All I want for xmas is my heart 2 beat:O)

Hi guys,

I've been lurking on your site and it's finally time to join!...Don't worry..I won't ask any tampon questions (sigh)...Anyways..I have something way more vain to ask...I'm scheduled for SA node ablation on 12/18 w/ pm...besides the obvious, like surviving...how am I going to wash my hair since you can't raise your arm??...Yes I'm serious...I am 35 and live in sunny snobville where hair is more important than hearts...ALSO...anyone else that's gone thru this procedure, it would be really nice to know how you feel...
Thanks, Jennifer

6 Comments

It can be done!

by jessame - 2008-12-11 08:12:31

I was able to get in the shower to wash my hair because instead of stitches they applied some sort of adhesive . I would just have to bend over to where my head was level with my arms then just wash my hair. Now blow-drying and styling, that's another story. I stayed home alot. My healing was pretty fast. At night when I slept it was more comfortable for me to lay with a pillow propped under my left shoulder and arm because I can't sleep on my back. I am so bad when it comes to following dr's orders that he gave me a sling to keep my arm in so that I would not raise it. It helped alot.
Hope his helps and good luck with your procedure. Let me know how you are doing.
Jessame

you can do it

by aldeer - 2008-12-11 08:12:49

Hi Jennifer... I am MUCH older (80) and had my pacemaker and AV node ablation... It really depends on your knowing "if it can be done, I can do it" mentality. My pacemaker is on my left side, I am left handed, and I was lucky enough to have my EP use not staples but I call it "glue", so I could take a shower the next day, and if you really want to, you can learn to use your right hand for all the reaching and lifting that needs to be done. Aren't we very lucky to have two arms! You can do it, and it can be done. I swim five days a week, so I shampoo my hair five days a week and still after a year mostly use my right arm for many things I use to depend on my left arm to do. I really feel so much better after my ablation...had been going thru afib for over 10 years and didn't feel that great. I will be thinking of you and wishing you the best of luck. Just remember, YOU CAN DO IT.... aldeer

hair

by Tracey_E - 2008-12-11 09:12:20

I live in the east coast sunny snobville! I washed it myself one handed without too much trouble but got my husband to help style it. Ay yi yi, good thing the man has a day job! It looked awful but he was so stinkin proud of himself that I didn't have the nerve to redo it. Hats. Pony tails. A fist full of mousse and let it dry on its own. And of course, always the quick explanation that I just had surgery.

Good luck! I hope you're back on your feet and full of energy soon. With great hair, of course ;o)

Amanda...from IST board...

by scadnama - 2008-12-12 08:12:24

Hey Jennifer,

It's Amanda from the IST board! I know exactly how you feel. You will be amazed by the change after your ablation. I feel about 90% better already and it's only been a little over 2 weeks. In my case, I already had the pacemaker, so you will have a little more down time, but I'm sure you will feel great in no time.
Everyone has given you great suggestions about the hair washing thing. It was a bit difficult, but after a few days you will be a pro!
Take care, and keep us posted!

Amanda

Hair Do....OR Don't!

by Carol - 2008-12-12 12:12:04

Hi, Like the other gals who answered I learned to wash my own hair but at first I couldn't quite manage the curling iron without the potential for serious burns!!! To wash my hair I primarily used my right hand and would bend my head down low enough when I wanted to use my left hand so I wouldn't lift it too high. Blow drying was possible this way too. But, the curling iron...well, I too asked my husband to help (at least the first time post-op)....Oh, my, goodness...talk about "all thumbs". Anyway I got good at keeping my left arm close to my side and...again...bending my head down and curling away. I have short hair so it worked out ok even though it was awkward.
Just remember, where there's a will there's a way....you'll learn to manage for the few weeks until you can lift your arm with abandon!
Best wishes, Carol

Toooo Funny!!

by beanzie - 2008-12-12 12:12:20

Thanks for all of the wonderful and hilarious suggestions...I was approached by my lovely toothless 6yr old daughter who gleefully offered to help...some how I quickly envisioned her coming at me with pink and purple Hannah Montana color sticks and a bedazzler...I just smiled and politely said "we'll see pumpkin"..Sorry Cabg Patch,..water pressure is to low here:O)...And a special shout out to Aldeer, my fellow LEFTY...because we're both in our RIGHT minds:O)...I'll update everyone on my outcome after the 18th...Thanks again and Have a very Merry Christmas!!
Love, Jennifer.

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