Pacemaker recovery post op timescale.

Steady as she goes

by Jeff F - 2020-03-02 08:10:40

Hi, Dan. I'm 6+ weeks post-op. I started walking right away after discharge and recommenced running several days later. Initially I ran with my left arm in a sling to minimize movement. I've been gradually increasing left arm extension, reaching and loadbearing  - I helped my son move the other day - but have avoided anything too strenuous or repetitive. The last thing I want to do is stress those leads and put myself back to square one. So I'm holding off on things like the rowing machine, elliptical, or weight training for now. I hired someone to shovel snow. I don't think you're overthinking your recovery at all (unless, that is, I'm overthinking mine 😀).

Jeff

If it feels good, do it.

by AgentX86 - 2020-03-02 08:21:28

You're over-thinking this - by a mile..

Follow your EP's restrictions, then do what's comfortable,  without pain. The exception to the rule, which they mean but don't explain is "no sweating until the wound is closed". I was banned from the gym for a month but could walk all I wanted otherwise. The day after I was released from the hospital, I was back to half my daily distance (couldn't do the gym half). After six (four is generally the rule) you shouldn't have any restrictions, though full overhead swings (golf, tennis) are usually forbidden.

Exercise, itself, isn't going to cause an infection. In fact you must move that shoulder as much as you normally do, within the limits given by your EP or you're risking the chance of frozen shoulder. You do NOT want that! Guitar is fine, as long as there is little pain. Pain is the body's warning to take it easy.

Healing Time for implant

by Onmy6th - 2020-03-02 13:49:41

The key to this patient's question is the infection.  You need to take your temperature everyday for a very very long time and if it climbs over 101 (sorry, I'm an American) you must go for blood cultures ASAP.  Infections surrounding implanted devices are shockingly high and that infection may be hiding out in your little toe waiting to strike again.

Do not, in any circumstances overlook fevers or increasing pain at rest or with activity as healing time. Any general feeling of unwellness, headache, neck ache or redness at site should be reported.  Stay there until you get a satisfactory answer.  Yes do you exercises as prescribed but allow those leads to scar into place so that they are secure.  Listen to your body. Don't ignore your intutions about feeling "off."   I am closing in on 20 years post implant infection and the damages from that implant can not be overstressed or shared in this forum.

No Sweat

by Graham M - 2020-03-02 17:35:14

I can't add anything to what the others have said except maybe the 'No Sweating' rule is to help prevent infection.

Good luck with the new PM,

Graham.

Pacemaker recovery post op timescale.

by Bigdan - 2020-03-03 14:13:58

Thanks for the comments. Just had my 1 week post op check which was fine. Dressing taken off and it looks fine also. The no sweating makes sense at least until the wound is healed.

I have been walking on the flat gently swinging arm so not to develop frozen shoulder. 

Am happier taking the time to recover on this second attempt rather than trying to rush it, although I've been making all sorts of plans for climbing and cycling trips once given the go ahead.