What to expect the first six weeks

I had my St. Jude pacemaker implanted on 23 July 2013. My device was implanted on my right side due to some recent right ear hearing loss, and the fact that they advise using holding a cell phone up to the opposite ear. So, even though I am right handed, I had them implant on that side so I can use my cell phone on my left ear. I didn't feel as though I was given any real details as to what to watch out for or expect during recovery. Earlier this week, I experienced a sharp throbbing pain near the top left corner of where the device is implanted. I went in to have things checked out and was told it is most likely due to internal healing. The pain would come and go for a few additional hours, and I haven't had it since. Have any of you had any luck finding somewhere online that provides more detail as to what one might expect?

4 Comments

Yes

by donr - 2013-08-23 08:08:31

You are in the place on line where you can find out. Just hang on a bit & someone will be by to help you out.

Don

This is the place to be

by KAG - 2013-08-23 09:08:38

I think you've come to the right site to get answers/suggestions or if you just need to vent and get some understanding. There are so many people on this site of different ages, experiences and conditions that will help you.

It sounds like the pain you were experiencing has gone which is good. You didn't mention any other concerns or questions so I'll just give you my experience.

I had my PM installed on 13 Jun and I'd say I'm fully recovered and really since 6 weeks have been getting back to my old routine. I did have to get a minor tweak to my UTR which fixed the SOB and fatigue I was getting when exercising. Mostly it was getting my stamina back after sitting around for weeks and weeks. Nothing to do with the PM since it never gets tired and just keeps ticking along.

Once you've past the time to restrict movement of your PM side arm and the amount of weight you can lift you should be able to do what ever you want as long as it feels OK. Usually your body will tell you if you're overdoing it.

If you have any specific questions or concerns just let us know.

Welcome to the club
Kathy

This is it

by Grateful Heart - 2013-08-23 11:08:39

There should be more information upon discharge but there is not. We don't know what we don't know until we get home and life continues.

Most of us found this site because we had questions or a problem.....kinda like you.

So welcome to the club. Learn all you can about your device and condition. This is a great place to start.

Grateful Heart

Site Problems !!

by donb - 2013-08-25 12:08:43

In my 21 years of 5 implants I have only experienced comfort with only my original implant with both my left & right chest sites. After all these years my Cardiologist leveled with me telling me that as I'm a skinny person with no fat & also develop lots of scar tissue that it's a common issue with other patients with similar body build.
Another area is also being very active which contibutes to this problem. I had my 4th implant put under my muscle in my right chest which was by far the most comfortable as I posted about 3 years ago.
Hopefully your site will settle down & develop a nice scar tissue pouch to house your implant. I hate to even mention how happy I am with my 6th implant in my abdomin (belly) as I've experienced no pain from day 1 as it's under muscle with a good layer of fat (naturally only place of fat on this body). I don't even have an ounce ot it on my butt as I find sitting without cushions a real bite.
DonB

You know you're wired when...

You can feel your fingers and toes again.

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I feel so blessed to have this little gem implanted in me. When I think of the alternative it is quite overwhelming sometimes.