Post procedure

I had my pacemaker implanted on Monday and went home Tuesday morning.  The incision pain is slowly getting better.  It has lasted longer then I thought it would.  The big thing for me is that I notice every little ache and pain.  I have had some shoulder pain, back pain and even some chest pain!  it has taken everything in me to not go to the ER.  I am thinking at this point it is part of the healing process. As I work through having the need for a pacemaker, I am thinking part of this is the emotioal aspect.   As far as I know, I have not had an MI.  My PM is for SSS.  And, I have the brady-tachy type so sometimes have palpitations as well.  

I am looking forward to getting back to working out (can you lift weights again eventually?) and going back to work.  I can't drive for two weeks, so I am enjoying the time off.  

Thanks for this group.  Sometimes it helps to just "talk" to someone that has been there!

Diana

3 Comments

healing

by Tracey_E - 2017-01-14 08:15:14

Noticing every little thing is perfectly normal, and yes there is absolutely an emotional aspect to recovery so don't underestimate it or be too hard on yourself. A lot of the soreness is probably from sleeping in odd positions. It's important to move. Don't lift anything heavy or raise the arm overhead for 4-6 weeks,but other than that try to use the arm normally. 

Yes, you'll be able to lift weights once you heal. I discovered barbells 6 years ago, my doctor is totally fine with it.

MI is plumbing, your problem is electrical so no connection whatsoever. MI didn't cause SSS and having SSS doesn't put you more at risk for MI. Your sinus node got lazy.

As Sparrow said, ice is your friend! Docs are quick to throw pain meds at us when often ice plus moving around a bit might be all we need. 

Two very smart ladies!

by Ileen - 2017-01-14 12:12:18

Both those ladies who commented above know so much more,  then I do and are right on with advice. I like you, have had some emotional problems. They both told me a long with some other nice folks, that this is normal and it will pass,. I had mine on the 20th of Dec. , so I am a newbie too. Don't try to do to much too fast. I had chest pain a couple of times too, those pectoral muscles can get really irritated with this surgery. Mine really hurt like a cramp in the hospital, the nurse reassured me that is what it was( I kind of freaked, I am a worrier unfortunately) Come back often to visit this site, the people have great advice and can calm your fears, and are very kind. Have a good day! You can message me anytime if you need to talk!Ileen

sore muscles

by Madamski - 2017-01-14 13:44:55

A lot has been said already.

I just wanted to emphasize how important it is to deal with the muscles around the pacemaker-site. I had a pain in my chest for 2 months after my surgery which freaked me out cause - of course - i thought something was wrong with my heart. until one doctor told me it might be "cramped" muscles. I went to a physio-therapist and she said one of my ribs was stuck and that was what was causing the pain. I did physio therapy for a while and the pain went away. I´ve had my PM over a year now and I can do most things I used to. I still get sore more often in my left shoulder and lerned to put extra care to the muscles around that area.

I´d wait til after the 6 weeks before you start doing more then just moving a little so you don´t get too stiff.

take care! and welcome :)

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As for my pacemaker (almost 7 years old) I like to think of it in the terms of the old Timex commercial - takes a licking and keeps on ticking.