What should I expect

I am going to be getting a pacemaker in the near future and would like to know what to expect afterwards. I am very active, work full time, and have 2 small children. I know you spend the night in the hospital and all of that, but when will I be able to go back to work, able to lift stuff, workout, play golf, etc... It's hard finding information on that aspect of the surgery. Thanks!

4 Comments

Expectations

by DybHen - 2011-07-05 07:07:08

I received my pacemaker just over a year ago. I too have two small children, ages 8 and 5 now. I also do childcare out of my home. I was able to get back to work after 3 weeks, although I wasn't supposed to be lifting over 20 pounds yet, which I didn't realize until later. Even though the doctors knew I did childcare apparently they didn't realize that I needed to pick up children from time-to-time. Three weeks was too soon in my opinion. I wasn't feeling well yet, but I had some complications with programming my pm, which not everyone has to deal with I have learned. So, I think 6 weeks is when you can expect to feel normal again, I think I started working out again around that time also.

Getting A New Pacemaker

by SMITTY - 2011-07-05 07:07:15

Hello Sooner1978,

Welcome to the Pacemaker Club.

Like all surgeries pacemaker surgeries/implant bring with many questions and some restrictions. I'll try to answer some of your questions based on my experience and what I have said others say about theirs. I'm sure you will hear from other if you haven't already.

When you can go back to work depends to some degree on the type work you do. If it does not involve a lot of physical activity that will require the use of your arms I've seen some people say they went back to work on the third day. I think 4 or 5 working days will serve most people better. This is one you will need to leave to the Dr.

As for lifting stuff I was limited tom 10 lbs,. for 2 weeks. I was prohibited from raising my arm (in particular the elbow) above my shoulder for 3 or 4 weeks. This and the weight lifting is to give the leads time to get settled in. I played golf after about 8 to 10 weeks. Again the delay iso protect the new leads.

For exercise, again the consideration is for the new leads. As for feeling like it I would say as soon as the soreness at the implant site has gone down to a level that is acceptable for the type work outs you do.

With a new pacemaker come many questions for which it is hard to always find answers. So the following is something I posted for someone several weeks ago that was getting their first pacemaker.
It is mainly old "wives tales" which you may not be interested in, but it a list of some things many of us hear or read about when we have a pacemaker and what is the truth and I have tried to separate fact from fiction.

"People have many misconceptions about pacemakers arising from popular notions or outdated information. Always ask your physician if you have any questions about your pacemaker. The following are the most common misconceptions:

"With my pacemaker I cannot use a microwave oven." This was true for very old pacemakers but is not true today. People with pacemakers may use all types of household appliances and power tools.

"With my pacemaker I cannot use a cellular telephone." Although there is a possibility of interference with some high-power digital cell phones, people with pacemakers usually need only to keep the phone out of clothing pockets near the pacemaker and hold the phone to the ear away from the pacemaker.

"With my pacemaker I will have to slow down." This is false. In our practice, we have pacemaker patients who play sports such as golf, tennis, or basketball. Pacemaker patients can even participate in more strenuous activities such as marathons or scuba diving after consultation with their cardiologists. Any activity restrictions usually result from other medical problems and not from the pacemaker.

"With my pacemaker I cannot travel." By always carrying the identification card given at the time of the pacemaker implantation, patients can have their pacemaker evaluated in almost any part of the world if needed. It is also safe to pass through airport security checks in the normal fashion.

"With my pacemaker I won’t need heart medications." The pacemaker does not replace the need for heart medications to treat high blood pressure, angina, heart rhythm problems, etc. Most people with pacemakers also take heart medications.

"I have a pacemaker, so I cannot have a heart attack." The pacemaker does not protect against blockages in blood vessels that cause heart attacks. Similarly, people may still have fast heart rhythm problems that the pacemaker cannot treat directly. The standard pacemaker does not strengthen the heart, although some new types of pacemakers may be helpful in certain patients with congestive heart failure. With pacemaker implants, patients should continue to follow a heart-healthy lifestyle that includes exercise, diet, and cardiac medications when prescribed."

As for how it feels to have a pacemaker, after the initial soreness is gone, which can take a few days to a few weeks, and the pacemaker is adjusted right for you, which can take one or a few tries, you should not even know it is there.

One last word. Remember that a pacemaker does not replace any part of your heart function. It is there only to help out should your heart's natural pacemaker let your heart rate become too slow. The pacemaker does this by continuously monitoring your heart function and when it detects there need it sends the impulses to make your heart beat. I have seen some people express a mortal fear of their pacemaker stopping. While that happening is next to impossible even if it did your heart function would just revert back to doing what it was before you got the pacemaker.

I wish you the best,

Smitty

It varies

by ElectricFrank - 2011-07-06 02:07:34

The main issue is giving the lead wires time to scar into the wall of the vein where they travel to the heart. Stretching the pacer side arm above shoulder level is not a good idea for 3-6 weeks depending on the doctor.

You will hear a wide range of reports on how you will feel after the implant. Bottom line is that we are different in the way we heal and experience pain. Being young and an active person is a plus. My suggestion is that you start telling yourself that this whole thing is no big deal, and expect the best. Some folks have reported feeling depressed or down afterwards. Getting ahead of it could be helpful.

I happen to be one of the ones who was back at it the day after the implant. I had the implant late one day so spent the night in the hospital, came home around noon the next day. After a nap I went for a mile or so walk. I'm 81 yrs and have had one pacer replacement for depleted battery. Both surgeries have been a piece of cake.

frank

your work

by noodles69us - 2011-07-09 02:07:26

You didn't say what kind of work you did, I worked in a Lighting company as a group leader. There was welders, spot welders etc.. When I told the management that I needed a pacemaker I was told if I got one I wouldn't have a job and they let me go(I got one and glad I did) You might want to check with your place of employment. I am glad I got mine I felt better right after I got mine. GOOD LUCK

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