Post pacemaker query advice from ladies really helpful ty

[Westie2012]

I’ll be having a pacemaker fitted in the next few weeks , will myself and my family have to isolate before and after due to covid, also any ladies that have had a pacemaker, how difficult in the weeks following the procedure is it to get dressed if you can’t raise your arms above your head, regarding underwear do I need to buy anything more comfortable

[bantam12]

You will need a covid test 3 or 4 days before and will have to isolate from then until your op although hospitals have their own rules so timings may differ.

Buy yourself a comfy bra or a vest top with shelf bra, I bought a sloggi bralette ( no metal on the shoulder straps or fastenings on the back) and an M&S cami with shelf bra. Wearing shirts, blouses and cardigans is the easiest as you mustn't lift your arm above shoulder height for 6 weeks and always put dodgy arm in first so you don't stretch backwards.

Be prepared for a pretty rough procedure and lots of bruising for a good while afterwards, it was the bruising that caused me the most pain ! and driving was uncomfortable for a good few weeks while the muscles are recovering.

[Westie2012 in reply to bantam12]

Great advice thank you, I know I’ve got to have a covid swab 4 days before and have to self isolate from that day until I go into hospital, I hadn’t thought about how I’d be feeling after until yesterday,.

[fantasyfanuk]

Hi Westie2012, I’ve had two pacemakers fitted, one in 2017 and one last December. After each, I couldn’t bear to wear a bra for quite a few weeks, as I found it rubbed on the area. Also I had quite a bit of general pain in the shoulder area after the last procedure, so found that difficult too with straps. I am not saying you would have pain too though and I don’t take a large cup size so it wasn’t a problem for me not to wear a bra. Regarding clothes, I wore really loose tops at first and was careful to put the left arm in first then I could wriggle the other arm as necessary to get in and out. I hope all goes well for you.

[Westie2012 in reply to fantasyfanuk]

Thank you so much this is really helpful x