Two and a half weeks post PM placed

My incision wound reaction appeared to originate from a severe allergy to the steri- strips(which were used in place of sutures)over my incision. The blistering around the incision was like a first degree burn. I do not think the cardiologist had seen this before. He put me on prophalactic antibiotics for 2 weeks. I was to clean the area with normal saline and to keep it dry. This appears to be working. The blisters are drying up, the reddness is disappearing, there is no discharge from the site. I am somewhat relieved.
Having said this, my healing process has not been what my docters and nurses led me to believe. I am now 2.5 weeks past PM insertion and I was told by my medical people that "some patients are back to work within a week". I have a desk job and tried to go back to work half days last week. I found the following: I have no stamina. Secondly, I have a very stiff and sore neck. Thirdly I have a weak and sore left arm. Is this normal?
There are appt's booked for me on Tues. commencing Tues next(almost a full day). I am nervous that I will not have energy for this. How long did it take you to comfortably resume normal activities?
And jessie, I am a Manitoba person!


8 Comments

Welcome

by NH - 2008-03-16 05:03:13

I want to welcome you to the PM club and I know you will find support here.

I am 64 and retired now, but my first PM was put in 2002. I was 58 and still working at a desk job.

I was not even allowed to drive for 2 weeks afterward and I stayed off 5 weeks from work. After 2 weeks I hardly had any stamina or much of anything and had trouble sleeping.

In Nov. 2007, my battery ran out and I had a second PM put in as a replacement. I am just now gaining some strength and stamina back. It has taken me several months this time.

I don't know who the people are who can go back to work after 1 week. Some super people I guess. I was an administrative assistant and I had to type A LOT. No way could I do that all day at that time.

When I did go back, I was fine and worked for 3 more years. I retired at 62.

Take care and let us know how you do,

NH

It is major surgery !!

by johng - 2008-03-16 06:03:26

Bobbie48,

I know the medical profession refer to installing a PM. as a 'Minor procedure',
But an incision in a major muscle, opening a blood vessel, and feeding in one (or more) wires, which are screwed into the wall of your heart is (in my opinion) more like 'major' than 'minor'.
The shock to your system, both mental and physical is definately not 'Minor'.
Recovery times differ for each of us. Age, fitness, and other medical factors (medications, for example) all have an influence on recovery times.
Talk to your own Doctor, and take as much time as YOU feel is required.

Keep us informed of your progress. We all learn from each other.
Johng

Hi

by OIMAPRINCESS2477 - 2008-03-16 11:03:15

Hi Bobbie,

Welcome to our wonderful group. I can relate to your reaction to the steri strips. I am highly allergic to adhesive so when they put the steri strips on my incision it cause a bad reaction where I had a blister and severe soreness and itching. The drs gave me antibiotics and medication but now I have a scar not only from my incision but also from the steri strips and where they stuck the round heart monitor pads of my chest and body. Over time you will heal and not be so sore. I was sore for about 4 weeks after surgery. I was also back to work after a week but I had a very easy job of sitting on a stool and ringing a bell ( was working for the Salvation Army at the time I got my pacer). I hope you are doing well. And feel free to ask any questions that you may have .


Britt<3

bobbie48

by jessie - 2008-03-16 11:03:57

hi i am 66 and my pacemaker was implanted very close to me 65th birthday. i have done very well but i was already retired and i will honestly tell you i ad no stamina for 3 months. i got up in the morning and i could hardly wait until after lunch when i could ahve a nap. this went on for 3 months and then one day i was stronger and i began to feel better and i all of a sudden was walking doing everything i wanted and so i hope this helops jessie

This one keeps coming up

by ElectricFrank - 2008-03-17 04:03:30

This issue comes up frequently. It's too bad the docs can't be more specific for individual cases.
I'm afraid I was one of those "super" types who was back at it in a couple of days. In fact by the second day I was walking 3 miles/day. But it is a mistake to think I was some sort of super type. The truth is I take good care of myself and wouldn't have pushed it if it didn't feel right..
Actually, I was very fortunate to have been in good shape up til my AV node broke,and had a pacer implanted only a couple of days later. My body didn't have time to deteriorate from poor circulation like many of you have experienced. Neither did I have complicating heart problems. So as soon as I had a good pace I was ready to go.
The only other thing to keep in mind is that I had the pacer implanted without being put out and was able to take care of myself during the surgery. No stiff neck, shoulder, etc from being put in some "convenient" position on the OR table.
Oh, yes and one other. I had my pacer implanted just under my skin below my clavicle. This is simple surgery. Keep in mind that implanting under breast tissue or in the abdomen is far more invasive surgery. Think of it as an implant done at the same time as cosmetic surgery with the attendant bruising and inflammation.

Glad you found the allergy problem. That can be a real rough situation. My wife was a biofeedback therapist and had to watch for reactions to electrodes causing a reaction. She kept several brands available and sometime it took a few tries before clients didn't have red circles on their bodies.

frank

Everytime is Different

by bjmcpherren - 2008-03-17 10:03:58

I'm 47 and have had a PM for 30 years. The first one I was in and out of the hospital and surgery for 6 months. The next 3 I was back to work at least half days in about 3-5 days and doing light exercises. But in August 07 I had a lead replacement and here it is 6 months later and I'm in the worst condition ever! I don't know what they did to me but I had one or two good days and then 5 or more bad days. I drag my feet to get to work and take care of my 8 year old child. Things have been so bad I am on anti-anxiety meds. You just never know.
Bonnie

tiny blister and itching after PM replacement

by EB - 2014-05-11 04:05:29

Hi,
I am also dealing with tiny blisters and itching around
the incision site .
I had my third pacemaker replaced on May 1th and when I went to my wound check a week later I had some blisters and itching that was only relieved by Benedril. The nurse practitioner did not seem very concern.
After the appointment I got worried and took a picture of my incision site and emailed it to my doctor and his nurse called me back with a 10day course of two kinds of antibiotic and they want to seem on Monday.
I am taking the antibiotics but I believe this is more of an allergic reation to the steri- tape that infection.
I guess will see.I wish I could post my picture here to compare with yours.I don't remember what they used in last replacement but I never had any issues.

picture

by EB - 2014-05-11 04:05:45

I was able to add a picture to the gallery , Please let me know if you ever experienced this kind of blister and itching at the incision site ?
allergic reaction? or infection?

You know you're wired when...

Jerry & The Pacemakers is your favorite band.

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