Recovery from Pacemaker

[Canada01]

Hi, I had a dual chamber PM proceedure 4 days ago, although no sign of infection there is bruising and I am still in pain, just would like to ask if this is normal and how long it takes to recover from this ? would be really grateful to hear of others experiences. Thank you

[CDreamer]

If it’s only 4 days I would say very usual. Soft tissue takes a time to heal. Recovery is 4-6 weeks but it’s important to mobilise the shoulder although you must not raise your arm above your shoulder height for 4 weeks. It’s easy in the first few weeks as it hurts - danger period is after 2-3 weeks when the bruising has subsided and there is no pain so no reminder not to raise your arm. Hopefully you will have been given full instructions and if required, have access to Physiotherapy advice on shoulder mobilisation.

I had PM implanted in 2018 with a revision in 2019 meaning the LV lead had to be replaced. The revision caused much more trauma but even so I was back to normal within 6 weeks. Pacemaker really worked for me when drugs and ablation made things worse.

Wishing you a speedy recovery and hope it is successful outcome for you as well.

[Canada01 in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you thats very helpful I was a bit worried as was told i could drive after 7 days but at the moment it would be too painful x

[bantam12 in reply to Canada01]

I didn't drive for around 3+ weeks as I found stretching my arm forward to uncomfortable.

[bantam12]

I had awful wide spread painful bruising for at least 4 weeks and it took even longer for it all to disappear completely. At 4 days you are still dealing with the acute trauma of the procedure so take it very easy and don't do anything that will put any strain on the area, particularly lifting your arm and shoulder !

[Canada01 in reply to bantam12]

Thanks makes me feel better x

[Sewnknit]

Yep, sounds about right. My PM has just turned one, but I do remember feeling rather sore and sorry that first week.Honestly, it will get better. You've had a fair amount of rummaging about in there so give it time - 6 weeks is fairly standard for any recovery.

[Canada01 in reply to Sewnknit]

Thank you yes i am very bruised and a bit tearful which is not like me x

[Adalaide2020 in reply to Canada01]

Hi you have been through quite a bit. You have expectations. You have questions and you are in pain. Go somewhere comfy and have a good cry. It's a release, discharge your emotions and you probably will feel a bit better. I cry reading these posts! Sending healing hugs 🌻

[Canada01 in reply to Adalaide2020]

Thank you 🙂 x

[Truckerclark]

It’s very very early to even think of driving ,,,, it took me 2 weeks before I drove , in pain for 4 weeks ,infection set in so ended up on antibiotics so it took me 12 weeks to feel better , rest arm as much as you can but use it slow to keep it mobile ,,, don’t lift above head at least 6 weeks ,you might cause lead to move and end up back in there ,,, the bruising you’ve got is normal and will be there for a while yet , I had mines in January this year ,,, I’m fine now and it’s doing it’s job great ,,,, good luck

[Canada01 in reply to Truckerclark]

Thank you. yes i will follow your advice 🙂

[CALady95747 in reply to Truckerclark]

Great advice. It will be two years in October since I had my Pacemaker/Defibrillator placed & I am so grateful I had it done for the peace of mind it gives you.

[Canada01 in reply to CALady95747]

Thank you x

[Flutterbird in reply to Truckerclark]

Just interested because you said you had an infection. I got an infection at three and a half weeks and I had to have my pacemaker removed at five and a half weeks. They found pus around the pacemaker and the leads and had cut tissue away. I am three weeks post this procedure and am still in pain and uncomfortable, feel I have had this wound forever. The pacemaker was working beautifully so am very sad but cannot face having another fitted.

[Truckerclark in reply to Flutterbird]

I’m sorry you’ve had such a hard time ,,,, yes I had infection too ,I was put on string antibiotics for a week ,,,then another dose after that ,it seemed to clear it up fir me ,,,, I’m fine now ,still uncomfortable at times especially when I’m moving or lying on left side ,,,but works fine ,,,telephone conversation last week with clinic all ok ,,,

[Flutterbird in reply to Truckerclark]

I wasnt given any choice about having it removed. I was told once they were infected they had to be, quite a shock, been on double antibiotics for four weeks. Glad you managed to keep yours.

[Truckerclark in reply to Flutterbird]

Could be mines was ok and infection was on the area round about it ,ive no idea as I didn’t get to see anyone ,it was over the phone ,,,second set antibiotics worked though fir me , it’s been in since January and feel ok that way at least ,,,, no more bradycardia,,,,,

[Dollcollector]

I had at least 2 weeks of pain. I would say don't stretch your arm out in any direction or put any pressure on your hand and arm as that will cause more pain. I went to get my pacemaker checked after 2 weeks as l felt so unwell and thought it wasn't working properly. Needless to say it was. It is a couple of months since l had mine implanted and now l 'm not aware of it at all . I don't think many people would be able to drive after a week. I couldn't do much at all with my arm. Best wishes, l'm sure you will feel better soon.

[Canada01 in reply to Dollcollector]

Thank you for your reasuring words I know now from all the helpful replies i have had to not worry and its normal to have these problems at this stage. Its just that hospital Drs and nurses gave me the impression that all would be fine in a few days. now i know the real truth 🙂

[Dollcollector in reply to Canada01]

The doctors and nurses don't know what it feels like; the same as they don't believe how bad some of the side effects of the medication we are given, can be.

[Canada01 in reply to Dollcollector]

Thank you x

[100h]

I'm 8 months in with mine now. It took me at least 3 months to be able to move my arm without any pain. When I mentioned this to my cardiologist at the 8 week mark, he said 'oh yes. That:s perfectly normal. Some people can take up to a year. We use the 6 weeks as a guide only'.Not very helpful when you start to think there's something seriously wrong.

[Canada01 in reply to 100h]

Thank youx

[Bonnie58]

Hi there, it is very early days for you and everything you have described, including feeling weepy sounds normal. I had my little life saver installed last Nov and was led to believe it was a very minor procedure and would be up and running in a matter of days. The reality was slightly different, the pain wasn't too bad but I generally felt I had been hit by a truck. Be prepared for your exercise tolerance to be quite low in the first weeks until the rate response on pm is adjusted to suit your needs at 6 wk check up. No one warned me about this and was quite shocked at how I could only potter about at first. 9 months on and all is well, I am really grateful for the pm, I have returned to my gardening job and I feel better than I have done for ages. All the very best to you in your recovery. Elaine.

[Canada01 in reply to Bonnie58]

Thank you x

[opal11uk]

I had my dual fitted 4 years ago and the bruising and pain is quite normal, remember your body has been pushed and pulled around so will need recovery. It takes a few weeks of care on your part to ensure that the wires going into your heart are safely bedded in and I am sure they gave you instruction as to no reaching behind, heavy lifting etc.etc., after about 6 weeks you should feel as good as new, taking gentle exercise, walking etc., to build up your stamina and I can tell you this, for me having a pacemaker fitted was the best thing I have done for P/A/F in over 20 years, its a lifesaver.

[Canada01 in reply to opal11uk]

Thank you x

[Ppiman]

My next-door neighbour's sister is living with her for now following the same procedure you've had, but she had hers a couple of days earlier. She voiced identical concerns to you a few days ago and was also worried about infection and wound seepage but, thankfully, yesterday, she reported being altogether much better.

I think a couple more days will be all that's needed for you to feel a lot less worried and far happier, as she is. I hope so.

Steve

[Canada01 in reply to Ppiman]

Thank you x

[TracyAdmin Partner]

Its still very early days, so yes it is completely normal to have bruising. However, if you experience any new discomfort or discharge from the wound it is advisable to contact the Clinic where the procedure was performed. You may also find our online resources helpful heartrhythmalliance.org/afa... 'Pacemaker Patient Information'

[Canada01 in reply to TracyAdmin]

Thank you x

[LHDLondon]

It was probably about 2 months before I stopped noticing that there was some pain. It was never much but there on and off until about the 3rd month. Now 4 years on I never notice, but for the lump.

[Canada01 in reply to LHDLondon]

Thank you x

[Sim22]

Hi Canada01 I had my PM fitted three years ago, I was in a little discomfort for about ten days but I followed all the rules and it's fine now apart from when the grandchildren jump on my chest 😁😁

[Canada01 in reply to Sim22]

Thank you x

[netie54]

Hi there. My husband had a dual pacemaker fitted a couple of years ago and apart from the first procedure when the surgeon fouled up and couldn’t get it in (he said he was suffering from a bad cold !!) Needless to say I was very annoyed with him especially as it was carried out as a private patient !!However, 2 days later, another surgeon implanted on the other side of his chest perfectly no problems at all.

The area of his leg was very bruised for a few weeks (maybe 3) but within a month he was driving to Spain and has never had any problems. You will be fine I’m sure of it.

[bantam12 in reply to netie54]

"The area of his leg was very bruised"

Errr why was his leg bruised ? Pacemaker insertion doesn't involve legs !

[netie54 in reply to bantam12]

You quite right. I was thinking about his ablation 🙄 but two sides of his upper chest were bruised !!!!

[bantam12 in reply to netie54]

The bruising can be pretty spectacular and so painful, mine was !

[Canada01 in reply to netie54]

Thank you x

[Pilateslady]

4 days ago is really no time. I had a 3 lead bi-ventricular PM implanted just over 3mths ago. The procedure took over 4 hours due to great problems with the third lead. I was swollen and black and blue for weeks!! You just have to be patient. You will get thereBeing weepy is just your bodies natural reaction to being pushed and pulled about.

Good luck

[Canada01 in reply to Pilateslady]

Thank you x

[Jspjkc6]

Hi. My pacemaker surgery did not cause much pain in recovery, but until I could remove the dressing (one week), it itched so badly I called the hospital to see if I could pull it off a few days early. Their answer was “no”. I have to say my pacemaker works great.

[Canada01 in reply to Jspjkc6]

Thank you I am hoping that mine works too and i wont need the ablate 🙂

[reinaway]

My husband must be Superman or something because a couple of years ago he had a two lead pacemaker implanted and had very little bruising or pain . In fact for the six week period when you are supposed to do virtually nothing I had to watch that he followed the recommendations. I am so glad that you posted this message and have had all the helpful replies as it looks as though I am going to need a pm and I will know what to expect afterwards. Hope you are feeling better soon which I am sure you will be from the sound of all these replies. xx

[Canada01]

Yes I am so. so grateful for all the lovely replies that everyone has posted. I joined this forum a couple of years ago and if ever I need help I know I can find it on here. Thank you everyone X