How long pacemaker

People who drive for a living, such as bus and lorry drivers, won't be allowed to drive these types of vehicles for 6 weeks after the pacemaker is fitted. You should avoid strenuous activities for around 4 to 6 weeks after having your pacemaker fitted. After this, you should be able to do most activities and sports. But if you play contact sports such as football or rugby, it's important to avoid collisions.

You may want to wear a protective pad. Don't get your wound wet until your stitches have been taken out. After that, avoid wearing anything that rubs against the area of your wound, such as braces. Women may need a new bra with wider straps. Avoid exposing your wound to sunlight in the first year as this can cause a darker scar.

It depends on the kind of stitches used. Many doctors use soluble stitches that dissolve on their own. Before you go home, you'll be told what type of stitches you have. If you need to have your stitches removed, it'll usually be after about 7 to 10 days.

You'll usually have your pacemaker checked after 4 to 6 weeks at the hospital where it was fitted. Provided this check is satisfactory, you'll have your pacemaker checked every 3 to 12 months. If after having the pacemaker fitted and leaving hospital you feel you're not getting as much benefit as you imagined, your pacemaker may need some small adjustments.

Signs that your pacemaker isn't working as it should or you have developed an infection or blood clot include:. Contact your GP or cardiologist as soon as possible for advice if you experience any of these problems after having a pacemaker fitted. If this isn't possible, call NHS or your local out-of-hours service. Anything that produces a strong electromagnetic field, like an induction hob, can interfere with a pacemaker. Most common household electrical equipment, such as hairdryers and microwave ovens, won't be a problem, as long as you use them at least 15cm 6 inches away from your pacemaker.

If you have an induction hob, keep a distance of at least 60cm 2ft between the stove top and your pacemaker. If this is a problem, you may want to consider replacing the appliance with something more suitable. If you feel dizzy or feel your heart beating faster while using an electrical appliance, simply move away from it to allow your heart beat to return to normal.

It's safe to use a mobile phone, but make sure you keep it more than 15cm 6 inches from your pacemaker. Use a headset or the ear on the opposite side to the pacemaker. Walking steadily through an anti-theft detector in a shop doorway shouldn't affect your pacemaker, but don't stand too close to this type of security device for long.

Airport security systems don't usually cause problems with pacemakers, but carry your pacemaker identification card with you and tell security staff you have a pacemaker. Security staff in some countries may insist you pass through the scanner. The pulse generator and other pacemaker parts are contained in a single capsule.

The doctor inserts a flexible sheath catheter in a vein in the groin and then guides the single component pacemaker through the catheter to the proper position in the heart. You'll likely stay in the hospital for a day after having a pacemaker implanted. Your pacemaker will be programmed to fit your heart rhythm needs.

You'll need to arrange to have someone drive you home from the hospital. Your doctor might recommend that you avoid vigorous exercise or heavy lifting for about a month. Avoid putting pressure on the area where the pacemaker was implanted.

If you have pain in that area, ask your doctor about taking medicines available without a prescription, such as acetaminophen Tylenol, others or ibuprofen Advil, Motrin IB, others. It's unlikely that your pacemaker would stop working properly because of electrical interference. Still, you'll need to take a few precautions:. Security systems. Passing through an airport metal detector won't interfere with your pacemaker, although the metal in the pacemaker could sound the alarm.

But avoid lingering near or leaning against a metal-detection system. Devices that are unlikely to interfere with your pacemaker include microwave ovens, televisions and remote controls, radios, toasters, electric blankets, electric shavers, and electric drills.

Having a pacemaker should improve symptoms caused by a slow heartbeat such as fatigue, lightheadedness and fainting. Because most of today's pacemakers automatically adjust the heart rate to match the level of physical activity, they may can allow you to resume a more active lifestyle. Your doctor should check your pacemaker every 3 to 6 months. Tell your doctor if you gain weight, if your legs or ankles get puffy, or if you faint or get dizzy. Most pacemakers can be checked by your doctor remotely, which means you don't have to go into the doctor's office.

Your pacemaker sends information to your doctor, including your heart rate and rhythm, how your pacemaker is working, and how much battery life is left. Your pacemaker's battery should last 5 to 15 years. When the battery stops working, you'll need surgery to replace it. The procedure to change your pacemaker's battery is often quicker and requires less recovery time than the procedure to implant your pacemaker.

If you have a pacemaker and become terminally ill with a condition unrelated to your heart, such as cancer, it's possible that your pacemaker could prolong your life. Doctors and researchers vary in their opinions about turning off a pacemaker in end-of-life situations. Talk to your doctor if you have a pacemaker and are concerned about turning it off.

Replacing a pacemaker generator may be done on an outpatient basis or may include an overnight stay in the hospital. Yes, you can travel by air with your device and drive a car, if cleared by your doctor. If selected to be screened by handheld wand, politely remind the screener that these wands should not be held over the device area for more than a few seconds.

You should be sure to always have your identification card with you wherever you go. Some people with ICDs may not be allowed to drive unless cleared by their doctor. For your safety, and the safety of others, your doctor may recommend that you do not drive for 6 months after your ICD is implanted, or after an ICD discharge.

The life threatening heart arrhythmias that these devices treat can cause you to lose consciousness, which is dangerous if your are driving.

You may be able to exercise with your pacemaker or ICD, but check with your doctor first to make sure the form of exercise you do will not damage the device.

At first, you may feel the weight of the device in your chest. But, over time, most people get used to it. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems.

It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. Call anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:. Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if:.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if:. Author: Healthwise Staff. Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional.

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Topic Contents Your Recovery How can you care for yourself at home? When should you call for help? Where can you learn more? Top of the page. Pacemaker Placement: What to Expect at Home. Your Recovery Pacemaker placement is surgery to put a pacemaker in your chest.

How can you care for yourself at home? Rest when you feel tired. Be active. Walking is a good choice. For 4 to 6 weeks: Avoid activities that strain your chest or upper arm muscles.