Still in shock....

Hello everyone :-)
My name is Mary and I just was given a pm for bradycardia and syncope. I was perfectly fine until last friday when i thought i was having a heart attack and my heart rate never went back above 45bpm. I recieved the dual chamber pm on my 32nd birthday this last thursday. I am so glad i came across this site since no one i know has a pm(friends tell me about their parents and grandparents experiences) and i dont know what to expect with recovery really. Oddly enough the one question i really need answered is When can i put on a bra? Seriously, i feel like national geographic here just swinging.....i know tmi. I would like to go outside and attend church but, you know, the bra issue. Also, any tips on helping with recovery is very much appreciated. Thanks!

10 Comments

Hi

by Jax - 2013-05-25 03:05:08

Welcome.

I wore blouses. They cover up my chest and they were easy to slip in and out of easily. It took a few weeks until the strap on the bra didn't bother me. You can buy a pad that goes over the pm site and attaches to the bra. Just go to the home page and you will find it in the retail store.
I would remember to move my pm arm ... Just baby it. If you don't move it you could get frozen shoulder. The restrictions are also important to follow no lifting more than 10 lbs and you pm arm stays below yr shoulder.

3 weeks

by kjb - 2013-05-25 03:05:51

hi mary im karen im 40 and had my pm fitted 3 weeks ago i couldnt wear a bra either infact ive just started wearing mine again but opted for a sports type bra instead the straps are wider and softer but its still a bit sore... i made sure i wore baggy t shirts untill then lol im now starting to feel the benefits of the pm it takes time u need to get lots of rest and watch moving tht arm ..... tc hope u feel better soon xxxxxxx

Welcome

by ebfox - 2013-05-25 04:05:22

Hi Mary,

Welcome to the club. I am sure that some of our female members will comment shortly about your bra question. I was going to suggest that you use the "Search" function but that gets lots of responses about BRAdycardia, oh well. I do recall posts suggesting frontclosure, sports bras, and strap padding.

I can tell you a little about your recovery period. Keep it dry for 7-10 days (the doctor should have given you specific instructions on when you can shower). Don't lift anything 10 pounds or heavier with your left arm for 6-8 weeks; you can pull the leads loose without trying.

Your PM has lots of different settings and adjustments and it is not unusual to have to go see a PM tech to adjust it for your specific needs. About 2 weeks post op you should be feeling fairly good; if you have any shortness of breath or other unusual symptoms call your doctor immediately. Don't hesitate to go right back in for an adjustment. When you get it set right, these devices can allow you to have a normal quality of life- you can almost forget you have it.

Anyway, best of luck to you. Be sure to check in with us often.

E. B.

hoping for the best

by maryj - 2013-05-25 08:05:27

Thank you so much for the responses. I will try the baggy blouses and hope that no one notices. If they do...oh well, I just had heart surgery. The laying around doing nothing is a big change of pace. Im a mom of two little ones, full time student(now on medical withdrawal) ,and a total type A personality. I will have to pick up some relaxing hobbies so i dont go stir crazy. I wish you all the best.

Welcome

by jane32 - 2013-05-25 09:05:12

I wore a soft bra after 4 days when I left the hospital, had an extra few nights stay owing to the fact they punctured my lung during procedure so I needed a chest drain in. I think everyone has given you good advice. Keep in touch.

Best wishes
Jane

welcome!

by ohiolaura - 2013-05-25 09:05:34

Mary,
I know where you are.My PM was last July,almost a year ago,but I can recall most everything still.The ba thing sucks,yes.I say also,do the sports bra at first,but not maybe until you have to,comfort is key,gravity is always there.
When you must,do the sport bra,it will work.I did it,and let me say,Ive never been able to go "without".Then,do the regular kind,youll be ok,its just a close area,and youll be a bit cautious Im sure,if the strap is close to the area,put a soft small cloth inder the strap,for comfort.
I was back to the regular bra in 10 days,cause I went back to work at that time.
It doesn't take that long before things are back to normal in that area.I still do sometimes have the seat belt in my car when I drive sit in a odd place,and it bugs me,doesnt hurt,just pisses me off cause it moves to that spot,and irritates me!
Be patient,you'll get there,takes time and patience.
Be comfy,you have a great reason to dress like youre a woman of leisure!
Laura

funny

by Chels - 2013-05-25 09:05:43

Hi mary j! I only say funny because my ep put my sports bra on in the operating room and wanted me to wear it constantly for 6 weeks. This is mostly for cosmetic purposes to counter act gravity. I have a very small chest but he has all his patients do that because it helps minimalize the scar (its not being stretched by sagging boobs). So in answer to your question, you can wear a bra whenever you want and feel comfortable. Trust me , wearing a sports bra right over your incision is not a walk in the park but this is the second operation and second time he's had me do this with good results.

I hate bras anyway

by rvrs708175 - 2013-05-26 05:05:35

They are so confining to us. Sports bras are fine with me as I guess they are necessary. I have had the pm for almost five years now and rely on the soft sports bra. I also wear loose blouses. I did find one top that has a built in soft bra. very helpful. Just take it easy. I think if you go back through the search area in this site and put in bras. I recall a few years back when there was a huge discussion on pros and cons and many suggestions on bras. I wish you well. Just do take it easy as suggested. Ann

one week post op

by sramsey - 2013-05-26 10:05:56

And I feel like the shock is starting to wear off a little. I'm definitely feeling much better now, so that helps with the emotional part, too, I think. Like you, I am also a full-time student, have little ones a home and got a pacemaker for syncope and bradycardia. I've been wearing my bra since the day after surgery. I let ou the strap on my left side all the way so that it doesn't rub or push pressure on my incision site. I've also found that sleep better when I prop my left armd on pillows instead of wearing the sling since my shoulder doesn't get stiff and achy halfway through the night. Then again, I'm a very light sleeper and would be aware if I tried to lift my arm over my head.
Good luck!

I still can't wear a bra comfortably

by kathykat11 - 2013-05-26 12:05:53

and it has been over 2 years for me I have tried all types and I am awaiting the delivery of yet another one. I wear a bra id I have to do something formal but I have taken to wearing a men's athletic undershirt. My weight shifts considerably during the day. so that could be a good part of the problem but I have not given up being a dangle dandy os not a good look for me and is actually not all that comfortable. I will definitely keep on trying and in the mean time working on my diet will do more for me than all the lingerie no matter how well fitting. Everyone is different. I have a very boney upper chest then my breasts begin I think if my upper chest were less boney I would not have as much trouble. Just know that what ever works works and if it doesn't then try again. If the bras i have ordered this time doesn't work I am going to Dillards for a bra fitting.
Kathykat11

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In fact after the final "tweaks" of my pacemaker programming at the one year check up it is working so well that I forget I have it.