Am I a wimp?

• by jlo
• 2011-03-21 02:03:12
• Surgery & Recovery
• 1438 views
• 2 comments

I had my ICD implanted Jan 5th, it took 8 weeks to feel anywhere near ready to return to work. However, I had a setback. One of my leads needed replacing and at the same time my device needed moving, it was too far under my arm, and was causing problems. This was done on March 8th and 2 weeks later I am still in pain. I thought it would be easy this time, but no, I don’t know if it’s because it’s so soon after the first surgery, or because it’s under breast tissue.  I am very short from the collar bone to the top of the breast, would this have any effect?  Also I was told that they would go in through the same incision, but I had a shock to see a second much longer scar. Hope all goes well this time, or else I may well end up with THE MARK OF ZORO on my chest. Not that the scar bothers me, I’m 60; who’s going to look! Takes attention away from the fact that my hair is falling out.

So back to the question at hand, got a bit sidetracked there. I know my incision is not infected.  So, is it normal to have this much pain?  I read here of people going back to work after a few days, do they return on strong pain killers, or are they just super hero’s. I had my three children with no pain medication, so I am not a wimp by any means. The idea of going back scares me, I do have a very physical job.  I guess if i was sitting at a desk I would be fine. I feel right now, at the same stage I was after 3 weeks of the original surgery. Also early mornings, my blood pressure is quite low, and I feel unsteady on my feet.  I have an appointment at the device clinic on April 12th.  I have been told everything is working well this time around.