No overnight stay after PM implant?

Hi, I'm new here. I've been reading a lot. I am having a PM implant Thursday, 4/9. The doctor said I would be monitored about 4 hours and then go home. I have read where most people stay at least one night. I am nervous about this and would prefer to have a nurse close by at least for one night. Insurance won't pay for it though.
Just wondering how long everyone else stayed.

Thanks,
Brendakt54

6 Comments

Time in hospital

by ElectricFrank - 2009-04-05 11:04:09

Unless there is some kind of complicating factor, you are better off going home. With all the hospital infections going around these days, shorter is better.

frank

Length of Hospital Stay....

by Pookie - 2009-04-06 03:04:33

Here in Nova Scotia, Canada....you get discharged the same day of your surgery.

HOWEVER, if you do not feel right, insist that you stay. I've heard (rumor) that a hospital cannot legally kick you out. ???

Personally, I would have someone stay with you the first couple of nights....but that's just my opinion. For me, I needed someone with me for peace of mind.

You will be sore and will probably not get much sleep for the first couple of weeks, but you'll find ways to adapt.

If you work outside the home....take every day off you can and get plenty of rest.

The 2 big things to look for is infection at the site or experiencing shortness of breath (which is rare), all I'm saying is be aware. Ask the nurse for a phone number you can take home with you just in case you have questions or concerns.

And remember, we are here to help you in any way that we can.

Good luck
Pookie

I stayed overnight...

by Melissa - 2009-04-06 04:04:45

...but my surgery was in the late afternoon. By the time they finished and then did the post-op x-ray and checked in on me a couple of times, I was ready for some sleep! I was home by lunch time the next day though.

I imagine if my surgery had been done in the morning I may have been sent home the same day, provided nothing went wrong.

I would strongly recommend having someone with you, especially for the first few days. I really didn't feel up to doing much. I had my mum stay with me for a week and a half.

I'm usually a fairly independent sort of person, and don't usually ask for help. But I just had to keep reminding myself that this was an exceptional circumstance and it was ok to admit I needed the help.

I was so blessed to have an amazing bunch of friends from church. They organised meals for me (and my mum) for a whole week, so we didn't have to worry about cooking. They also brought chocolates and flowers! Definately helped the recovery process :-)

A few other things I experienced - I could only wear button-up shirts for the first couple of weeks, I didn't worry about a bra for the first week either, & I could only sleep on my back after the surgery (I tried to sleep on the opposite side from the pm, but not even pillows helped)

I hope your surgery goes smoothly and that your recovery is fast. I'll be thinking of you on the day. Let us know how it goes.

Melissa

Ok, I feel better :-)

by Brendakt54 - 2009-04-06 05:04:05

Thank you all. This forum is a Godsend (literally). I am married but because my husband snores so loud he rocks the walls, we don't sleep in the same room. Haven't for years, but we are okay with that. He wouldn't hear me if I yelled for him. He's been very supportive though.

My best friend offered to spend the night when I get my PM and the guest room is next to my room so I'll feel better knowing she's there.

I do think I need my arm duck taped to my body though...haha. I have no control over it when I'm asleep.

Brenda

left arm

by Tracey_E - 2009-04-06 05:04:46

Radio Shack sells inexpensive intercoms that you just plug in. My husband got me one so we don't have to scream when I'm in my office.

The sling will help with the left arm during the day, some find it helps at night. I didn't, lol. I throw my arms over my head when I sleep and toss and turn like a fish. Hugging a pillow really works.

p.s. I've spent many a night on the other side of the house in the guest room to escape the snoring!

4 hours... in and out

by ml3046 - 2009-04-06 08:04:07

I had my Icd implanted on 3-6-09. From the time I arrived at the hospital till the time I arrived home was 4 hours. It was a friday and my Cardiologist gave me the O.K to return to work that Monday. I chose to take the whole week off and I am glad I did . Was pretty uncomfortable until Wednesday. A folded gauze pad under your bra strap works wonders.

I wish you the best of luck

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