how long off work?

I had my PM fitted yesterday. I'd suffered syncopy (wrecked my car), but not knowing the cause my doctor installed a monitor in my chest. Just over 6 months later it happened again, and it was clear my heart was stopping (for 13 seconds!). Now I've got a resolution and a PM. How long should I expect my doctor to sign me off work? He has me wearing a strap to hold me left arm against my body, and I'm to wear it for 2 weeks. Obviously I'm reliant on pain meds today, but what should I expect? I work for a big corporation, and I have to jump through hoops to get sick time approved. My first week is always considered vacation, no matter how sick I am!

Appreciate your experiences.

6 Comments

Recovery

by ElectricFrank - 2011-03-24 02:03:26

A lot depends on what kind of work you do. The real issues are:
1. How soon the pain resolves for you. Actually requiring pain meds is not a given, but certainly may be needed.

2. The requirement that you not raise your arm above shoulder level for several weeks. This can run anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks depending on the doctor.

3. Since you have had an accident related to the syncopy there may some legal restrictions on your driving until it is clear that the pacer has solve the problem.

I see from your profile that you are an engineer. Unless you are some sort of construction engineer that requires extensive physical activity you should be able to get back to work fairly shortly.

To give you an idea of the short end of the spectrum I am an electronic engineer with my own company. I had my pacer implanted late in the day and left the hospital the next morning. My wife and I stopped at a restaurant for lunch, and after returning home I went for a mile walk.After a nap I tested some circuit boards and answered phone calls. Over the next 2 days I worked up to 3 mile walks and pretty much full business activities. At some point in this time frame I went for an offroad drive in the desert in my 4wd.

So your mileage may vary as they say. As soon as you feel like going back to work talk it over with the doc. Hopefully he will be flexible about it.

best wishes,

frank

everyone is different.

by qwerty - 2011-03-24 06:03:16

I got my PM in Jan 2010. My Dr said I would be off a week. I am a Administrative Assistant so no heavy lifting or anything. While I was still in the hospital, I told the Dr I didn't think I would be ready to go back in a week. I am not like Frank, my recovery was a little slower. I was off work for 3 weeks. I could have gone back after 2 weeks and made it OK, but I was able to take 3 weeks and by the time I went back I was READY to go back. I felt good and was ready to take on all my duties. At 2 weeks, I would have just gotten by. After all is said and done, I am glad I took three weeks and my Dr. OK'd it.
I did start to do some walking the 2nd week. Just keep your arm down. Don't want to pull the leads out.
welcome to our club...

I'm on week number 4

by KIRWEN1004 - 2011-03-24 11:03:11

It is 4 weeks since my ablation, tomorrow will be 4 weeks since my PM.

Originally I thought I could go back to work after 2 weeks but that was clearly not what my body had planned for me. So I stayed home another week.

Monday I went to work for the first time and I was able to work a full day. Tuesday came and I didn't feel great but I went into work anyway. Apparently I should have listened to my body and stayed home because I left work early and felt miserable all evening. I stayed home yesterday and relaxed. Today I am working remotely and hoping to return to work on Friday.

I see my doctor on Monday and I am hoping that he can give me a clearer idea of when I will be feeling 100% because a month in I am still not there.

Good Luck to you.

Kirsten

?

by 3rdtimer - 2011-03-25 09:03:08

He has me wearing a strap to hold me left arm against my body??? Normally you're told not to reach above your head until the inflamation abates. I was back in a week after the follow up. The DR does have to confirm the PM took care of the problem before you can drive.

Frozen Shoulder

by Paula206 - 2011-03-30 10:03:03

I received my first PM two days ago and wore a sling and a strap in the hospital for the first 24 hours in the hospital. I was warned not to wear them after that and not to keep that arm plastered against my side. I'm supposed to move the arm around gently and frequently to prevent a frozen shoulder - just not above shoulder height or behind me. (Think hula dancing motions.) Please ask your doc about this - I had a frozen shoulder last summer and it hurt like crazy and took 3 months of PT to resolve.

Bounced back

by Parrothead57 - 2011-04-05 10:04:11

I had my PM implanted just 3 weeks ago. I felt better immediately and was back at work after 2 days. I'm now walking a mile 4 times a week on the treadmill along with the stationary bike. Thats been my experience but sounds like everyone is different. Take care.

You know you're wired when...

You get your device tuned-up for hot dates.

Member Quotes

I'm 35 and got my pacemaker a little over a year ago. It definitely is not a burden to me. In fact, I have more energy (which my husband enjoys), can do more things with my kids and have weight because of having the energy.