How much can you do in the first six weeks

Hi All

What a great club, it's lovely to hear from people with similar problems and to get different feedback and opinions. I had my biventricular implant on 16th sept 2010. How soon did you guys return to work? (i've been told two weeks by Doctor).

The paperwork and booklets given by the Hospital seem to condradict them selfs a bit. One will say don't put your hand above your shoulder for six weeks and the other will say four weeks.

My problem is i'm left handed and it's hard not doing things with that hand. I've always just got on with things so I want to do enough not to be lazy but not too much as to over do it.

I would really appreciate any help and advice. Thanks all.

Graham

7 Comments

hi

by amethyst34 - 2010-09-26 04:09:43

Hi Graham

I live in the UK, I had my pacemaker put in just over 4 weeks ago. The Dr told me 4 weeks for driving, lifting anything and lifting up the arm over shoulder height.
I struggles with it a bit too. getting a sore shoulder, I was so pleased when friday came and I could move my arm properly!

recovery

by Tracey_E - 2010-09-26 08:09:29

I've had 4 pm surgeries now and never been given the same instructions twice! Most drs say 6 weeks, however, before raising the arm or lifting. It's probably safe after 4 weeks, the extra two are just precautionary. Better to behave a little longer than risk dislodging a lead. You can use the left arm, just keep it below shoulder level and don't lift anything over 5 lbs.

How soon you return to work depends on the type of work you do and why you needed the pm.

using the arm

by Tracey_E - 2010-09-26 08:09:49

Forgot to mention that it's important to use the arm so your shoulder doesn't freeze.

Hi Graham

by ABelle - 2010-09-26 09:09:09

Hey Graham. I've had my PM now for a little over 3 months and no one told me the same thing in regards to a timeframe! It was super frustrating. I have two cardiologists, one who told it was fine to use my arm after 6 weeks, and one who still doesn't want me to really use it! He keeps telling me the longer I don't use it the better. The problem is as Tracey mentioned; you don't want your shoulder to freeze up and the fact that you're left handed could encourage you to use it more.
I would take it as easy as possible for the first two weeks. Don't reach over your head or behind your back. And Then I would start to use it a little but I wouldn't try to lift anything heavy or push yourself too much. You don't want to have the procedure done again because of pulled leed. It's not worth it. Good luck on your recovery.
Anna

Left Handed

by biker72 - 2010-09-26 11:09:40

II'm 72 and I've had the PM for a little over 2 years.I'm left handed too.

The only things my EP cautioned me about was no contact sports or heavy lifting for a few weeks.

Of course he meant no contact sports....ever.

I drove myself home from the hospital and rode my bicycle that afternoon. My incision was a bit sore for a couple of weeks but that eventually went away.

My biggest problem is getting my PM programmed so I can ride my bike at a decent speed.

How much can you do in the first six weeks

by Baz - 2010-10-02 09:10:55

Thank you all for your comments it's very much appreciated.

Graham

Be careful

by PammyMac - 2010-10-15 08:10:26

I had pm fitted on fourth June,(44 yrs old) one week later I was back in hospital to have leads reposition so just be careful! its really not worth it, listen to your body, everyones different, I had been ill for 6 months before docs discovered what was wrong(complete heart block) and was absolutely exhausted after getting leads repositioned, I was told no driving for a week, and eight weeks off work I have quite a physical job,a lot of moving and handling and still get tired if I do too much. Take care.

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