Pacemaker

pace maker

by new to pace.... - 2023-02-18 20:22:57

certainly use your right arm as you would.  left one just not above your head or heavy lifting or pulling.  Make sure keep drinking water that helps with the healing.  If you have any questions about anything write them down for your next appointment.   Also do not get your incision wet until you see the doctor.  I saw mine 10 days after.  Just to check to make sure i was healing ok.

 You should have come home with instructions as what you can and can not do.  When in doubt do contact your doctor..

new to pace

How long to wait?

by Good Dog - 2023-02-18 20:42:29

Congratulations on becoming a member of our club! It sounds like you are doing everything right. You should use care for at least 2 to 4 weeks to insure that you heal properly and your lead is adequately secured before raising your arm above your shoulder. Should you forget and accidently reach for something, it won't be anything to lose sleep over. So don't be too hard on yourself. The most important thing is just to take good care of your insicion. If you have any concerns or are not feeling good, you should not hesitate to contact your Doc. That is what he is there for! The first month is the most important to keep the incision area clean and healing properly. Also, don't hesitate to post questions or concerns here regarding anything you may not understand or be unsure about in the future. This site can be a great resource. Lots of people with lots of experience and knowledge. 

It sounds like you have a good handle on it all. So just keep up the good work!

Sincerely,

Dave

Your questions

by Lavender - 2023-02-19 10:04:49

Your questions:

I know I am not supposed to lift anything over 10# but what about using the right arm?  If I lift something around 5 or 10# with my right arm is that going to stress my heart?  

The lifting is not about stressing your heart. The lifting is about not pulling on the new leads (wires) that were placed. I was told not to lift more than eight pounds. Those leads take a bit of time to settle in and have your own body fibers grow around and secure them. Hence no lifting the pacemaker side arm above the shoulder for a while. 
 

Really it's best to not rush things. So you spend six weeks or so healing better and the rest of your life doing what you please. The tradeoff is worth it. Let others lift for you. I would think lifting with the other arm is fine but you might be tempted to help out with the pacemaker arm. 
 

It's important to keep moving that pacemaker arm though. Use it for other things but keep the elbow below the shoulder. 
 

How long does it really take for the healing to take place so you can use your arm as normal again??

I felt healed at seven months. Everyone is different. I do use my arm normally and the only concession is using a shoulder belt pad in the car because I don't like anything touching my pacemaker.  
 

You are doing well. Keep up the good work and good frame of mind. Mental healing is important as well!😃

Glad you're feeling well!

by Persephone - 2023-02-19 10:08:02

As far as bearing weights - lifting 5-10 lb items as you describe - consider keeping the item close to your center of gravity, which is always good practice anyway to protect your back. That's all I can add - keep moving!

Lifting weight

by AgentX86 - 2023-02-19 21:52:22

The big deal isn't the leads, rather the wound.  You don't want to pull that open or damage the area any more than it has been.  Reopening the wound can be dangerous and an infection, deadly.  Even after that isn't a real possibility, you've been torn up fairly well inside with nerves cut.  You don't any more stress than necessary.  You don't want cause more scar tissue, either, but you dont want to immobilize the arm completely so scar tissue keeps the arm from moving at all (so keep that shoulder moving!).

The weight limit is also to keep from stressing the wound.  I was told not to lift weight with my right arm either for that few weeks.