Most Recent Messages in Surgery & Recovery

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When to life left elbow above shoulder?

What is the consensus of when you should be able to lift your left elbow above your shoulder again? 

Thanks, Tim

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Cardiac Rehab After Pacemaker Implant

Is cardiac rehab required or recommended after pacemaker implantation? I have had AVR's and found this to help tremendously. 

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surgery

thanks, unfortuately this is the only hospital this doctor operates in Sarasota.

  I am not concerned about this virus as much as i want to be able to use my arm freely without pain.    Have had the blood tests and MRSA test last week and was deemed healthy.

This virus thing can go on for many months.    what about others who are awaiting Pacemakers or ICD's.  should they wait?

One of my friends said now was the right time as the hospitals a...

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safe to have surgery with this virus floating around

hi all . am currently scheduled for reverse shoulder surgery on friday March 6th. the hospital am using in fl.  is one of those that had a confirmed one of those virus cases.  Is this a good time for surgery,   Pacemaker seems to be ok.

mary

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loss of appetite after implanting pacemaker

I got a DDDR pacemaker planted on 22.02.20. but right now  I dont feel  like  eating anything .Is  this normal after pacemaker implantation?

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new pacemaker

Hi everyone! 
 

i just got my first pacemaker after experiencing quite a few episodes of prolonged syncope with asystole theoughout the years. I also have hashimotos and a slew of other issues that aren't quite bad enough for treatment yet- we are just "watching". I just got my pacer last Tuesday and was able to go back to work today (also I am 23 F, so any tips about getting a pacemaker at a young age are appreciated!). i have way more energy than I ever ha...

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Recovery after PM incision

Hello it’s been 8 wks now since my incision.  still felt the tingling pain come and go occurrences. And this morning I felt energetic doing some laundry and unloading dishwasher. Using my left arm which still has tightening on my shoulder and armpit. But afterwards I felt uncomfortable pressure/ pain in my chest. Anybody experienced this?? Just feeling impatient until when I got up in the morning feeling all this heaviness and    Pressure? And having some back p...

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Reach left to right

DDD Medtronic PM placed 1/2/2020, left side. When I reach left to right to bath my right shoulder my PM binds up. Is it safe for me to reach left to right like that? Is that risky in any way or should I just do whatever as long as it doesn't hurt? 
really not sure how active and how much I can just ignore it and do whatever I want with my arm or if I need to be cautious with certain movements. Doc office just says I have no restrictions. I still get what I think are shoulder joi...

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My 4th pacemaker change...and getting nervous

So I am 40 and had my pacemaker at the age of 14.  I am due for my fourth implant in the next week or so and super nervous this time around as surgeon says the more often you change the battery, the higher risk of infection.  He told me he rarely sees patients my age already going on their fourth pacemaker!!! So now I am freaking out...anyone else out there get their pacemaker as a kid and still going strong?

Ilda

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Implantable loop recorder

Hey guys I'm new here I am just wondering is it normal to feel bit spaced out the day after and short of breathe  I have had a loop recorder fitted to find out what happens during my blackouts and to determine whether I need a defibrillator fitted I'm 21 also when can I change the dressing 

Nice to meet you all 

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Tingling pain in PM area, arms, shoulder, upper chest

My PM was inserted 38 days ago and  I developed a Hematoma (swelling, bleeding underneath my skin). Black blue bruises on my breast after 2 days.  It’s getting better now , bruises lightened just tightening on PM area and arms but I still have this tingling pain come and go in my arms, shoulder, chest. Also am coughing a bit itchy throat is this common? 

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Hand and Forearm Swelling and Pain

Had surgery on 2/28/20 to implant new crt-d (3 additional leads as well). First surgery for a dual lead pacemaker was in Feb 2010. As soon as I was placed into a room after my surgery, I told the nurse that my hand felt numb. She contacted the doctor who said it was normal. Don't remember having this problem when I was first implanted back in 2010)  Forearm and hand still swollen and numb 1 week post surgery and when I pointed it out to the Physician's Assistant and she said...

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feeling poked by RV lead

I'm 3.5 months post op and have only just resumed some of my usual activities such as yard work and yin yoga. During these activities I often experience a sharp pain in the area of my ribs/sternum when moving or stretching gently from side-to-side or front-to-back that feels like I'm being poked by the right ventricular lead.

I have a known micro dislodgement of the RV lead and have complained to the PM clinic that I often feel a dull poking at rest. Should I report this sharper...

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Pacemaker received and afib

My pacemaker installation was five weeks ago. First three weeks went fine..I basically did nothing much. Week four I began to drive to walk again, not too much, gradually working up, and out to dinner for anniversary. Bam! Afib every other day...four episodes with Tachycardia...scary...bed rest and deep breathing and meds...stopped each episodes, but scared me. Backed off exercise etc...so past week has been quiet. Is it possible this was just a healing glitch...? Anyone relate?  &n...

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Pacemaker Site irritation

Hello, 

So I am now on my third pacemaker, implanted on December 6th. My last one was done back in 2009. I do not remember having the pain I am having and or irritation. Its really hard to explain but it feels like the pacemaker it'self is rubbing up against the inside of me. Most days it hurts and or is very tender. But it's not to the touch just if I move a certain way or if I sleep weird. Sometimes I wake up with it bothering me. Does anyone else have this happening? I a...

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Workout with a PM.

I an 71 and have worked out 5 days a week for many years. I am accustomed to heavy weights and worked out in this fashion up until the day before my PM was implanted. The PM has made me feel great and wanting to return to the gym. How many weeks do I need to take off and what should I avoid at the gym. And what is it that determines these restrictions? 

Thanks in advance for any advice or experience. 

 

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Recovery 10 years later

I received a PM for complete heart block back in February 2010 at 53 years old after spending 5 days in the hospital with doctors trying to figure out why. I have lived with the pacemaker for almost 10 years with no problems until my last in office interrogation in which the nurse practitioner noticed some anomalies. Further testing (stress test, echocardigram) revealed that I was in congestive heart failure. While I did not think I had any symptoms, going back in my mind I was tired and attr...

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pacemaker site

I am 3 weeks post pacemaker placement & have been to EP & my regular cardiologist fir check-up, also the nurse to check my BP, which is elevated.  I ran a fever one day last week with high white blood cells- went to ER & they ruled out serious infections (blood cultures, echocardiogram, triponon all negative).   I bled quite a bit during the emergency procedure - had been on daily baby aspirin - had massive bruising & swelling.  Skin over pacemaker sti...

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pacemaker

I received my pacemaker on 1-24-20. My first question is if everyone is told to restrict movement above your shoulder for a full 6 week period? Also, my device was inserted on the right side so I certainly restrict my movements on that side but not so much on the left. Does this sound correct to everyone? 
I'm also wondering if you are aware of your pacemaker engaging?

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pacemaker

I received my pacemaker on 1-24-20. My first question is if everyone is told to restrict movement above your shoulder for a full 6 week period? Also, my device was inserted on the right side so I certainly restrict my movements on that side but not so much on the left. Does this sound correct to everyone? 
I'm also wondering if you are aware of your pacemaker engaging?

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99% of the time, I totally forget I even have this device.