Is this normal?

I am going into the 5th week of recovery from my 3rd PM implant. Had a checkup today and the tech hooked me up and didn't change any settings and said I was fine. Now mind you, I have not seen my doc in about 3 years - just techs and nurses. Another surgeon did the surgery due to the location of my pm (under the left breast).

I'm 31, had a pm since 18. Like I said before, this was my 3rd surgery and I should be a pro, but I got no instructions regarding activities this time. It is just a self imposed restriction. I am having some pain when I lift my arm over my head, like the leads are being pulled. The only thing I was told is not to lift my 4 year old daughter for a month. The nurses seem to think I am fine and not to worry.

My question is- has anyone else not seen their actual doc for extended time periods? And, has anyone been given instructions after a second or higher surgery about activities?

Thanks for your help.

Carrie

3 Comments

I can't believe...

by bambi - 2007-09-10 06:09:41

you weren't at least told to take it easy! If your generator was replaced, and not the leads, then there are not the same restrictions as far as lifting your arm over your head. It's when you have the leads placed for the first time, or have them replaced, that the danger of pulling them out exists. I've had my generator replaced once and got the same sort of follow up directions as you did-- not much help at all. I also had my entire pacemaker system replaced last summer, and the restrictions were much stricter! I was given the same discharge instructions as when it was originally installed. If your surgery was to replace the generator due to a worn out battery, and the readout of your report showed no changes or reason to change the settings, this may be why you weren't told much. Although, it would be nice if the Dr. would have discussed this with you instead of assuming he or she is the only one that needs to know these things! If you feel like you have pulled a lead, I would see your Dr. and have it checked out! Take care, and keep us posted!
Bambi

Hi Carrie,

by Gellia2 - 2007-09-10 07:09:21

I think my situation is similar. The only time I have seen my surgeon after surgery was if there was a problem. My follow up has always been at a Pacemaker clinic where my pacemaker is interrogated by tech. every six months. I then see my cardiologist for care. I've been doing the same thing for 32 years and just had my 7 replacement. The surgeon came in after my latest and told me how things had gone. I'm glad my husband was there cause I didn't remember much (although I was completely awake, I remember that). My follow up care was 10 days later at the pacer clinic with a tech. I will see my cardiologist in 6 months from surgery.
I also monitor monthly with the clinic via the telephone.

Hopes this helps.
Best to you,
Gellia

Dear Carrie

by bjmcpherren - 2007-09-16 06:09:00

I have had a PM for 30 years. I just had a lead replacement, I have not seen the surgeon since my surgery a couple weeks ago but because I am having issues I am scheduled to see him in a few weeks. With just a new PM and no lead replacements you should be back to somewhat normal activites 3 to 5 days - but if you had lead replacement you will have must longer restrictions - no over the shoulder arm movement for 4 weeks. After recovery, with no issues, I have regular telephone checks, once a year office check with device tech and thats it! I rarely see my cardiogist and only see the surgeon if I am having problems.
bjmcpherren

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