Is it working

Is it working - I believe so

by Gemita - 2023-08-12 07:20:00

StringKnickers, my heart rhythm disturbances increased after implant while my heart was settling down and getting used to being paced.  Actually my “healing period” lasted, unusually, for up to 3 months I recall but I have always had arrhythmias, so it would not be unusual for me.  In your case since you were largely asymptomatic prior to implant, suddenly feeling more in the way of symptoms could indicate that all is not well, although after a week it could be normal too.  

I suggest that if you are worried about your symptoms you should contact your cardiac team immediately, certainly before your six weekly checkup.  If you have home monitoring and you can send a transmission to your clinic, they might be able to pick something up which needs attention or treating.  For example some of us develop palpitations shortly after implant because of the trauma of the procedure, or while we are healing, but at least a transmission would help your team to see what is happening.  Your palpitations, if they are coming in fast, may be the cause of your dizziness.

On a different note, I took my protective dressing off when I was told I could (at around 10 days) while under the shower when the covering had softened slightly.  Then I gently used a natural product to clean the area, before patting dry with a sterile swab.  Make sure the wound is kept clean and dry and protected with padding if you need to.  Keep a look out for any increased swelling, redness or oozing coming from the wound which could indicate an infection which would then need urgent attention.  

I hope you recover well

Removing dressing

by AgentX86 - 2023-08-12 22:34:04

Follow your doctor's instructions WRT removing your dressing. I was told to leave them on, until they fell off by themselves.  I was glued together (there may have been a disolving suture or two), with Steri-strips holding the skin. They didn't want me pulling at the wound, though the first thing the nurse did during my wound check was to rip them off.

Be Careful Removing the Dressing!!!

by MathTeacher - 2023-08-12 22:57:57

After my pacemaker implant, the nurse called me into the office in order to remove my staples.  I told her I didn't have any.  She said, "Yes; the doctor always uses staples."  When I went into the office, she was suprised to see no staples.  "Well, I guess I have desolving stitches," I told her.  Her response was, "no."  I asked, "Then what's holding me together?"  The doctor had only used Steri-Strips.  Good thing I didn't remove them!!!  Needless to say, it healed really well.