Pacemaker "Dos and Don'ts" after surgery

It took me a year+ for the capsule to form around the ICD which is larger than a pacemaker. It took the year+ to feel like normal and comfortable once again.

Good information.
I am on my 3rd ICD/Pacemaker and have had one for almost 20 years now.

I learned about the capsulation of the pacemaker from my EP. So until that occurs discomfort will be there. I was told it would be about one year for the discomfort and feeling to become normal.

Not sure about normal though as can still feel it move or some irritation with exacterated arm movements.

All true and thank you jc76. There are arm stretches and many yoga poses that I just can't do with the ICD installed. The machine was installed to hopefully save my life if my ventricular rhythm goes hay wire. Remembering this simple fact, has motivated me to adapt and modify the motions that would otherwise cause me discomfort.

hang in there pacemaker people its going to take time to get back to normal ? im still in my 1 year as of 12-23-2024 i still have trouble doing things ,but i take it slow sometimes, do not get depressed ,happy new year

@deniseheart
Yes same for me on arm movements especially on left side where ICD/Pacemaker is. Mine is under my chest muscle. I restrict my left arm movements above my head and far back to the side.

I have gone into VTAC several times over my 20 years with my device. Medications, new leads, new programming have resulted in none for several years now.

What I like to pass on to others is what my EP doctors and Pace Clinic at Mayo told me. It is just like having your own EMS in your chest versus having to wait for EMS to arrive and bring you back to rymthm. Time is a real factor with ventricular rhythm of the heart when it can't pump the blood you need. Having your device implanted is your own EMS always on the job montioring and ready to help if needed.

I am 94, and a little over a month now, I had my Boston Scientific pacemaker implanted at Greenwich Hospital in CT. I basically was warned about overhead exercise and beyond my back exercise. I do 15 mins. daily of slow walking on the thread mill until i reach 1.1 MPH, Later in the day, i do 25 to 30 mins. lifting 3lb. weights, with some overhead and behind my back, however those are done in moderation. Though I have had some sense of rehab, however, I still huff and puff with any exertion. I feel clumsy. I need a cane, though in the house I resist using it. In, some old B&W movie, Beth Davis said it best, "Getting old is not for sissies!"

Glad you are doing well, and agree getting old is not for sissies, They call it golden years, don't know about that.
Take care

Back when I got my first one with the wires installed it was 6 weeks no raising my arms over my head. That was back in 2007 so I don't know if the rules have changed but that's what I remember

Hello @jer22, I combined your discussion on pacemaker don'ts with your discussion titled:

"Pacemaker "Dos and Dont's" after surgery"
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pacemaker-dos-and-dont-after/

I did this so all of the helpful comments and experiences of members would be in one discussion for the members who have either recently had surgery or are about to have a pacemaker implanted.

@jer22, how are you currently doing in your recovery?

Thanks Justin
I am doing fine after the procedure, I did't get the results I would have liked. But my Electrophysiologist did say it could help a little or a lot?
Thanks again