Going Home After Pacemaker: FAQs, Precautions, and Instructions
Dr Showkat Shah
My father, who has a pacemaker, frequently inquires about its functioning. Therefore, I decided to compile essential information that everyone should know about pacemakers.
Our heartbeat serves as a life-affirming rhythm, assuring us that everything is functioning as it should. A pacemaker plays a crucial role in maintaining this rhythmic balance. It is a small, implantable device positioned beneath the skin and intricately connected to the heart through leads, wires designed to regulate the heart's chambers.
Q1: How do I change my dressing?
A: Following the procedure, doctors nowadays utilize soluble stitches that naturally dissolve. It is imperative to maintain cleanliness and dryness around the incision. Changing the dressing every alternate day for 5 to 7 days ensures infection prevention and promotes optimal healing.
Q2: When can I shower?
A: For the initial week, it is crucial to keep the incision site dry. During this period, use a hand-held shower or baths, ensuring the incision remains dry. After the first week, standard showering is permissible, provided proper wound care guidelines are followed.
Wound Care:
Avoid applying creams, lotions, or peroxide on the incision.
Post the one-week check-up, showering is permitted, allowing soap and water to run on the incision.
Q3: What about weight lifting and exercise?
A: To facilitate healing and prevent lead displacement, abstain from heavy lifting during the recovery phase. After one month, most activities can be resumed, with walking being the recommended exercise. Strenuous activities like swimming, tennis, running, or golf should be avoided for at least a month.
Q4: What about electronic gadgets?
A: Adhering to safety tips is crucial:
- a) Maintain a minimum distance of 6 inches between the pacemaker and mobile phones.
- b) Passing through an airport metal detector is generally safe, but prolonged exposure is discouraged. Carry a prescription mentioning your pacemaker.
- c) Medical Equipment: Dental, MRI, CT scan etc. Healthcare providers should be informed about the pacemaker.
- d) Stand at least 2 feet away from welding equipment.
- e) Maintain a safe distance from devices like drills, speakers, radios, etc.
Q5: When can a person drive?
A: Driving is restricted for at least two weeks post the pacing procedure. Commercial drivers, such as bus and auto drivers, may need to refrain from driving these vehicles for at least six weeks.
Q6: Tight clothing and crowds
A: It is advisable to avoid anything that might exert pressure or cause discomfort around the pacemaker site.
Q7: Physiotherapy, Radiotherapy, or X-ray
A: Prior to entering any of these departments, it is essential to inform the staff about the presence of a pacemaker, as certain equipment may interfere.
Q8: Eating and drinking
A: Normal dietary habits can be maintained without any restrictions.
Additional Information:
Pacemaker batteries typically last for 10 to 12 years before requiring replacement.
The duration of time off work is contingent upon the nature of one's job, with recommendations provided by the cardiologist.
Following pacemaker implantation, symptoms such as breathlessness and fatigue should diminish, indicating improved heart function.
Follow-up appointments are scheduled for one week, one month, and subsequently every 6 to 12 months.
A pacemaker contributes to a normal lifespan, with a 2015 study indicating life expectancy similar to that of the general population.
Dr Showkat Shah, Medical Superintendent Khyber Medical Institute and critical care specialist
