I am a 32yr old very active male and work as a project manager at an internet company. I just got my first PM yesterday for my AV Block III and low hb (resting 30s - 40s). How long do you guys recommend until someone my age goes back to work? I have very flexible doctors, but don't wanna take off too long and neither be back to early. What is a good time frame which worked for you?

thanks,
david

 

 

If you do desk work, you should be able to go back as soon as you're off pain killers if you feel up to it. I was out less than a week the first time, some are out several weeks. We all heal at different rates, so go with how you feel. You'll need to baby your left side for 6 weeks- no lifting, no raising the arm over shoulder level.

 

I had a 7 hour ablation that resulted in a PM implant. I went to work the day after I left the hospital. I was 70 at the time.

 

As long as your occupation is not Cage Fighting, probably 2 days off is the norm for most office workers.

 

I was 74 and retired when I got mine. I got back to normal activity right away. Your job isn't physically demanding and shouldn't require reaching above shoulder level so there should be no problem.

The incision and pocket may be a bit tender for a few days so just use your own judgment on how you feel.

One suggestion that helps with sleeping is to lay on the side opposite the pacemaker and put a pillow in front of you to support the upper arm. I used this approach both when I got the original and again with my recent replacement. Both times I slept well the first night after the surgery.

welcome to the forum,

frank

 

I agree with Frank, when you are ready. I had mine implanted after an AV ablation. I had the proceedure on a Thursday and was back to work on a Monday. Not everyone has the same experience. Good luck to you!