How to Drive After Getting a Pacemaker

In the days immediately after getting a cardiac pacemaker, it is important to limit movements of the arm and shoulder so as not to dislodge the leads until they are set in the heart muscle. This can cause a few problems getting around and doing everyday chores. But the duration of the limitation is relatively short, and with a few considerations it shouldn't impede driving.

Limitations are few after a pacemaker is inserted, but for 15 days or so (as determined by your doctor), do not lift even moderately heavy objects and do not lift the left arm above about the nipple level. Normal activities shouldn't resume for a month, or until you get the go-ahead from your doctor.

Instructions

• 1

  Have someone drive you home from the hospital. In the first few days after the implantation, do not drive heavy machinery of any kind. While normal movement of the arm and shoulder is expected, these areas of your body should not be placed under any stress. Also, you may not be steady on your feet or clear in the head from the drugs that were administered during your pacemaker procedure. Plus, you may still be at risk for heart problems, because this is a vulnerable time.

• 2

  After a week or so, you can resume driving if you can drive without lifting your arm or putting too much pressure on it. This will be the case for the next month. Adjustments may need to be made in the first month.

• 3

  Drive with two hands, as this is the safest way to drive.
  • If the top of the steering wheel is above the level at which you are allowed to raise your arm, you could place something in the seat to raise your body up.
  • Scoot the seat back a bit (if your legs are long enough), so your arm angle is more slight.
  • Let your right hand and arm do the turning. Although the safest positions for your hands are "10 and 2," let your left hand be more like "9" if that is the best angle.

• 4

  People who have the use of only one arm are decently safe drivers.
  • If you are driving with one hand, take the time to learn in a parking lot and practice turns before getting out into traffic.
  • Using a spinner knob facilitates turning the wheel, but this is illegal in many places. Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles.
  • Place your left hand loosely on the wheel, in case of an emergency. Let your right hand do the driving; use your left hand to hold the wheel and turn only if the situation is dire.