When is the post check up done

Hi,
I'm due to have the pacemaker implanted on the 3rd Feb, late afternoon and staying overnight.
In the UK are the post implantation checks done at 4 or 6 weeks? Its being done for SSS, will the DVLA definitely let me drive immediately post check? Will it be ok to drive from Suffolk to Aberdeen ,which is a long way , at 4 or 6 weeks when ever the check has been done?
My husband thinks he should be at home with me for the whole week the pacemaker is done on the Monday. Do you think this is wise or would I be ok on my own after a couple of days?
Now the time is getting closer after so long (7 months post syncope episode) I'm starting to feel rather nervous and scared which I know is silly especially as I am a health proffessional.

4 Comments

Post pm check

by Suzie_G - 2014-01-15 03:01:46

Is usually done after 6 weeks, though they do check you before you leave the hospital. You are not allowed to drive initially for a week, but I didn't drive a manual car for a few weeks. The gears and handbrake can put too much strain on the wound.
If you can arrange for everything you need to be at work top level, then you should be ok on your own after the first day or so.
Hope this helps.

A lot of it

by MelodyMarch - 2014-01-15 07:01:35

depends on how comfortable you are. I am a very independent sort (always have been). I had the pacemaker implanted Wednesday, was home Thursday afternoon, and they just recommended that I have someone home for the first 24 hours, which in the US is pretty standard for any procedure.

As for me, I was driving the Monday following the procedure, and back to full time (with usual restrictions) duty a week after the procedure. I am a teacher however, so I was able to conform to the restrictions. Your job may be different.

Driving in the UK

by IAN MC - 2014-01-15 07:01:51

Hi Bryony As Suzie said ,here in the UK , we can legally drive 7 days after a PM implant; but you need to notify the DVLA as soon as you have your PM ( look at their website )

The date of your first checkup is irrelevant as far as driving is concerned.

You should have absolutely no problem driving from Suffolk to Aberdeen . I had to drive from Bucks to the South of France on Day 7 ( in a car with manual gears ) and it was fine ( I found that a piece of sponge under the seat-belt made it more comfortable ) If you are not doing the long drive till week 4 you definitely will have no problems whatsoever !!

I don't think it is at all essential for your husband to be with you for a whole week but if he is suggesting it, then go for it and enjoy being pampered!

Best of luck

Ian



Driving

by foureyes1941 - 2014-02-08 10:02:50

I had my pacemaker fitted in the UK nearly three weeks ago and was strongly advised not to drive as the movement of your arm may displace the wire and to be honest, don't really feel up to driving as my arm/shoulder still feels sore although the scar has healed up nicely. I'm really conscious not to do any lifting of my arm (pegging the washing out etc) as I really don't fancy having it done again as I found the procedure really painful. On saying that, it's lovely to be able to walk up hills without getting breathless so good job done.

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