Pacemaker Club: 6 weeks post-surgery

6 weeks post-surgery

by juststeph
2021-05-16 14:08:51
Coping
982 views
2 comments

6 weeks ago I had my pacemaker (Biotronik, 2 leads) implanted for SSS. What a ride it has been. The first few weeks were definiately an adjustment. Now that my arm restrictions have been lifted, I feel like my life can go a back to normal. I'm posting, however, because I have a few concerns. I pretty consistenly have nerve pain throughout my chest cavity, mainly on my right side. By the end of the day my chest is heavy and I sometimes have some shortness of breath. I know everyone's recovery is so personal, but I'm having a hard time coping with this. I felt fine prior to surgery, with the exception of the days I fainted, so its been hard to see the benefit and appreacite this new thing in my body that is supposedly keeping me alive and well.

Has anyone else experienced this nerve pain? If so, is it a sign that I should be taking it easy and not push myself? Or is this pain inevitable as my body adjusts to my implant. As summer approaches I would love to get out on the lake (I'm an avid paddler) and slowly ease into some sports. If this pain is inevitable I'm prepared to ride the wave and push through it while I go out and do things. But if that will set back my recovery I will obviously take it easy!

2 Comments

Chest pain

by AgentX86 - 2021-05-16 16:28:20

Pain on the opposite side of the chest is unusual and probably should be checked out. Nerve pain on the pacemaker side is almost universal and really isn't much of a concern. It's mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter. But on the opposite side would be something to check out, IMO.

As far as getting back into it all. You're past the babying phase. Go do what you feel like you can do. Push a little but you're probably a bit out of shape so be careful not to push too hard. I'd stay out of the lake water for a while more, though. There is some really nasty stuff in there and an infection at this point is the last thing you want. Though there can be little critters in pools, too, I'd be a lot less concerned.

Follow your EP's advice though (i.e. ask). Not some unknown person on the Internet. He knows your situation a lot better than we possibly could.

Thanks

by juststeph - 2021-05-18 16:54:11

Thanks AgentX86,
The GP I met with post-surgery did tell me the pain on my right side was most likely nerve pain, too. I plan on following up on that with my EP at the end of June.

Im aching to get out and be a bit more physically active, but I've been reluctant to push too hard! I've been starting slow, and plan to continue to do so. But there are some activities that don't really lend themselves to less intensity! I'll give them a try and see how it goes!

As for the lake comment, thank you for the concern. The lakes in my area are mainly spring fed and really clean. I'm not worried about infection for that at all, and have been in a couple times already!