Epicardial Leads

Hi. I have had my pacemaker/defib about 5 weeks. The lead for the left side has been shut off for a little over a week. I have to have it placed on the outside of my heart on Thur. How long is the recovery time for this surgery. How long does it take for the left side where the p/d was implanted to heal and feel normal again - does it ever feel normal again? There are still areas that are numb, but at the same time some areas that are painful and sting when I move my arm. I'm having a hard time with all this today, well have been for the past several days. Initially, I had to be opened up again the day right after initial surgery to replace the atrial lead which had let loose. Nothing has gone as I expected. The left side lead was shut off because it was causing constant diaphram spasms. Has this happened to any of you? It seems like a bad dream I can't wake up from. Susan

2 Comments

recovery time

by golden_snitch - 2010-02-08 02:02:31

Hi!

I must admit that I had a pretty rough recovery time after the epicardial leads were placed but that was because I had a little pleural effusion, a subcutaneous emphysema, and then three weeks later also got a pleurisy. So, I took it really easy for at least two weeks, but didn't work for another four weeks. The pain, however, was gone after about two weeks. The incision for the epicardial leads healed very nicely, probably because it is not exposed to movement as much as the site where the pacer unit is (there is movement all the time, whenever you move your arm etc.). In my case it does feel different than before, don't know why. It bothered me at first but then I just got used to it. There are so many kids out there with epicardial leads who are doing great so I wouldn't worry too much.

Wishing you all the best!
Inga

Thank you.

by 19SRN52 - 2010-02-08 02:02:37

Thanks again Inga for responding to my posting. Susan

You know you're wired when...

You fondly named your implanted buddy.

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