pm replacement

will be having first pacemaker replacement in a couple of weeks using durabond tape to close incision. Will I be able to drive right away...I am the only driver in the family. If I understand correctly, there are no restrictions in raising arm on pm side...correct?
thanks for any answers.... aldeer

3 Comments

Restrictions

by golden_snitch - 2014-11-01 01:11:47

Hi Aldeer!

You are right: The restrictions after your initial pacer surgery were only to give the newly placed leads some time to heal in. But now that these leads have been in for many years, and are going to stay, while the pacemaker unit is replaced, these restrictions don't apply. Nevertheless, the pacemaker site will probably be a bit uncomfortable in the beginning, and when driving the seat belt could irritate it even more.

Good luck with the replacement!

Inga

Seat belt

by LitLady - 2014-11-04 07:11:21

FYI - I found, online, a recessed foam cushion that velcroes onto my seatbelt and protects my pm from pressure and irritation when wearing the seat belt. It can quickly be placed on the driver or passenger side or put into another vehicle. It has worked well for me for 7 months offering me both comfort and reassurance.

Driving

by LitLady - 2014-11-04 07:11:25

I laid low for the first week after my pm surgery but then started driving with no problems. I was told to avoid raising my arms for 2 weeks, especially on the left side. The problem may be that when we raise one arm, we tend to involuntarily raise the other arm as well. The caution is, of course, so that we don't pull or dislocate any wires in our chest. Yes, it's inconvenient but do it anyway. Get off to a good start.

You know you're wired when...

You run like the bionic man.

Member Quotes

It may be the first time we've felt a normal heart rhythm in a long time, so of course it seems too fast and too strong.