Post recovery time

Hello All,

I had my defibulator implanted on June 22, 2010 and the Dr said I can go back to work. Just wanted to know what was the average post operation recovery time. My left arm is still a bit sore from the operation and have the normal symtoms based on what I have read on the forum.

I work in management and n a pressured environment and wondering if it's too soon. I feel like I'm back to normal but don't really know what is normal when you have ICD, once in a while feel light headed and dizzy.

I feel a bit guilty being away from the office and at the same time I don't want risk my health.

I am tempted to drive, but again I'm not sure if I can. DR said 2 months does this apply to everybody who goes through the operation?


Could use some advise.

Thanks to All for being in this forum!

3 Comments

Everybody's different

by mikesmom93 - 2010-06-29 10:06:16

I had my defib implanted on a Tuesday and went back to work that same Friday. Felt fine and didn't see any reason not to go back.

Post-op instructions said no driving for two weeks, but yes, I drove myself to work. It helps I only live ten minutes from the office! My EP told me it was fine to drive.

I was careful not to do much with my left arm, wore the sling to work for the first week or so so I wouldn't use it too much, and generally took it easy. But I felt good right from the start, so recovery was easy.

Listen to what your body is telling you. Don't try to do more than you think you should.

Melissa

Different

by Beckes76 - 2010-06-30 01:06:23

I had mine done on a Monday and I was back to work the following Wednesday. I took a little over a week off. I work with kids. I didn't drive until the Monday after I started back at work on my 2 week check-up. Didn't do any lifting until about three weeks after surgery. I only lifted lighter stuff not the heavier things until two more weeks went by.

Gradually everything went back to normal for me. It will be five years next month since this surgery. Yeah for me.

Fairly normal lifestyle

by Edouard - 2010-07-01 06:07:34

I'm a 58-year old 1-month PM implant. I'm self-employed (my boss is very understanding). My hospital was quite stingy with instructions, so I would advise you to use your common sense. I basically listened to my body. It took about 1 week to 10 days for me to be comfortable with sleeping o my left side. My main concerns lie with the consequences of my fainting (bruised or broken ribs, sensitive nose, stiches on the lips and chin, etc.). Be aware that you don't want to dislodge the leads from your heart so be careful of how you raise your left arm.
Good luck
Let us know how things turn out.

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