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PACEMAKER CARE
AND PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS
You will need an
early postoperative visit within 13 weeks from the date of your operation. These
appointments are routine and the information has been given to our secretaries they
will set up this appointment and get in touch with you.
There are several
specific instructions to follow in the meantime:
- Keep the incision
dry for 7-10 days from the time of the surgery. This means that you will need to
take sponge baths and not get the area wet.
- There may be
some discomfort associated with the pacemaker for the first several days. You can
take any over-the-counter pain relief (such as Tylenol or Motrin) 2-3 times daily
for the first 2-3 days for soreness. If pain continues after this time, please call
the office.
- Do not attempt
to remove the bandage or steri strips (tape) from the incision. It's okay if they
fall off by themselves, but do not try to remove them. They will be removed in the
office.
- You may notice
a bruise over your pacemaker. This is not unusual. If you develop fever, bleeding,
or drainage from the incision, please notify our office immediately.
- You should
not lift your arm above the level of your shoulder for two weeks. This will allow
the pacemaker wires to heal in place. It is important to move your arms as normal
as possible (without going above the shoulder) to prevent the development of a frozen
shoulder.
- You should
not engage in sports or lift objects heavier than 20 lbs. for the first two weeks
after pacemaker implantation.
- Your pacemaker
will not be affected by microwave ovens. If you use a cellular phone, do not leave
it "turned on" in a pocket directly over the pacemaker. When speaking into a cellular
phone, use the ear opposite to the side of the pacemaker.
- When shopping
in a store with a theft detection device, you can walk through the sensor without
a problem. Walk quickly through the device without stopping. You should carry your
pacemaker implant card with you at all times for emergency purposes and air travel.
You will receive a temporary card at the time of pacemaker implant. A permanent
card will be mailed to you in the near future.
- You should
carry your pacemaker implant card with you at all times for emergency purposes and
air travel. You will receive a temporary card at the time of pacemaker implant. A
permanent card will be mailed to you in the near future.
- When you return
to the office, you will receive a "transtelephonic monitor." This device will allow
us to monitor the basic function of your pacemaker over the telephone. We will instruct
you in its use.
Vincent C. DiCola,
M.D. F.A.C.C Eric Grubman, M.D., F.A.C.C.
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