What's recovery time/process like?

After 15 years of dealing with an idiopathic arrythmia I've arrived at the point where it's time for a pacemaker - bottom end of my heart rate is now going too low. I'm pretty cool with the whole idea, given that I figured out 15 years ago that I'd need one of these things eventually. I'm just glad the technology exists and that it works - thanks to all those who have done this before me! So I go for my implant sometime in August.

But being the active (and otherwise healthy) person that I am, I'm trying to figure out just how long I should count on being down following the surgery. I've read postings here from people who have taken two weeks off to recover -- seems like an awfully long time to me! Is the immediately-after recovery process such a knock-out that you just don't feel like doing anything? Is it about being tired from the surgery? Or is the soreness/pain bad?

I'd love to hear from some of your personal experiences. If I had it my way, I'd be in on Friday morning, stay overnight to check the leads, leave Saturday morning and be running a real estate open house on Sunday!! So, folks, tell me reality!

Bob

6 Comments

Recovery Time

by 220 chandler ave - 2007-07-24 03:07:12

Welcome!! I had a PM implanted 5-24-07 and am just now starting to feel better. I tried to go back to work after four weeks and just was not able. From the other reads it could take from two weeks to up to six months. All depends on the individual. Your body has to get adjusted to the PM. And the problem I had was that not one doctor told me what to expect and what not to expect. I have had a wealth of knowledge from this room. Take care and hope your have a rapid recovery.

Th other Sharon

recovery time

by edith - 2007-07-24 03:07:35

my husband is a very active 71 year old and still runs a business .he had a pacemaker 6 weeks ago he has good and not so good days i think it might take 6 more weeks to get over the shock. but he has never been in pain .he went back to work 3 weeks ago. we hope you get well soon .edith and ken

Recovery is different.......

by auntiesamm - 2007-07-24 03:07:46

Hi Bob, Welcome to this wonderful Pacemaker Club - a group of some of the finest, kindest people you will "never" meet in person. However, we will all become some of your best friends if you stay plugged in.

Everyone's recovery is different depending on why they are getting a device, other prevailing medical problems, skill of EP or cardio who implants the PM, and so many other factors. I had mine implanted in May 2006 as an emergency after 2 daysin ICU, PM implant the home the next day. 2 days later was at a social gathering, next day drove myself to church. I was 66 at the time.

If you go back through the archieves of postings you will find many, many postings about newbies with PMs. No ddoubt there will be lots of answers other than mine to your postings.

Greatest problem for me? Remembering not to raise my left arm above my shoulder level for 6 weeks. Had to constantly remind myself of this, as did my husband when he saw me do this. I placed yellow post-it notes on every cabinet, etc., above shoulder level that I use routinely as a reminder.

Please feel free to post any and all questions or concerns here and someone will respond quickly. I found this website the day I got home after my PM and it has been my life-line. You will get more information here than you will ever get from any of your doctors.
Good luck and God bless.
Sharon

depends on the person

by bini - 2007-07-24 08:07:59

Hi Bob,
well I got my first PM on June 27th and am starting to feel better. The only problem I had originally was a sore left shoulder-due to trying mot to move it to much bc of the wires. That was my fault though bc you should move it some...just not above your shoulder. Also after about 2 weeks after PM implant I started feeling a pushing sensation against my skin- which lasted about a week. Now I hardly notice much at all. I try to stay pretty active, but not pushing it to far. I really do think it depends on the person and how their body heals. I wish you all the best-good luck with your PM implant.
Bini

back to work after 1 week

by BeckyM - 2007-07-28 10:07:03

Hi Bob glad to "hear" that you are so accepting of your new pacer. I had my pacer placed on Monday, went home on Wednesday (drove myself home) and was back to work the following Tuesday. My shoulder was pretty sore the first 2 days but I take painpills for recent spinal fusion, and felt pretty good. I did take it easy first 2 weeks but after that was back to normal, until now, I have an infection, it was just hard for me to remember not to put my arm up.

*becky*

CHF

by kallieann33 - 2011-03-13 03:03:57

I was diagnosed with CHF two years ago after the death of our youngest son. I'm 77 and am so tired all the time. I've had the ICD since August of 2010. I try very hard NOT to nap after breakfast but I get so tired I can't help it. I try to go shopping at the market but get so tired I have to quit and go home; same when I go out to eat with my husband. Any advice you can give would be very much appreciate. Thanks.

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