My Pace and Ablate Journey Part 2

[Lymolass]

Just thought I’d update you all on how things have been since Friday.

Area below shoulder quite stiff and sore but nothing paracetemol couldn’t handle. Slept surprisingly well considering had been lying around all day. Difficult to remember not to use shoulder, requires a whole new way of dressing and undressing. Bra has to be fastened from the front, which is something I thought only old people had to do. (I;’m not there yet at 79)

Steered very clear of induction hob so let partner do the cooking - a certain route to domestic conflict. Need to use air fryer and microwave more.

One thing is going to be difficult: hair washing. We don’t have a bath, only showers and not allowed even one of those for a week because cannot get dressing wet. So can shower lower body with hand held attachment and do strip/wet wipe wash for top half. But how to do hair without a)lifting left arm and b) getting dressing wet? the answer is probably going to be the good old fashioned kitchen sink drama of tap and jug and partner who is not used to this type of thing and me trying not to shout at him.

Or drop £20 on a blow dry at the hairdressers.

Getting out of a low chair presents a comical spectacle as cannot use left hand to push myself up. Amazing, isn’t it, how useful your left arm and shoulder actually are. But it’s only for a week, and if I dislodge the wires, would have to go through the whole procedure all over again.

Meanwhile my heart is doing its usual leaping about and the pacemaker is communicating with someone through a modem-type piece of equipment that sits by the side of the bed. It has a rather bright green light which is irritating but will have to get used to it. My question will be - do I have to take it with me on holiday?

Will keep you posted.

[BobD Volunteer]

One week? I was not allowed to raise arm above shoulder for six weeks! Apart from tying my wrist to my waist at night it all became quite normal after a few days. I seem to recall having been given extra water proof dressings so I could shower but could be wrong. Sure I was told shower was OK but bath not so.

[Lymolass in reply to BobD]

You’re right Bob but I can manage to wash hair after a week because dressing will be off. I am impressed you fastened your left wrist to your arm using only your right.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Lymolass]

I could use both hand at my waist so just had to wind bandage round wrist and tie, Enough slack to move freely just not up in the air. You can use one of those gripper things on crepe bandage at wrist.

[Borderterriorist]

Hi, when I had my pacemaker inserted I was told to limit my movements ie not to reach up but I could still use my left arm and tbh was able to do pretty much anything I wanted. I left hair washing for a week but was OK showering, just tried to avoid getting the dressing wet so I used a dry flannel to shield it. I was able to wash my hair OK just using my right arm whilst using my left to keep my dressing dry. I still use my induction hob, I tend to use the back rings, but if I use the front ones I just keep my body turned to the left and use my right arm for stirring etc. I'm nearly 10 months post insertion and everything has been fine, hopefully getting my AV node ablation in the next month as I have my cardiac pre- assessment on Wednesday. I'm 76 and pretty fit apart from Atypical atrial flutter but I was advised to keep my shoulder moving. The most annoying thing is my pacemaker is very close to my collar bone and rubs against it so I have to be careful how I lie down to sleep but otherwise it's been absolutely straightforward. good luck with the recovery and the rest of the procedure.

[Lymolass in reply to Borderterriorist]

Thanks for that, we’ve managed the hair wash but the microwave scrambled eggs were a disaster so am going back to cautious induction cooking!

[Jalia]

Thank you for posting. Keep 'em coming, I'm finding them very useful!

[Rosemaryb1349]

You can get waterless shampoo (not the spray powder stuff) it is a liquid but you only pour a little onto your dry hair, massage it through then rub it dry with a towel. It works really well and I think I got it from Amazon.

[Midnight2022]

I’m following your journey with great interest as I’m having my pacemaker on 1st April and ablation one month later. Helpful to know what to expect! I hadn’t thought about the hair washing issue!!!definitely trip to hairdressers I’d say!!

[Jalia in reply to Midnight2022]

I've had my pacemaker implant brought forward to tomorrow.......was going to be end of March.I got the call when I was in the hairdressers yesterday pm so hair is taken care of! This was a cancellation which I was happy to take.

[Lymolass in reply to Jalia]

Good luck Jalia! Let us know how you get on.

[mike1961]

Aren't they starting to use leadless PMs more these days ? 🧐

[DaveB82 in reply to mike1961]

Yes, but my cardiologist told me that they provide much less information

[Buffafly]

That’s one worry I wouldn’t have, my hair is so dry it doesnt actually need washing for at least two weeks but a useful hint to wash hair before the op!

[Ppiman]

All fascinating and so beautifully told!

Steve