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Hello, I’m new here and 3 days from my procedure for my pacemaker.
Heart Rhythm Conditions | Last Active: Jul 16, 2023 | Replies (41)Comment receiving replies
4 weeks and a few days after my pacemaker surgery, and so far so good. Everyday is different but for the most part pretty positive. There are times when I forget and something draws my attention to the procedure site and it brings some fears back but using what I’ve learned from meditation I bring my focus to my breathing and let the thoughts come and go. I am hoping that it comes to the point of not even thinking of it, but I’m still new to the process. How many have forgotten about it or not feel it ? Sleep has been much better and after 3 weeks I was able to return to my bed. I was sleeping on the couch with the back supporting my left side, like a barrier, protecting my left side. I did feel a little vulnerable at first in bed without the back or something protecting me. Any one have experience with longer time after their procedure, let me know what you noticed or what helped you not let it hinder you. Thanks in advance.
Replies to "4 weeks and a few days after my pacemaker surgery, and so far so good. Everyday..."
Hi Jason, And yes after a while you will hardly notice it. The only reason I would even know it was there, was it would get itchy once in a while and i would just move it around and it stopped. The other way was like the seat belt my irritate it once in a while and they actually make pads that go onto the seat belt to help cushion the area if it passed over the pacemaker site. mine was actually kind of large and so it could be seen and felt under the skin. Mine had a difibulator so the battery was larger.
at 4 weeks for me I was still at the stage where I could not raise my arms over my head. So things like reaching were done from a stool so i could still get things higher than my shoulders. Are you still at that stage? The only other think that I had to watch for was I was an electronic technician and like to work on my own cars plus things like generators and mechanical equipment so i would try to avoid having things touch that area as bruising of the skin was easier over the pacemaker. But honestly the benefits way outweighed the issues. A few months from now I would say it would not be noticeable at all.
Dana is right after awhile you won’t even notice it . It’s been 8 weeks for me and I can sleep on both sides and every once in awhile I feel a ping of discomfort . But it is better . I can raise my hand with no problem . But it was awhile before I got to that point . Hang in there buddy . Sounds like you are right on track . And those feelings that go with it . Tara
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Glad to hear things are going well afterwards.
When I first got home after the procedure, I was constantly holding my chest in that area. It almost felt like there was something “intrusive” there. Mine is located on my left side of my chest, so it was similar to saying the Pledge Of Allegiance most of the day. After a while I got used to it and that passed.
As far as sleeping with it, I spend most of my sleep time on my right side. If I lay flat, it intensifies the pacing and makes it uncomfortable. I also sit in some chairs clocked slightly to my right for the same reasons.
I have gotten completely used to it two years later now, and don’t notice it a lot. There was definitely a learning curve with some frustrations, but when things seemed to get overwhelming at times, I always reminded myself that it certainly beats the alternative.
Stay receptive to what your body is telling you, and you should be well on your way to better health in no time.