how soon driving and back to work?

I am having a bivent PM implanted in a couple of weeks. Since it will most likely be an outpatient procedure, going home the same day, I didn't think to ask the basic questions how long it will take before I can drive myself and return to work (computer desk work). I will of course learn this in due time, but I was curious what others have experienced in this respect?

(I know it will be 6 weeks before I can lift my arm above shoulder level, and start strenuous exercise activities again)

3 Comments

Be careful

by Terry - 2010-01-01 01:01:36

A comment abouit where your ventricular lead's pacing electrode is placed. Be sure to ask your Dr not to bypass the cardiac conduction system (Goodle that), as that can, as the leterature on pacing suggests, lead to heart failure in patients who need a lot of pacing in the ventrucal. Fortunately, there are many PEs who now do His bundle pacing.to prevent the ventricles from remodeling.

Terry

Back to Work

by mikesmom93 - 2010-01-01 09:01:50

I had my ICD implanted on a Tuesday, home on Wednesday, totally bored by Thursday, and back to work on Friday. I also have a desk job. For me, there was very little pain, no need for any pain medication, and I felt better and better every day. I didn't feel the need to stay home any longer.

The discharge instructions said no driving for 2 weeks, but my EP told me I was find to drive as long as I took it easy and favored my left arm. Also, the seatbelt over the implant site made it a little sore, so I put a little folded towel their to help cushion it somewhat.

Ask your doc, though, what is best for you.

I'm now six-weeks post implant and feeling GREAT. Most of the time I forget it is even there.

Melissa

To Terry

by realkarl - 2010-01-10 09:01:02

I did not initially understand what you wrote, but after googling at reading some of your prior posts, I think I now partly understand it. I will certainly ask my EP about his method of pacing, since I will be paced 100% of the time due to the Left Bundle Branch Block. At this point I don't really have a choice of EP and hospital, but I know he has an extensive experience in this field.

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As for my pacemaker (almost 7 years old) I like to think of it in the terms of the old Timex commercial - takes a licking and keeps on ticking.