Wired 2/2/20

Just got wired 2/2/20.  This is all new to me.

I'm male, 67, 5'10", 185lbs  diagnosed 3 years ago with partial heart block.  Asymtomatic - HR resting 30-34.  new HR 60.  Doctor said at my regular cardio appointment it was time.

1) How do I know if a "lead" is damaged, lose or not working?

2) Exercise - been told to hold off lifting my arm above my head for 4 weeks.  I like to do eliptical 30 mins 5 times a week.  Can I do it now without moving my arms?  Also told no pushups or butterflies.  Will I be able to do them in 4-5 weeks or expect it to be longer.  Stretching ok as long as I avaoid the arm lifting?

3) I have an enlarged left atrium - anyone else?  Will this stay the same or go back to normal ?  I know this is a Dr question but I forgot to ask.

4). I thought the device was going to sit deeper and be less noticeable.  I guess it should protrude?

5). I seem to have a bigger appetite - is this common?

I had a follow up on 2/13 and they said everything was normal.

Tip for everyone don't take cardio appointments on a Friday.  When Doctor said it was time they made me stay in the hospital over the weekend even though I was asymptomatic.  Any other day of the week and I only had one night stay.

Thanks in advance - during my hospital stay I found this club and it was very helpful and comforting. 

4 Comments

Leads and exercise

by heckboy - 2020-03-15 21:51:57

Hey,

I partially pulled a lead and it was pretty clear when I did it. I instantly felt like I did before I got my PM

I'd avoid any broad arm or should exercises for ten weeks.

Exercise

by AgentX86 - 2020-03-15 23:45:58

Give it a couple o weeks.  You don't want to get sweaty until the wound has completely healed.  You don't want to get sweat, and all the bacteria, on your skin into the wound.  Infections are deadly serious so you don't want to go there, nohow.

Don't reach behind your back, over your head, fully extend your arm, or lift more than five pounts for at least a month.  Consult your EP for specifics.  Someone should have already given you your marching orders.  Follow them (not us).

Answers to questions

by Theknotguy - 2020-03-16 08:26:14

3) I have an enlarged left atrium - anyone else?  Will this stay the same or go back to normal ?  I know this is a Dr question but I forgot to ask.
A: Some do, some don't.  That's a question for your Cardiologist/EP.  And the answer to your question will vary depending upon how your doctor feels,  his/her experience, and your heart problems.  

4). I thought the device was going to sit deeper and be less noticeable.  I guess it should protrude?
A: Depends upon your body.  Mine sticks out more when I'm dehydrated.  Other times you can barely see it.  Sometimes the scar is noticeable other times not.  Mine also sticks out more if my weight is down, if I'm heavier it doesn't stick out at much.  I only notice how it protrudes sometimes before I take a  shower in the AM.  In the past six years no one has noticed it under my clothing.  I always have to tell people I have a pacemaker because they can't see it.  

5). I seem to have a bigger appetite - is this common?
A: More blood and oxygen going to the body.  You feel better, appetite goes up.  Now you've got a new problem.  How to push yourself away from the table before you gain too much weight.  Problems with a pacemaker no one told you about.  

I had a follow up on 2/13 and they said everything was normal.
A: Hey!  It's great!  Now it's time to get on with your life.  Hope everything else goes well for you.  

How do I know

by BradyJohn - 2020-03-16 11:23:17

Hey Snickers1,

I'm ten years younger, but what you describe, ie hr 30-34, now 60, enlargement (LVH) sounds much like me.  I bought a pretty basic watch/hr monitor, (Garmin forerunner) I used it a week prior to surgery, now I glance at it (less and less as time goes by) and when I see that 60ish hr I know immediately the leads are in place.  

Btw, on this whole possibility of pulling out the leads, there was a UK study where immediately after surgery they put people through a whole range of movement exercises, no leads pulled out.  I found the link to the study on this site in one of the 'sports and exercise' posts.  It was pretty reassuring.

Good luck, I'm only three weeks into this journey, and I'm super thankful, it's been like turning the clock back.  I hope your experience is the same,

John

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Good luck with your surgery. It will improve life amazingly.