10 days post op

So I'm 10 days post op. Things are ticking along.  Today however, I find that my incision site aches acting moving more than normal, working at the computer.  It's a like a dull ache.  Do you think it's the healing incision or do you think it's the foreign object under my skin.  Have you experienced this and will it go away?  I'm kind of concerned that it will always be like that.  

10 Comments

Most of the time no problem

by Theknotguy - 2018-04-20 00:07:40

I really had problems at first.  Mainly because they did CPR on me.  So I had a lot of aches with the site.  

I went back to working in the wood shop.  At first I'd get some real pain, the dull ache you descirbe.  Thought it would never go away.  It took a while but it finally did go away.  

Now if I push it too hard or work too hard without doing an adequate warm-up I'll get the dull ache again.  Cold compress and a tylenol helps.  Whereas before I'd kind of ignore it, now it's a reminder I was probably pushing too hard.  

Things won't go back to pre-pacemaker normal, mainly because you have a foreign object in your body.  But eventually you'll get to the pont where you'll forget it's there.  

Hope everything else is going well for you.  
 

healing

by Tracey_E - 2018-04-20 09:52:42

It takes a few months for the scar tissue to build up around it. Things will feel weird from time to time until then. Sometimes it aches, sometimes there will be zinging, that's the nerves kniting back together. Your body is getting used to having a hunk of metal in there. As we heal and feel better, we do more, which can aggravate it all over again. I found ice helped.

Good advice

by Martine - 2018-04-20 10:26:52

I'll be patient, not much choice heh?

 

But I am using my arm mostly fully, except for lifting it above my head.

But  I've always had a bit of issue with muscle knots on my left arm, which caused pain and movement restrictions. This is back with a vengeance now with all the shenanigans. I was thinking of going to see a massage therapist. I'll wait until the incision is well healed and maybe try that avenue.

Anyone ever tried that with a PM?

 

massage

by Tracey_E - 2018-04-20 14:17:44

If your arm is knotting up, I'd definitely consider massage. If it's someone you trust, you could do it sooner rather than later. I have a PT friend who works on my shoulder when my tendonitis acts up. She knows exactly where my device and leads are and works around them. 

Hmmmm

by Martine - 2018-04-20 14:23:07

I don't have anyone yet.  I'm wondering if they would consider giving me a printout of my scan to show a therapist what to avoid.  I'll also discuss it with my doctor/nurse during my upcoming followup.

nah

by Tracey_E - 2018-04-20 15:52:51

You shouldn't need that, tho I'd pick someone trained in PT rather than someone who just does massage like at a spa. It's unlikely there are any surprises about where your leads and device are so it's not hard to work around it.  Tell them where you are sore, that should do it.

Licensed massage therapist

by Theknotguy - 2018-04-21 13:51:55

I go to licensed massage therapists.  They've had training in therapy so it's isn't just a quick hands on any you're done.  Found two with slighly different techniques so I alternate between the two.  Took them a while but they finally got the problems from CPR ironed out.  They weren't being slow it just took a while to fix the problems from CPR.  

So if you're thinking of going the massage therapist route make sure they're licensed.  Emphasis will be on therapy for you.  

Hope everything else is going well for you. 

 

Thanks for your input

by Martine - 2018-04-21 13:54:54

I'll make sure to look for a licensed massage therapist.  Thanks for your input

7 days since implant

by heyjo - 2018-04-26 22:11:24

My experience with the insertion procedure was frightening. It was the most painful experience I have ever had despite several attempts to numb the pain. Unfortunately my lung was punctured also. I was wondering about others experiencing unbelievable pain during their procedures.

ouch

by Martine - 2018-04-27 21:28:26

So sorry that happened to you.  The insertion was weird.  I felt like the surgeon was pounding the pacemaker in my chest.  And I had huge bruises all over the area, so I think maybe that's what he was doing.

It didn't hurt though, I was well numbed.  I could feel the last of the stitches going in, however.  The numbness was wearing off.

Not a fun experience all around.

 

You know you're wired when...

Your electric tooth brush interferes with your device.

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