hard to hold back

I received my dual PM August 17th. My Post Op is tomorrow and I am a little anxious. Recovery seems to be going fast. My concern is will I be able to have the quality of life I had going in. I am a very active person and likes to work in the yard and garden. I have heard rumors about not being able to use lawn mowers or power equipment. I didn't see anything in the pamphlets.Quess I will have a few questions for the device nurse tomorrow.
Cleaver

4 Comments

hard to hold back

by cleaver - 2012-08-28 01:08:46

thanks everyone, I will be cautous with the healing of the arm for now, and not be anxious about the power equipment!
Cleaver

HOLD BACK

by manaman - 2012-08-28 09:08:54

You don't need to hold back. Had a PM for many, many years. Basically the only restriction I have ever noticed is ME! Most restrictions (I think) are from the manufacturers to CYA (law suits). I run ALL power stuff (including chain saws.)
Just try to keep the stuff 6" away from the PM! If yopu have a RTE RESPONSIVE PM it is uite easy to get a scence of what it feels like if somethig is causing issues. Jut lightly tap (I do it all the time) the PM case and your HR should increase and then come back to its riginal state. I've found that worst case is I would revirt back to my issues BEFORE implant!
You got a NEW life. Enjoy it and experiment,search and discover!
Cecil

time for a garden party

by Rbtrgt - 2012-08-28 12:08:06

Welcome to the club!......or should I say the pacemaker club. While I am not a true lawn/outdoor enthusiast, I do like to do my own yard work. I have had a PM for almost a year and the only tool I can't use is a gas chainsaw (due to the ignition and spark plug being right next to my hand). I use a push mower, a riding mower, a gas powered weed trimmer/edger, and an electric hedge trimmer. I am also a wood worker and I am able to use all my power tools as long as I keep the PM 12 inches from the motor. I also do all of my own engine work on my cars with no issues. Of course, read all of the restrictions in you PM literature and talk with your Dr. and the PM Mfgr for any questions or concerns, but these new PM's are AMAZING! However, aside from a chainsaw, your only restriction should be from the surgery. I haven't slowed down or stopped doing anything I did before the PM. Again, make sure you are completely open with your physician, and don't hesitate to call the manufacturer with specific questions as well. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Quality of life.

by ElectricFrank - 2012-08-28 12:08:46

I use all sorts of power tool, work around my Jeep engine when it is running, etc. I've never had a problem.

Just give your pacer side arm and shoulder time to heal. Even there being too cautious can result in shoulder problems.

frank

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I am just thankful that I am alive and that even though I have this pacemaker it is not the end of the world.