@kb49 As jc76 noted, you should definitely be seeing an electrophysiologist to see if your PM has been programmed correctly.

@kb49 My dad's female companion had a pacemaker installed four weeks ago. She was to go to the local cardiac lab a few miles away at the four week mark for a checkup. I can't say that four weeks is standard, but I would guess that four weeks is about as long as a new pacemaker patient should go for that initial look-see.

Hello @kb49
I just reviewed the general instructions I received from the electrophysiologist before I had the surgery. I have summarized them:

"After implant, you'll have an initial check within 1 to 6 weeks to assess the incision site and device function, with subsequent in-person or remote follow-ups every 3 to 12 months depending on your device type and if remote monitoring is used. The exact schedule is personalized, so your electrophysiologist will provide specific instructions and a follow-up plan based on your implantable cardiac electronic device.
Initial Follow-Up
Within 1-6 Weeks: You will have an in-person visit shortly after the implant to check the incision and ensure the device is functioning correctly. This visit is crucial for detecting early complications like bleeding or infection.
Regular Follow-Up Schedule
General Guidelines: After the initial visit, follow-up frequency varies by device:
Pacemakers (PM/CRT-P): Every 3 to 12 months, with in-person checks every 6 to 12 months if remote monitoring is used.
Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators (ICDs/CRT-D): Every 3 to 6 months, with in-person checks every 3 to 6 months if remote monitoring is used.
Remote Monitoring: If you use remote monitoring, you'll have fewer in-office visits, typically once or twice a year, while the device continues to send data to your care team.
When to Contact Your Doctor
You should also contact your electrophysiologist immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Redness, swelling, or drainage from the incision site.
A fever.
Dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
Symptoms similar to what you had before the implant.
Any shock from an ICD or other unusual device activity."

As you can see, these are very generalized instructions. What type of device you have as well as your personal diagnosis affect much of the follow up. In my case, I have had my device for just over 3 years. I have a CRT-D and I also have remote monitoring enabled on my device.
During the first year, I had saw the electrophysiologist every 6 months. After that, I have had annual in person check ups during which time the device's data is downloaded and any adjustments, if needed, are made at that time. That check up is followed 6 months later by a remote data download initiated by the clinic. If the remote transmission does not flag any issues, I will then return to the clinic for my next in person annual check up in August, 2026.
I do not always physically "see" an electrophysiologist each time but my downloaded data is always reviewed by one and I receive a copy of his/her report.
If you are able to have remote check ups, you will save a great deal of time. Not all devices are, however, enabled to do this. A friend of mine who has a two chamber pacemaker (without a defibrillator) has his device checked, in person, annually. His pacemaker is not capable of remote monitoring.
In between, I see a cardiologist for any medication adjustments, necessary bloodwork, or for annual echocardiograms.
Best wishes.

@kb49
If this is your first surgery I would think they would have a programmed schedule for you to return and check your surgery wound and check the function of your device. It should go through a fine tuning process like mine did after surgery wound healed.

Who did your surgery? That surgeon should have had you returning for at least checking your wound. Have you contacted them about return visit.

Per my experience with this I am still recommending a EP for you to see even if you have to drive or fly to get to one. That EP will and can work with your local cardiologist.

I really do not understand your post, you are not seeing anyone. WOW, the device needs checking and programming, and the wound needs to be checked. I go through a home monitor check of my device every 3 months which is sent to my EP. If they see anything they set up an appointment. Once a year I go into the office and they do checks of wires, and other things and fine tune anything that needs attention.