After implant ,you may go home the same day , or may stay overnight, depending on your age and other medical conditions
A preventive antibiotic will be prescribed for the next 5 days.
You will be given an ID card that contains information about your pacemaker. You will receive instructions about remote monitoring of your pacemaker at the first visit .
How do I take care of my incision site?
• Keep area with dressing clean and dry for 3 days after your procedure (sponge bath ).
• After 3 days you may remove the dressing and shower. The steri strips may fall off ; if they don’t , you may peel them away when wet , during showering .
• Avoid spraying water directly on incision while showering in the first 4 weeks
• Pat the incision site dry with a clean towel.
What are my activities instructions?
Do not lift any objects weighing more than 15 pounds with your affected arm until the wound check in 7-10 days after your procedure..
Do not raise your arm on the incision side above shoulder level or stretch your arm behind your back for 4 weeks . This gives the leads a chance to secure the proper position and avoid pulling them off
No driving for 4 weeks . Avoid friction on the incision by the belt .
When you should call me
Hiccups that won’t stop
Redness, severe swelling, drainage, worsening pain, bleeding, or warmth at the incision site
If your pacemaker generator feels loose or wiggling in the pocket under the skin
Leaving a normal life with a pacemaker
It’s unlikely that your pacemaker would stop working properly because of electrical interference. Still, you’ll need to take a few precautions:
Cellphones. It’s safe to talk on a cellphone, but avoid placing your cellphone directly over your pacemaker implantation site .
Security systems. Passing through an airport metal detector won’t interfere with your pacemaker, although the metal in it may sound the alarm . To avoid potential problems, carry an ID card stating that you have a pacemaker.
Medical equipment. If a doctor is considering any medical procedure that involves intensive exposure to electromagnetic energy, tell him or her that you have a pacemaker. Such procedures include magnetic resonance imaging, therapeutic radiation for cancer treatment and shock wave lithotripsy, which uses shock waves to break up large kidney stones or gallstones.
If you’re having surgery, a procedure to control bleeding (electrocautery) also can interfere with pacemaker function.
Power-generating equipment. Stand at least 2 feet (60 centimeters) from welding equipment, high-voltage transformers or motor-generator systems.
Cellphones. It’s safe to talk on a cellphone, but avoid placing your cellphone directly over your pacemaker implantation site when the phone is turned on. Although unlikely, your pacemaker could misinterpret the cellphone signal as a heartbeat and withhold pacing.
Generally microwave ovens, computers, VCRs, and garage door openers are all safe to use.
