Biventricular Pacemaker (cont.)
How Do I Care for My Wound?
Keep the area where the pacemaker was inserted clean and dry. After five days, you may take a shower. Look at your wound daily to make sure it is healing. Call your doctor if you notice:
- Unusual redness
- Swelling
- Drainage from your wound
- Fever
- Chills
When Will I Be Able to Perform My Normal Activities?
You may move your arm normally and do not have to restrict its motion during normal daily activities. Avoid extreme pulling or lifting motions (such as placing your arm over your head without bending at the elbow). Activities such as golf, tennis and swimming should be avoided for 6 weeks from when the pacemaker was implanted. Microwave ovens, electric blankets and heating pads may be used. Cellular phones should be used on the side opposite your pacemaker. Ask your doctor or nurse for more specific information regarding what types of equipment may interfere with your pacemaker.
Pacemaker Identification:
You will receive a temporary ID card that tells you what type of pacemaker and leads you have, the date of implant and the doctor who implanted it. In about 3 months following implantation, you will receive a permanent card from the company. It is important that you CARRY THIS CARD AT ALL TIMES in case you need medical attention at another hospital.
How Often Do I Need to Get the Pacemaker Checked?
A complete pacemaker check should be done 6 weeks after your pacemaker is implanted. This check is very important because adjustments will be made that can prolong the life of your pacemaker. After that, your pacemaker should be checked every 6 months using a telephone transmitter to evaluate battery function. The nurse will explain how to check your pacemaker using the telephone transmitter. When the battery gets low, you will need to replace your pacemaker.
A follow-up pacemaker check is scheduled every 6 months. This check differs from the telephone check because the leads are also tested. Leads cannot be checked thoroughly over the telephone.
Here is an outline of the pacemaker follow-up schedule:
- Check before you are discharged from the hospital, the day after implant.
- Telephone call 2 weeks after implantation to make sure the wound is healing and to ensure the transmitter is working.
- 6 week check
- Telephone checks every 6 months starting 3 months after your 6 week check
- Pacemaker analysis every 6 months (in between telephone checks)
Reviewed by the doctors at the The Cleveland Clinic Heart Center.
Edited by Charlotte E. Grayson, MD, June 2004, WebMD.
Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic
Last Editorial Review: 1/31/2005 4:56:12 AM
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