My father just got a Pacemaker on Friday. I was really worried for him! The operation lasted 2-3 hours! He was in the hospital for 2 days only. He was sent home yesterday (Saturday)!
Would he be able to use the left arm like a normal person?
They told him that he can't take showers for a week, only sponge baths!
2007-08-19 00:07:48 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Heart Diseases
Well to NY from NY, I have a pacemaker and defibrillator, for me I was told the same thing about bathing and YES he will be able to use his left arm. I have no problem with pacemaker, of course as i said i have both, pacer for slow heart beat and defib for too fast. I am OK. My friend had pacemaker put in a few weeks ago and is doing great, feels better, much better, does not have to use oxygen now and energy level good. Best of luck. I only know this from my experience, it has been since 2004 August 30. Hope this will help. I did not look up anything else, sure there are others with answers. Former upstate New Yorker
2007-08-19 00:50:50 · answer #1 · answered by my4dogs 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, Rae, he will begin to feel better than he's felt in YEARS. It will Begin, almost as soon as he gets off the sponge baths and finds that he is able to live his life as a regular normal person, coming and going as he pleases, no oxygen, no worries about his heart quitting suddenly, things like that. He's STILL going to have to stick to his diet plan VERY closely, and he SHOULD try to get more mild excerciese, like a good walking regimen, everyday to strenghten his heart and lower his cholesterol, which willl begin to remove some of the Plaques in his heart blodd vessels and the rest of his body. That will also remove much of the strain on his heart as well. He'll need to cut down on ALL the fats, and the ones remaining should be monounsaturated fats like fish oil, olive oil and the like.
I'm glad that he came through it just fine. (((((Rae)))))
Raji the Green Witch
2007-08-19 06:12:39 · answer #2 · answered by Raji the Green Witch 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
HI :), All patients go through different feelings and anxieties. First there is the fear of death. This happens soon after diagnosis. Then there is the fear, followed by anxiety. There is also the physical pain of the surgery. Then there is the sense of "I will be alright vs What happens if ...... (This is described as relief and questioning self). Finally, there is acceptance. Different authors subdvide these stages differently. After about one month all the patients have felt better and relieved. Many told me that it, "it does not feel any different emotionally." Physically too they felt better. Remember, your heart is not beating properly, Therefore you are getting a pace maker and it will make you feel better. You too will be going through these stages. Have a person (Nurse, doctor, parent, close friend with you to "check things out." Good luck and best wishes.
2016-05-17 06:40:59 · answer #3 · answered by jessica 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure. He is still a normal person, he just had to have help regulating his heart. That is all. He will return to doing the things he was doing before in no time and with no problems from his heart.
2007-08-19 01:11:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
(((Rae))) -- so sorry to hear your dad has been ill! I hope things go well for him. I know others who have been through major chest surgeries and yes, sponge baths are it for about a week. Then they start to get back to more of a normal routine.
I will pray for both of you. God bless.
2007-08-19 05:06:25 · answer #5 · answered by Shihan 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋