Pacemaker advice

[Outdoora]

I work in healthcare in an acute setting and have this week had a pacemaker fitted

Are people happy to share how long they took post op before returning to work

Thanks In advance

[Bingo88]

Good morning Outdoora. I think a lot depends on the type of job you have and if lifting is part of the job. I know you have to take it easy for at least 6 weeks and you can't drive. Which could also cause problems with getting to work. I have heard of people in a office based job going back after 3 weeks. Your doctor will be best to advise. Brian

[Deejay62]

I totally agree with bingo88. It depends on your job. Each time I had mine I was back at work in 3 days. I worked for a building company and just did mild duties, no lifting. Going back early helped me to regain my fitness. I live in a big city so transport isn’t a problem I don’t have to depend on driving, so walking and using buses helped. Walking can be tiring but it’s not impossible to do. My cardiologists always told me to get on with my life. All the best.

[Telboy1162]

Hi Outdoora. I got mine fitted 8 weeks ago but returning to work is not on the agenda for me as other conditions on top of heart failure don't allow it, but i can offer you some advice on recovery. You have to be very, very careful in the first 6-8 weeks re how much strain and use you put on your left arm (i assume it's the left). You can easliy dislodge a lead from either your heart or at the device end and then your in the situation of having to be opened up again. I have 3 leads, you may not. When i was in having mine fitted the guy in the next bed was back in 8 weeks later as he had done just that because he went back to work too soon. As for driving, you must inform the DVLA if you have a defibrillator and your not allowed to drive for 1 month from the day of your op. You also have to let your car insurance company know you have one. It doesn't affect your premium but you must tell them. If you give it time you will be better soon pal. Move your arm as normally as much as possible but dont stretch in the early days especially reaching for anything above your shoulder height, that is the big no no. Hope some of this helps.

Telboy.

[Outdoora in reply to Telboy1162]

Thank you for this

It really does help. No other underlying conditions but have been surprised by how the procedure has left me feeling physically and mentally. I think slow and steady is the approach I will take.

[Telboy1162 in reply to Outdoora]

That's the way Outdoora. I was in a lot of pain in the first few weeks so moving a lot wasn't an option anyway. I thought the wound was never going to heal as it still looked quite swollen and raw after 4 weeks, but then within another 2 weeks, it healed with lightning speed. I'm back to using my arm as normal now and i'm going swimming again next week. Good luck with your recovery pal.

[EMBoy]

I have now retired, but was working in healthcare (in a job that didn't require any heavy lifting) when I had my PM inserted, and I got a lot of support from my colleagues.

The hospital signed me off for a week, and my GP then signed me off for a further 4 weeks. After about 2 weeks, I felt well enough to go back to work, but my manager insisted I take the full time. He also has heart issues, so was very sympathetic and helpful. With hindsight, I really needed the extra time to recover fully.

If you work somewhere that has an occupational health department, they may be able to advise.