck.

your next adventure...

by pace1 - 2007-04-29 02:04:16

I'm also 32 years old and just got a dual chamber PM just over 2 months ago. Like the other two said, everyone is different. If you're pretty active and in good shape, you probably won't need to take off but a week. I was feeling fine by the fourth day and taught class (high intense cycling class) on the 8th day. But everyone is different; you have age on your side though.
My dr. said I could lift weights and raise my arm above my head at 4 weeks, which I did with no problem. There again, depends. I was obsessed with taking my heart rate all the time at first, but now I hardly think about it. I don't feel any different, but I never had any symptoms...NONE...never dizzy, fatigued, etc. The dr.'s (I went for 3 opinions) didn't know why I hadn't passed out, felt dizzy, etc. since my heart rate was so low (dropped to 27 3 times in 24 hours and mid 30's just sitting there). I'm just a freak I guess! ha ha Good luck and keep us posted!

37 and now Bionic

by SuperBionic - 2007-05-04 11:05:49

Hey,

I just received my medtronic on 30 April. I was great to feel better. I feel like I have tons of energy and yet I and wondering if I can really put this baby to the test.

You know you're wired when...

You invested in the Energizer battery company.

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I'm 44, active and have had my device for two years. I love it as I can run again and enjoy working out without feeling like I'm an old man.