Pacemaker Healing After 2 Weeks

I am starting to feel better after getting my pacemaker 2 weeks from tomorrow. However, I'm guessing that since maybe the swelling is going down in that area, I can 'feel' the pacemaker now?? I didn't have the sensation of anything in my chest before, but now I do. I am finally able to sleep comfortably on my right side, but reading that some people had their pacemaker flip or move scares the heck out of me now!

Is this weird feeling just me getting used to it and the swelling going down? Does sleeping on your side or using your arm (but not lifting it over your head) have any effect? I hear leads pull out - I hope it takes more than an accidental lifting of the arm for that to happen.

Thanks for any incite.

6 Comments

normal!

by Tracey_E - 2008-08-28 06:08:36

I'm glad to hear you're feeling better!

Many people can feel the pm once the swelling goes down, esp if you're small boned or thin.

It's rare for the pm to move, they are supposed to be stitched into place when the surgeon creates the pocket. The number of incidents you see of drifting pm's here is not indicative of the odds of it happening. People come here to post their problems, there are thousands more who never have a problem so you don't hear about them. Sleep however is comfortable!

Your leads have already started to grow in by two weeks, you aren't going to pull them out by moving your arm more. Stay off the roller coasters and try to avoid doing cartwheels for a few more weeks :o) Seriously, at this point it would be rare to dislodge the leads and the restrictions are just precautionary. When I got my first one 14 yrs ago, I had a sling for 24 hrs and they didn't give me any restrictions beyond that. I was very surprised to come here and learn how long many of you are told to not use that arm.

Thanks For The Good Wishes

by sonkitty - 2008-08-28 07:08:29

It's always good to post and feel better after doing so. I'm starting to feel normal again and it's good. Two weeks today - yeah!! So far - so good. Hopefully things will continue in this direction. Thanks for all your answers to my crazy posts :)

You are probably OK.

by bowlrbob - 2008-08-28 07:08:34

It is normal to have these worries. Everyone goes through these things. I find from reading here most people don't have any problems at all. There are more problems listed on this site because people come here looking for answers or comfort. But the majority of folks who get pacers and Icd's never have a problem. So be aware but not paranoid. Bowlrbob

I'm 2 weeks post-op too

by Angelie - 2008-08-28 09:08:35

Howdy,
I'm 2 weeks (today) post-op, and have noticed feeling my pacemaker a little bit more than last week. The swelling is down and I think that has a lot to do with it. I'm a very small framed 33 yr old, but my doctor did an AWESOME job at inserting this thing. My incision is only an inch long and no stitches.......just surgical glue. I don't even want to think how he managed to get that pacemaker in such a small incision. I was awake for the entire procedure. It wasn't bad at all.
Tomorrow, I can finally drive myself to work. I'll be so glad of that. I am very active and not driving and keeping my arm down has been the worst part for me. My left arm is in a sling while I sleep, plus I have a belt tied through it and around my waist to keep my arm down while I sleep. I've been real scared about dislodging the wire, but that's easing up as the weeks go by. I can't wait to get back on the treadmill, and try running. That'll be the true test. It'll be interesting trying to exercise for the first time since my pacemaker. I'm hoping it will go well. It's so good to meet someone with an exact anniversary pacemaker date as mine.

Angelie

by Tracey_E - 2008-08-28 10:08:00

Don't run yet, but there's no reason why you can't start walking now if you're feeling good! I was taking walks by day 3.

How wonderful that your doctor did such a nice job! So many don't bother to take that extra time to make it look good.

still sore

by di - 2009-05-09 06:05:35

Hi - I just got mine 9 days ago and I am still swollen, bruised, and sore but every day it looks a little better - is this normal? My sterile strips are still in place. I was told not to shower for 10 days - oooo - anyway,
thanks for any input - Di

You know you're wired when...

Your pacemaker interferes with your electronic scale.

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We are very lucky to have these devices.