I'm just over a week after crt-d lead implantation and my anxiety is through the roof with every movement I make. So today the pain has subsided and I've tried my best to do a couple of house chores ie washing up mainly and my anxiety has shot through the roof worrying if my lead would have moved or come out. So I guess what I'm asking is would I know? Or am I just overworking my brain? I just want this to work so much and from the moment they wrapped up the surgery I was getting good readings
Sorry guys and girls it's me again - British Heart Fou...
Sorry guys and girls it's me again
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After a week, you are probably OK to do a bit more. Don't start digging the garden, or doing a major construction project yet, but do some moving about. Just be careful about lifting the affected arm for a couple more weeks. My cardiologist said the main problem is people fiddling with the device, rather than their actions.
I don't know the answer to your question "would I know?" but I empathise very much with the worry. I was most concerned about raising my arm too high when asleep so resorted to using a theraband to tie my arm to my thigh which worked well and allowed me to sleep. Whilst I was told to take great care not to raise arm above shoulder height, I also read in these forums that it is also vital to try to keep the arm and shoulder moving gently (doing the gentle stretches / movements if you were given any) or you risk getting a frozen shoulder which apparently is pretty awful and can take a long time to resolve. Activity, little and often, is a good thing I think. Try not worry. Easier said than done I know.
After a week, the incision is probably well on its way to being healed, so you should be able to be a little more active. After my pacemaker implantation I was told to try not to lift my left arm above my head for 4 weeks, but was also told that most people accidentally lift their arm up (especially when sleeping), and as long as you don't stretch up to take something off a high shelf, you should be OK.Just do whatever feels right for you, and try not to worry. Before long, you'll find you are just getting on with life without thinking too much about your crt-d.