6week post PM op.. infection concerns. - British Heart Fou...

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6week post PM op.. infection concerns.

Bigdan profile image
12 Replies

Had pacemaker fitted 6 week ago, scar still not heeled. Noticed weeping over the weekend, popped into cardiology to let them have a look and have been kept in for infection concerns. They can see stitching under the scab.

IV flucloxcillin, chest x-ray, ultrasound, bloods and swabs on the go.

Anyone gone through similar experience?

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Bigdan profile image
Bigdan
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12 Replies
bantam12 profile image
bantam12

That's a shame you've had a set back, hopefully the antibs will sort the infection out quickly.

How have you been otherwise post pm op ? I'm due one mid Feb so interested to hear how others have coped afterwards.

Bingo88 profile image
Bingo88 in reply to bantam12

Hi bantam12. I had a pacemaker op last August. The op for me was a doddle. I was awake, did not wont any sedation. Took about 1hr 15mins. All i felt was a bit of tugging and pressure. Getting the leads and p/m in place i guess. Was up walking around the ward straight after the op. If you check ur own blood pressure. After the op use your opposite arm to the op. 3 weeks after the op i woke up with a tender elbow and swollen arm and hand. Turned out i had a blood clot in my shoulder. But alls well now. Don t even now i have it. Hope all goes well. Let us know how you go on. Brian

bantam12 profile image
bantam12 in reply to Bingo88

Thanks for replying Brian, good to know it all went well for you apart from the blood clot of course !

My husband has had a pacemaker for a few years but his was implanted as an emergency due to total heart block so it was all a bit of a panic procedure and he had to stay in hospital for days afterwards due to non stop bleeding which meant the docs had to go back in and sort it !

I'm strangely looking forward to getting my new friend but it's also slightly nerve wracking so good to hear positive stories, thanks again.

Take care, Penny

Bingo88 profile image
Bingo88 in reply to bantam12

Mine was done in a flash TBH. They took me down to sort out which P/M would be suitable. Then straight in for the op. Hope all goes well

Bigdan profile image
Bigdan in reply to bantam12

Has been great, gradually getting better each day.

Got back to driving after a week. Have to be careful with left arm, not lifting anything of much weight, and not moving above shoulder height.

Started gentle walking the next day building up gradually and now feel fully fit getting up onto the lakes fell tops over the weekend.

Up until this possible infection its been a very positive experience.

Regards, Dan.

bantam12 profile image
bantam12 in reply to Bigdan

Thanks Dan that's encouraging, I chose a pm rather than an ablation because of the quick recovery most people seem to experience so if I can get back to driving and walking the dogs asap that will be a huge relief.

I hope you are on the mend now and will be back to normal very soon.

Take care, Penny

Bigdan profile image
Bigdan in reply to bantam12

It was a massive thing for me too, just being able to drive a couple of miles to the woods to walk my dog too.. Dunno who was happier, her or me!

bantam12 profile image
bantam12 in reply to Bigdan

I bet your dog was very excited to be out and about again ! If my two don't get their run in the fields they will be bouncing off the walls ! I guess for a few days the garden will have to do, shame they won't understand why.

Bigdan profile image
Bigdan in reply to bantam12

I'm sure they know something is going on.

Watch they don't jump on you.

bantam12 profile image
bantam12 in reply to Bigdan

Hmm I did think about big paws jumping up, two very bouncy but elderly Labradors so I might be ok !!

Bigdan profile image
Bigdan

Might have to have removal of device and re-inserted on the other side of chest! What a balls-up.

bantam12 profile image
bantam12 in reply to Bigdan

Oh dear, hope it goes ok, good luck 🤞

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