Coping after a PM implant
I am a new member of the club and am scheduled for a PM implant on November 31. I have to admit I am nervous but have been convinced by two cardiologists that the energy issues etc. caused by sick sinus syndrome will be greatly improved if I have one put in.
I am a 71 year old single male living alone so my request is for some practical advice on dealing with the daily life issues during the recovery period. I am thinking about getting dressed (putting on a t-shirt?) , remembering not to raise my arm too high, and setting up my apartment in advance to make things easier for me. Any advice would be appreciated.
dcboy
6 Comments
coping after a PM implant
by dcboy - 2017-11-02 14:24:34
Thank you Robin1 and TraceyE for your excellent and thoughtful comments. Things I had not thought of and make sense.
post implant
by SusieSparks - 2017-11-03 07:42:56
Great ideas above! I'd add this one: I found YouTube videos on getting shirts on/off without raising arm overhead (designed for shoulder surgery patients) You might want to check those out & even practice between now & your implant. I thought I would be in button-only shirts for 8 weeks, but found I could wear almost any shirt with some "give" to the fabric.
I found it very helpful to have a small pillow to support my arm when sleeping on my side. I also used one to support my arm when I started to drive. Do whatever makes you more comfortable. Give yourself time. Everyone's experience is a little different. You'll do fine!
post implant
by dcboy - 2017-11-03 17:45:05
Thanks SusieSparks for your thoughts. I had not thought of checking YouTube on this issue.
Post implant
by Redding - 2017-11-04 00:22:14
expect some up and down emotions.
Things will get better over the next few weeks
trust your devise, once it is programmed good!
Best to you!
Getting Lonely...
by Washingtonienne - 2017-11-06 01:36:40
I was fitted with a pacer on October 9 and also live alone. Definitely second the comments on ice packs, button up shirts, and cooking/cleaning before your procedure. I had several friends and family from other states (including my hometown of DC!) offer to come stay with me but I turned them all away because I knew I wouldn't really need any help. What I didn't expect was how lonely I would be. I decided not to go back to work until I could shower so it was a few days on my own. Best decision was booking a daily hair wash at a local salon because it meant I got to see real, live, humas every day and I got to get out of the house to go for a walk.
You know you're wired when...
Youre officially battery-operated.
Member Quotes
A lot of people are and live normal lives with no problems whatsoever.
well said, Robin
by Tracey_E - 2017-11-02 13:00:05
Robin covered it perfectly. My only addition would be wear a button up top to the hospital and the first few days you are home so you aren't pulling anything over your head. As long as the elbow isn't going higher than the shoulder, any movement is encouraged.
Ask them if you will be able to drive the first week. Many don't want us driving that soon, so you may need to arrange for a ride those first few days.
Have the kitchen stocked. Do your cleaning before, because the back and forth movement to vacuum, the stretching to fold clothes will be tricky the first week or two. Most of us don't find it bad at all and don't need anyone to take care of us.