Your Recovery
Pacemaker placement is surgery to put a pacemaker in your chest. This surgery may be done if you have bradycardia (a slow heart rate). Your doctor made a cut (incision) in your chest. The doctor put the pacemaker leads through the cut, into a large blood vessel, then into the heart. The doctor put the pacemaker under the skin of your chest and attached the leads to it.
Your chest may be sore where the doctor made the cut. You also may have a bruise and mild swelling. These symptoms usually get better in 1 to 2 weeks. You may feel a hard ridge along the incision. This usually gets softer in the months after surgery. You may be able to see or feel the outline of the pacemaker under your skin.
You may be able to go back to work or your usual routine 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. But for at least a few weeks after the surgery, you will need to avoid vigorous physical activity that involves your upper body.
Pacemaker batteries may last about 10 years. If the battery gets low, you will need to decide whether to have another surgery to replace the pacemaker.
You'll need to take steps to safely use electric devices. Some of these devices can stop your pacemaker from working right for a short time. Check with your doctor about what to avoid and what to keep a short distance away from your pacemaker. For example, you will need to stay away from things with strong magnetic and electrical fields. An example is an MRI machine (unless your pacemaker is safe for an MRI). You can use a cell phone and other wireless devices, but keep them at least 15 centimetres (6 inches) away from your pacemaker. Many household and office electronics don't affect a pacemaker.
This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter G550 in the search box to learn more about "Pacemaker Placement: What to Expect at Home".