pacemaker box change

box changes

by Tracey_E - 2017-06-26 13:47:00

Any lifting and arm movement restrictions are for leads only, so if your leads are good and you're only getting a new box then you just need to watch the incision. Ice the first day or two to keep the swelling down, then later as you heal if it hurts. That worked as well for me as any pain meds. 

How they close incisions has come a long way! I had glue this last time, was able to shower a day later. They only restriction they gave me was not working out or going in the ocean for a month, that was more for infection prevention than anything related to the pacer. 

thanks

by belly321 - 2017-06-26 18:47:34

Thanks Tracy that has helped thanks for your reply i will definately try the ice sounds like a good idea

Anita

minor incision

by bridgermichael - 2017-06-26 19:35:13

Tracy is right that the leads should just need attaching to the new box so you won't need to have them retread down artery which would mean they would have to settle again - the opening up incision is quite small maybe 60/70 mm 3 inches and they will make a pouch - all done awake under local anaesthetic  bit like dentist numbing area - they glue and stitch or sometimes just glue - nurse generally will pad it over with an adhesive protector like a large plaster which needs changing 3 days in - all standard and simple these days - if no one around for encouragement then keep contact through this site - all like minded and all in same situation-

won't be long till the next generation boxes using battery free technology like movement watches - and wifi built in models on way so u can have a tweak without leads being placed over in a centre. 

thanks

by belly321 - 2017-06-27 19:54:03

thanks bridgermichael for your reply much appriciated 

for some reason i seem to remeber a lot of pain after last pm box renewal so im hoping things are a bit more strightforeward now 

sounds like things have  improved in last 8 years 

think its more how much and how soon i can do things after that worry me as im fiercly independant usually 

it varies

by dwelch - 2017-06-29 23:11:50

I just had number five put in a couple months ago.  Have had different surgeons, different towns, insurance, etc.  

Sometimes you are awake and aware, sometimes you are out, depends on them in part and if you want to be out, just ask them...see what they say...and I dont mean general, it is still local, they can just give you something so you either dont remember or are not awake/aware.

The procedure ideally is super easy, open the pocket unplug the leads from the old device, plug in the new one (see pictures online there are screws holding the plug in, it wont just fall out or come unplugged) stitch it up, done.   A quick procedure could be on your way home in a few hours start to finish, ideally...

Read other posts, here, your doc, and some of this may be the practice or the insurance company, or other, may tell you dont lift your arm for 6 weeks, or dont drive for 6 weeks, or whatever even though it is just a box change not a lead.  use your own judgement on that, dont go doing jumping jacks right away, but move that arm slowly for the first week or so, find the edges of discomfort on a regular basis, push those edges ever so slightly, eventually days or weeks later you will be back at full mobility.  I was ready to drive 48 hours later but was almost the weekend told them I wouldnt be back to work until the next week so just sat about the house another couple of days, sleeping on that side at all took a few days, for any length of time took longer and sleeping through the night on that side a bit longer than that.  

What you dont want to do is keep your sholder stiff and not move it...

Thankyou

by belly321 - 2017-06-30 19:12:46

dwelch

thankyou for your informative reply 

i found it very helpful and reassuring 

I am having a bit of sedation so that's good and will go careful for a few days but interesting about not letting the shoulder go stiff