Am I being unrealistic?

I go for my PM next week. I'm 35, two small kids (2 & 4), work full time in an office job. My doc said I could go back to work as soon as a couple of days after the surgery. Is that unrealistic? I will go on Friday, 11/21 and PLAN to go back to work on Monday. I'll only do two days then off the rest of the week for Thanksgiving.

My biggest concern about the whole deal right now is what to expect for recovery and being able to 1) do what I need to for my kids and 2) get back to work. Oh and 3) at least help my company put together Thanksgiving dinner! Am I being unrealistic??
AC

9 Comments

Maybe a little soon

by MSPACER - 2008-11-10 09:11:00

I think you need at least a week to recover. You will be very uncomfortable for at least a week, and somewhat less uncomfortable for a few months. I know a lot of doctors tell you that it's no big deal, but your arm will hurt, as well as the area where the pocket is made. You won't be able to drive, so if you drive to work, you will need someone to drive you. Also, no lifting the kids! Keep your arm elevated under a pillow when you sleep. I was very uncomfortable sleeping for the first week.

I don't think that you'll be able to help too much either with preparing dinner, especially with lifting heavy dishes of food. You want to be careful for a least a few weeks because the leads have to settle in. You don't want to pull a lead out.

Recovery

by scadnama - 2008-11-10 10:11:02

I was very fortunate to have 2 weeks off after implant, but that is not neccassarily the norm.
Within about 5 days, I had no more pain and felt like I was ready to do anything! You must be careful though for the first 2 weeks not to lift your arm above your shoulder so that the leads can settle. You won't be able to lift anything over 5 pounds for the first two weeks either.
My doctor told me that I could drive after 48 hours, once the sedation wore off.

Amanda <><

Take it easy on yourself!

by Gonnie - 2008-11-10 10:11:27

I had my implant on Tuesday & went back to work on Monday. I'm not sure I could've gone sooner & I didn't have young kids at home. I agee that taking the whole week off is a good idea. As far as Thanksgiving goes, let your company do the work. You'll have planty of holidays to reciprocate. And a new & special blessing to be thankful for this year!

ok

by Tracey_E - 2008-11-10 10:11:29

I think Monday is realistic as long as you don't do any lifting. You'll need help fixing your hair and possibly dressing. You probably won't want to wear a regular bra just yet so pick out loose sweaters! I didn't take off any longer than that when I got my first one. I got by on Tylenol after I came home from the hospital. Everyone's pain tolerance is different. You won't want to be at work or driving if you're still on prescription pain meds.

Let the company do the cooking! Or fix some things now and freeze them so you can feel like you've helped. You will be able to cook, but holidays usually mean more time on your feet than a normal dinner and making bigger batches (i.e. lifting heavy pots and full pans). Be careful not to overdo it! Keep your arm below your shoulder, don't lift any weight, and stop when you're tired. Easier said than done! :o)

Kids... I'll be honest, you will need help at least the first week. You can't lift them at all which makes high chairs, cribs, diaper changes, car seats all a challenge.

Not For Me..

by LIVE_STRONG - 2008-11-11 03:11:59

It also depends on where you are having it placed.
I received so much good advice as far as a having one placed as a female from Tracey...I would really listen to her.
I will say this though...I took longer to recover than expected.
I had mine buried deep..And I am so glad I did..But my arm did throb for at least a week.
I personally could not have gone back to any job for at least two weeks.
I never took any pain meds at all.
I think it really varys from person to person. After going through it once...I would plan on two weeks.

Good luck....it really isn't that bad. I had my first one placed July 25 08.
I sure used all the great people here to get through it.
Holly

It's a breeze

by Hot Heart - 2008-11-11 07:11:28

Hi! Had my pm fitted as an emergency 30 oct, i'm 55 but please dont tell anyone as i think im 28! lol. I took paracetamol for 2 days and havnt even had so much as a twinge. I've been sensible, not lifted my arm up but apart from that it hasnt been a problem. If you fasten your bra at front, twist it round and put left arm in first its no problem. Put your left arm into your clothes first and then pull over head. I also had to deal with the fact that my heart prob was picked up during cosmetic surgery, thigh lift and lipo on my legs, so ive got open scars thigh to knee and a horrible difficult garment to get on over my legs. I was terrified before i had the pm fitted, think it was shock as much as anything, the op was absolutely fine, i was just in a bed next to a scaremongering whinging woman. I lay on a bed, oxygen mask if you want it, ask for swabs for your mouth in case you get a bit dry, i didnt need either. Nice lady sat and chatted to me throughout. Came straight off bed had cuppa tea, followed by mushroom stroganoff and rice and sticky toffee pudding and custard, was home next morning . Milked it a bit and was waited on in bed over the weekend. Even though my legs are still sore and stiff i can tell already that i feel loads better than i did before, and i didnt actually know there was anything wrong with me. Now i can party till 5 rather than 2. Just be very very careful that you dont get knocked, fall over, and pick the kids up with your right arm. For the first few nights i slept on my back, partly because of my legs, but also i was a bit scared to lie on my side. I have a couple of nice soft pillows underneath me and am now sleeping in my normal foetal position and have had no problems. I'm off to portugal on holiday on 25th, less than 3 weeks after having it fitted. Go for it, you will feel so much better. Lots of luck xx

Thanks...

by ADC - 2008-11-11 10:11:10

for the feedback and the practical suggestions. I hadn't even thought about trouble dressing myself!!
AC

Take two weeks....

by Gooch - 2008-11-11 11:11:42

I got my first pacemaker when I was 26 - went back to work after 4 days....it was fine.

I had the battery replaced when I was 32 took two weeks off and was glad I did.

Last year at 39 I had my pacemaker replaced --- with two kids (1 & 3 at the time) a full time job and approaching my forties I wish I had taken longer than two weeks off. I notice the older I get the longer the recovery.

But with that said I think it may have more to do with the fact that in my 20s I was in great shape (running, biking, at the gym 4 days a week).

Good luck.

With kids and a full time job I don't put the same amount of care into my health. Made some serious changes this year (back at the gym 5 days a week) and expect the next pacemaker replacement to be a breeze.




A week...

by Michele - 2008-11-12 04:11:42

I just had my PM implanted 11/6. I am back to work today. I am in my 50s and do not have small children. I would give yourself at least a week. I have a "renewed" energy - hope you do too! Good luck. Michele

You know you're wired when...

You have rhythm.

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The pacer systems are really very reliable. The main problem is the incompetent programming of them. If yours is working well for you, get on with life and enjoy it. You probably are more at risk of problems with a valve job than the pacer.