Questions to ask at first PM clinic

First visit

by Lavender - 2023-07-29 22:38:58

Hi there! The first post op appointment is usually to check the surgery site. At mine, at the one week mark, no adjustments were made and there was no pacemaker interrogation until the 5 week after surgery appointment. 
 

You can let them know how you're feeling. They will want to see that your wound is healing well. I asked how soon I could drive and get a massage. Lol 

Asking questions

by Gotrhythm - 2023-07-30 16:49:04

As Lavender says, this first visit (in US clinics) is usually just a wound check, usually done by a PA, or nurse, possibly a nurse's assistant. So don't expect much in the way of answers to anything except how the wound is healing.

Do ask when the first pacemaker check will be. Yes, that's different from a wound check. Where it will take place and who you will see. Ask which visit you will actually see the doctor at. These questions are just so that you will have a chance to get oriented to the wonderful world of pacemakers.

Dealing with a pacemaker is utterly different from any medical experience most of us have ever had. A certain amount of confusion about what to ask is inevitable. Part of what you need to learn is which people will have the answers to your questions.

Which people...

by AgentX86 - 2023-07-31 20:21:34

..and how much you have to smile at, cajole, plead, or bribe, each one to get your way.  Do anything but piss them off to get them to answer and teach, to the best of their ability.  As you go on and understand more, you may be able to "suggest" changes to your settings to improve your quality of life.  Some of this may require learning enough about your condition and pacemakers to be able to talk at their level, and have them treat you as someone who is willing (and able) to work with them.

Carrots will work, here.  Sticks won't give you the results you want.