Day 5. Still going OK

I suspect I'm having it easy compared with some, for which I'm very grateful.

5 days post-implantation and although it aches a bit around the scar, I'm not in what I'd call pain, especially after I worked out that stuffing extra padding in the bottom of my left bra-cup took off a lot of strain (I have what my mother used to call a large crumb-shelf).  It does make me look like a lopsided Barbara Windsor but it's definitely worth it, and I wish somebody had told me to do it before I left the hospital.

Dressing came off today (according to orders) and the scar is not going to be too bad -- not that I care -- I tend to cover up anyway. I can't see any lumps and bumps that might be the lead and pacemaker, which makes sense since the surgeon had to put it under the muscle, I guess. No bruising anywhere either, which surpises me.

Sleeping is also going well -- on my right side with left arm draped over pillow, or on my back with left shoulder resting on pillow. I'm looking forward to being able to sleep in my left side, as shifting positions in the night keeps my muscles from getting stiff.  I don't change positions when I'm asleep -- have to wake up to do it deliberately (mostly because I'm usually wedged in place by two cats and one Other Half) -- so I can control when I try it, and will put it off for a while as I'm a wimp.

Managing to control left arm movements OK so far -- using it normally except for stretching, raising it above shoulder and lifting things. There is a risk that I'll start feeling so good I'll forget the restrictions. Missing driving, but that's allowed in a couple of days time, as are proper showers.

Then it's just the ongoing healing process until October 22nd when I have an AV node ablation and Miss Tick comes into operation.  I suspect having a normal heartbeat instead of one that ranges between 90 and 140 on a good day and up to 200 on a bad one is going to take some gettting used to!


3 Comments

Glad it's going well!

by loblolly - 2018-09-10 15:09:58

I'm at day 7 today. Sleeping on my left side is somethng I'm looking forward to also. I'm getting better at sleeping on my back, but wow, did it feel good when I could finally sleep on my right side for variety. I have the same problem with my cat, who likes to wedge up against me!

Yesterday, I was having problems with my left shoulder and lower neck, but gong for a short walk outdoors and using heat  on the sore areas has really helped loosen up stiff muscles.

My incision is covered with a waterproof coating so I've been able to take showers, just no immersion. Warm water showers really help to improve my mood.

My surgeon also recommends using the left arm normally except for the overhead reaching, lifting, etc. So far so good. I'm also missing driving, but my thoughtful daughter got me a soft, fake fur padded seat belt cover that should make it easier once I'm allowed.

Seatbelt pillow

by atiras - 2018-09-10 15:47:18

Loblolly, since I drive on the right (left) side of the road :) I should't have an issue with the searbelt except when I'm a passenger, but I've got a little 'pillow' that can be velcroed around the seat belt to cushion my ride.

Advantages of driving on the other side of the road!

by loblolly - 2018-09-10 16:14:49

Lucky you! We  do have a disadvantage driving when it comes to pacemakers!

You know you're wired when...

You have a little piece of high-tech in your chest.

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I, too, am feeling tons better since my implant.