Your Recovery
Pacemaker placement is surgery to put a pacemaker in your chest. This surgery may be done if you have bradycardia (a slow heart rate).
A pacemaker is a small, battery-powered device. It sends electrical signals to the heart. These signals work to keep the heartbeat steady. Thin wires, called leads, carry the signals from the pacemaker to the heart. A pacemaker can prevent or reduce dizziness, fainting, and shortness of breath caused by a slow or unsteady heartbeat.
Your chest may be sore where the doctor made the cut (incision) and put in the pacemaker. You also may have a bruise and mild swelling. These symptoms usually get better in 1 to 2 weeks. You may feel a hard ridge along the incision. This usually gets softer in the months after surgery. You may be able to see or feel the outline of the pacemaker under your skin.
You will probably be able to go back to work or your usual routine 1 to 2 weeks after surgery.
Pacemaker batteries usually last 5 to 15 years. Your doctor will talk to you about how often you will need to have your pacemaker checked.
You'll need to take steps to safely use electric devices. Some of these devices can stop your pacemaker from working right for a short time. Check with your doctor about what to avoid and what to keep a short distance away from your pacemaker. For example, you will need to stay away from things with strong magnetic and electrical fields. An example is an MRI machine (unless your pacemaker is safe for an MRI). You can use a cell phone and other wireless devices but keep them at least 15 centimetres away from your pacemaker. Many household and office electronics do not affect a pacemaker. These include kitchen appliances and computers.
This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. 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.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter G550 in the search box to learn more about "Pacemaker Placement: What to Expect at Home".