Main Menu
Recovery
Your Immediate Recovery Following Your Pacemaker
Your Immediate Recovery Following Your PacemakerImplant ProcedureTwo years ago, Donald Williams had a pacemaker implanted to control an abnormal heart rhythm. He recalls havinga relatively easy recovery. He didn’t even feel discomfort. But many people do.If you experience discomfort right after your implant procedure, let the health care team know as soon as you noticeit.You should be able get up and walk around not long after the procedure, and go home within a couple of days. Yourhealthcare team will check the pacemaker one more time before you leave.“And the reason we do that is to make sure the leads are in the right place, and that the device is functioningnormally.” - Gabriel Breuer, MD Cardiac ElectrophysiologistYour healthcare team will give you discharge instructions, which may include guidelines regarding incision care,medications, physical activity, and a schedule to follow for regular checkups. You won’t be able to drive right away,so you’ll need someone to take you home. Your healthcare team will let you know when it’s ok to drive again.After her pacemaker was implanted, Maria remembers feeling a little tired and sore when she returned home. That’snormal.“There was a little bit of discomfort in the area, because you have an incision that's about two inches long.”- Maria, PatientFor the first few weeks you’ll need to take some precautions.“When caring for your incision, it is important to keep it dry and clean. It is important not to apply any lotion,powder, or cream until the incision heals.” - Gabriel Breuer, MD Cardiac ElectrophysiologistOther precautions:Make sure you let your doctor know about any soreness, swelling, or redness near your incision.Also, for the first month, avoid lifting anything heavier than 5 lbs. And don’t lift your arm over your head on the sidewhere the pacemaker is located. You should also avoid climbing ladders, using heavy machinery or doing anythingelse that would put you at risk if you were to become dizzy or lose consciousness.“Eat it slowly, don’t gobble it up…”Though Donald Williams was eager to get back to all his normal activities after his pacemaker was implanted, helistened to doctors’ orders and held off.Page 1 of 2This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCHA1002695 EN YourImmediateRecoveryFollowingYourPacemakerImplantProcedure.pdf© The Wellness NetworkYour Immediate Recovery Following Your PacemakerYour Immediate RecoveryFollowing Your PacemakerImplant ProcedureImplant Procedure“I did what I was told, and nothing happened. Everything seems fine, but you do have to followinstructions.” – Donald, PatientYou will be able to return to most activities as soon as you feel up to it, or as your health care provider directs.Donald says it wasn’t long before he could get back to life as normal.“After the procedure, I got back on my bicycle, the real bike. I got back on my stationary bicycle. I went backinto the gym and did my workouts, working slowly towards where the effort that I had been putting outprior to this, and everything turned out fine. Not a problem.” – Donald, PatientPage 2 of 2This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCHA1002695 EN YourImmediateRecoveryFollowingYourPacemakerImplantProcedure.pdf© The Wellness Network
Because every beat matters, our cardiac doctors are dedicated to providing care like no other can.
Browse heart doctors
See what you can expect during your hospital recovery.
Learn about your discharge information, and that following your instructions carefully may help you avoid another admission to the hospital.
Learn how you can expect to be feeling three to six weeks after heart surgery and how cardiac rehabilitation can help.
Learn strategies for rating and describing your pain level to members of your cardiac team, so they can treat it.
