What to Do for Pain After Getting a Pacemaker?

People get pacemakers for many types of heart conditions. Some are set to work all the time, others only some of the time. Many people don't know what to expect, or how to treat the pain associated with pacemaker surgery.

After Surgery

• Most people are released from the hospital one to two days after receiving the pacemaker. Even though a pacemaker is heart surgery, it is considered fairly simple. It is recommended that patients return to normal activities within two weeks of having a pacemaker implanted, but they should use extreme caution with normal daily activities. Following the doctor's recommendations will aid a speedy healing process and will help with pain management. Avoid driving or participating in vigorous activities right after surgery.

Dealing with the Pain

• The pain proceeding a pacemaker implantation is usually considered relatively mild. Most patients are just uncomfortable. A lot of chest muscles will be affected by the surgery, and patients should move their upper bodies with caution. Eventually the body will adjust to having the pacemaker and wires running through the chest, and the patient won't be quite so sensitive to pacemaker sensations.

  Many people know they will have some level of pain to deal with after the surgery, but they have no idea what to expect or how many of their muscles will be affected. Avoid heavy lifting and raising the arms above the head for several weeks after the surgery, or until everything starts to feel normal again.

Painkillers

• After the surgery, the patient will most likely be prescribed some sort of painkiller for the first few days. Usually hydrocodone, also known as Vicodin, is prescribed. It usually is not taken for more than a week, and it probably won't completely take care of the pain. The best approach is to get as much sleep as possible and to be careful with your upper body for the first few days. Prop your left arm up on a pillow, and sit or sleep reclined if at all possible.